VOx/SiO2 Catalyst Prepared by Grafting VOCl3 on Silica for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane

Abstract The VO x /SiO 2 catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane were synthesized by a simple grafting method. The VOCl 3 was first grafted at the surface of SiO 2 , which was dehydrated at different temperature (from 200 to 1000 °C). The formed grafted complexes were then calcined in air, leading to the formation of VO x /SiO 2 catalysts. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by nitrogen adsorption, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, temperature‐programmed reduction, and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis. The SiO 2 pretreatment temperature has an evident effect on the loading and dispersion of VO x on SiO 2 , which finally affects their catalytic performance. High SiO 2 treatment temperature is beneficial to dispersing the vanadium oxide species at the SiO 2 surface. These materials are efficient catalysts for the catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propylene. The best selectivity to propylene is achieved on the VO x /SiO 2‐(1000) catalyst. The high selectivity and activity are well maintained for three days catalytic reaction.