Flexible NiZr-based structured catalysts for ethylene production through ODH of ethane: Catalytic performance enhancement

Abstract

Flexible structured catalysts based on Ni and Zr deposited on a ceramic paper made of SiO2-Al2O3andZrO2fibers showed to be active and selective for the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane. Zirconiumpromoter strongly interacted with nickel oxide and produced structural changes that affected the NiOredox behavior, crystal growth and lattice order which enhanced selectivity towards ethylene. The varia-tion of the concentration of the precursor solution used and the addition of zirconia short fibers, affectedthe catalytic performance. The lower the concentration of the solution used to incorporate the catalyst,the better the catalytic performance. The addition of zirconia fibers also showed beneficial effects on ethylene production.