Supported Ni–W–O Mixed Oxides as Selective Catalysts for the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane

Abstract

Mixed Ni–W–O catalysts (with a W/(Ni + W) atomic ratio of 0.3) supported on γ-Al2O3 or on mesoporous alumina have been prepared, characterized and tested in the oxidation of ethane. For comparison unsupported and supported NiO as well as bulk Ni–W–O mixed oxides catalysts have also been studied. Supported Ni–W–O materials show interesting catalytic performances in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane. They show similar catalytic activities than the corresponding unsupported Ni–W–O catalysts. However, the selectivity to ethylene over supported catalysts was higher than that achieved over unsupported samples (the selectivity to ethylene followed the trend: mesoporous-supported > γ-Al2O3-supported > unsupported Ni–W–O). In addition, it has also been observed that Ni–W–O catalysts are more efficient than the corresponding W-free NiO catalysts. The discussion of the catalytic results will be undertaken on the basis of the modification of active sites of NiO when incorporating WO3 and/or metal oxide supports.