Platinum-promoted Ga/Al2O3 as highly active, selective, and stable catalyst for the dehydrogenation of propane.

A novel catalyst material for the selective dehydrogenation of propane is presented. The catalyst consists of 1000 ppm Pt, 3 wt% Ga, and 0.25 wt% K supported on alumina. We observed a synergy between Ga and Pt, resulting in a highly active and stable catalyst. Additionally, we propose a bifunctional active phase, in which coordinately unsaturated Ga(3+) species are the active species and where Pt functions as a promoter.

X-ray nanoscopy of cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalysts at work.

Transmission X-ray microscopy has been used to investigate individual Co/TiO2 Fischer-Tropsch (FT) catalyst particles in 2-D and 3-D with 30 nm spatial resolution. Tomographic elemental mapping showed that Co is heterogeneously concentrated in the centre of the catalyst particles. In addition, it was found that Co is mostly metallic during FT at 250 °C and 10 bar. No evidence for Co oxidation was found.