Catalytic decomposition of nitrous oxide on Cu<inf>x</inf>Co<inf>3-x</inf>O<inf>4</inf> spinels

The catalyst series CuxCo3-xO4 (0≤x≤1) was synthesised by the decomposition of nitrate precursors. Higher copper containing spinels (x≥0.5) were in partially inverted forms. The decomposition of nitrous oxide was carried out at the initial pressures of 50 and 200 Torr (1 Torr = 133.3 Pa). Two regions of activity were observed based on the mechanism x < 0.5 and x≤0.5. The activity pattern has been explained on the basis of the number of active sites and solid state interactions. In both regions, the catalyst with the highest copper content was found to be less active. © 1991.