Styrene Synthesis: High Conversion over Unpromoted Iron Oxide Catalysts under Practical Working Conditions

Abstract

Rates ten times faster for the conversion of ethylbenzene (EB) into styrene are possible over unpromoted hematite catalysts if reduction to magnetite and coking is prevented by adding traces of oxygen. This finding results from measurements made with the stagnation-point microflow reactor shown (1: model catalyst, 2: cap, 3: diode laser).