Reactivity of n-butene using carbon supported Mo carbide and Ni, Mo, Co phosphides catalysts

Conversion of 1-butene was studied over Mo carbides and Ni, Co and Mo phosphides, under continuous gas phase operating conditions at atmospheric pressure and 100 °C, using 1-butene/helium mixture in a molar ratio of 4:1. The conversion was in the range 30–44% and the values were quite stable except for (1:2)CoP, (1:2)NiP, (1:2)MoP-and MoxC supported catalysts. The main reaction was isomerization of 1-butene, and the selectivity to dimerization was observed in a higher ratio on (1:2)MoP and MoxC supported on high surface area graphite. In situ XRD, XPS, NH3-TPD and thermogravimetry (TG) have been used to assess for the formed species on the surface. [Display omitted] •Conversion of 1-butene over Mo phosphides and carbides on carbon-based catalysts.•Stable catalysts on isomerization reaction.•MoP enhanced the selectivity to dimerization.