The influence of microwave heating on the texture and catalytic properties of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The influence of microwave heating on the catalytic performance of oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (OMWCNTs) in oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene (ODEB) was investigated. OMWCNTs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) before and after the catalytic reaction. The highest yield of ∼60% styrene was achieved under microwave-assisted reaction conditions. The significant amount of high disordered amorphous carbon was observed on the surface of OMWCNTs after the conventionally-heated reaction, while the treatment of the catalyst under microwave-assisted reaction conditions resulted in the formation of new layers of surface sp2-carbon. Moreover, the formation of carbonyl groups which are responsible for the dehydrogenation power of the catalyst was observed on the surface of OMWCNTs after the reaction in microwave oven only.