The stabilization effect of Al2O3 on unconventional Pb/SiO2 catalyst for propane dehydrogenation

Abstract

Similar to Sn, Pb located at the same group (IVA) in the periodic table of elements, can also catalyze propane dehydrogenation to propene, while a fast deactivation can be observed. To enhance the stability, the traditional carrier Al₂O₃ with a small amount, was introduced into Pb/SiO₂ catalyst in this study. It has been proved that Al₂O₃ can inhibit the reduction of PbO, and weaken the agglomeration and loss of Pb species due to its enhanced interaction with Pb species. As a result, 3Al15Pb/SiO₂ catalyst exhibits a much higher stability up to more than 150 h. In addition, a simple schematic diagram of the change of surface species on the catalyst surface after Al₂O₃ addition was also proposed.