Platinum clusters stabilized by zincosilicate zeolite for efficient propane dehydrogenation

Dispersing metals from nanoparticles to clusters is often achieved using ligand protection methods, which exhibit unique properties such as suppressing structure-sensitive side reactions. However, this method is limited by the use of different metal precursor salts corresponding to different ligands. An alternative approach, the ion exchange (IE) method, can overcome this limitation to some extent. Nevertheless, there is still an urgent need to address the stabilization of metals (especially precious metals) by using IE method. Here, we reported a Pt cluster catalyst prepared mainly by anchoring Pt atoms via O located near the framework Zn in zincosilicate zeolites and riveted by zeolite surface rings after reduction (reduced Pt/Zn-3-IE). The catalyst can achieve an initial propane conversion of 26% in a pure propane atmosphere at 550 °C and shows little deactivation even after 7.5 d of operation. Moreover, the alteration of catalyst by the introduction of framework Zn was also highlighted and interpreted.