Effect of Some Rare Earth Oxides Doping on the Morphology, Crystallite Size, Electrical Conductivity and N2O Decomposition Activity of CuO Catalyst

The present work presents the results of direct catalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide over CuO and its Pr-, Sm- and Tb-promoted catalysts. These catalysts were prepared by the microwave assisted precipitation method, using oxalic acid as precipitant, and subsequent calcination at 500 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used for identification of the composition of the dried oxalate precursors and their calcination products. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to follow up the thermal stability of the prepared precursors. The obtained catalysts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy, electrical conductivity and (TEM) H2 temperature programmed reduction (H2- TPR). An enhancement effect of the added rare earth elements was observed during N2O decomposition over the prepared catalysts Assessment of the de-N2O activity was discussed based on the electrical conductivity as well as the H2-TPR results.