Structural characterization and catalytic activities of titania supported iron (III) oxide catalysts: Effect of Li+ impregnation

Pure Fe2O3/TiO2 catalysts (1–35 wt.% Fe2O3) and Li-impregnated Fe2O3/TiO2 catalysts (1–10 wt.% Li2O) were prepared. The structural characteristics of pre-calcined samples were examined by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and ESR techniques. The surface acidity was measured by the adsorption of n-butylamine in non-aqueous media. The catalytic conversion of 2-propanol at 320–360 °C using the microcatalytic pulse technique was studied.XRD of 650 °C-calcination products showed the existence of pure oxide phases as well as other spinels depending on the chemical composition. ESR spectra indicated the existence of Fe(III) in α-Fe2O3 phase and in spinel phase. The chemical composition, surface acidity of the catalyst and reaction temperature affect the catalytic conversion of 2-propanol.