Oscillating behavior in N2O decomposition over Rh supported on zirconia-based catalysts: The role of the reaction conditions

Rhodium particles supported on zirconia doped with neodymium oxide show an oscillating behavior in N2O decomposition in the presence of oxygen and wat er but the oscillating behavior occurs only when the zirconia surface is hy drated. The phenomenon is ascribed to a dynamic process of surface accumula tion of atomic oxygen (produced by N2O dissociation) on the Rh surface and reconstruction of these supported Rh particles above a level of oxygen cove rage, with a rapid drop in the activity and release of gaseous dioxygen. Th is in situ reconstruction of Rh particles, however, may occur only on a hyd rated surface. (C) 2000 Academic Press.