Bimetallic catalysts supported on novel spherical MgAl2O4-coated supports for dehydrogenation processes

Abstract

Novel Pt and PtSn catalysts were developed from structured supports of α-Al2O3 spheres coated with MgAl2O4 by two methods: advanced Bohemite-nitrate with purification (BNAP) and citrate-nitrate with two layers (CN2). Both structured supports showed a thin porous layer of MgAl2O4 with a high specific surface area of around 130 m2 g−1. A stable and uniform MgAl2O4 layer on the spherical nuclei was achieved by both synthesized coating methods. Therefore, a good interaction with the metals which leads to high metallic dispersions was obtained. These catalysts were used in the production of butenes by n-butane dehydrogenation reaction. The bimetallic catalysts showed both high values of n-butane conversion (25–30 %) and selectivity to butenes (89–95 %). The PtSn catalyst supported on spheres coated by CN2 method displayed high values of yield to butenes (about 30%), which are higher than those of a catalyst used in the industry.