Dehydrogenation of propane in the presence of N2O over In2O3―Al2O3 mixed oxide catalysts

Dehydrogenation of propane coupled with N2O over a series of binary In2O3―Al2O3 mixed oxides was investigated. In contrast to the poor performance for sole N2O decomposition, a remarkable synergy was identified between N2O decomposition and propane dehydrogenation. Among the catalysts tested, the In2O3―Al2O3 sample containing a 20 mol% In2O3 showed the highest activity for propane dehydrogenation in the presence of N2O. Moreover, stability far superior to those of the conventional iron-based materials was observed, attributable to the moderate surface acidity of the In―Al―O composite. The essential role of N2O is suggested to generate active oxygen species facilitating propane dehydrogenation.

Dehydrogenation of propane in the presence of N2O was investigated over In2O3―Al2O3 mixed oxides. High activity and stability were achieved on the In2O3―Al2O3 catalyst with a 20 mol% indium content, giving a propylene yield up to 21.6% observed at 12 h on stream.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► In2O3―Al2O3 mixed oxide as catalyst for propane dehydrogenation in presence of N2O
► Sample with 20 mol% In2O3 shows the highest catalytic performance.
► Reaction temperature at 873 K allows the maximum yield of propylene.
► Stability far superior to those for the traditional iron-based materials.