Cobalt‐Based Catalyst Supported on Different Morphologies of Alumina for Non‐oxidative Propane Dehydrogenation: Effect of Metal Support Interaction and Lewis Acidic Sites

Abstract Developing an economically viable and eco‐friendly catalyst is essential for the dehydrogenation reaction. In this context, cobalt‐based catalysts supported on different morphologies of γ‐Al 2 O 3 , nano‐sheet (Al 2 O 3 −NS), nano‐fiber (Al 2 O 3 −NF) and nano‐plate (Al 2 O 3 −NP) were synthesized using wetness impregnation method and tested for non‐oxidative propane dehydrogenation reaction. Metal support interaction and Lewis acidic center play a crucial role in propane dehydrogenation reaction; therefore this study focuses on investigating the role of these parameters on the catalytic activity for cobalt‐based catalysts. A higher metal support interaction was observed in Co/Al 2 O 3 −NS as compared to Co/Al 2 O 3 −NF and Co/Al 2 O 3 −NP. The presence of tetrahedral coordinated Co +2 in Co/Al 2 O 3 −NS leads to higher selectivity towards propylene. The formation of metallic cobalt from Co 3 O 4 precursor present in Co/Al 2 O 3 −NP promoted side reactions to form lower hydrocarbons and carbon, which caused catalyst deactivation. In‐situ DRIFTS analysis revealed the interaction of propane and propylene gases with the catalyst, which was an important revelation to find the source of carbon deposition.