Synthetic and natural MOR zeolites as high-capacity adsorbents for the removal of nitrous oxide.

N2O is typically present as a trace gas in chemical processes, but its emission causes serious environmental issues. We herein demonstrate that ion-exchanged mordenite zeolites (framework code: MOR) can exhibit high capacities for N2O adsorption under ambient conditions. In particular, a natural MOR zeolite gives an adsorption capacity as high as 0.34 mmol-N2O per g-zeolite (1 atm, 25 °C), representing the best performing material among all zeolite-based adsorbents reported so far. The results contribute toward a comprehensive understanding of the structure–activity relationship and offer insights to establishing a zeolite-based adsorption system for enriching or removing N2O.