Oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propylene over Al2O3-supported Sr–V–Mo catalysts

This work presents the results of propane oxidative dehydrogenation on alumina-supported V–Mo oxides and Sr–V–Mo oxide catalysts. The reaction was conducted at atmospheric pressure and 500 °C. Catalysts composed of 2:4 vanadium to molybdenum ratio showed the best performance. The presence of strontium in the catalyst's matrix enhanced its performance (increase in conversion and selectivity) and decreased its reducibility by changing the nature of its surface as confirmed by BET, XRD and TGA techniques. Moreover, the presence of strontium improved the stability of the catalyst. Hence, Sr–V–Mo stands as a promising catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane.

Propane conversion decreased substantially upon increasing its feed partial pressure and an opposite trend was observed for propylene selectivity.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Doping with strontium enhanced the performance of V–Mo catalysts.
► Sr improved the stability of the catalyst.
► Sr decreased the reducibility of the parent catalyst as indicated by BET, XRD and TGA results.