Surface characterization of a grafted vanadium–titanium dioxide catalyst

Abstract

Surface properties of a low-content vanadium catalyst, prepared by grafting a high-surface-area TiO₂(anatase) support, have been studied by means of diffuse reflectance, e.s.r. and F.t.i.r. spectroscopy, t.p.d. and its catalytic activity by butadiene oxidation. It has been found that the grafting reaction of vanadium occurs on all surface OH groups of TiO₂, leaving exposed Ti⁴⁺ cations. Vanadium sites are isolated on the surface and have labile oxidative and coordinative states. Moreover, they interact cooperatively with titanium sites. Evidence for other vanadium species (surface, interstitial or reticular) has not been found.