Dehydrogenation of Propane on Pt or PtSn Catalysts with Al2O3 or SBA-15 Support

Dehydrogenation of propane on Pt or PtSn catalyst over Al₂O₃ or SBA-15 support was investigated. The catalysts were characterized by CO-pulse chemisorption, thermogravimetry, temperature-programmed-reduction of H₂, and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy of absorbed CO. The results show that the platinum species is in oxidation state in the catalyst on Al₂O₃ support, so the catalyst must be reduced in H₂ before dehydrogenation reaction. Addition of Sn improves the Pt dispersion, but the catalyst deactivates rapidly because of the coke formation. The interaction of Pt and Al₂O₃ is strong. On SBA-15 support, the platinum species is completely reduced to Pt⁰ in the calcination process, so the reduction is not needed. Addition of Sn improves the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. The interaction of Pt and SBA-15 is weak, so it is easy for Pt particles to sinter.