TiO2 promoted Ir/Al2O3 catalysts for direct decomposition of N2O

TiO2 promoted Ir/Al2O3 catalysts (Ir/TiO2–Al2O3) were successfully used in direct decomposition of N2O with high catalytic activities and good thermal stabilities. Application of different characterization techniques revealed that the activity enhancement was closely correlated with the properties of the support material. Iridium was highly dispersed over the binary system of TiO2–Al2O3, due to the nanoscale rough surface and strong interaction between iridium and the support induced by TiO2 addition. Enhanced capability of reversible oxygen adsorption was detected on the TiO2 promoted sample, which also promoted the catalyst for N2O decomposition.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (204 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► TiO2 promoted Ir/Al2O3 catalyst exhibited a high catalytic activity and a good thermal stability in N2O decomposition. ► Ultrafine iridium particles were uniformly and highly dispersed on the Ir/TiO2–Al2O3 catalyst. ► Nanoscale irregular aggregates promoted the stabilization of iridium. ► A higher ability of reversible oxygen adsorption led to a higher catalytic activity.