Selectivity boost in partial hydrogenation of acetylene via atomic dispersion of platinum over ceria

High-throughput flame spray pyrolysis directly affords a low-loading Pt catalyst supported on cerium oxide, which is an excellent material for selective semihydrogenation of C2H2 at 180 °C, exhibiting nearly complete conversion of C2H2 (98.2%) with high selectivity towards C2H4 (87.1%). Pt in this catalyst is atomically dispersed within cerium oxide, and this structural feature restricts C2H4 adsorption as π-bonded, known to promote C2H4 selectivity.