Effect of iron counter-ions on the redox properties of the Keggin-type molybdophosphoric heteropolyacid: Part I. An experimental study on isobutane oxidation catalysts Original Research Article

Keggin-type molybdophosphoric heteropolyacid with protons partially substituted by iron cations in a bulk form (Fe0.85H0.45PMo12O40) or supported on the cesium salt (Cs2Fe0.2H0.4PMo12O40) have been synthesized and characterized by different techniques like the Mössbauer spectroscopy and the electron spin resonance (ESR). The effect of iron on the redox and catalytic properties for the oxidation of isobutane into methacrylic acid (MAA) has also been studied. Iron has been shown to have a different effect whether acts as a counter-cation in the bulk acid or in the acid supported on the cesium salt. In the first case, it increases both the selectivity in methacrylic acid and methacrolein (MA) and the activity of the acid phase whereas in the second case, it increases only the selectivity. This difference has been explained by the existence of an electron transfer between iron and molybdenum occurring only in the bulk acid. This electron transfer was related to a combined hydration-oxidation mechanism which promotes the reducibility of the solid and consequently its catalytic activity.