Dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene with CO2 over V2O5/Al2O3–ZrO2 catalyst

V-containing catalysts supported on Al2O3, modified with varying amounts of ZrO2, were prepared by impregnation method. Dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene with CO2 was run over these catalysts in a fixed-bed downflow stainless steel reactor. Compared with pure Al2O3 support, a small amount of ZrO2 in the support led to a significant increase in catalytic activity. Partial reduction of vanadium oxides and carbon deposition were the main reasons for the decreased catalytic activity.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Alumina support with zirconium in V-containing catalysts was modified as VAZ. ► VAZ catalysts lead to a significant increase of the catalytic activity in EDSC. ► V4AZ10 with 10 wt.% ZrO2 has the highest catalytic activity. ► Partial reduction of V oxidation from high valence to low valence has happened. ► Coke formation reduces the number of active sites available on the catalyst surface.