Ultralow-Loading Pt/Zn Hybrid Cluster in Zeolite HZSM-5 for Efficient Dehydroaromatization

Minimizing Pt loading without sacrificing catalytic performance is critical, particularly for designing cost-efficient hydrocarbon transformation catalysts. Here, we show that ultralow-loading (0.001-0.05 wt %) Pt- and Zn-functionalized HZSM-5 catalysts, prepared through simple ion exchange and impregnation, are highly active and stable for light alkane dehydroaromatization (DHA). The specific activity of benzene, toluene, and xylene is up to 8.2 mol/g_Pt/min (or 1592 min^-1) over the 0.001 wt % Pt-Zn₂/HZSM-5 catalyst during ethane DHA at 550 °C under atmospheric pressure. Additionally, such bimetallic Pt-Zn/HZSM-5 catalysts are highly stable in contrast to the monometallic Pt/HZSM-5 catalysts. The rate constant of deactivation (k_deactiv), according to the first-order generalized power law equation model, for the bimetallic catalysts is up to 120 times lower than that of the monometallic counterparts, depending on the Pt loading. This breakthrough is achieved through the formation of the [Pt₁-Zn]^δ+ hybrid cluster, instead of Pt⁰ cluster-proton adducts, in the micropores of the ZSM-5 zeolite.