New simple La‐Ni complexes as efficient precursors for functional LaNiO3‐based ceramics

Abstract Perovskite LaNiO 3 is of immense significance in a range of fields such as heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, new convenient approach for preparing LaNiO 3 via thermolysis of new simple complexes, [Ni (bpy) 3 ] [La (NO 3 ) 5 (MeCN)] ( 1 , bpy is 2,2'‐bipyridine) and [Ni (phen) 3 ] [La (NO 3 ) 5 (H 2 O)]·2MeCN ( 2 , phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline), is reported. These first examples of unambiguously characterized LaNiO 3 precursors are chemically stable and can be synthesized rapidly in good yields. While virtually monophasic LaNiO 3 can be prepared from 2 via only 3‐h annealing on air at 800°C, there are always minor admixtures in oxide samples prepared from 1 . Peculiarities of intrinsic thermal transformations of 1 and 2 affecting such difference have been revealed. Thus, 1 and 2 are the first series of compositionally related heterometallic La‐Ni complexes studied as precursors for LaNiO 3 ‐based ceramics. Comparatively high surface areas of LaNiO 3 ‐based ceramics produced from 1 and 2 at 800°C determine its high catalytic activity towards dry reforming of methane (DRM) to syngas. Nearly quantitative CH 4 and CO 2 conversions as well as CO and H 2 yields were achieved in 800–900°C range without preliminary reduction to Ni/La 2 O 3 composites. Thus, LaNiO 3 ‐based ceramics prepared from 1 and 2 are good precursors for in situ production of efficient catalysts for DRM.