Tuning of Active Sites in NiNbO Catalysts for the Direct Conversion of Ethane to Acetonitrile or Ethylene

• Published in: ChemCatChem 2011-10, Vol.3 (10), p.1637-1645
• Main Authors: Rubio-Marcos, Fernando, Rojas, Elizabeth, López-Medina, Ricardo, Guerrero-Pérez, M. Olga, Bañares, Miguel A., Fernandez, José F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: acetonitrile; heterogeneous catalysis; nanoparticles; nickel; supported catalysts
• ISSN: 1867-3880; 1867-3899
• DOI: 10.1002/cctc.201100115

NiO nanoparticles that are highly active for the ethane activation have been prepared. These nanoparticles have been dispersed on the surface of two different Nb2O5 materials by using a novel dry nanodispersion method. This article describes the characterization and catalytic behavior of both series of catalysts as well as the nature of the active sites required for the transformation of ethane into acetonitrile and/or ethylene. It is demonstrated how such active sites present in the catalysts are obtained through this novel dry mixing method. The catalysts obtained are promising catalytic materials for both, ethane ammoxidation and oxidative dehydration (ODH) reactions. Spreading the activity: The results of this study demonstrate that NiO nanoparticles are active for ethane activation and that their catalytic performance can be modulated through the use of the appropriate support. These nanoparticles are dispersed on the surface of two different Nb2O5 materials by using a novel dry nanodispersion method. The catalysts obtained by the proposed route are promising catalytic materials for the ethane ammoxidation.