An in-situ reactivation study reveals a supreme stability of γ-alumina for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene

Ethylbenzene oxidative dehydrogenation over γ-alumina under in-situ conditions has revealed that the catalyst recovers fully the original conversion and selectivity under steady state conditions. In the transition state, the reactivated catalyst achieved faster the steady state conditions. This was supported by physico-chemical characterisation that revealed a pore widening due to the crystallite sintering during the reactivation, which has a beneficial effect. The excellent stability after reactivation recycle, as well as along the run, show the good promise of this catalyst.