The direct N2O decomposition catalysed by 5-coordinated transition metal ions Fe, Co, and Rh was studied using the DFT method. The cluster model has the formula M(OH)3(H2O)2. Energies of intermediates and transition states were computed. The results show that Co Rh sites are more active than Fe, the former two being very similar.
KEY WORDS: N2O decomposition; DFT calculations; iron; cobalt; rhodium; transition states