Supported carbon nanotubes on SiO₂ spheres as robust monolithic catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene

Novel carbon nanotube (CNT)/SiO₂ monolithic catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene were synthesized by immobilizing CNTs onto commercial SiO₂ spheres. The CNTs completely cover the surface of the SiO₂ spheres, and the catalysts exhibit an improved performance with a higher styrene yield and selectivity, and a higher ethylbenzene conversionthan commercial CNT powder. The catalysts also have a high mechanical strength and a diameter of 4 mm, which can decrease the pressure drop in the fixed bed reactor and also decrease the mass transfer resistance compared with a commercial CNT powder.