Copper ionic pairs as possible active sites in N2O decomposition on CuOx/CeO2 catalysts

Synthesized by impregnation and coprecipitation methods, ceria-supported copper samples were tested in catalytic decomposition of N2O (deN2O) under dry and wet conditions. Basing on the structural (XRD, SEM), spectroscopic (EPR, RS) and catalytic characterization, supported by DFT calculations, the role of mono- and dimeric copper as active centers in the deN2O reaction was evaluated. Particular attention was paid to elucidation of the structure and localization of the Cu2+Cu2+ pairs within the CeO2 matrix, their stability and chemical conditions of their formation.

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► By appropriate preparation of CuOx/CeO2 catalysts, the population of copper ionic pairs can be efficiently controlled.
► In the case of investigated CuOx/CeO2 systems, copper dimers were less active in N2O decomposition in comparison to isolated copper species.
► Relatively strong stabilization of oxygen atom abstracted from N2O molecule on copper ionic pair can be responsible for the lower activity of dimeric species in deN2O reaction.