Promoted mesoporous Fe-alumina catalysts for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane

Production of isobutene is commercially consequential and highly demanding from the end-use industries being a key platform molecule as well as an intermediate for a variety of value-added chemicals. Traditionally, isobutene is prepared via steam cracking and fluid catalytic cracking methods. However, the catalysts used in these conventional methods have disadvantages like coke formation, sintering, etc. In this study, the catalytic non-oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane over acidic, alkaline, and noble metal promoted mesoporous iron-doped catalysts was investigated. Iron doping has a significant function in controlling isobutene selectivity. The synthesis method is crucial to achieve successful metal doping in the mesoporous alumina matrix. Promoted catalysts exhibited a notable difference in isobutane conversion with a marginal change in dehydrogenation selectivity. Silver promoted catalyst showed slightly higher isobutene yield due to the optimal catalytic properties. This catalyst was stable for a considerable duration, and coke deposition, as well as particle agglomeration, were observed to faintly inhibit the catalytic activity.

Automated summary

The study investigates the catalytic non-oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane over iron-doped catalysts, with a focus on the significant role of iron doping in controlling isobutene selectivity. Promoted catalysts showed differences in isobutane conversion, with the silver promoted catalyst exhibiting slightly higher isobutene yield due to its optimal catalytic properties. The stability of the catalyst, despite minor issues like coke deposition and particle agglomeration, was observed to be considerable.