ZSM-5 Zeolite-Encapsulated Pt-ZnO Bimetallic Catalysts for the Catalytic Cracking of Iso-Butane

In recent years, the efficient utilization of light alkanes, especially iso-butane and n-butane, has attracted increasing attention. Here, a series of ZSM-5 zeolite-encapsulated Pt-xZnO (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1) catalysts were prepared via a one-pot hydrothermal method. The dispersion of metal particles, state of metal species, structure, and acidity of catalysts were confirmed by multiple physical and chemical characterizations. The catalysts were used in the catalytic cracking of iso-butane; the conversion of iso-butane would increase with the increase of ZnO content. However, Pt-0.1ZnO@ZSM-5 presented the best catalytic effect. The yield of ethylene and propylene reached 55% at 625 °C; meanwhile, the total yield of high value-added ethylene, propylene, butene, and BTX was as high as 80%.