Abstract
The heterogeneous catalysis of NO decomposition by Mn3O4, the primary Mn-containing combustion product of methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (MMT) was investigated. The decomposition rate was determined using a flow reactor and chemiluminescent NOx analyzer in purified air at atmospheric pressure. Results show the decomposition to be first order in NO. The apparent activation energy is 12.4 kcal/mole. Extrapolation of the data to conditions used in studies by Shelef et al. (1969, 1971) gives a decomposition rate several orders of magnitude faster than rates reported for other catalysts, indicating that the catalytic properties of Mn3O4 is of potential interest in air pollution control.