Unmodified bulk alumina as an efficient catalyst for propane dehydrogenation

Abstract

A series of unmodified bulk Al₂O₃ materials show an intrinsic activity for selectively catalyzing propane dehydrogenation. The Lewis acid site arising from the unsaturated Al_III site in the Al₂O₃ structure is the active site for the catalytic cycle. The γ-Al₂O₃-200 catalyst shows the highest yield, which delivers an initial conversion of 48% and selectivity of 83%.