Selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid on MoVNbTe mixed oxides catalysts prepared by hydrothermal synthesis

MoVNbTe mixed oxides have been prepared by both hydrothermal synthesis and slurry methods and have been tested in the selective oxidation of propane t o acrylic acid. For comparative purpose, ternary metal oxides have also bee n prepared and tested. Characterisation results (X-ray diffraction and EPR) show important differences between the catalysts prepared hydrothermally a nd one prepared by a slurry method. The catalysts prepared hydrothermally s how a higher activity and selectivity to acrylic acid than those prepared b y slurry method. A reaction network for the partial oxidation reaction is t entatively proposed from the catalytic results obtained during the oxidatio n of propane and propylene on these catalysts.