Catalytic Conversion of Propanol-1 and Propanol-2 on Lithium–Zirconium Phosphates with NASICON Structure

Abstract

The catalytic activity of complex phosphates of the NASICON structure (composition Li_{1 ± x}Zr_2–xM_x(P_1–хMo_хO₄)₃ and HZr₂(PO₄)₃) with the heterovalent substitution of zirconium for indium and niobium or phosphorus for molybdenum and with a particle size of 50–300 nm is studied in transformations of primary and secondary propanols. Heterovalent doping is shown to be prevalent in its effect on the activity and selectivity of catalysts obtained due to both a change in acidity and the redox properties of compounds. A significant difference in the activities of dehydration and dehydrogenation reactions between primary and secondary alcohols is found which is associated with the steric difficulties of these processes. The conversion of propanol-1 and propanol-2 depending on LiZr₂(PO₄)₃, Li_0.5Zr_1.5Nb_0.5(PO₄)₃, and HZr₂(PO₄)₃ catalysts results in 100% selectivity according to propene. Doping with indium results in approximately 75% selectivity according to propanal.