Synthesis of two new nickel and copper-nickel vanadates used for propane oxidative dehydrogenation

Abstract

Two new vanadates have been successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal and coprecipitation methods. Both vanadates were calcined at 600 °C and the resulting catalysts were tested on reaction of oxidative dehydrogenation of propane. The catalysts were characterized by x-ray diffraction, atomic absorption, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential temperature analysis. The reaction was carried out in the temperature range of 350-500 °C. A conversion of propane of 10.6 % and a selectivity towards propene of 29.9 % at 400 °C were obtained with nickel vanadate; a conversion of 1.9 % and a selectivity of 56.9 % were reached at the same temperature with the nickel copper vanadate.