Direct decomposition of nitrous oxide by rhodium supported on ZrSnO₄

Novel catalysts of Rh/ZrSnO4 were synthesized, and their catalytic activities for the direct decomposition of nitrous oxide (N2O) were investigated. ZrSnO4 with an a-PbO2-type structure was used as a promoter, since the oxygen supply from its lattice was expected to facilitate N2O decomposition. Among the prepared catalysts, 1.0 wt.% Rh/ZrSnO4 exhibited the highest catalytic activity: N2O was completely decomposed at 450 circle C. This activity was higher than those for 1.0 wt.% Rh/ZrO2 and 1.0 wt.% Rh/SnO2, indicating that the ZrSnO(4)solid promoted N2O decomposition. In addition, the 1.0 wt.% Rh/ZrSnO4 catalyst featured high durability in the presence of O-2, CO2, and H2O vapors.