Silicon Oxide Role in the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane (ODHE) to Produce Ethylene: Support and Substrate of Nickel-Based Catalysts

Abstract

Ethylene is one of the most demanded compounds worldwide, as it is the precursor of an important amount of products (textiles, pharmaceuticals, paints, electronics, etc.). At present, this olefin is globally produced by one of the most energy-consuming processes: the steam cracking of naphtha or ethane. Given the environmental context in which the world is at, a greener route to obtain this compound is needed to approach a sustainable development. The Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane (ODHE) is an alternative that could satisfy the energetic and productivity requirements, if it is operated with an adequate catalyst. Nickel oxide-based formulations are among the main catalysts studied for this reaction since these are relatively economic and easy to synthesize. These catalysts can operate under powder or structured forms. Bulk NiO has a strong oxidant character and therefore, its ethane conversion is high but the selectivity to the alkene is markedly low. Thus, to increase its selectivity it is either generally mixed with another oxide or supported on an adequate material. The last option offers the advantage of the small amount of active material employed. On the other hand, the use of structured catalysts is valuable due to the number of benefits they provide in comparison to the powder formulations. This research explores the appliance of silicon oxide as a part of the substrate in fiber-based structured catalysts as well as an integrant of supports for NiO, and its impacts on the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to produce ethylene.