Understanding The Role of Te and Nb in MoVTeNbOx Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane
Open Access
- Author:
- Idiculla, Abigail
- Area of Honors:
- Chemical Engineering
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Michael John Janik, Thesis Supervisor
Gina Noh, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- heterogeneous catalysis
oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane
MoVTeNbOx
sustainable chemical production - Abstract:
- This thesis investigates the influence of tellurium (Te) and niobium (Nb) on the structure and catalytic performance of MoVTeNbOx catalysts in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ODHE). Through comprehensive experimentation, including catalyst preparation, characterization, and performance assessments, we elucidated the optimal molar ratios of Te and Nb that enhance the formation of the M1 phase, crucial for efficient ethylene production. Our findings reveal that a range of Te content (Te:Mo=0.10-0.15) is essential for M1 phase formation without leading to less active phase impurities, such as TeMo5O16, whereas Nb enhances the stability of the M1 phase, indirectly affecting the catalyst’s selectivity towards ethylene by spatially isolating active sites and promoting rapid desorption of the desired products. The synthesis procedure, characterized by specific molar ratios of Te and Nb to Mo, significantly influences the formation of the M1 phase, demonstrating that controlled catalyst composition is key to optimal ODHE performance. The study highlights the detrimental effects of excessive Te, leading to the formation of impure phases that negatively impact the catalyst’s effectiveness. This research not only advances our understanding of the complex interplay between catalyst composition, structure, and activity in MoVTeNbOx catalysts but also lays the groundwork for the development of more efficient catalysts for ODHE, offering pathways to more sustainable and cost-effective ethylene production methods.