Structure–activity relationships in alumina-supported molybdena–vanadia catalysts for propane oxidative dehydrogenation

The interactions between Mo and V on alumina are studied for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of propane. Dispersed surface molybdena and vanadia species share alumina support but show no interaction below Mo + V monolayer coverage. Vanadia and molybdena species react on alumina into mixed Mo–V–(Al)–O above Mo + V monolayer coverage, which nature depends on environmental conditions. Molybdena sites may form Al2(MoO4)3 or Mo–V–O phases depending on loading and temperature. The Mo–V–O phases spread on the support as separate surface oxides at lower coverage, such trend appears promoted by ODH reaction conditions.