New PtSn structured catalysts with ZnAl2O4 thin film for n-butane dehydrogenation reaction

Abstract

Starting from structured supports based on compact spheres coated with a thin and porous layer of ZnAl2O4, mono and bimetallic catalysts were prepared. These catalysts were applied for the n-butane dehydrogenation reaction to produce light olefins. The structured supports were synthesized by coating with: bohemite-nitrate purified method (BP) and citrate-nitrate method (C). From the characterization results, the existence of strong Pt-Sn interaction in both bimetallic catalysts with probable alloys formation was found. In the PtSn/Sp-Zn-C catalyst, where higher metallic Pt-Sn interactions were observed, most of its metallic particles have sizes between 1 and 1.5 nm, which indicates a good metallic dispersion. These properties led to a catalyst with the best catalytic behavior, thus showing high yields to butenes, and a very good stability. Moreover, the presence of a structured support improves the mass and heat transference in this reaction carried out at high temperature.