Influence of co-feeds additive on the photo-epoxidation of propylene over V-Ti/MCM-41 photocatalyst

Abstract

In this work, the effects of co-feed species, namely, H2O or H-2, on the photocatalytic epoxidation of propylene over V-Ti/MCM-41 are examined. A promoting effect on the C3H6 consumption rate is found under 0.6 kPa H2O co-feed when the PO (propylene oxide) formation rate is not proportionally promoted, resulting a slightly decreased PO selectivity. With increasing H2O concentration, the reaction activity decreases and this can be attributed to surface site blocking by excess H2O. The presence of H2O also increases the stability of photocatalyst during reaction. Similar observation of the enhanced C3H6 consumption rate and the improved stability is found when 5.6 kPa H-2 is used as co-feed. We found that the catalyst stability is improved when the AA (acetaldehyde) is increased. This suggests that AA accumulation on the catalyst surface may lead to surface fouling and the observed deactivation. The presence of H2O or H-2 co-feed, which can lead to hydroxyl radical (OH.), may impose a shift in the production formation of photocatalytic reaction. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.