Structural and Catalytic Activity of V2O5-Supported on AlPO4 Catalysts

Summary. A series of AlPO₄-V₂O₅ (APV) systems with various vanadia amounts 1–30mol% were prepared by the impregnation method and calcinated at 400 and 600°C for 4h. The catalysts were characterized by TG/DTG, DSC, IR spectroscopy, XRD, N₂ adsorption, and electrical conductivity measurements. The surface acidity and basicity of the catalysts were studied by the dehydration-dehydrogenation of isopropyl alcohol and the adsorption of pyridine. The catalytic gas phase esterification of acetic acid with ethyl alcohol was carried out at 210°C in a flow system at 1atm using air as a carrier gas. The results showed that the catalysts calcinated at 400°C were active and selective towards the formation of ethyl acetate whereas the calcination of samples at 600°C led to a drastic reduction in both activity and selectivity. Good correlations were obtained between catalytic activities towards ester formation and acidity of the prepared catalysts.