Synthesis of Ordered Mesoporous Molecular Sieve-Supported Cobalt Catalyst via Organometallic Complexation for Propane Non-Oxidative Dehydrogenation.

Co-based catalysts have shown great promise for propane dehydrogenation (PDH) reactions due to their merits of environmental friendliness and low cost. In this study, ordered mesoporous molecular sieve-supported CoO species (CoO/Al-SBA-15 catalyst) were prepared by one-step organometallic complexation. The catalysts show worm-like morphology with regular straight-through mesoporous pores and high external specific surface area. These typical features can substantially enhance the dispersion of CoO species and mass transfer of reactants and products. Compared with the conventional impregnation method, the 10CSOC (10 wt.% Co/Al-SBA-15 prepared by the organometallic complexation method) sample presents a smaller CoO size and higher Co/Co ratio. When applied to PDH reaction, the 10CSOC delivers higher propane conversion and propylene selectivity. Under the optimal conditions (625 °C and 4500 h), 10CSOC achieves high propane conversion (43%) and propylene selectivity (83%). This is attributed to the smaller and better dispersion of CoO nanoparticles, more suitable acid properties, and higher content of Co species. This work paves the way for the rational design of high-performance catalysts for industrially important reactions.