Rod-shaped porous alumina-supported Cr2O3 catalyst with low acidity for propane dehydrogenation

Abstract Direct catalytic propane dehydrogenation (PDH) to obtain propylene is a more economical and environmentally friendly route for propylene production. In particular, alumina-supported Cr 2 O 3 catalysts can have better potential applications if the acidic properties could be tuned. Herein, a series of rod-shaped porous alumina were prepared through a hydrothermal route, followed by calcination. It was found that the acidity of the synthesized alumina was generally lower than that of the commercial alumina and could be adjusted well by varying the calcination temperature. Such alumina materials were used as supports for active Cr 2 O 3 , and the obtained catalysts could enhance the resistance to coke formation associated with similar activity in PDH reaction compared to the commercial alumina. The amount of coke deposited on a self-made catalyst (Cr-Al-800) was 3.6%, which was much lower than that deposited on the reference catalyst (15.7%). The lower acidity of the catalyst inhibited the side reactions and coke formation during the PDH process, which was beneficial for its high activity and superior anti-coking properties.