Research progress on propane dehydrogenation over Zn-based catalysts

Propane dehydrogenation (PDH) is an important industrial route for propylene production, while the development of efficient and environmentally sustainable catalysts remains a major challenge. Zn-based catalysts have attracted increasing attention as promising alternatives to noble-metal and Cr-based systems owing to their low cost, environmental advantages, and tunable catalytic properties. This review summarizes recent advances in Zn-based PDH catalysts, with particular emphasis on the regulation of Zn species, including isolated Zn sites, ZnO x species, Zn–O–M interfacial structures, and Zn-based bimetallic systems. The structure–activity relationships and reaction mechanisms associated with C–H activation, propylene formation, hydrogen migration, and catalyst deactivation are discussed. Recent progress demonstrates that precise control of Zn coordination environments, metal-support interactions, and synergistic active sites can effectively improve catalytic activity and stability. However, maintaining highly active Zn species under harsh reaction conditions remains a key challenge. Future catalyst design should focus on constructing stable and accessible Zn active structures through rational regulation of electronic properties and dispersion, aiming to achieve efficient, durable, and cost-effective PDH catalysts.