Fundamentals of Heterogeneous Catalysis: a Study of N2O Mitigation Reaction Over Modified Zeolite Catalysts

Abstract

This article provides the fundamental understanding of heterogeneous catalysis and the importance of nitrous oxide (N2O) conversion reactions. Solid catalysts play an important role in the reduction of several greenhouse gases. In developing countries, the topic of N2O mitigation reactions is relatively new and needs review particularly for early stage researchers. In this work, reaction catalysis, zeolite as a prominent catalyst support, and the importance of N2O dissociation reactions are briefly discussed. After an overview of global warming, the discussions continue to introduce the principles of reaction catalysis. Furthermore, N2O is a potent greenhouse gas, whereas its emissions into the environment can be reduced when reacted over active and selective solid catalysts. Presently, Fe-ZSM-5 is commercially used catalyst for N2O conversion reactions. Zeolites, for example, H-ZSM-5 (HnAlnSi96-nO192.16H2O) are aluminosilicate catalyst support with unique physicochemical properties. Catalytic activity of H-ZSM-5 may vary when loaded with metals or treated with acid/base solutions. The selectivity of reaction product changes when the same catalyst support is loaded with different metals.

Keywords

• nitrous oxide (n2o)
• reaction catalysis