Metal oxides are provided that have selective hydrogen combustion activity while also acting as solid oxygen carriers (SOCs). The metal oxides correspond to a metal oxide core of at least one metal having multiple oxidation states that is modified with an alkali metal oxide and/or alkali metal halogen (such as an alkali metal chloride). The resulting modified metal oxide, corresponding to a solid oxygen carrier, can allow for selective combustion of hydrogen while reducing or minimizing combustion of hydrocarbons, such as within a propane dehydrogenation environment. Additionally, it has been unexpectedly found that modifying the core metal oxide with the alkali metal oxide and/or alkali metal chloride can also mitigate coke formation on the solid oxygen carrier. Methods of using such metal oxides for selective hydrogen combustion are also provided.