HNO3-activated mesoporous carbon catalyst for direct dehydrogenation of propane to propylene

Mesoporous carbon activated with HNO3 was demonstrated to be robust metal-free catalyst for direct dehydrogenation of propane without any auxiliary stream, exhibiting high selectivity and stability. The final propane conversion is 22.4% with stable propylene selectivity of 86.6% after 50 hours. HNO3 activation introduces more basic oxygen groups than the pristine carbon, which is believed to be active site in the dehydrogenation process.

Mesoporous carbon activated with HNO3 was demonstrated to be robust metal-free catalyst for direct dehydrogenation of propane without any auxiliary stream, exhibiting high selectivity and stability. The final propane conversion is 22.4% with stable propylene selectivity of 86.6% after 50 hours. HNO3 activation introduces more basic oxygen groups than the pristine carbon, which is believed to be active site in the dehydrogenation process. The findings may expand to other catalysis systems for the investigation of metal-free catalysts.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The work is related to carbon synthesis and metal-free carbon catalysis.
► Mesoporous carbons activated by HNO3 robustly catalyzed propane dehydrogenation.
► The stable propylene yield is 22.4% with propylene selectivity of 86.6%.