Transforming Plain LaMnO3 Perovskite into a Powerful Ozonation Catalyst: Elucidating the Mechanisms of Simultaneous A and B Sites Modulation for Enhanced Toluene Degradation

Herein, we propose preferential dissolution paired with Cu-doping as an effective method for synergistically modulating the A- and B-sites of LaMnO₃ perovskite. Through Cu-doping into the B-sites of LaMnO₃, specifically modifying the B-sites, the double perovskite La₂CuMnO₆ was created. Subsequently, partial La from the A-sites of La₂CuMnO₆ was etched using HNO₃, forming novel La₂CuMnO₆/MnO₂ (LCMO/MnO₂) catalysts. The optimized catalyst, featuring an ideal Mn:Cu ratio of 4.5:1 (LCMO/MnO₂-4.5), exhibited exceptional catalytic ozonation performance. It achieved approximately 90% toluene degradation with 56% selectivity toward CO₂, even under ambient temperature (35 °C) and a relatively humid environment (45%). Modulation of A-sites induced the elongation of Mn–O bonds and decrease in the coordination number of Mn–O (from 6 to 4.3) in LCMO/MnO₂-4.5, resulting in the creation of abundant multivalent Mn and oxygen vacancies. Doping Cu into B-sites led to the preferential chemisorption of toluene on multivalent Cu (Cu(I)/Cu(II)), consistent with theoretical predictions. Effective electronic supplementary interactions enabled the cycling of multiple oxidation states of Mn for ozone decomposition, facilitating the production of reactive oxygen species and the regeneration of oxygen vacancies. This study establishes high-performance perovskites for the synergistic regulation of O₃ and toluene, contributing to cleaner and safer industrial activities.