SOL-GEL PROCESSING OF SILICA-SUPPORTED NI AND CO MOLYBDATE CATALYSTS USED FOR ISOC(4) ALKANE OXIDATIVE DEHYDROGENATION

A novel sol-gel route has been developed to prepare silica supported N i and Co molybdate catalysts. The metal oxides obtained are homogeneou sly dispersed in the silica matrix and specifically for NiMoO4 the hig h-temperature beta-phase which is catalytically more active has been f ound to be stable at room temperature. The catalytic activities of the silica supported stoichiometric Ni and Co molybdates prepared by sol- gel method have been tested continuously in the oxidative dehydrogenat ion of isobutane. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.