The catalytic reaction between carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide over chromium(III) oxide
The catalytic reaction between carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide over chromium(III) oxide has been investigated in a continuous flow system at atmospheric pressure from 525 to 583 K. Two kinetic regions with apparent activation energies of 172 ± 4 kJ mol−1 (525 to 559 K) and 239 ± 4 kJ mol−1 (565 to 583 K) were observed. The rate-controlling step in both regions was associated with the formation of an intermediate carbonate-like species during the consecutive decompositions of two nitrous oxide molecules. In the region of higher apparent activation energy, the presence of polymeric surface chromate groups may influence the reactivity of any carbonate-like intermediate and the subsequent desorption of carbon dioxide thereby leaving a vacant site for nitrous oxide decomposition.