Catalytic activity and selectivity of combined zirconium-3d transition metal phosphates in isopropanol conversion

The isopropanol conversion catalytic activity of a family of crystalline M0 .5Zr2(PO4)(3) phosphates (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), in which the negative ch arge of the anionic skeleton is compensated by 3d transition metal ions, wa s studied. It was found that isopropanol is simultaneously dehydrogenated a nd dehydrated irrespective of the composition of the catalyst. The chemical nature of the transition metal was shown to significantly affect the catal ytic activity and, to a smaller degree, the selectivity of the orthophospha te. The effects of treatment of the catalysts with oxygen and with monochro matic light were also examined.