The catalytic degradation of /V'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), the representative of tobacco special N'-nitrosamines (TSNA), of which the molecular volume is much larger than the pore size of zeolites, was for the first time studied on zeolites catalysts by the use of temperature programmed surface reaction technique. NNN could be adsorbed and catalytically decomposed by zeolites. The pore structure and surface acidity of the zeolite were proven to be the important factors affecting the decomposition of NNN. Moreover, simulation reveals that NNN might adsorb on zeolite through a manner of inserting in the channel of zeolites with N-N = 0 group. With large pore size and high surface area, mesoporous molecular sieves were firstly applied to catalytically decompose NNN and they exhibited a catalytic function much better than that of zeolites.

Key words: NICOTINE, MOLECULAR SIEVE, CATAROLE PROCESS, ADSORPTION