Investigating the Catalytic Active Sites of Mo/HZSM-5 and Their Deactivation During Methane Dehydroaromatization

Abstract

Molybdenum supported on zeolite HZSM-5 is the most studied catalyst for methane dehydroaromatization. However, the nature of its catalytic sites and their deactivation mechanisms remain unclear and controversial. Here, we report further insights into this system: first, the crystal size of HZSM-5 determines the form and location of the catalytic active MoC x species, and thus the catalyst performance; second, MoC x sites are preferentially deactivated over acid sites, when supported on nano-sized HZSM-5; third, MoC x particles that are traditionally considered detrimental to the reaction can serve as active sites, if they are properly protected from coke deposition. These findings lead us to develop an ''encapsulation'' strategy, which reconciles the deactivation rates of the MoC x and acid sites, enabling a full utilization of both sites, and consequently leading to a 10-fold increase in catalyst lifetime. Encapsulation also allows us to design experiments to confirm the catalytic role of the acid sites.

Recent Advances on Gallium-Modified ZSM-5 for Conversion of Light Hydrocarbons

“…and preparation procedures. Fast deactivation, due to carbon deposition, is the major problem with Mo based catalysts [ 19 , 30 ]. When using ZSM-5 as support, the inherent acidity and channel structure of ZSM-5 were proposed to facilitate the dehydroaromatization [ 31 , 32 ].…”