Beneficial Effects of Low Iron Contents on Cobalt-Containing Spinel Catalysts in the Gas Phase 2-Propanol Oxidation

Oxidation reactions are highly relevant transformation reactions in the industry. Mixed Co and Fe containing oxides are promising substituents for noble-metal-based catalysts due to lower cost and higher thermal stability. Performing oxidation catalysis in the liquid phase is desired to prevent total oxidation. An approach toward liquid phase reactions is water vapor added to the gas stream, which can help to build an experimental bridge between both phases. Here, nanocasted Co3-xFexO4 spinels are studied in the gas phase oxidation of 2-propanol as a probe for selective oxidation without and with the addition of water into the reaction feed. In both cases, low amounts of Fe (<= 4 %) were found to be beneficial for the activity. Under wet conditions, there is a negative effect on the activity below 150 degrees C during heating due to competitive adsorption. However, at higher temperatures during cooling, the activity is higher due to a slower deactivation.

Automated summary

Oxidation reactions play a significant role in the industry, and mixed Co and Fe containing oxides are considered as promising substitutes for noble-metal-based catalysts due to their lower cost and higher thermal stability. Performing oxidation catalysis in the liquid phase can prevent total oxidation, and adding water vapor to the gas stream can bridge the gap between the gas and liquid phases. The study on nanocasted Co3-xFexO4 spinels reveals that low amounts of Fe are beneficial for the activity, but under wet conditions, competitive adsorption has a negative effect on the activity at lower temperatures during heating.