Oxidative Dehydrogenation of n-​Butane: Activity and Kinetics Over VOx​/Al2O3 Catalysts

The catalytic activity of a VOx/Al2O3 catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of n-​butane is investigated. The effects of reaction temp., oxygen to n-​butane ratio and GHSV on the catalytic performance are examd. and optimized. Interestingly, this simple catalyst gives good conversion and selectivity. Butane was 22-​24 %, and the selectivity to C4 alkenes was 56 %, of which 20-​22 % to 1,​3-​butadiene. Moreover, the catalyst is stable for at least 72 h on stream. Kinetic studies show that the activation barriers for the formation of (butene + butadiene)​, CO and CO2 amt. to 70.2, 65 and 81.3 kJ​/mol resp.