The catalytic decomposition of carbon dioxide on zinc-exchanged Y-zeolite at low temperatures

BACKGROUND: We report our recent study on the use of a zinc-modified NaY zeolite to decompose CO2 at a temperature range between 300 and 550 °C. RESULTS: At a reaction temperature of 450 °C, we observed that 70% of CO2 was converted with an insignificant quantity of CO produced. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of the neat and spent catalysts confirmed the presence of carbon nanostructures after the reaction. In addition to this, CHN analysis supports these results by providing weight percent (0.73 wt%) of carbon after reaction. Stability of the catalyst was further confirmed with slight/no change in X-ray diffraction technique. CONCLUSION: This route potentially offers a facile strategy to achieve CO2 decomposition and an explanation of the formation of carbon on zinc-modified zeolite catalysts.