In2O3-Al2O3 (ZrO2) Catalysts for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane to Propylene with CO2

What is it about?

The effect of the nature of the support and the method of preparation of indium–aluminum(zirconium) oxide compositions on their acid–base characteristics, which determine the catalytic activity in oxidative dehydrogenation of propane with participation of CO2, was established. The highest selectivity for propylene (51%) is achieved over the In2O3–Al2O3 catalyst, which is due to the presence on its surface of stronger Lewis acid sites for activation of C3H8 and to a higher concentration of base sites for activation of CO2.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

High selectivity in propylene is achieved on the indium–aluminum oxide catalyst obtained by coprecipitation of In and Al hydroxides followed by hydrothermal treatment. This results from the presence of strong Lewis acid sites for activation of C3O8 on its surface and from the higher concentration of base sites for activation of CO2 in comparison with catalysts prepared by traditional impregnation of the supports. Higher conversion of the propane and yield of propylene are achieved in the presence of the indium–zirconium oxide catalyst, which is at a lower concentration of surface acid–base sites characterized by the presence of a small amount of Brønsted acid sites and stronger base sites compared with the catalysts based on aluminium oxide.