Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Synthesis and Testing of Supported Pt-Cu Solid Solution Nanoparticle Catalysts for Propane Dehydrogenation
Published on: July 18, 2017
A systematic study on Pt based, subnanometer-sized alloy cluster catalysts for alkane dehydrogenation: effects of
Andreas W Hauser1, Paul R Horn2, Martin Head-Gordon2
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-1462, USA. andreas.w.hauser@gmail.com alexbell@uclink.berkeley.edu.
Abstract:
Platinum-based bimetallic nanoparticles are analyzed by the application of density functional theory to a series of tetrahedral Pt3X cluster models, with element X taken from the P-block, preferably group 14, or from the D-block around group 10. Almost identical cluster geometries allow a systematic investigation of electronic effects induced by different elements X. Choosing the propane-to-propene conversion as the desired dehydrogenation reaction, we provide estimates for the activity and selectivity of the various catalysts based on transition state theory. No significant Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi-relation could be found for the given reaction. A new descriptor, derived from an energy decomposition analysis, captures the effect of element X on the rate-determining step of the first hydrogen abstraction. Higher activities than obtained for pure Pt4 clusters are predicted for Pt alloys containing Ir, Sn, Ge and Si, with Pt3Ir showing particularly high selectivity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the...
Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
Reduction of Alkynes to cis-Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Like alkenes, alkynes can be reduced to alkanes in the presence of transition metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, or Ni. The reaction involves two sequential syn additions of hydrogen via a cis-alkene intermediate.
Heterogeneous Catalysis
Catalysis
Reduction of Benzene to Cyclohexane: Catalytic Hydrogenation

