Nanocarbons in selective oxidative dehydrogenation reaction

Nanocarbons (multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and onion-like carbon) are tested for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethylbenzene to styrene. The catalytic performances are compared with these using carbon black and graphite as catalysts. The tested nanocarbons are catalytic active in the reaction. The highest yield is achieved by using onion-like carbon as catalyst. The combustion stability of graphite, carbon nanotubes and onion-like carbons gives stable catalytic performances on stream. The comparison of onion-like carbons as a model catalyst with other carbon materials gives the criteria for efficient carbon catalyst. A reaction model for oxidative dehydrogenation on carbon catalysts is proposed too. Our findings provide a new perspective for the application of nanostructured carbon materials.