Influence of Ni/Mo ratio on the structure-performance of ordered mesoporous Ni-Mo-O catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane

•Two-step method without solvent and organic additives was used to synthesize stable ordered mesoporous Ni-Mo-O catalysts.•In-situ Raman results indicate the transformation of α-NiMoO4 to β-NiMoO4 can take place at relative low temperature.•The catalyst of Mo/Ni 0.4 shows the best catalytic performance due to high β-NiMoO4 content and appropriate redox ability.