Optimized synthesis method for K/[Co.sub.3][O.sub.4] catalyst towards direct decomposition of [N.sub.2]O

The potassium-doped [Co.sub.3][O.sub.4] catalysts were prepared by impregnation of potassium sources on commercial cobalt carbonate and on the precursors synthesized by homogeneous precipitation, combustion with glycine, gradual oxidation, and hydrothermal methods. The activities of these catalysts for the direct decomposition of nitrous oxide in the presence of oxygen with or without water vapor were examined. The effects of potassium sources on the catalyst activity were also examined by impregnation of various potassium salts on commercial cobalt carbonate. The catalyst prepared by impregnation of an aqueous solution of KOH on commercial cobalt carbonate showed the highest activity. The catalysts prepared by various methods were analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction, [N.sub.2] adsorption, scanning electron microscope, temperature-programmed reduction with [H.sub.2], temperature-programmed desorption of [O.sub.2], and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These results suggest that crystallite size and reduction property are key factors for the activity of the catalyst for the direct decomposition of nitrous oxide in the presence of oxygen.