Effects of tungsten oxide on the activity and thermal stability of a sulfate-derived titania supported platinum catalyst for propane oxidation

A Pt/WO3/TiO2 catalyst for propane oxidation was prepared by a stepwise wet impregnation method, and was aged at 800°C for 5 hr. Compared to the sulfate-derived titania supported catalyst, the introduction of tungsten oxide as stable Brønsted acid sites led to the formation of more metallic platinum active sites at the Pt/WO3 interface. The dissociation of surface intermediates for propane oxidation was promoted on the WO3-modified catalyst. This, as well as the inhibition effects of tungsten oxide on the sintering of anatase and the phase transformation to rutile, resulting in a high activity and thermal stability for the Pt/WO3/TiO2 catalyst.