Unmodified bulk alumina as an efficient catalyst for propane dehydrogenation†
Abstract
A series of unmodified bulk Al2O3 materials show an intrinsic activity for selectively catalyzing propane dehydrogenation. The Lewis acid site arising from the unsaturated AlIII site in the Al2O3 structure is the active site for the catalytic cycle. The γ-Al2O3-200 catalyst shows the highest yield, which delivers an initial conversion of 48% and selectivity of 83%.