Development of novel heterogeneous catalysts for oxidative reactions: Preparation and performance of Co-N_x catalysts in partial oxidation of n-butane and toluene

CoN_x on alumina catalyst yielded high performance in the oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane, 47.6 mol% yield of olefins at 82% butane conversion was reached at 600°C. Most of olefins were ethylene and propylene formed via route of oxidative cracking of n-butane. Catalyst was prepared by deposition of sodium salt of octa (4,5-carboxy) cobalt phthalocyanine (NaCoPc) followed by calcination in He at 700°C. Decomposition of NaCoPc in inert medium results in formation of Co-N_x structure that was stable in oxidative processes. Comparison of performances on the novel catalyst Co-O/Al₂O₃ and traditional metal oxides catalysts shows that the novel catalytic system is significantly more active in production of light olefins particularly at low temperatures (400-450°C). XRD and XPS studies of the novel system indicate an essential modification of the active component by nitrogen.