Enhanced Catalytic Performance of Cr/MOR for Ethane Dehydrogenation Through Dealumination

Dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene assisted by CO2 was investigated over CrOx catalysts supported on MOR zeolites. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption, SEM, 27Al and 29Si MAS NMR, XPS, DRIFTS, H2-TPR and laser Raman spectroscopy. The catalysts exhibit enhanced activity and stability after MOR dealumination, with an optimal ethane conversion of ~ 38% and ethylene yield of ~ 33%. Characterization results indicate that the improved catalytic performance derives from the increased silanol nests of MOR support created by acidic dealumination, which are in favor of dispersion and stabilization of CrOx species, resulting in more reducible Cr(VI) considered as the active site for dehydrogenation.