Application of Ti-doped MoO2 microspheres prepared by spray pyrolysis to partial oxidation of n-dodecane

•Ti-doped MoO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by solvo-thermal cracking process.•The addition of Ti into MoO2 improves the density and strength of Lewis acid sites.•Ti doping plays an important role in the carburization of MoO2 and keeps the β-Mo2C phase during the reforming reaction.•Ti-doped MoO2 that fully converted into carbide showed a high catalytic activity and stability toward POX of n-dodecane.•Un-doped MoO2 showed mixture of MoO2 and Mo2C with rapid deactivation during POX of n-dodecane.