Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane with CO2 over Cr supported on submicron ZSM-5 zeolite

A series of submicron ZSM-5-supported chromium oxide catalysts were prepared and characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption, 27Al MAS NMR, SEM, XPS, laser Raman spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy. The catalytic performance of these materials during ethane dehydrogenation in the presence of CO2 was investigated. The catalysts exhibited both high activity and stability, with an ethane conversion of ∼65% and ethylene yield of ∼49% without any obvious deactivation following 50 h. Characterization results show that the excellent catalytic performance results from the high degree of dispersion of CrOx species on the submicron ZSM-5 surface. Both a high Si/Al ratio and the use of the Na-form of the ZSM-5 support were found to favor CrOx dispersion. The promotional effect of CO2 on the dehydrogenation reaction was quite evident and can be attributed to the reverse water-gas shift reaction.

Graphical AbstractSubmicron ZSM-5 supported chromium oxide catalysts were prepared and exhibit both high activity and stability, with an ethane conversion of ∼65% and ethylene yield of ∼49% without any obvious trend of deactivation in 50 h.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide