Highly Efficient Oxidation of Propane at Low Temperature over a Pt-Based Catalyst by Optimization Support

Pt-based catalysts have attracted widespread attention in environmental protection applications, especially in the catalytic destruction of light alkane pollutants. However, developing a satisfying platinum catalyst with high activity, excellent water-resistance, and practical suitability for hydrocarbon combustion at low temperature is challenging. In this study, the Pt catalyst supported on the selected Nb₂O₅ oxide exhibited an efficient catalytic activity in propane oxidation and exceeded that of most catalysts reported in the literature. More importantly, the Pt/Nb₂O₅ catalyst maintained excellent activity and durability even after high-temperature aging at 700 °C and under harsh working conditions, such as a certain degree of moisture, high space velocity, and composite pollutants. The excellent performance of the Pt/Nb₂O₅ catalyst was attributed to the abundant metallic Pt species stabilized on the surface of Nb₂O₅, which prompted the C-H bond dissociation ability as the rate-determining step. Furthermore, propane was initially activated via oxidehydrogenation and followed the acrylate species path as a more efficient propane oxidation path on the Pt/Nb₂O₅ surface. Overall, Pt/Nb₂O₅ can be considered a promising catalyst for the catalytic oxidation of alkanes from industrial sources and could provide inspiration for designing superb catalysts for the oxidation of light alkanes.