Catalytic decomposition of N2O on supported Pd catalysts: Support and thermal ageing effects on the catalytic performances

This study is devoted to the catalytic decomposition of N2O over noble metal-based catalysts under lean conditions in the presence of O2, NO and water. A particular attention has been paid toward the influence of the support and the thermal ageing-induced effects on the catalytic properties of palladium species. In those operating conditions, the deposition of palladium on reducible supports, such as LaCoO3, leads to higher activity in comparison with conventional supports such as alumina. Surface reconstructions take place during thermal ageing under reactive conditions on pre-reduced perovskite-based catalysts which lead to a significant rate enhancement in the decomposition of N2O. On the other hand, it was found that oxygen and water strongly inhibit the surface reconstructions associated with changes in the selectivity towards the production of NO2.