N₂O conversion using manganese binary mixtures supported on activated carbon

Detailed kinetics of N₂O conversion and carbon gasification over solids comprised of activated carbon impregnated with Ba, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and V precursors salts were studied using a GC/MS system. The gasification rates of carbons impregnated with binary mixtures of Mn with other metals were also tested in the temperature range between 300 and 800°C using a microbalance. Synergetic effects were found for all mixtures. The highest rates were obtained for catalysts loaded with Mn + Ba and Mn + Cu. Near complete conversions were obtained around 350°C for the binary Mn mixtures. N ₂ and CO₂ were detected in a stoichiometry of approximately 2:1. Some CO formation was observed at higher temperatures (above 750°C). In situ XRD was carried out to identify the phases present during reactions. The ability of the metal catalysts to melt and spread on the carbon surface and chemisorb the gases going through redox transference of oxygen to the carbon reactive sites seems to explain catalytic reactivity.