Effect of Bismuth Additives on the Properties of Vanadium–Phosphorus Oxide Catalyst in the Partial Oxidation of n-Pentane

The selective oxidation of n-pentane on vanadium–phosphorus oxide (VPO) catalysts with bismuth additives (Bi/V = 0–0.30) is studied. The catalysts are characterized by XRD, XPS, and specific surface area measurements using nitrogen adsorption. Their acidic properties are studied (using ammonia TPD and the 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol reaction). It was found that the introduction of bismuth insignificantly affects the specific surface area but increases the surface concentration of phosphorus and changes the acidic properties of the catalysts. The specific catalytic activity of samples in n-pentane oxidation correlates with the effective charge of surface oxygen (E _b of O1s electrons). The selectivity to citraconic anhydride increases with an increase in the general surface acidity. The selectivity to maleic anhydride increases with an increase in the Brønsted acidity of the surface. The selectivity to phthalic anhydride increases with an increase in the Lewis acidity. The pathways of product formation in the partial oxidation of n-pentane are proposed.