Oxidation of methanol over chromium containing spinel (MgAl/sub 2-x/Cr/sub x/O/sub 4/) and corundum (. cap alpha. -Al/sub 2-x/Cr/sub x/O/sub 3/) solid solutions

Journal Article · Tue Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · J. Catal.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6992312

Awe, A A; Miliades, G; Vickerman, J C

The oxidation of methanol has been studied over chromium-containing corundum and spinel phase solid solutions. The corundum phase catalysts (..cap alpha..-Al/sub 2-x/Cr/sub x/O/sub 3/) were less active but very much more selective to formaldehyde than the spinel catalysts (MgAl/sub 2-x/Cr/sub x/O/sub 4/). At chromium contents below about 10% there were dramatic fluctuations in activity and selectivity as a function of the chromium content for both catalyst systems. Above 10% chromium the activity behavior became relatively constant as (Cr) increased. The reaction selectivity over corundum catalysts settled at 0.7 at 670K whereas it was zero over spinel catalysts at 470K. The activity behavior at low Cr contents is discussed in terms of the localized sites which are formed and how these affect the basic activity of the host matrix in generating active oxygen, and in adsorbing methanol. At higher Cr contents electron delocalization between the active sites is thought to be the reason for the stabilization of behavior, though at a very different level for the two catalyst systems. 4 figures, 1 table.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Manchester Inst. of Science and Technology, England
• OSTI ID: 6992312
• Journal Information: J. Catal.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Catal.; (United States) Vol. 62:2; ISSN JCTLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

090210* -- Alcohol Fuels-- Properties-- (1976-1989)
10 SYNTHETIC FUELS
ALCOHOLS
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
CATALYST SUPPORTS
CATALYSTS
CATALYTIC EFFECTS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHROMIUM
CORUNDUM
ELEMENTS
HIGH TEMPERATURE
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS
MAGNESIUM OXIDES
METALS
METHANOL
MINERALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDATION
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SPINELS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS