Anchoring Pd nanoparticles on P-doped carbon nanotubes as a robust catalyst for direct decomposition of NO under mild condition

Direct catalytic decomposition of NO is regarded as the most ideal technology for the removal of NO from exhausts. However, it suffers from high operating temperature and strict anaerobic conditions. Herein, we innovatively propose decomposing NO in aqueous solution under mild condition utilizing the complexation of Fe(II)EDTA with NO. Highly dispersed Pd nanoparticle supported on P-doped carbon nanotubes (Pd/P-CNT) is designed for the proof of concepts. Owning to its activation towards NO and hydrogenation in aqueous solution, the complexed NO in Fe(II)EDTA solution could be directly decomposed into N2 and O2 on Pd/P-CNT at only 60 °C with a turnover frequency of 11.64 s−1. O18 isotope experiments indicate that O2 in products is derived from the O atoms in NO rather than that in H2O. In suit Raman measurements reveals that the NO could be adsorbed on Pd and the formation of O2 is probably due to the coupling of *OH. Furthermore, DFT calculation presents the formation of *HOOH is the rate determine step in the decomposition of NO. This work offers a clear strategy for the catalyst design and a new method for the direct catalytic decomposition of NO, which would inspire the research on the removal of NO.