Abstract: The present invention relates to catalysts comprising at least one support and at least one layer applied to said support, said layer containing a) 20 to 95% by weight of at least one aluminum, silicon, titanium or magnesium oxide compound or a silicon carbide or a carbon support or mixtures thereof, and b) 5 to 50% by weight of at least one nanocarbon. The catalysts can be used to produce unsaturated hydrocarbons by means of the oxidative dehydrogenation of alkylaromatics, alkenes and alkanes in the gas phase.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the preparation of a metal oxide catalyst comprising of molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), tellurium (Te), and niobium (Nb) and having a modified surface structure, comprising the steps of (i) providing a calcined catalyst material comprising oxides of Mo, V, Te, and Nb, (ii) treating agent selected from water and an aqueous solution of an acid or a base. (iii) separating the treated catalyst from the treating agent; and further a catalyst, obtainable by this process, and the use of this catalyst in oxidation reactions of hydrocarbons or partially oxidized hydrocarbons.