Over 100 Recyclings at 800°C Breakthrough in Platinum Catalyst Could Revolutionize Propane Dehydrogenation

A joint team from Fuzhou University, Sinopec Shanghai Research Institute, and the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has unveiled a game-changing platinum-based catalyst that can withstand over 100 regeneration cycles in high-temperature, chlorine-free environments. The breakthrough was recently published in Science, one of the world’s most prestigious academic journals.

Propane dehydrogenation (PDH), a process central to propylene production, has surged in importance due to both the shale gas boom and China’s dual-carbon goals. Conventionally, platinum cluster catalysts dominate PDH but suffer from rapid sintering and deactivation, demanding chlorine-based treatments for reactivation. These processes not only harm equipment but also generate toxic chlorinated byproducts and excessive carbon emissions.

To address these flaws, the researchers developed a novel preparation strategy for PDH catalysts that completely eliminates the need for chlorine. Their platinum catalyst demonstrates reversible transitions between atomic and cluster states during repeated dehydrogenation and regeneration cycles. Remarkably, even after 10 days of continuous exposure to 800°C oxidation, the platinum species remained structurally stable within the catalyst’s pores.

This innovation not only provides a sustainable alternative to traditional PDH catalysts but also offers a new pathway for developing sinter-resistant metal cluster systems, marking a significant step forward in high-temperature catalysis.