This invention relates to catalysts and more particularly to the catalyst decomposition of one or more oxides of nitrogen present in a gas stream by contacting the gas with a catalyst comprising a compound of the formula A.sub.x B.sub.y, where A is selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Th, and U, B is selected from the group consisting of B, C, N and Si, x has a value 1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.7 and y has a value 1.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.4.
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 948,508, filed Oct. 4, 1978, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 826,831, filed Aug. 22, 1977, now abandoned.
A gas generating composition is disclosed for generating nitrogen gas free from noxious and toxic impurities consisting of an alkali metal azide, at least a stoichiometric amount of a metal oxide or a mixture of metal oxides and an ammonium perchlorate burn rate enhancer. The nitrogen gas can be used to inflate an impact protection air cushion of an automotive restraint system.
