A novel BaCl2–TiO2–SnO2 catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane

A novel BaCl2–TiO2–SnO2 catalyst was prepared and studied for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ODE). Slight changes in textual properties and crystal structures of the catalyst were observed after ODE reaction. Nonetheless, both Ba2+ and Cl− ions were found to segregate on catalyst surface during the reaction. The vital and positive effects of Cl− ions in the catalyst have been demonstrated by control experiments with catalyst free of Cl− ions. The BaCl2–TiO2–SnO2 catalyst show good activity and selectivity in ODE reaction, making it an alternative for ethylene synthesis using a low-cost feedstock such as ethane.