Supported VOx catalysts are promising nonoxidative propane dehydrogenation (PDH) materials for their commercially attractive activity and propylene selectivity. However, they frequently suffer from rapid deactivation caused by coke deposition. This article describes the promoting role of magnesium on the stability of VOx/Al2O3 catalysts for PDH. A series of VOx/Al2O3 and Mg-modified VOx/Al2O3 catalysts were synthesized by an incipient wetness impregnation method. The catalysts were carefully characterized by Raman spectra, UV-Vis spectra, STEM, TGA and in situ DRIFTS. We showed that the stability of a 12V/Al2O3 catalyst was significantly improved on addition of small amounts of MgO. Experimental evidences indicate that V2O5 nanoparticles emerge in the 12V/Al2O3 samples, and appropriate Mg addition helps dispersing the V2O5 nanoparticles into 2D VOx species thus decreasing coke formation and improving stability in nonoxidative dehydrogenation of propane. (C) 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.