Structure-activity correlations and solid-state kinetic investigations of iron oxide-based catalysts supported on SBA-15

In this book, iron oxidic species supported on nanostructured silica (SBA-15) are introduced as model catalysts for deducing structure-activity correlations in selective oxidation of propene. Influence of iron loading, Fe(III) precursor, powder layer thickness during calcination, and molybdenum addition on structure and activity of Fe₊xO₊y/SBA-15 catalysts is investigated.

Fe₊xO₊y/SBA-15 catalysts are characterized ex situ and in situ by a multitude of analyzing methods, i.e. XRD, DR-UV-Vis spectroscopy, N₂ physisorption, Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopy, GC-MS, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and TPR. Moreover, applicability of solid-state kinetic analysis methods to supported iron oxidic species is shown. Results from solid-state kinetic analysis under non-isothermal conditions are particularly helpful in corroborating structure-activity correlations of Fe₊xO₊y/SBA-15 catalysts. Understanding the correlation of various synthesis parameters with structure and activity of Fe₊xO₊y/SBA-15 catalysts eventually permits obtaining improved green iron oxide catalysts for selective oxidation of propene.