Ion oxide conductor as a catalytic membrane for selective oxidation of hydrocarbons

A catalytic membrane reactor using ion‐oxide conductors as catalysts is experienced in selective oxidative dimerization of propene to C₆‐dimers. Structural and textural properties, catalytic and non‐catalytic reactivities of M‐doped Bi₂O₃ (M = La, Ce, Eu, Er, V, Nb) are studied. TGA experiments show that dopants increase the rates of reduction and reoxidation of Bi₂O₃, but that the reoxidation of the catalysts is rate limiting. During catalysis, the best yields in 1,5‐hexadiene and benzene are obtained with cerium‐doped Bi₂O₃. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.