Photothermal catalytic CO2 oxidative dehydrogenation of propane over Co-Mn bimetallic oxides supported on MCM-41 molecular sieve

Compared with conventional thermal catalysis reaction, the photothermal CO2-assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (CO2-ODHP) to produce propylene and CO is an environmentally friendly and sustainable method that operates at lower temperatures. In the present work, we have developed a series of Co-Mn/MCM-41 catalysts and utilized them in the photothermal CO2-ODHP reaction. Among these catalysts, the sample with Co and Mn loadings of 3 % resulted in activities of 225.7 μmol gcat−1 h−1 of propylene and 272.0 μmol gcat−1 h−1 of CO at 250 °C. Characterization results revealed that the electron transfer and interplay between Co and Mn oxides enhance the photoelectronic response and reduce impedance, facilitating the electron transfer process. Besides, the Co and Mn bimetallic species could enhance photothermal conversion efficiency and further enhance the local temperature during the reaction. The present work introduces a novel strategy for building supported bimetallic oxides in achieving CO2-ODHP via the photothermal route and is also expected to provide an optional catalyst required satisfactions including efficient electron transfer and photothermal conversion for other photothermal reactions.