Cobalt Based Catalyst Supported on Different Morphologies of Alumina for Non oxidative Propane Dehydrogenation: Effect of Metal Support Interaction and Lewis Acidic Sites
Developing an economically viable and eco friendly catalyst is essential for the dehydrogenation reaction. In this context, cobalt based catalysts supported on different morphologies of g Al2O3, nano sheet (Al2O3 NS) nano fiber (Al2O3 NF) and nano plate (Al2O3 NP) were synthesized using wetness impregnation method and tested for non oxidative propane dehydrogenation reaction. Metal support interaction and Lewis acidic center play a crucial role in propane dehydrogenation reaction; therefore this study focuses on investigating the role of these parameters on the catalytic activity for cobalt based catalysts. A higher metal support interaction was observed in Co/Al2O3 NS as compared to Co/Al2O3 NF and Co/Al2O3 NP. The presence of tetrahedral coordinated Co+2 in Co/Al2O3 NS leads to higher selectivity towards propylene. The formation of metallic cobalt from Co3O4 precursor present in Co/Al2O3 NP promoted side reactions to form lower hydrocarbons and carbon, which caused catalyst deactivation. In situ DRIFTS analysis revealed the interaction of propane and propylene gases with the catalyst, which was an important revelation to find the source of carbon deposition.
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