Combinatorial synthesis of oxide powders

Combinatorial libraries of the mixed oxide system Cu_1−xCe_xO₃(0 ≤x≤ 1) have been generated using a modified Pechini powder synthesis process in conjunction with inkjet deposition. Mixed oxide crystalline powders were formed at temperatures below 500 °C. These powders have particle sizes in the range of 20.0 to 85.5 nm, and the powder surface area increases with cerium content. In addition, each of the mixed oxides (0 <x< 1) displayed catalytic activity in the CO oxidation reaction at temperatures between 150 and 350 °C. This novel protocol has also been used to generate a library of oxide powders of the perovskite-like La_1−xSr_xCoO_3?δsystem. The La–Sr–Co–O system from this protocol exhibits lower average surface areas than the Cu–Ce–O system (approximately 11.2 m²/g) due to higher decomposition temperatures but still acts as an active catalyst for the CO oxidation reaction.