Stable Cr-MFI Catalysts for the Nonoxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane: Catalytic Performance and Nature of the Active Sites

The nonoxidative catalytic dehydrogenation of ethane allows the production ethylene at lower temperatures than those applied in steam crackers. This, however, requires stable catalysts that minimize coke production. Here, we report a single-component, promoter-free, low-loading, Cr-based catalyst exhibiting high activity, long-term stability, and improved regeneration properties for direct to ethylene. According our detailed operando X-ray absorption spectroscopic analysis, use all-silica MFI zeolite as support promotes stabilization CrII(?O–Si?)2 species with resistance, even when is carried out under partial pressures (1.5 bar).