Efficient self-metathesis of 1-butene on molybdenum oxide supported on silica modified one-dimensional γ-Al2O3

•Monolayer of silica on well-shaped one-dimensional γ-Al2O3 is obtained.•Moderate aggregated MoOx on silica deposited one-dimensional γ-Al2O3.•Highly catalytic performance of the Mo species in moderate aggregation.•A formation rate of 38.9 × 10−9 mol m−2 s−1 for 1-butene metathesis to propene.

1-Butene, abundant but inexpensive in industry, can be used to produce more valuable propene and ethene through the well-known metathesis reaction. In terms of catalyst system of molybdena, controlling the interaction between the molybdena and the support is quite crucial. A special support, i.e., well-shaped one-dimensional γ-Al2O3 with uniform diameters of ∼10 nm and lengths of ∼100 nm, has been synthesized via oleylamine-assisted hydrothermal method. The molybdenum oxides are well controlled in sizes of moderate aggregation suitable for 1-butene metathesis with a fairly high rate of propene production (38.9 × 10−9 mol m−2 s−1, 30 mol% yield in a single pass) under mild conditions. The status of MoOx species in the catalyst has been investigated by solid state 29Si MAS NMR, Raman, UV–vis, H2-TPR and NH3-TPD techniques. The catalyst, highly stable after twelve times of regeneration, is important for practical utilization for the metathesis reactions.

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