Supported FeNi catalysts for the co-activation of CO and small alkanes.

The effect of both the Fe : Ni ratio (5 to 1 : 1) and the relative Lewis acidity of a metal oxide support on catalytic activity, selectivity and stability was investigated in the CO mediated oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (CO-ODH). To avoid effects of varying pore sizes, shapes and volumes of the supports, chromia and zirconia overlayers were coated onto a common γ-AlO carrier (CrO@AlO and ZrO@AlO). Separately, oxidic FeNi alloy precursor nanoparticles were prepared using a nonaqueous surfactant-free method and deposited by sonication onto the carrier.