Direct conversion of ethylene to propylene over Ni- and W-based catalysts: An unprecedented behaviour

A new ethylene to propylene catalytic process based on cascade reactions, with two catalysts and two reactors, has been explored in this study. In the first reactor loaded with Ni-AIKIT-6 catalyst, at 60-120 degrees C and 3 MPa, part of ethylene has been selectively transformed into 2-butene. In the second reactor, loaded with WOx/KIT-6 catalyst, 2-butene reacted with the unconverted ethylene at 450 degrees C and 0.1 MPa. Unprecedented results in terms of catalytic activity, selectivity towards the formation of propylene and stability against deactivation were achieved under these conditions. More precisely, an ethylene conversion of similar to 85% and a selectivity to propylene of 55% and butenes of 30% remained unchanged during 24 h on reaction stream.