Oxygen evolution over Ag/FexAl2−xO3 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) catalysts via N2O and H2O2 decomposition

In this paper, a comparative study between nitrous oxide and hydrogen peroxide decomposition over a series of catalysts prepared via the combustion of silver, aluminum, and iron nitrates (with different aluminum: iron ratios). Urea was used as a combustion fuel. The calcinations were affected at the 400–700 °C temperature range. The produced catalysts were characterized by using XRD and SEM analyses. The obtained results revealed that silver metal supported on Al2O3 and/or Fe2O3 represent the major constituents of all the calcinations products, i.e. Ag/FexAl2−xO3. However, two different interfaces are involved in the two test reactions, all the catalysts were able to decompose both reactants yielding oxygen as a joint product. Meanwhile, it was found nitrous oxide destruction activity increases with decreasing both silver particles size and iron content in the catalysts substrate. On the contrary, increasing iron content in the different catalyst was found to enhance hydrogen peroxide decomposition activity. Moreover, a synergic effect was observed for the catalysts having Al:Fe ratio of 0.5:1.5.

Graphical abstractIn this paper, a series of silver-aluminum-iron catalysts were prepared via the using urea as a combustion fuel with the corresponding nitrates at the 400–700 °C temperature range. Phase analysis revealed that silver metal supported on Al2O3 and/or Fe2O3 represent the major constituents of all the calcinations products, i.e. Ag/FexAl2−xO3. All the catalysts were able to decompose N2O and H2O2 yielding oxygen as a joint product. Meanwhile, it was found nitrous oxide destruction activity increases with decreasing both silver particles size and iron content in the catalysts substrate. On the contrary, increasing iron content in the different catalyst was found to enhance hydrogen peroxide decomposition activity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide