Fe2O3/Al2O3 catalysts for the N2O decomposition in the nitric acid industry

Fe2O3 catalysts supported on Al2O3 were used to remove nitrous oxide from the nitric acid plant simulated process stream (containing O2, NO and H2O). Catalysts were prepared by the coprecipitation method and were characterized for their physico-chemical properties by BET, XRD, AFM and TPR analysis. A strong influence of the post-preparation heating conditions on the structural and catalytic properties of the catalysts has been evidenced. Laboratory tests revealed 95% conversion of N2O at temperature 750 °C and a slight decrease in activity in the presence of H2O and NO. The catalysts were inert towards decomposition of NO. The pilot-plant reactor and real plant studies (up to 3300 h time-on-stream) confirmed high activity and very good mechanical stability of the catalysts as well as no decomposition of nitric oxide.