Li-Promoted LaxSr2–xFeO4−δ Core–Shell Redox Catalysts for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane under a Cyclic Redox Scheme

Abstract

Chemical looping oxidative dehydrogenation (CL-ODH) of ethane utilizes a transition metal oxide based oxygen carrier, also known as a redox catalyst, to convert ethane into ethylene under an autothermal cyclic redox scheme. The current study investigates a Li-promoted LaxSr2–xFeO4−δ (LaSrFe) redox catalyst for CL-ODH reactions. While LaSrFe without Li promoter exhibits low ethylene selectivity, addition of Li leads to high selectivity/yield and good regenerability. Up to 61% ethane conversion and 90% ethylene selectivity are achieved with Li-promoted LaSrFe. Further characterization indicates that the Li-promoted LaSrFe redox catalyst consists of LiFeO2 (disordered rock salt) and LaSrFe (Ruddlesden–Popper) phases. Moreover, the surface of the redox catalysts is enriched with Li cations. It is also determined the LaSrFe phase contributes to oxygen storage and donation, whereas the activity and selectivity of the redox catalysts are modified by the Li promoter: while oxygen for the CL-ODH reaction is suppli...