Operando XAS study of novel Rh/Co3O4-(CeO2) catalysts for N2O decomposition

Nitrous oxide (N2O) removal from flue gases is a challenging task, primarily due to the relatively high temperature required for its decomposition. Rhodium (Rh)-based catalysts have demonstrated remarkable activity in the decomposition of N2O. Taking advantage of a novel Rh/Co3O4-(CeO2) catalyst developed by us, we want to obtain molecular-level insights into the dynamic nature of catalytic active sites under reaction conditions (operando) and the possible role of CeO2. This will be achieved using a combination of kinetic studies and operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The redox behavior of the active centers (Rh, Ce, Co) will be established across various reaction mixtures through both equilibrium and transient experiments exploiting the modulated excitation (ME) approach.