Supported oxorhenate catalysts prepared by thermal spreading of metal Re for methanol conversion to methylal

TiO₂-anatase and SiO₂ supported oxorhenate catalysts were prepared by an original and simple technique based on the oxidative dispersion of metallic rhenium under dry conditions. The dispersion process of the supported oxorhenate phase as a function of the rhenium coverage and the support properties are discussed on the base of in situ characterization. The structures of the as prepared catalysts were found to be comparable to those of materials prepared using the incipient wetness impregnation technique. The absence of water in the preparation technique has made it possible to highlight the role of the hydration level on the rhenium oxide volatilization. The as-prepared Re/TiO₂ catalysts were found to be effective for the direct conversion of methanol to methylal.