Bis(μ‐oxo)dicopper as Key Intermediate in the Catalytic Decomposition of Nitric Oxide

Oxygen transport: Here, the authors present the elucidation of the NO decomposition activity of Cu-ZSM-5 (see picture) by identifying the bis(μ-oxo)dicopper species as the key intermediate that allows the smooth formation and desorption of O2. Its isomerized (μ-η2:η2-peroxo)dicopper core is present in natural enzymes, where it is responsible for dioxygen transport and selective oxidation catalysis, similar to the catalytic roles played by Cu-ZSM-5.