Barenblat I. The effect of the composition of cobalt-nickel-phosphate catalysts upon the process of partial ethane oxidation

The effect of the catalyst composition on the partial ethane oxidation has been studied. Experimental samples of the binary systems based on cobalt(II) and nickel(II) phosphates have been tested. A new approach to the preparation of cobalt-nickel-phosphate systems has been introduced, which is beneficial from the viewpoints of high stability, activity and selectivity towards the partial ethane oxidation into ethylene. Correlations between the composition of the catalysts and their physical and chemical properties as well as activity have been established. Catalytic properties of the phosphate systems have been studied as a function of various parameters of the ethane conversion, namely, the catalyst composition, the thickness of the catalyst layer, temperature, contact time, ethane and oxygen concentration, and surface acidity. A synergetic interference effect of both phosphates on the surface acidity has been established. A symbate growth of the catalytic activity and selectivity of the binary cobalt-nickel phosphates with the surface acidity increase has been found. Interrelations between the ethylene and CO formation have been elucidated. The pathways of the formation of various ethane conversion products have been discussed. An active and highly selective composite cobalt-nickel-phosphate catalyst for the ethane conversion into the ethylene has been developed.