Operando UV-Vis spectroscopy of a catalytic solid in a pilot-scale reactor: deactivation of a CrOx/Al2O3 propane dehydrogenation catalyst

A novel operando UV-Vis spectroscopic set-up has been constructed and tested for the investigation of catalyst bodies loaded in a pilot-scale reactor under relevant reaction conditions. Spatiotemporal insight into the formation and burning of coke deposits on an industrial CrOx/Al2O3 catalyst during propane dehydrogenation has been obtained.