CATALYTIC DECOMPOSITION OF NITROUS-OXIDE ON STRONTIUM-SUBSTITUTED LA2CUO4 MATERIALS

Catalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide (N2O) to N-2 and O-2 has been studied on a series of solid oxide solutions of La, Sr and Cu accordi ng to the nominal formula La2-xSrxCuO4 (0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 1). The reaction has been carried out in a fixed bed , glass static reactor with gas-recirculation facility. The kinetics o f decomposition has been studied in the temperature range 250-480 degr ees C. Among the catalysts studied, x = 0.15 and x = 1.0 showed higher catalytic activity (in terms of %conversion). The enhanced activity o f the above systems has been explained on the basis of mixed valency o f copper (Cu2+/Cu3+), and anion vacancies respectively.