Structure–reactivity relationships in VO x /TiO 2 catalysts for the oxyhydrative scission of 1-butene and n-butane to acetic acid as examined by in situ-spectroscopic methods and catalytic tests

• Published in: Catalysis today Vol. 112; no. 1; pp. 78 - 81
• Main Authors: Bentrup, Ursula, Brückner, Angelika, Fait, Martin, Kubias, Bernd, Stelzer, Jean Boris
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 2006
• Subjects: 1-Butene; In situ EPR; In situ FT-IR; In situ UV/vis-DRS; n-Butane; Oxyhydrative scission; Vanadia–titania catalysts; In situ EPR; n-Butane; In situ UV/vis-DRS; Vanadia–titania catalysts; Oxyhydrative scission; 1-Butene; In situ FT-IR
• ISSN: 0920-5861; 1873-4308
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2005.11.023

Different VO x /TiO 2 catalyst have been catalytically tested and studied by in situ-spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, UV/vis, EPR) in the oxyhydrative scission (OHS) of 1-butene and n-butane to acetic acid (AcOH). While 1-butene OHS follows the sequence butene → butoxide → ketone → AcOH/acetate with a multitude of side products also formed, n-butane OHS leads to AcOH, CO x and H 2O only. Water vapour in the feed improves AcOH selectivity by blocking adsorption sites for acetate. The admixture of Sb 2O 3 was found to improve AcOH selectivity which is due to deeper V reduction under steady state conditions and lowering of surface acidity. VO x /TiO 2 catalysts with sulfate-containing anatase are the most effective ones. Covalently bonded sulfate at the catalyst surface causes specific bonding of VO x , stabilizes active V species and ensures their high dispersity.