In this work, a series of VO
x
-loaded
In2O3 catalysts were prepared, and their catalytic
performance was evaluated for CO2-assisted oxidative dehydrogenation
of propane (CO2-ODHP) and compared with In2O3 alone. The optimal composition is obtained on 3.4V/In2O3 (surface V density of 3.4V nm–2), which exhibited not only a higher C3H6 selectivity
than other V/In catalysts and In2O3 under isoconversion
conditions but also an improved reaction stability. To elucidate the
catalyst structure–activity relationship, the VO
x
/In2O3 catalysts were characterized
by chemisorption [NH3-temperature-programmed desorption
(TPD), NH3-diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform
spectroscopy (DRIFTS), CO2-TPD, and CO2-DRIFTS],
H2-temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), in situ Raman
spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, near-ambient
pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy,
and further examined using density functional theory. The In–O–V
structure and the extent of oligomerization, which play a crucial
role in improving selectivity and stability, were identified in the
VO
x
/In2O3 catalysts.
In particular, the presence of surface VO
x
(i) inhibits the deep reduction of In2O3,
thereby preserving the activity, (ii) neutralizes the excess basicity
on In2O3, thus suppressing propane dry reforming
and achieving a higher propylene selectivity, and (iii) introduces
additional redox sites that participate in the dehydrogenation reaction
by utilizing CO2 as a soft oxidant. The present work provides
insights into developing selective, stable, and robust metal-oxide
catalysts for CO2-ODHP by controlling the conversion of
reagents via desired pathways through the interplay between acid–base
interactions and redox properties.