Effect of the metal oxide loading on the activity of silica supported MoO3 and V2O5 catalysts in the selective partial oxidation of methane

Abstract

Precipitated silica catalysts loaded with either MoO3 (0.2–4.0 wt%) or V2O5 (0.2–5.3 wt%) have been studied in the selective partial oxidation of methane to formaldehyde with molecular oxygen at 520 °C. The functionality of the SiO2 surface towards the formation of HCHO is significantly promoted by V2O5, while it is depressed by the MoO3.