SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SPINEL OXIDES FOR NO FOR DECOMPOSITION

Abstract

Nitrous oxide has been recognized as a major greenhouse gas, which contributes to global warming. To tackle the increasing emissions of nitrous oxide catalytic reduction of N2O is being used frequently. In this research project Mg-Co spinel oxide materials for N2O decomposition at low temperatures, have been prepared using the coprecipitation method. Mixed nitrate solutions of Mg-Co were added to ammoniacal solution in oxygen atmosphere. These precipitates were then hydrothermally treated for 24 hours at various temperatures. The structural evolution and thermal behaviour of the prepared Mg-Co spinel oxide materials have been investigated with a wide range of characterization and analytical methods including XRD/FTIR/DSC/EA/BET. At lower temperature hydrothermal treatment predominantly hydrotalcite-like phase is observed. Aging at 75°C results in co-existence of hydrotalcite-like and brucite-like phases. All the samples hydrothermally treated at 100°C show the spinel oxide formation. The 400°C calcined samples also show formation of spinel-type phase.