Dehydrogenation of Propane on Pt or PtSn Catalysts with Al2O3 or SBA-15 Support

Dehydrogenation of propane on Pt or PtSn catalyst over Al2O3 or SBA-15 support was investigated. The catalysts were characterized by CO-pulse chemisorption, thermogravimetry, temperature-programmed-reduction of H2, and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy of absorbed CO. The results show that the platinum species is in oxidation state in the catalyst on Al2O3 support, so the catalyst must be reduced in H2 before dehydrogenation reaction. Addition of Sn improves the Pt dispersion, but the catalyst deactivates rapidly because of the coke formation. The interaction of Pt and Al2O3 is strong. On SBA-15 support, the platinum species is completely reduced to Pt0 in the calcination process, so the reduction is not needed. Addition of Sn improves the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. The interaction of Pt and SBA-15 is weak, so it is easy for Pt particles to sinter.

Graphical abstractThe Pt and Pt–Sn catalysts supported on oxide Al2O3 or meso-porous material show different performances in dehydrogenation reaction of propane. As indicated by the propane conversion versus time, the PtSn/SBA-15 catalyst shows higher activity and stability in propane dehydrogenation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide