Comparison of hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis on unsupported and silica-supported Rh–V2O3 and Pt–V2O3

Several Rh and Pt catalysts where V2O3 is used as support or a promoter have been characterized by H2 chemisorption, benzene hydrogenation and reactions of n-butane. The chemisorption and activity effects of different degrees of metal–oxide interaction induced by low- and high-temperature reduction are compared with those observed with similar catalysts where TiO2 was the support (promoter). The nature of the metal–oxide interaction and how it differs for the same metal interacting with V2O3 and TiO2 are discussed.