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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Synthesis and Testing of Supported Pt-Cu Solid Solution Nanoparticle Catalysts for Propane Dehydrogenation
Published on: July 18, 2017
Efficient and durable light-alkane oxidation over sintered Pt catalysts.
Xuan Tang1,2, Yang You1,2, Lei Ying3,4
1Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, P. R. China.
Contrary to common belief, larger platinum particles, achieved through sintering, significantly boost propane oxidation catalysis. These larger particles resist deactivation, offering superior performance over highly dispersed ones.
Area of Science:
- Catalysis science
- Materials science
- Surface chemistry
Background:
- Nanoparticle sintering is usually a deactivation pathway for supported metal catalysts.
- Maximizing metal dispersion is the typical strategy to enhance catalyst performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of pre-sintered platinum particles on light-alkane oxidation.
- To challenge the conventional view of sintering as solely a deactivation mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Utilized intentionally pre-sintered platinum particles (tens of nanometers) supported on magnesium aluminate.
- Performed propane oxidation experiments at controlled temperatures.
- Employed theory-guided adsorption calculations to understand surface phenomena.
- Conducted controlled calcination experiments for validation.
- Performed mechanistic analyses including stability tests under various feed conditions and hydrothermal aging.
Main Results:
- Pre-sintered platinum catalysts exhibited significantly higher activity for propane oxidation compared to highly dispersed platinum nanoclusters.
- The sintered catalyst achieved a turnover frequency 116-fold higher than nanoclusters at 220°C.
- The temperature for 90% propane conversion was reduced from 360°C to 245°C.
- The catalyst demonstrated excellent stability for 48 hours in both dry and water-containing feeds, and after hydrothermal aging.
- Theory and experiments confirmed that oxygen-resistant metallic facets on larger particles mitigate oxygen poisoning.
Conclusions:
- Intentionally sintered platinum particles offer enhanced activity and stability for propane oxidation, reversing the typical sintering deactivation trend.
- Low-index metallic facets on larger platinum particles are crucial for sustained propane activation and resistance to oxygen poisoning.
- Catalyst surface reconstruction under oxygen-rich conditions can lead to less active stepped surfaces, highlighting the importance of facet stability.
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