Direct oxidation of propane to acrolein over MCM41-supported MoVTe mixed oxide catalysts

MCM41-supported MoVTe mixed oxide catalysts have been prepared and exhibit high catalytic activity in direct oxidation of propane to acrolein (ACR). Characterisation and catalytic results show that under studied conditions, solid-state reaction or spreading occurs on the MCM41 support between single or bicomponent phases; homogeneous reaction well occurs, after initiation on the solid surface. The modification of the MCM41 by adding Mo1.3V0.3Te0.3 mixed oxides actually enhances conversion of propane and selectivity to ACR by large surface area and mechanically stable of the MCM41 to highly disperse the active components into its nano-size space. Overlapping of two reaction mechanisms over the catalyst is also proposed. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.