C–H and C–C bond activation of propane to propylene and ethylene selectivity assisted by CO2 over titania catalysts

C–H and C–C bond dissociation over stable titania-based catalysts was studied for propane conversion assisted by CO2 to produce propylene and ethylene. The catalysts were characterised to determine their properties, and each catalyst exhibited a distinct surface acidity and bulk hydrogen reduction profile. The Zr/Ti oxide catalyst showed broader surface acidity, which resulted in higher C–H bond activation and promoted greater propylene selectivity in the range of 60%, and 20% ethylene selectivity. The Tl/Ti oxide catalyst favored the C–C bond dissociation mechanism of propane and achieved 55% ethylene selectivity, with 12% for propylene. CO2 promoted a longer life-cycle stream of catalytic conversion to propylene and ethylene yield compared with benchmark commercial catalysts. This study reveals the importance of titania-based catalysts to assist the C–H and C–C bond activation of propane over catalyst and demonstrated an alternative process to produce stable yields of propylene and ethylene.