Oxidation by Non-Reducible Oxides

In addition to the wide range of metal oxide catalysts that can cany out oxidation via redox catalysis, there are a host of other materials that can carry out oxidation over non-reducible metal oxides. The oxidation mechanisms over non-reducible metal oxides are quite different and typically involve the production of free radical intermediates. The mechanisms tend to contain both heterogeneous and homogeneous activation and functionality. The oxide is used to activate a free radical process that can then proceed in the gas phase or at the surface. Li-substituted MgO and the rare earth metal oxides are two classes of materials that are considered non-reducible oxidation catalysts. Here we wiU specifically focus on the activation of alkanes over non-reducible metal oxides. 

The reactivity of rare earthmetal oxides show many features similar to those of Li-substituted The activity for the oxidation of ethane increases experimen- 

The presence of redox functionality in these materials tends to reduce the selectivity to the alkene product. 

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