The catalytic dehydrogenation of isobutane and the stability enhancement over Fe incorporated SBA-15

Fe-incorporated SBA-15 catalysts were prepared via hydrothermal method using urea as self-regulator for pH. The obtained catalysts expressed highly ordered mesoporous structures proved by N-2 adsorption-desorption, XRD and TEM characterization, also were tested for their activity in dehydrogenation of isobutane. Moderately and strongly acidic sites as well as Fe3+ species were identified as active sites. The ordered mesoporous iron-silica catalyst displayed better catalytic stability as compared with amorphous iron-silica catalyst, which was ascribed to the confinement effect of ordered meso-structure. Moreover, framework iron improved the interaction of iron with the support and increased more weakly acidic sites, which were favorable to restrain the coke formation. The coke was a major cause for catalytic deactivation.