MN-STABILIZED ZIRCONIA CATALYSTS FOR COMPLETE OXIDATION OF N-BUTANE

The activity of Mn-stabilized zirconia with a Mn content ranging from 5 to 50 mol-% in the complete oxidation of n-butane is investigated he re. The structure sensitivity as a major factor governing the activity is proved. Multivalent Mn when present in the zirconia lattice in con centrations from 5 to 30 mol-% is found to accelerate the reaction rat e to a greater extent than does bulk zirconia or bulk MnO2 present as extra lattice component. The role of the calcination temperature on th e stability of the structure and its repercussions on the catalytic ac tivity are also demonstrated here.