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Reaction-induced dynamic evolution of PtIn/SiO2 catalyst for propane dehydrogenation

Author

Listed:
  • Tao Zhou

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Han Yan

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Wenjie Li

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Wenjian Zhang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Hongtao He

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Sunpei Hu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Ruyang Wang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Tianci Xiao

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Limin Liu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Lijun Zhang

    (Anhui University of Technology)

  • Wenlong Wu

    (Anhui University of Technology)

  • Chengyuan Liu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Xusheng Zheng

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Yang Pan

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Jie Zeng

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    Anhui University of Technology
    University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Xu Li

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Electronic Science and Technology of China)

Abstract

Understanding the dynamic evolution of heterogeneous catalysts is crucial yet challenging for elucidating the structure-performance relationships and enabling rational catalyst design. Herein, we reveal that PtIn alloy clusters gradually evolve into Pt3In intermetallic in response to propylene, the product of propane dehydrogenation (PDH) reaction. Specifically, a PtIn1.0/SiO2 catalyst has been fabricated, comprising sub-nanometric PtIn alloy clusters covered by an In0 overlayer, with In3+ species locating at the metal-support interface. During the PDH reaction propylene induces the evaporation of the In0 overlayer, thereby exposing Pt sites. After an induction period, the evolved Pt3In intermetallic (average size ~1.3 nm) exhibits a C3H6 productivity of 145 mol gPt−1 h−1. The alloyed In0 species effectively dilute Pt-Pt ensembles, enhancing propylene selectivity, while the interfacial In3+ species inhibit aggregation of Pt3In intermetallic, ensuring excellent catalytic stability. These findings underscore the critical role of product molecules in shaping active site evolution at the atomic scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Tao Zhou & Han Yan & Wenjie Li & Wenjian Zhang & Hongtao He & Sunpei Hu & Ruyang Wang & Tianci Xiao & Limin Liu & Lijun Zhang & Wenlong Wu & Chengyuan Liu & Xusheng Zheng & Yang Pan & Jie Zeng & Xu Li, 2025. "Reaction-induced dynamic evolution of PtIn/SiO2 catalyst for propane dehydrogenation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60153-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60153-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Guodong Sun & Zhi-Jian Zhao & Rentao Mu & Shenjun Zha & Lulu Li & Sai Chen & Ketao Zang & Jun Luo & Zhenglong Li & Stephen C. Purdy & A. Jeremy Kropf & Jeffrey T. Miller & Liang Zeng & Jinlong Gong, 2018. "Breaking the scaling relationship via thermally stable Pt/Cu single atom alloys for catalytic dehydrogenation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Ryong Ryoo & Jaeheon Kim & Changbum Jo & Seung Won Han & Jeong-Chul Kim & Hongjun Park & Jongho Han & Hye Sun Shin & Jae Won Shin, 2020. "Rare-earth–platinum alloy nanoparticles in mesoporous zeolite for catalysis," Nature, Nature, vol. 585(7824), pages 221-224, September.
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