Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane to Propylene with Soft Oxidants via Heterogeneous Catalysis

Oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propylene can be achieved using conventional, oxygen-assisted dehydrogenation of propane (O2–ODHP) or via the use of soft oxidants, such as CO2, N2O, S-containing compounds, and halogens/halides. The major roles of soft oxidants include inhibiting overoxidation and improving propylene selectivity, which are considered to be current challenges in O2-assisted dehydrogenation. For both CO2– and N2O–ODHP reactions, significant efforts have been devoted to developing redox-active (e.g., chromium, vanadate, iron, etc.), nonredox-type main group metal oxide (e.g., group IIIA, gallium), and other transition metal/metal oxide catalysts (e.g., molybdenum, palladium platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, etc.), as well as zeolite-based catalysts with adjustable acid–base properties, unique pore structures, and topologies. Metal sulfides have shown promising performance in DHP, whereas the development of suitable catalysts has lagged for SO2- or S-assisted ODHP. Recently, significant efforts have been focused on homogeneous and heterogeneous ODHP using halogens (e.g., Br2, I2, Cl2, etc.) and hydrogen halides (e.g., HCl and HBr) for the development of facile processes for C3H6 synthesis. This Review aims to provide a critical, comprehensive review of recent advances in oxidative dehydrogenation of propane with these soft oxidants, particularly highlighting the current state of understanding of the following factors: (i) relationships between composition, structure, and catalytic performance, (ii) effects of the support, acidity, and promoters, (iii) reaction pathway and mechanistic insights, and (iv) the various roles of soft oxidants. Theoretical and computational insights toward understanding reaction mechanisms and catalyst design principles are also covered. Future research opportunities are discussed in terms of catalyst design and synthesis, deactivation and regeneration, reaction mechanisms, and alternative approaches.