(La0.3Sr0.7)0.9Ti1-xRuxO3+δ (x = 0 - 0.05) x-ray diffraction data, SEM images and catalytic activity and durability studies

(La0.3Sr0.7)0.9Ti1-xRuxO3+δ samples with x = 0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.05 were synthesized using modified Pecchini method.
Samples were tested for one-phased composition using XRD studies. Synhesized samples were mostly one-phased, with SrTiO3 (regular) structure. Synthesis for 0.02 were repeated, to ensure no contaminant phases are present. Obtained samples were reduced in 1000 °C in pure hydrogen atmosphere. Obtained nanoparticles were investigated by SEM. 
As predicted, the amount of nanoparticles rises with the increase of Ru doping level. Nanoparticles are below 50 nm in their size, mostly occupying sites close to the grain boundaries. Their shape is roughly spherical, without visible faceting. Obtained nanoparticles were tested in catalytic setup to investiate activity in DMR experiments, and to check durability (for x = 0.05) in prolonged 100 hours experiment. 
Ruthenium-based nanoparticles in sample with x = 0.05 shown great potential in DMR experiment, achieving almost total conversion (> 90%) of CH¬4 in 800 °C, 825 °C and 850 °C in the setup (described in methodology part). Activity is closely correlated to the doping amount. For 0.05, the DMR reaction starts to occur (~18% conversion) as soon as the temperature rises up to 500 °C, which is extraordinary. Activity of the 0.02 and 0.05 catalysts is similar, suggesting that boosting the performance may be achieved by other means than increasing the doping amount. Calculated H2/CO ratio is close to 1 for high temperatures, which highlights the selectivity for dry reforming. To ensure the potential of the system, tests on durability in the same configurations were performed.
Durability of the system is stalwart. Ex-solution particles are known (especially in SOFC field) as very robust, stable, and coking-resistant nanocatalysts, and in Ru doped LSTO their show this to whole extent. System was stable for the whole monitoring time in 700 °C (it maintained ~75% of conversion rate). Conversion rate even raised slightly around 80 hours, which may be connected to cracking of big catalyst particles and exposing fresh sites for the gas flow.