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Synthesis and Testing of Supported Pt-Cu Solid Solution Nanoparticle Catalysts for Propane Dehydrogenation
Published on: July 18, 2017
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In Situ High-Temperature Reaction-Induced Local Structural Dynamic Evolution of Single-Atom Pt on Oxide Support
Dongxu Yan1,2, Yanxia Gao1,2, Ming-Yu Qi3
1Xiamen Key Laboratory of Materials for Gaseous Pollutant Control, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
Precision Chemistry
|August 29, 2025
Summary
This study reveals how platinum single atoms (Pt1) activate during high-temperature alkane oxidation. An evolved Pt1-oxygen vacancy ensemble enhances catalyst activity, offering insights for designing efficient single-atom catalysts (SACs).
Area of Science:
- Heterogeneous Catalysis
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding active site evolution in single-atom catalysts (SACs) under reaction conditions is crucial for designing efficient catalysts.
- High-temperature reactions often lead to dynamic changes in catalyst structures, impacting performance.
- Platinum single atoms (Pt1) are promising for various catalytic applications, but their behavior under harsh conditions requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in situ activation and dynamic structural evolution of Pt single atoms (Pt1) during high-temperature light alkane oxidation.
- To elucidate the formation mechanism of active sites responsible for enhanced catalytic activity.
- To provide molecular-level insights into designing robust SACs for demanding applications.
Main Methods:
- In situ characterization of Pt single atoms (Pt1) during high-temperature reactions.
- Theoretical calculations (e.g., Density Functional Theory) to understand reaction mechanisms and active site formation.
- Analysis of the local coordination structure evolution under reaction conditions.
Main Results:
- The study demonstrates the in situ formation of a Pt1-oxygen vacancy (Pt1-OV) ensemble as the key active site during high-temperature alkane oxidation.
- Theoretical calculations confirm that lattice oxygen and dissociated H from methane form lattice hydroxyl, initiating Pt1-OV formation.
- Charge transfer from Pt1 and adjacent Mn to O-O bonds facilitates oxygen dissociation, boosting catalytic activity.
Conclusions:
- The in situ evolved Pt1-OV ensemble is an efficient and stable active site for high-temperature alkane oxidation.
- This work provides critical molecular-level understanding of reaction-induced structural evolution in SACs.
- The findings offer valuable guidance for designing high-performance SACs capable of operating under harsh reaction conditions.
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