Acid-treated vermiculites as effective catalysts of high-temperature N2O decomposition

Vermiculites treated with solutions of HNO3, HCl and H2SO4 were tested in the role of catalysts for high-temperature decomposition of N2O to N2 and O2. Acid treatment of clay mineral resulted in a partial leaching of components of its octahedral sheets, which were partially deposited on the surface of vermiculite. Such modification of the clay samples significantly increased their specific surface area and porosity as well as influenced their surface acidity. Acid treatment of vermiculites activated them in the process of high-temperature N2O decomposition, however activation effect depended on type of acid used as well as duration of acid modification.