Comparison of hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis on unsupported and silica-supported Rh–V2O3 and Pt–V2O3

Abstract

Several Rh and Pt catalysts where V₂O₃ is used as support or a promoter have been characterized by H₂ chemisorption, benzene hydrogenation and reactions of n-butane. The chemisorption and activity effects of different degrees of metal–oxide interaction induced by low- and high-temperature reduction are compared with those observed with similar catalysts where TiO₂ was the support (promoter). The nature of the metal–oxide interaction and how it differs for the same metal interacting with V₂O₃ and TiO₂ are discussed.