The catalytic performance of a series of LaVOx/SBA-15 catalysts with different vanadium loadings was investigated for the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene using CO2 as oxidant. The addition of La3+ has an effect of hindering carbon deposition and enhancing the stability of the catalysts. The 10%La2O3-15%V2O5/SBA-15 (wt%) catalyst exhibited the best activity and stability, giving a styrene yield of 74%. According to the results of characterization, the good performance of the catalyst could be related to the mono-dispersion of the VO43- species and the synergistic action of lanthanum and vanadium. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.