Heterogeneous catalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is recognized as very harmful in destroying the stratospheric ozone layer. With its long lifetime, it is also a major atmospheric pollutant due to its much higher global warming potential than CO2. With the increase in concern for environmental protection, efforts have been made to decompose N2O into only N2 and O2 before it is released into the atmosphere from chemical plants. Different catalysts have been prepared and analysed for their activity in this decomposition of N2O. The goal of this project is to find suitable catalysts that are active at relatively low temperature for practical application.