A Novel, Highly Efficient Catalyst for Propane Dehydrogenation

Platinum and tin deposited on a calcined hydrotalcite constitute a new and highly efficient catalyst for the dehydrogenation of propane. The catalyst is superior to conventional alumina-supported systems in terms of lifetime stability, activity, and propene selectivity. The catalysts were characterized by BET, XRD, SEM, TEM, CO chemisorption, and chemical analysis. The preparation procedure used in the metal deposition step proved to be important for the performance of the catalyst. Impregnation of the calcined hydrotalcite in HCl-acidified aqueous solution with subsequent chlorine removal enhances regenerability and long-term stability of the catalyst compared to impregnation in ethanol. This is most likely due to a water-induced phase transition in the hydrated hydrotalcite. CO adsorption results indicate that activation is correlated with platinum dispersion.