Supported carbon nanotubes on SiO2 spheres as robust monolithic catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene

Novel carbon nanotube (CNT)/SiO2 monolithic catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene were synthesized by immobilizing CNTs onto commercial SiO2 spheres. The CNTs completely cover the surface of the SiO2 spheres, and the catalysts exhibit an improved performance with a higher styrene yield and selectivity, and a higher ethylbenzene conversion than commercial CNT powder. The catalysts also have a high mechanical strength and a diameter of 4 mm, which can decrease the pressure drop in the fixed bed reactor and also decrease the mass transfer resistance compared with a commercial CNT powder.