Structure–Activity Relationships in Ni-Al Mixed Oxides: The Critical Role of a Precursor Anion in the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane

The study employed a green, template-free ball milling method to construct a series of Ni-Al mixed oxide catalysts modulated by different nickel precursors (nitrate, acetate, carbonate, sulfate, and chlorate). Through multiscale characterization techniques (XRD, TEM, XPS, H2-TPR, etc.) and catalytic performance evaluations, we systematically elucidated the regulatory mechanism of precursor types on the structure-performance relationship. The NiAlOx-CO32− catalyst derived from nickel carbonate exhibited a unique structure, an optimal Ni/Al ratio, and well-tuned active oxygen species, thereby demonstrating exceptional catalytic performance in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ODHE) at 475 °C with 53.2% ethane conversion, 72.6% ethylene selectivity, and maintained stability over 40 h of continuous operation. Beyond developing high-performance ODHE catalysts, this work establishes a “precursor chemistry–material structure–catalytic performance” relationship model, offering new insights for the rational design of efficient catalysts for light alkane conversion.