Oxidative Dehydrogenation of n-Butane: Activity and Kinetics Over VO x /Al2O3 Catalysts

The catalytic activity of a VO _x /Al₂O₃ catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane is investigated. The effects of reaction temperature, oxygen to n-butane ratio and GHSV on the catalytic performance are examined and optimized. Interestingly, this simple catalyst gives good conversion and selectivity. Butane was 22–24 %, and the selectivity to C₄ alkenes was 56 %, of which 20–22 % to 1,3-butadiene. Moreover, the catalyst is stable for at least 72 h on stream. Kinetic studies show that the activation barriers for the formation of (butene + butadiene), CO and CO₂ amount to 70.2, 65 and 81.3 kJ/mol respectively.