Ytterbium-Containing Oxide Catalysts for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Hydrocarbons

Oxide catalyst samples for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of alkanes were prepared by heat treatment of precursors, namely, hydrotalcite-related magnesium aluminum double hydroxo salts containing ytterbium, as well as magnesium, aluminum, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, and niobium in various combinations. Their catalytic activities were studied. Some catalysts were found to have high efficiency in ODH of ethane, propane, and isobutane, increasing the product yield and enhancing the reaction selectivity.