OXIDATIVE DEHYDROGENATION OF ETHANE OVER LA1-XSRXFEO3-DELTA PEROVSKITE OXIDES

Catalysts of the composition La1-xSrxFeO3-delta, 0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 1, have been tested for the oxidative dehyd rogenation of ethane in the temperature range 300-800 degrees C. The c atalyst is active above 400 degrees C, giving a maximum yield of 37% e thylene at 650 degrees C. Above 650 degrees C, synthesis gas was forme d together with methane, suggesting that the reforming reaction and th ermal cracking of ethane took place. The catalytic data are compared t o conductivity measurements on the same material, and a good correlati on between the activity and p-type conductivity has been found. In the phase diagram for the system LaFeO3-SrFeO3-delta, a phase separation to two types of (La, Sr)FeO3-delta perovskites was observed in the La/ Sr binary composition in the temperature range below 800 degrees C. Th e phase separation can elucidate the dependency of the catalytic activ ity on its p-type conductivity.