Propane dehydrogenation
reaction (PDH) is an extremely attractive
way to produce propylene; however, the catalysts often lead to byproduct
formation and suffer from deactivation. This research focuses on the
development of efficient Pt/Sn-based shaped catalysts by utilizing
Mg-modified mesoporous silica, sepiolite (natural SiMgO
x
mesoporous clay), and sepiolite/bentonite/alumina
as supports with the aim of achieving superior stability and selectivity
for industrial propylene production by PDH. The catalysts were prepared
by sequential impregnation of the supports with the corresponding
solutions of tin chloride and platinum chloride, by obtaining a nominal
loading of 0.7 wt % of Sn and 0.5 wt % of Pt. A range of analytical
techniques were used to characterize the catalysts, including X-ray
diffraction, nitrogen physisorption isotherms, Hg intrusion porosimetry,
thermogravimetric analyses, transmission electron microscopy, Raman
spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The basicity of
the catalysts was assessed using carbon dioxide temperature-programmed
desorption (CO2-TPD). The results confirm that the support
material plays a critical role in catalyst performance; in particular,
the presence of weak basic sites, due to magnesium addition, improved
selectivity to propylene and reduced coke formation. Catalytic pellets
of Sn–Pt supported on macroporous sepiolite or sepiolite and
bentonite-modified mesoporous alumina performed comparably with propane
conversion very close to thermodynamic equilibrium and selectivity
to propylene above 95%. The latter support led to improved stability
and was regenerated at milder temperatures, making it suitable for
industrial applications.