Solid acid catalyst of acid-treated hydrated niobium oxide and method for its preparation

摘要

A solid state catalyst consists essentially of hydrated niobium oxide containing a phosphoric acid on its surface in an amount sufficient to increase surface acidity, to inhibit crystallization of the niobium oxide and to retard loss in catalytic activity following exposure to high temperature. The catalyst can be prepared by treating hydrated niobium oxide (Nb2O5.xH2O) or an anhydride thereof with a phosphoric acid. The catalyst is useful in the hydration of ethylene to form ethanol.