Novel catalytic approaches for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane

Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane is a high potential route for the industrial production of ethene, provided that catalysts with high activity and selectivity exist. The balance of acid-base and redox properties is the key for optimum catalyst performance. The lecture compares two approaches towards catalysts with high selectivity, i.e., the generation of a self regenerating dynamic surface via supported molten state and isolation and site isolation with oxide based catalysts. The first group is based on mixed alkali chlorides supported on MgO. With these catalysts, stable yields of up to 80% ethene are possible. Catalysis is associated with transiently formed hypochlorides. The other group will be Ni-Nb based mixed oxides. These are more active, but less selective than the chloride based materials. The differences are exemplified via the comparison of physicochemical and acid-base properties, as well as by the interactions of the reactants and reaction products with the surfaces.