Kinetics of N2O decomposition on a RuO2/Al2O3 catalyst

Kinetics of N2O decomposition over a RuO2/Al2O3 catalyst have been examined at temperatures from 300 degrees C to 400 degrees C. A tubular quartz reactor was employed in this study. The conversion of N2O in the reactor was controlled at a level less than 20%. A rate expression for the N2O decomposition developed on the basis of adsorption of N2O on the catalyst active sites was best correlated by the experimental data. The kinetic parameters determined from the experimental data obey the Arrhenius temperature dependency. The rate of N2O decomposition was found to be first order with respect to the partial pressure of N2O. The decomposition product O-2 exhibits no effect on the rate expression at high reaction temperature. As reaction temperature decreases, the effect of O-2 concentration on the rate of N2O decomposition becomes noticeable.