Gas phase oxidation of furfural to maleic anhydride on V 2 O 5 /γ-Al 2 O 3 catalysts: Reaction conditions to slow down the deactivation

An alumina-supported vanadium oxide catalyst (13.9 wt.% vanadium oxide) has been characterized by different techniques and tested in the gas phase oxidation of furfural. These studies have shown that the catalyst unavoidably deactivates by deposition of maleates and resins over the surface. Full regeneration is accomplished by burning off these deposits at 773 K. The studies have also demonstrated that if the primary contact occurs at...