Catalytic Conversion of Isopropanol and CO Oxidation in Presence of NiO Supported on Modified Cordierite

A commercial cordierite sample showed a small catalytic activity in isopropanol conversion carried out at 150- 350 oC and no measurable activity in CO oxidation by O2. On the other hand, supporting NiO on Al2O3-modified cordierite resulted in the formation of an active solid that having good catalytic activity in isopropanol conversion and CO oxidation by O2. These two reactions were carried out at 150-350 and 200 oC, respectively. The results revealed that the catalyst containing 5% (w/w) NiO showed the highest activity in the alcohol conversion and acted as selective dehydration catalyst. The catalyst sample containing 20% NiO (w/w) exhibited a good activity in CO oxidation by O2 which decreased progressively by increasing its calcination temperature within 350-600 oC. Al2O3-treated cordierite dissolved a portion of NiO in its lattice, increasing the calcination temperature within 350-600 oC increases the dissolution of NiO in the matrix of Al2O3-modified cordierite system.