P-modified cobalt oxide: A novel and effective catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane

A series of nanosized cobalt oxide catalysts modified with phosphorus have been synthesized by the sol–gel method and investigated in the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propene. With the addition of phosphorus, the crystallite size of the catalyst was largely decreased, while the P species in the catalyst were highly dispersed. Compared to pure cobalt oxide, the P-modified samples showed higher propane conversion and enhanced propene selectivity. Over the PCoO catalyst with a P/Co atomic ratio of 0.05, the maximal propene yields of 15.7% with a propane conversion of 28.3% were obtained at 520 °C.

Graphical abstractNanosized phosphorus-modified cobalt oxide catalysts were synthesized and proved to be effective for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propene.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide