Mixed spinel-type oxides Co1.8Mn1.2O4,
Ni0.33Co1.33Mn1.33O4 and Ni0.6Co1.2Mn1.2O4 prepared by thermal
decomposition of nitrates have been studied in ethanol
steam reforming reaction. Ni0.6Co1.2Mn1.2O4 demonstrated
the highest activity among the oxides tested. Specificity
of the cation distribution in the samples and their
oxygen mobility have been studied by X-ray absorption
spectroscopy and oxygen isotope heteroexchange,
respectively. Doping of mixed cobalt-manganese spinel
with Ni results in Mn redistribution between 3+ and
4+ oxidation states, thus increasing oxygen diffusion
coefficient and the catalytic activity.