INFLUENCE OF PREPARATION METHOD ON THE PERFORMANCE OF VANADIA-NIOBIA CATALYSTS FOR THE OXIDATIVE DEHYDROGENATION OF PROPANE

The influence of various preparation methods on the performance of V-Nb-O catalysts has been investigated. it was found that the activity and selectivity of a vanadium site depend on the nature of the neighbouring atoms. Vanadium neighbours provide activity, while niobium neighbours provide selectivity. Careful preparation of these catalysts ensures a homogeneous distribution and good mixing of the vanadium and niobium. It was also found that the vanadium becomes mobile upon reduction and this results in better distribution of vanadium in used catalysts.