Reflux method as a novel route for the synthesis of MoVTeNbO x catalysts for selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid

Abstract

This work reports the applicability of reflux to the synthesis of Mo–V–Te–Nb–O metal oxide catalysts for the first time. The well-formed and defined orthorhombic M1 phase, i.e. Te 2 M 20O 57 ( M = Mo, V, Nb), was found to be better developed when a longer time was used to reflux the mixed metal clusters. The catalysts efficient for propane selective oxidation to acrylic acid, reaching ca. 60% of selectivity to acrylic acid at propane conversion of ca. 50% and at a reaction temperature of 693 K. In addition, a parallel between catalytic activity and catalyst reducibility is also concluded.