Selective oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane over SnO2-promoted NiO catalysts

► NiSnO mixed oxides catalysts for ethane ODH were prepared and investigated. ► Addition of a tiny amount of tin highly increases selectivity to ethylene. ► Changes in the nature of Ni species on the surface of catalysts are observed. ► Changes in the crystal size of NiO particles with Sn-loading are observed.