Structural and surface properties of SnO2–AlPO4 catalysts in relation to their dehydration activities

Abstract

Abstract Pure AlPO4 (Al/P=1) and SnO2–AlPO4 mixed catalysts containing different amounts of SnO2 were prepared at 283 K and thermally treated in air at 773 K. The catalysts were characterized using DTA and XRD techniques. The textural properties were determined from the adsorption of nitrogen at 77 K. The surface acidity was measured by the amine titration method. The dehydration of 2-propanol and 1-butanol on the prepared catalysts has been investigated using a pulse microcatalytic reactor. Significant changes in texture, surface acidity and catalytic activity were found as a result of the effect of chemical compositions. All the investigated catalysts exhibited higher dehydration activities of 2-propanol than the corresponding activities towards the dehydration of 1-butanol. No dehydrogenation products were detected by any of the investigated catalysts, under the present experimental conditions. Dehydration of alcohols is related to the surface acid density and is structurally insensitive.