Catalyst for decomposing N2O, its use, and process for its production
A process is described for the decomposition of N2O during nitric
acid
production by bringing the N2O-containg waste gas leaving the absorption
column into contact with a catalyst which comprises at least one oxidic cobalt
compound and at least one oxidic magnesium compound, under conditions which permit
conversion of N2O to gaseous nitrogen and oxygen. The content of oxidic
cobalt compounds is in the range from 0.1 to 50% by weight and the content of oxidic
magnesium compounds is in the range from 50 to 99.9% by weight, based in each case
on the total weight of the catalyst, and at least 30% of the Co atoms present in
the catalyst are present in the trivalent state.
The preparation of the catalyst involves dry mixing of the oxidic cobalt compounds
and the oxidic magnesium compounds or of appropriate precursors which are converted
into the oxidic compounds by heat treatment, and compacting the mix, with exclusion
of water, so that the resultant catalyst has the desired envelope density.
