Catalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide on “in situ” generated thermally calcined hydrotalcites

• Published in: Applied catalysis. B, Environmental Vol. 3; no. 2-3; pp. 109 - 116
• Main Authors: Kannan, S., Swamy, C.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.02.1994; Elsevier
• Subjects: Catalysis; Catalytic reactions; Chemistry; dispersion; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; hydrotalcites; mixed metal oxides; nitrous oxide decomposition; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry; hydrotalcites; nitrous oxide decomposition; dispersion; mixed metal oxides; Oxygen; Catalytic reaction; Transition metal Compounds; Copper Carbonates; Aluminium Carbonates; Nitrogen; Experimental study; Quaternary compound; Nickel Carbonates; Cobalt Carbonates; Chemical decomposition; Kinetics; Nitrogen protoxide; Catalyst
• ISSN: 0926-3373; 1873-3883
• DOI: 10.1016/0926-3373(93)E0036-B

Catalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide to nitrogen and oxygen has been carried out on “in situ” generated thermally calcined hydrotalcites of the general formula MAlCO3HT, where M stand for Ni, Co and Cu, in the temperature range 140–310°C at 50 Torr (1 Torr=133.3 Pa) initial pressure of the gas. All the catalysts showed first-order dependence on nitrous oxide without any inhibition by oxygen. Among the catalysts studied, NiAlCO3HT was the most active, followed by the cobalt and copper catalysts. These catalysts are more active in comparison with earlier reported Cu-ZSM-5, Co-ZSM-5 and Rh-ZSM-5 catalysts based on their conversion for the decomposition. The enhanced activity can be attributed to non-stoichiometry and dispersion of the active mixed metal oxides. Prior to the kinetic runs, the catalytic precursors were characterised by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry measurements, IR, transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption measurements.