Reactions of propane with CO2 over Au catalysts.

The decomposition of C 3 H 8 and its reaction with CO 2 have been investigated on Au deposited on ZnO, MgO and Al 2 O 3 . The reactions proceeded above 650–700 K. The conversion of C 3 H 8 was only few percents on Au/MgO and Au/Al 2 O 3 , even at 873 K, but reached ∼17% on Au/ZnO. The selectivity of propylene formation was about 56%. CO 2 only slightly affected the reaction of C 3 H 8 on Au/Al 2 O 3 and Au/MgO, but significantly enhanced the conversion of C 3 H 8 on Au/ZnO catalyst. The formation of large amount of CO indicates the involvement of CO 2 in the reaction of C 3 H 8 . From the product distribution it was inferred that beside the oxidative dehydrogenation and dry reforming reaction, the decomposition of C 3 H 8 into CH 4 and surface carbon also occurred. The effect of ZnO is explained by an electronic interaction between n-type ZnO and Au particles leading to a formation of reactive CO 2 − . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]