Catalyst supports based on ZnO–ZnAl2O4 nanocomposites with enhanced selectivity and coking resistance in isobutane dehydrogenation

Development of coking resistant supports and catalysts for hydrocarbons conversion is challenging, especially when using such acidic materials as alumina. Apparently, this problem can be mitigated by using spinels that are less acidic, being, however, thermally stable. In this study, a series of ZnO–ZnAl2O4 nanocomposites with different ZnO loading were prepared by urotropine-nitrate combustion synthesis to be used as supports for isobutane dehydrogenation catalysts. The nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, SEM, N2-physisorption analysis, EDS, H2-TPR, TPD of NH3 and tested in isobutane dehydrogenation. Spinels with small amounts of ZnO displayed higher acidity and specific surface areas than samples with a higher ZnO content (30–40 mol%). At the same time, the maximum activity and the lowest selectivity to by-products (CH4 and C3H6) after 10 min of the reaction were observed for the nanocomposite containing 20 mol% of ZnO. The obtained nanocomposites have demonstrated better resistance to coking compared to commercial alumina.