Promoting effect of carbon dioxide on the dehydrogenation and aromatization of ethane over gallium‐loaded catalysts

Abstract

Ga₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃/TiO₂ catalysts were found to be effective agents for the dehydrogenation of ethane to ethene in the presence of carbon dioxide at 650 °C. The activity of the Ga₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃/TiO₂ catalysts in the presence of CO₂ was 2–4 times higher than that without CO₂. Ethene yields reached ca. 20–25% and selectivity was ca. 70–90% at 650°C in the 17% ethane and 83% CO₂ feed at an SV of 9,000 ml/(g‐cat h). The presence of CO₂ markedly promoted dehydrogenation of ethane over Ga₂O₃ and Ga₂O₃/TiO₂ catalysts. Furthermore, the promoting effect of CO₂ on the aromatization of ethane and ethene over a Ga₂O₃+H/ZSM‐5 catalyst was also observed above 650 °C. Aromatics yields were higher than those without CO₂.