Catalytic decomposition of N2O over Cu-ZSM-5 nanosheets

• Cu-ZSM-5 nanosheets have been synthesized by ion-exchanging method.
• Nanosheets show higher activity in N2O decomposition than conventional zeolites.
• Nanosheets also exhibit much better stability in N2O decomposition.
• Better reducibility of Cu+ and easier desorption of oxygen were observed.

ZSM-5 nanosheets were prepared using [C18H37-N+(CH3)2-C6H12-N+(CH3)2-C6H13]Br2 as a template and then ion-exchanged with Cu cations. The catalytic performance of the obtained Cu-ZSM-5 nanosheets in N2O decomposition was investigated and compared with that of conventional Cu-ZSM-5. Higher activity as well as better stability was observed for Cu-ZSM-5 nanosheets although the Cu contents of the catalysts were identical. Relevant characterization was conducted using XRF, ICP, XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption, SEM, TEM, CO-IR, H2-TPR and O2-TPD. The data show that the better catalytic performance of Cu-ZSM-5 nanosheets is probably due to better accessibility of active sites, better reducibility of active Cu+ species, and the weakened interaction between oxygen and Cu+ sites.

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