Studies on cesium doped cobalt oxide catalysts for direct N2O decomposition in the presence of oxygen and steam

Bulk cobalt oxide and cesium promoted cobalt oxide catalysts are prepared and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. These catalysts are studied for direct N2O decomposition to N2 and O2. Cs addition to Co3O4 catalysts enhanced the catalytic activity for the decomposition of N2O. The characterization results suggest that the alkali metals weakens the Co–O bond strength and promote early oxygen desorption from the catalyst surface thus leading to high activity. The effect of oxygen and/or steam in the feed stream is also studied and the reasons for low N2O decomposition in presence of water are elucidated.