Direct and NO-assisted N2O decomposition over Cu-zeolites

In this work, the direct and NO-assisted N2O decomposition over Cu-faujasites are investigated. In these zeolites, Cu exchanges preferentially at the I' sites in the sodalite cages. However, as these sites are inaccessible for N2O, they do not contribute to the overall activity in the N2O decomposition reaction. Only the Cu atoms located in the supercages can react with N2O. Furthermore, as O-migration is hampered at the isolated, EPR active Cu sites, the activity in the direct N2O decomposition can be attributed to EPR-silent Cu sites in the supercages. Adding NO results in the scavenging of the deposited O atoms, thereby transporting them into the gas phase. Hence an alternative oxygen migration pathway is created which has the highest impact on activity of the isolated EPR detectable Cu sites