Structure and Reactivity of Perovskite-Type Oxides

This chapter discusses the structure and reactivity of perovskite-type oxides. Perovskite-type oxides have the general formula ABO3 (A, cation of larger size) and are structurally similar to CaTiO3, the mineral that gave its name to that group of compounds. These materials are first studied because of their important physical properties such as ferro-, piezo-, and pyroelectricity, magnetism and electrooptic effects. The most numerous and most interesting compounds with the perovskite structure are oxides. Some hydrides, carbides, halides, and nitrides also crystallize with this structure. The chapter reviews only the study of oxides and their behavior in the gas solid interface and in heterogeneous catalysis. An important characteristic of perovskites, mentioned in the chapter, is their susceptibility of partial substitution in both A and B positions. This provides a wealth of isomorphic compounds that can easily be synthesized. Given the extensive range of possibilities in the tailoring of their chemical and physical properties, there is no doubt that new reactions can be studied, where these oxides can participate as catalytic agents.