Oxidative conversion of ethane to ethylene over supported SrO-promoted Er2O3 catalyst

Abstract

Oxidative conversion of ethane to ethylene over a SrO-promoted Er2O3 supported on low-surface area macroporous silica–alumina commercial catalyst carrier (SA5205, obtained from Norton Co., USA) in presence of steam (steam/C2H6 mole ratio = 1.0) and limited O2 (C2H6/O2 mole ratio ≥ 4.0) has been thoroughly investigated. Influence of different process parameters such as temperature (700–850 °C), C2H6/O2 feed ratio (4.0–8.0) and space velocity (50, 000–200, 000 cm3 g−1 h−1) on the conversion of ethane and product selectivity in the process has been studied. High selectivity (≥80%) of C2+ olefins at 50–70% conversion of ethane could be obtained at very low contact time without coke deposition on the catalyst at 800–850 °C.