Propane dehydrogenation over zinc-on-zirconia catalyst via atom trapping.

Propylene is an important resource for large petrochemicals production. Propane dehydrogenation (PDH), which directly produces propylene while producing hydrogen as a by-product, has attracted extensive attention in recent years. Among various PDH catalysts, Zn-based catalyst has great potentials in industrial implementation because of its low cost and eco-friendly. Herein, we synthesized Zn– O –Zr active center via atom trapping strategy for effectively catalyzing PDH reaction. The ability of phase transition upon Zn deposition is supposed to be a possible indicator to assess active degree of ZrO 2 , which is directly related to the proportion of surface absorbed oxygen species (SAOS) on ZrO 2. We demonstrate that SAOS concentration can be promoted through stabilizing tetragonal-phase and doping Hf, results in more Zn–O–Zr species, lower active energy, and easier phase transition. This study reveals the electronic effect on atom trapping process used in Zn–ZrO 2 system and provides guidance to design and prepare high-performance Zn-based PDH catalysts. [Display omitted] • An efficient Zn–O–Zr structure was prepared by atom trapping method. • The interaction between metals is quantified by binding energy shifting. • Periodic phase transition of support during the reaction. • The surface defect degree of Zn species was regulated by crystal phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]