Promoting effect of carbon dioxide on the dehydrogenation and aromatization of ethane over gallium-loaded catalysts

Ga2O3 and Ga2O3/TiO2 catalysts were found to be effective agents for the dehydrogenation of ethane to ethene in the presence of carbon dioxide at 650 C-degrees. The activity of the Ga2O3 and Ga2O3/TiO2 catalysts in the presence of CO2 was 2-4 times higher than that without CO2. Ethene yields reached ca. 20-25% and selectivity was ca. 70-90% at 650 C-degrees in the 17% ethane and 83% CO2 feed at an SV of 9,000 ml/(g-cat h). The presence of CO2 markedly promoted dehydrogenation of ethane over Ga2O3 and Ga2O3/TiO2 catalysts. Furthermore, the promoting effect of CO2 on the aromatization of ethane and ethene over a Ga2O3+H/ZSM-5 catalyst was also observed above 650 C-degrees. Aromatics yields were higher than those without CO2.