Phosphorous-modified ordered mesoporous carbon for catalytic dehydrogenation of propane to propylene

Phosphorous (P)-modified ordered mesoporous carbon CMK-3 was used as a catalyst for the direct dehydrogenation (DH) of propane to propylene without any auxiliary stream, and this catalyst exhibited better activity and selectivity than the pristine ordered mesoporous carbon. The prepared samples were characterized by N-2 adsorption and desorption, temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). After the introduction of P using an impregnation method, P = O groups formed on the surface of the materials and substantially improved the activity and selectivity. The P = O groups are believed to be electron donors for C = O active centers, or independent active centers for catalytic DH of propane.