MoO3 supported on montmorillonite type pillared clays: Characterization, surface acidity and catalytic properties towards the oxidation of methanol

Two different MoO3 catalysts (30 wt%) supported on montmorillonite type pillared clays have been synthesized by (i) impregnation with an ammonium molybdate solution (sample Mo-APC-i) and (ii) mechanical mixing with MoO3 (sample Mo-APC-m). After preparation both catalysts were calcined at 400°C. It has been established by X-ray phase analysis, temperature programmed reduction and IR spectroscopy that impregnation leads to a better dispersion of molybdenum oxide on the support, which ensures (i) a higher concentration of Brّnsted acid sites (measured by adsorption of pyridine) and (ii) a higher catalytic activity in methanol oxidation of the Mo-APC-i catalyst.