ESCA studies on fresh and used dehydrogenation catalysts for conversion of ethylbenzene to styrene

Abstract

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used for characterization of catalysts used for dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene. Catalysts have been studied in fresh and used form. These catalysts are iron oxide based catalysts with potassium and chromium promoters used for increasing its selectivity and stability. All elements, namely Fe, O, K, Cl and Cr, present on the catalyst surface have been identified. XPS data reveals that reduction of Fe₂O₃ to Fe₃O₄, formation of hydroxyl phase of iron from steam, loss of active iron component and loss/migration of potassium take place during dehydrogenation reaction.