An investigation on the N2O decomposition activity of Mn x Co1−x Co2O4 nanorods prepared by the thermal decomposition of their oxalate precursors

Abstract

This investigation aimed to develop a series of new spinel-oxide catalysts with the general formula MnxCo1-xCo2O4 (0.0 <= x <= 1.0) and testing their activity towards N2O direct decomposition. These catalysts have been prepared by the microwave-assisted co-precipitation method and the subsequent calcination at 500 degrees C. Characterization results revealed that the utilized preparation protocol has led to the development of pure spinel phases with nanorods morphology. N2O decomposition experiments indicated that the prepared catalysts were active and the best performance was exhibited by Mn0.75Co0.25Co2O4 catalyst. The activity of the Mn0.75Co0.25Co2O4 was enhanced by doping with K-ions at optimal concentration (n(K)/(n(Co) + n(Mn)) = 0.025). The co-existence of some contaminants (O-2, NO, H2O vapor) in the reactor feed revealed different inhibitory levels on the performance of the K0.025Mn0.75Co0.25Co2O4 catalyst. The inhibitory order was O-2 < H2O < NO < O-2 + H2O < O-2 + H2O + NO.