N2O catalytic decomposition over nano-sized particles of Co-substituted Fe3O4 substrates

A novel total decomposition of N2O was performed on the nano-sized particles of substituted CoxFe3−xO4 magnetite (with x = 0–1). The given results showed that the partial incorporation of Fe2+ by Co2+ into Fe3O4 spinel substrate led to a significant amelioration in the catalytic activity for the N2O catalytic reaction. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of prepared substances depended on the Fe2+ substitution amount by Co2+ cation. The N2O conversion achieved 100% over the nano-sized Co0.6Fe2.4O4 catalyst at 255, 285 and 291 °C for pure N2O, N2O with the presence of oxygen and N2O in the presence of water steam, respectively. A relative increasing of decomposition temperatures was observed after O2 addition. Moreover, the characterization of all samples showed that the catalyst surfaces contain nano-size particles accompanied by well distribution.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (227 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Preparation of nano-sized Co-substituted Fe3O4 was performed successively. ► Significant amelioration on the N2O catalytic decomposition. ► Co2+ partial incorporation into magnetite presents high active sites. ► N2O decomposition temperatures were increased after O2 addition.