Mo2C and Mo2C/Al2O3 catalysts for NO direct decomposition

A Mo2C and an alumina-supported Mo2C catalysts were prepared and their catalytic performance for the direct decomposition of NO to N2 and O2 was evaluated in a continuous-flow microreactor. The structural properties of the catalysts have been studied using X-ray diffraction as well as BET surface area measurement. The results show that the bulk molybdenum carbide and the Mo2C/Al2O3 catalysts exhibit an excellent catalytic activity for NO direct decomposition. There is a stronger interaction between the β-Mo2C phase and γ-Al2O3 support in the Mo2C/Al2O3 catalysts when Mo content is higher. It is suggested that the base sites of Mo2C and Mo2C/Al2O3 catalysts may have played an important role in catalyzing the decomposition of NO.