Metal oxides can be very effective catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes to alkenes and alkenes to dienes, and for the selective oxidation of alkanes to oxygenated products. Our studies have focused on identifying the roles of the properties of the hydrocarbon reactant and the metal oxide catalyst on the reactivity of the hydrocarbon and the activity of the catalyst. In particular, we will show that two descriptors play a key role, the first is the band gap of the oxide, which dictates the reactivity of O atoms at its surface, and the second is the strength of C-H bond in the reactant and in intermediates and products formed from the reactant. The way in which these properties affect catalyst activity and selectivity will be illustrated with examples of alkane and alkene oxidation over oxides of Mo and V.<br/>

Selective oxidation of hydrocarbons over metal oxides: Effects of metal oxide and hydrocarbon properties

2019 Spring National Meeting

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