Ni-Ag-O as catalyst for a novel one-step reaction to convert ethane to ethylene oxide

The use of a Ni-Ag-O catalyst in a one-step reaction to produce ethylene oxide from ethane was investigated. An optimum ethylene oxide yield of 1.2% was obtained with a selectivity of 12.8% at 310 °C. The catalyst was characterized through X-ray diffraction, BET surface area, H2 temperature-programmed reduction, O2 temperature-programmed desorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that NiO and Ag in the catalyst favored ethane activation and the formation of ethylene oxide, respectively.