High transformation of propane in reaction with CO2 to propylene on ZrO2-combined Fe-based catalysts

Propane dehydrogenation coupled with CO2 transformation has attracted interest for facilitating propane conversion. The performance of Fe2O3-nZrO(2) catalysts obtained using an oxalate coprecipitation procedure was studied for the first time for propane dehydrogenation in a CO2 atmosphere. It was found that an appropriate combination of ZrO2 significantly promoted the transformation of propane. On Fe(2)O(3)nZrO(2) (n = 2-4), initial propane conversion (>38%) and CO2 conversion (>27%) were achieved at 550 degrees C and a set contact time, with a propylene yield above 33%. By means of characterizing the active phase evolution, the effects of surface acidity-basicity and carbon deposition were revealed. The interaction between the iron species and ZrO2 for preserving the active Fe3O4 phase from transition to Fe, and for promoting the adsorption of propane and CO2 on the respective acidic and the basic sites is discussed.