Reflux method as a novel route for the synthesis of MoVTeNbOx catalysts for selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid

This work reports the applicability of reflux to the synthesis of Mo–V–Te–Nb–O metal oxide catalysts for the first time. The well-formed and defined orthorhombic M1 phase, i.e. Te2M20O57 (M = Mo, V, Nb), was found to be better developed when a longer time was used to reflux the mixed metal clusters. The catalysts efficient for propane selective oxidation to acrylic acid, reaching ca. 60% of selectivity to acrylic acid at propane conversion of ca. 50% and at a reaction temperature of 693 K. In addition, a parallel between catalytic activity and catalyst reducibility is also concluded.

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► Mo–V–Te–Nb–O metal oxides can be prepared by refluxing the corresponding salts.
► M1 phase is selectively obtained from solids prepared at a refluxing time of 7–14 days.
► Active and selective catalysts for partial oxidation of propane to acrylic acid have been achieved.