Highly selective and stable multimetallic catalysts for propane dehydrogenation

Different mono (Pt), bi (Pt–Sn, Pt–Pb, Pt–Ga) and trimetallic (Pt–Sn–Ga) catalysts based on Pt and supported on different materials (Al2O3, Al2O3–K and ZnAl2O4) were tested under severe process conditions in the propane dehydrogenation reaction (both in continuous and in pulse reactors). Results show that the Pt–Sn–Ga/ZnAl2O4 catalyst has a better and more stable performance in propane dehydrogenation (high yield to propene and low coke deposition), than the other bi- and trimetallic systems and a commercial catalyst. Thus, the use of an adequate support (ZnAl2O4) in combination with the addition of Ga to the Pt–Sn bimetallic system enhances the catalytic performance.