Catalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide over oxides derived from hydrotalcite-like compounds

Abstract

Mixed oxide-based catalysts prepared by the thermal decomposition of M(II)-Al hydrotalcite-like compounds (M(II) = Co, Cu, Ni, or Mg) were used in catalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide into nitrogen and oxygen. The prepared hydrotalcites as well as calcined products were characterized by the thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and BET surface area measurements. The catalytic reaction was performed in a fixed-bed reactor at 1000 ppm N2O inlet concentration in the temperature range 330-450degreesC, the space velocity was 60 000 cm(3) g(-1) h(-1). Ni- and Co-containing catalysts showed high activity in nitrous oxide decomposition. A very poor activity for Mg-Al mixed oxide catalyst was observed.