Mo-Al-Fe Oxides for Chemical Looping Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane: Supported and Planar Model Catalysts

In this presentation, Mr. Novotný will present an overview of his work on MoO3 catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3, and α-Fe2O3 as well as their model counterparts based on thin films of MoOx grown on sapphire (0001) surface and reconstructed sapphire. As an alternative to conventional steam cracking, Mr. Novotný investigates chemical-looping (CL) oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of ethane. CL-ODH process employs redox catalysts as the sole oxidant which offers large reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions when compared to steam cracking. Presented results describe the relationships between catalytic activity, selectivity, phase composition, oxidation state, and morphology of prepared MoO3 catalysts. For instance, it is shown that high selectivity toward ethylene corresponds to a reduction of Mo+VI to Mo+V. The presence of lower Mo oxidation states triggers the production of CH4 from ethane resulting in substantial selectivity loss. A preparation of MoO3 thin films with unique nanostructured and/or monocrystalline morphology is also presented. The ongoing investigation of these model catalysts will provide a further understanding of MoO3 properties as an active phase in ethane ODH and other redox processes.