Catalytic oxidation of ethane over supported metal oxide catalysts

SnO2 supported metal oxides (metal = Mn, Co, Cu, Ce, Ni) have been prepared by impregnation techniques and investigated for the complete oxidation of 0.2 vol.% ethane in an air stream using a bench scale rig. Mn oxide/SnO2 and Co oxide/SnO2 proved to be the most active catalysts in the complete oxidation of ethane in the temperature range 420–440°C. Stability studies showed that Mn oxide/SnO2 was very stable compared to Co oxide/SnO2 which lost activity on re-testing in similar reaction conditions. This loss in activity could be associated with Co oxide (as Co3O4) surface modification due to the operating temperature (200–500°C) and the presence of water formed during the reaction causing sintering, structural changes and valence state modification.