Efficient alumina-chromia catalysts with hierarchical porous structure for isobutane dehydrogenation in fixed-bed reactor

The granulated alumina-chromia (CrO _x /Al ₂ O ₃ ) catalysts for dehydrogenation of light paraffinic hydrocarbons in a fixed-bed reactor are prepared from the products of thermochemical activation of Al(OH) ₃ through a one-stage wet mixing method. The role of wood flour addition on the formation of hierarchical porous structure of the catalysts is demonstrated. The high mechanical strength of granules (6.7–10.0 MPa) is achieved despite the presence of macropores in the structure. The role of macropores in the isobutane dehydrogenation under near-real conditions using a bed with the catalyst granules is discussed. The activity rise with the increased addition of wood flour loading and an increase in the amount of macropores is shown. Such data are similar in activity to catalysts used in industry.