Catalytic technology for N₂O production by direct ammonia oxidation

Nitrous oxide, N₂O, is a highly attractive oxidant for the chemical industry owing to its ability to selectively introduce a single oxygen atom into the substrate while generating harmless N₂ as the sole byproduct. However, modern day manufacture of N₂O via ammonium nitrate decomposition results in a prohibitively high price and thereby limits its widespread utilization. My research aims at the development of a catalytic technology for direct oxidation of ammonia to N₂O as a more efficient and sustainable alternative. From in‑depth spectroscopic, transient kinetic and computational investigations to derive synthesis‑structure‑performance relations to catalytic testing at the lab‑ and pilot plant‑scale, a holistic approach is employed to derive fundamental and practical catalyst design guidelines. Ultimately, the acquired insights will pave the way for industrially viable N₂O production, enabling its broad adoption as an oxidant.