Ca-doped ThO2, synthesized by solution combustion method was tested for dehydrogenation of ethane with CO2. Doping ThO2 with Ca resulted in the creation of oxide ion vacancies and an increased conversion of ethane compared to pure ThO2. On Th0.75Ca0.25O2 selectivity to ethene was 97 at 46% ethane conversion at 725°C. Well-known reference catalysts like 5%Cr/TS-1 or OMS-2 showed significantly lower selectivity, but the former was more active under the same condition
