Characterization and reactivity of molybdenum oxide catalysts supported on Nb2O5–TiO2

Abstract

A series of MoO3/Nb2O5 catalysts with Mo loadings varying from 2.5 to 15 wt % were prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of ammonia, electron spin resonance (ESR), oxygen chemisorption, and pore size distribution measurements. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate the presence of a crystalline molybdenum phase at higher Mo loadings on niobia. Dispersion of molybdenum was determined by the oxygen chemisorption at 623 K by a static method on the samples prereduced at the same temperature. At low Mo loadings, i.e., <10.0%, molybdenum oxide is found to be present in a highly dispersed state. Pore size distribution studies indicate a decrease in average pore diameter and pore volume with increased Mo loading. ESR results suggest the presence of Mo5+ in the reduced catalysts. TPR results suggest that the reducibility of MoO3 increases with increased Mo loading. The reduction peaks due to niobia in TPR appeared at high...