The catalytic performances and characterization of the catalysts La1.6Sr0.4
CuO3.852, La1.6Sr0.4CuO3.857F0.143, and La1.6Sr0.4 CuO3.856Cl0.126 have bee
n investigated for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ODE) to ethene.
X-ray diffraction results indicated that the three catalysts have a single
-phase tetragonal K2NiF4-type structure. The incorporation of fluoride or c
hloride ions in the La1.6Sr0.4CuO4-delta lattice can significantly enhance
C2H6 conversion and C2H4 selectivity. We observed 83.2% C2H6 conversion, 76
.7% C2H4 selectivity, and 63.8% C2H4 yield over La1.6Sr0.4CuO3.857F0.143 an
d 79.6% C2H6 conversion, 74.6% C2H4 selectivity, and 59.4% C2H4 yield over
La1.6Sr0.4CuO3.856Cl0.126 under the reaction conditions of C2H6/O-2/N-2 mol
ar ratio 2/1/3.7, temperature 660 degrees C, and space velocity 6000 ml h(-
1) g(-1). With the rise in space velocity, C2H6 conversion decreased, where
as C2H4 selectivity increased. Life studies showed that the two catalysts w
ere durable within 60 h of on-stream ODE reaction. Based on the results of
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, O-2 temperature-programmed desorption, an
d C2H6 and C2H6/O-2/N-2 (2/1/3.7 molar ratio) pulse studies, we conclude th
at (i) the inclusion of halide ions in the La1.6Sr0.4CuO4-delta lattice cou
ld promote lattice oxygen mobility, and (ii) the O- species accommodated in
oxygen vacancies and desorbed below 600 degrees C favor ethane complete ox
idation whereas the lattice oxygen species desorbed in the 600-700 degrees
C range are active for ethane selective oxidation to ethene. By regulating
the oxygen vacancy density and Cu3+/Cu ratio in the K2NiF4-type halo-oxide
catalyst, one can generate a durable catalyst with good performance for the
ODE reaction.