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Abstract:
Electronic and structural properties of V-containing phases determine the isolation of active sites at the surface of catalysts for selective oxidation of alkanes. We show that this concept is not restricted to vanadium oxide. Deliberate use of hydrothermal techniques can turn the typical combustion catalyst Mn oxide into a selective catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane. Nano-structured, crystalline MnWO4 serves as support that stabilizes a defect-rich MnOx surface phase. Oxygen defects can be reversibly replenished and depleted at reaction temperature. Terminating MnOx zigzag chains on (010) crystal planes are suspected to bear structurally site-isolated oxygen defects that account for the unexpected good performance of the catalyst in propane activation.