Reactions of propane with CO2 over Au catalysts

The decomposition of C3H8 and its reaction with CO2 have been investigated on Au deposited on ZnO, MgO and Al2O3. The reactions proceeded above 650-700 K. The conversion-of C3H8 was only few percents on Au/MgO and Au/Al2O3, even at 873 K, but reached similar to 17% on Au/ZnO. The selectivity of propylene formation was about 56%. CO2 only slightly affected the reaction of C3H8 on Au/Al2O3 and Au/MgO, but significantly enhanced the conversion of C3H8 on Au/ZnO catalyst. The formation of large amount of CO indicates the involvement of CO2 in the reaction of C3H8. From the product distribution it was inferred that beside the oxidative dehydrogenation and dry reforming reaction, the decomposition of C3H8 into CH4 and surface carbon also occurred. The effect of ZnO is explained by an electronic interaction between n-type ZnO and Au particles leading to a formation of reactive CO2-. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.