Oxidative reforming of n-butane to ethylene, propylene, and syngas on acid/base nano-hybrid catalyst

Ni-Mx-O/support catalysts with 20 wt.% Ni and 10-30 wt.% Mx (= none, Bi, Mo, W, and Ga) were evaluated for the oxidative reforming of n-butane to ethylene/propylene and syngas. In the catalyst, Ni oxide and Mx oxide species changed together with O₂/n-butane feed ratio and temperature due to change in active oxygen species. The formation degree of active Ni oxide species selective towards oxidative reforming, reflected in selectivity through change in the redox and acid/base properties. The catalyst with Ni and Mo combinations demonstrated superior performance in terms of activity and selectivity compared with other Mx loaded catalysts. Ni-Ga-O/mesoporous silica catalyst increased the ethylene/propylene-selectivity, while the Ni-Mo loading led to the high selectivity of syngas. The catalyst for oxidative conversion of n-butane showed the acid/base dependency. These characteristics agree with the catalyst performance as depicted in the catalytic scheme for selective oxidative reforming reaction.