Electrospun Alumina-Nanofiber-Supported Pt–Sn Catalyst for Propane Dehydrogenation

Abstract

Alumina nanofibers (ANFs) were successfully fabricated using electrospinning technology. ANF samples were then calcined at temperatures ranging from 900–1200°C, denoted ANF-900 through ANF-1200 in accordance with their calcination temperatures. Using a wet process, each ANF sample was impregnated with Pt (3 wt%) and Sn (4.5 wt%), followed by drying at 110°C and calcining at 580°C. After they were impregnated with Pt and Sn, ANFs were tested for catalytic activity with the propane dehydrogenation (PDH) reaction. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption. PDH catalytic activity of the ANFs was evaluated by comparing propane conversion and propylene selectivity. The results indicate that calcination of ANF prior to catalyst impregnation is crucial to enhancing catalytic activity and that calcination temperature influences catalytic activity. Among the ANF series, ANF-900 achieved the highest catalytic activity.