Synthesis of vanadium-based catalysts and their excellent catalytic behaviors on dehydrogenation of C4 hydrocarbons

In this paper, vanadium-based catalysts made from commercial γ-alumina (V1 series) and from pseudo-boehmite (V2 series) were, respectively, prepared via impregnation method. The samples were characterized and evaluated by various characterization techniques (e.g. X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, ammonia temperature programmed desorption, and hydrogenation temperature programmed reduction) and dehydrogenation reactions, respectively. The results reveal that the most suitable loading amount of the V1 series of vanadium-based catalysts is 12 % and it is superior to the C4 olefin selectivity. On the other hand, the most suitable loading amount of V2 series of vanadium-based catalysts is 15 %, and this optimal catalyst has better dehydrogenation activity. The two series of samples are mainly composed of weak acid sites and V2 series of vanadium-based catalysts have larger specific surface area, larger pore volume, wider pore size, and better active component dispersion.