Decomposition of nitrous oxide upon nickel oxide-magnesium oxide solid solutions

The decomposition of N 2 O has been studied over MgO catalysts, doped with NiO and NiO + Li 2 O from 1 to 10% (atomic). For pure MgO, activity is low, but is enhanced by addition of Ni 2+ ions. The apparent activation energy is reduced from 35 kcal/mole for pure MgO, to about 18 kcal/mole. Oxygen acts as a poison, and it is chemisorbed on the catalyst. The presence of lithium greatly increases the apparent activation energy. The results are interpreted in terms of oxygen chemisorption and of its influence on the course of the reaction.