Metal exchanged zeolites for catalytic decomposition of N2O

Ru + Ag/US-Y and Ru + Co/US-Y based catalysts have been studied for their catalytic activity towards N2O decomposition, a reaction of current environmental importance. Ruthenium-cobalt based catalyst shows higher catalytic activity than the ruthenium-silver-based catalyst. Almost 90% conversion of N2O is achieved over Ru + Co/US-Y at 583 K with a maximum of 0.134 mmol of N2O decomposed per gram of the catalyst per unit time. These catalytic materials have been characterized for their structure, composition, morphology etc. using XRD, SEM, EDX, ICP, BET techniques. The synergistic effect of transition metals as well as chemical properties of US-Y are responsible for the excellent catalytic activity for N2O decomposition reaction. The redox capacity of Co may also be responsible for the relatively better activity of Ru + Co based catalyst as compared to that of Ru + Ag based catalyst. These catalysts are thermally stable and can be used for the direct decomposition of N2O emissions even under high concentration.