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A research team affiliated with UNIST has developed a novel technology capable of nearly 100% decomposition of nitrous oxide (N鈧侽) at ambient temperatures. This innovative solution uses mechanical impacts and friction to create a highly energy-efficient way to manage nitrous oxide emissions from engine exhaust and chemical processes, making a significant contribution to greenhouse gas reduction and carbon neutrality efforts.

Professor Jong-Beom Baek and his research team in the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST have their research in Advanced Materials.

N鈧侽, a gas commonly emitted from chemical manufacturing and engine exhaust, possesses a Global Warming Potential (GWP) approximately 310 times that of carbon dioxide and accelerates ozone layer depletion. Due to its chemical stability, conventional thermal catalytic methods require high temperatures exceeding 445掳C to achieve meaningful decomposition, which entails substantial energy consumption.

The research team employed a reaction vessel (ball mill) containing millimeter-sized beads, along with a nickel oxide (NiO) catalyst and nitrous oxide gas. By agitating this setup, the team induced high-energy collisions and friction among the beads, leading to the formation of dense defects and ultra-oxidized states on the NiO catalyst surface. These conditions enable rapid, low-temperature decomposition of N鈧侽鈥攕omething previously unachievable with traditional thermal catalysts.

Experimental results demonstrated that this process could decompose nearly 100% of N鈧侽 at just 42掳C, achieving a conversion efficiency of 99.98% and an hourly decomposition rate of 1,761 mL. This represents more than a sixfold increase in energy efficiency compared to conventional thermocatalytic methods, which operate at 445掳C with a 49.16% conversion rate and an output of 294.9 mL/h.

The team also validated the technology's applicability in real-world scenarios. In tests simulating vehicle diesel engine emissions, the process achieved 95%鈥�100% removal of N鈧侽. Furthermore, in continuous processing setups designed to emulate large-scale gas treatment facilities, an impressive conversion rate of approximately 97.6% was maintained. The technology proved stable even in the presence of oxygen and moisture, typical of actual exhaust gases.

Economic analyses indicate that this mechanochemical method is more than eight times more cost-effective than existing thermal catalytic processes.

Professor Baek stated, "With the European Union (EU)'s upcoming implementation of the Euro 7 emission standards, which include stricter regulation of nitrous oxide, the importance of effective removal technologies has grown significantly. This innovation can effectively address N鈧侽 emissions from diesel engine exhausts, nitric acid and adipic acid production processes, and ammonia-powered ship engines, thereby supporting carbon neutrality and greenhouse gas reduction efforts."