Constructing a three-dimensionally ordered macroporous LaCrO_δ composite oxide via cerium substitution for enhanced soot abatement

La_1-xCe_xCrO_δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) composite oxides with three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) structures were constructed by a colloidal crystal template method and characterized via XRD, FT-IR, FESEM, N₂ adsorption-desorption, XPS, H₂-TPR, and O₂-TPD techniques. The catalytic performances of the as-prepared samples for soot oxidation were further evaluated. In the case of unsubstituted species, the crystal size of LaCrO₃ increased with the increasing calcination temperature, which resulted in the destruction of the 3DOM structure. The introduction of Ce delayed the crystal phase transition from LaCrO₄ monazite to LaCrO₃ perovskite and inhibited the growth of the crystal size; thus, the collapse of the 3DOM structure was inhibited. Moreover, the concentration of active and lattice oxygen species was further enhanced. The optimization of the structure and intrinsic properties of the catalyst impels the enhancement of its catalytic performance for soot removal.