Characterization of Ni–Mg–Al mixed oxides and their catalytic activity in oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane and propene Original Research Article

Hydrotalcite-type materials with different Ni:Mg:Al ratios have been prepared and characterized by different methods (powder X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR and VIS–UV/diffuse reflectance spectroscopies and specific surface area and pore size distribution assessment). Samples calcined at 600°C, where the layered structure has been destroyed, are formed by non-stoichiometric NiO–MgO oxides, and their catalytic activity in n-butane and propene oxidative dehydrogenation has been studied; production of methane and ethylene, in addition to CO2 and H2O, is observed. The sample without Ni is not active in these reactions, but, among those containing Ni, that with the lowest content exhibits the largest activity.