CATALYTIC DECOMPOSITION OF 2-PROPANOL ON CO1-XO4 SPINEL SYSTEM(XAL2)

Catalytic activity of the Co1+xAl2-xO4 (0<x<1) solid solution system h as been evaluated using decomposition of 2-propanol as test reaction. The end members (with x = 0 and 1) showed exclusively dehydration and dehydrogenation activities, respectively. Selectivity for dehydrogenat ion increased with increase in x. Dehydration activity was found to oc cur due to the presence of acid centers as determined by n-butyl amine titration and pyridine poisoning experiments. Dehydrogenation activit y was found to be caused by Co-3+ ions. The surface concentrations of cobalt were evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and these we re correlated with the catalytic activity.