Hydrothermal synthesis and their catalytic properties of manganite nanowires

La_0.5Sr_0.5MnO₃ nanowires and nanoparticles were synthesized by the hydrothermal and citrate methods, respectively. The samples were characterized by TEM, HRTEM, XRD, ICP and N₂ adsorption, etc. The formation mechanism of the nanowires was proposed and discussed. Further, the stabilities and catalytic activities of La_0.5Sr_0.5MnO₃ nanowires for CH₄ combustion were evaluated and compared with those of the nanoparticles. The results showed that the particle morphology had a significant effect on the properties of the catalysts. After running at a high temperature for a long duration, the nanowires showed a higher stability and a higher activity, compared with the nanoparticles. Their different stabilities were ascribed to the different surface energies (particle sizes), as well as to the different geometric packing models.