Local structures and catalytic N2O decomposition properties of Ni1−xCuxCo2O4
摘要
This study focuses on the catalytic performance of Ni1−xCuxCo2O4 (x = 0.00–1.00) spinel oxides for the direct decomposition of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. Ni–Cu–Co spinels were synthesized via controlled precipitation and characterized using X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and H2 temperature-programmed reduction to elucidate the relationship between catalyst composition, catalyst structure, and catalytic activity. Catalytic tests were conducted under 200 ppm of N2O, 10% O2, and N2 balance with and without water vapor. Results revealed that partial substitution of Ni by Cu significantly modifies redox properties and oxygen vacancy concentration, thereby enhancing N2O conversion. Among the tested compositions, Ni0.75Cu0.25Co2O4 exhibits the highest activity, achieving nearly complete N2O decomposition at ~ 400 °C. Mechanistic insights suggest that Co2⁺–oxygen-vacancy pairs are the primary active sites, whereas Ni and Cu modulate electronic structures and oxygen mobility.