CATALYTIC-OXIDATION OF ETHANE OVER SUPPORTED METAL-OXIDE CATALYSTS

SnO2 supported metal oxides (metal = Mn, Co, Cu, Ce, Ni) have been pre pared by impregnation techniques and investigated for the complete oxi dation of 0.2 vol.% ethane in an air stream using a bench scale rig. M n oxide/SnO2 and Co oxide/SnO2 proved to be the most active catalysts in the complete oxidation of ethane in the temperature range 420-440 d egrees C. Stability studies showed that Mn oxide/SnO2 was very stable compared to Co oxide/SnO2 which lost activity on re-testing in similar reaction conditions. This loss in activity could be associated with C o oxide (as Co3O4) surface modification due to the operating temperatu re (200-500 degrees C) and the presence of water formed during the rea ction causing sintering, structural changes and valence state modifica tion. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.