Enhanced activity for Oxidative dehydrogenation of Ethylbenzene to Styrene using Cobalt substituted Copper Chromite Spinels

Abstract

Cobalt substituted copper chromite spinels (Cu_1-xCo_xCr₂O₄, where x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0) were prepared by homogeneous co-precipitation method. The materials were characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction, BET surface area, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. Powder X-ray diffraction pattern reveals the spinel phase formation and energy dispersive X-ray analysis indicates the correct stoichiometry. Oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene is conducted with air as an oxidant shows that the catalysts are highly active. Reusability studies of the catalysts show that cobalt substituted copper chromite spinels are stable under the reaction conditions.