Decomposition of N2O by Ruthenium Catalysts – RuO2 as Active Phase on Non‐Reducible Supports

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Ruthenium has been supported on specifically chosen non‐reducible supports (Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 ‐SiO 2 mixed oxides, Mg/ZnAl 2 O 4 spinel, and AlF 3 ), and these catalysts have been tested in the decomposition of nitrous oxide, N 2 O, to identify the catalytically active phase of ruthenium. Pure, bulk ruthenium dioxide, RuO 2 , and isolated Ru surface complexes have been synthesized and investigated for comparison. The catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, H 2 chemisorption, N 2 physisorption, temperature‐programmed reduction, and desorption (TPR/TPD) and in situ infrared spectroscopy (IR). All aimed experiments strongly indicate that the decomposition of N 2 O occurs on ruthenium dioxide, RuO 2 , instead of metal particles. H 2 pre‐reduction to Ru metal has inhibitory effects for all oxygen‐containing supports. The activity increases with the dispersion of ruthenium oxide. Bulk RuO 2 showed the best catalytic performance.