Catalytic activity and selectivity of combined zirconium-3d transition metal phosphates in isopropanol conversion

The isopropanol conversion catalytic activity of a family of crystalline M0.5Zr2(PO4)3 phosphates (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), in which the negative charge of the anionic skeleton is compensated by 3d transition metal ions, was studied. It was found that isopropanol is simultaneously dehydrogenated and dehydrated irrespective of the composition of the catalyst. The chemical nature of the transition metal was shown to significantly affect the catalytic activity and, to a smaller degree, the selectivity of the orthophosphate. The effects of treatment of the catalysts with oxygen and with monochromatic light were also examined.