Electronic nature of potassium promotion effect in Co-Mn-Al mixed oxide on the catalytic decomposition of N2O

Abstract

A series of Co–Mn–Al mixed oxides was prepared by a thermal treatment of coprecipitated layered double hydroxide precursors modified with different amount of potassium (0–3 wt.%) and tested in N2O catalytic decomposition. Chemical analysis, XRD, XPS, surface area measurements, SEM, and contact potential difference measurements were used for bulk and surface characterization of the catalysts. The Co–Mn–Al mixed oxide with 1.1–1.8 wt.% K exhibited the highest conversion of N2O and minimum value of the catalyst surface work function. Direct correlation between the work function values and the activity of the catalysts demonstrates that N2O decomposition over K-promoted Co–Mn–Al mixed oxides proceeds via the cationic redox mechanism and controlled modification of surface electronic properties provides the essential factor for catalyst optimization.