Reaction-induced dynamic evolution of PtIn/SiO<sub>2</sub> catalyst for propane dehydrogenation.

Zhou, Tao; Yan, Han; Li, Wenjie; Zhang, Wenjian; He, Hongtao; Hu, Sunpei; Wang, Ruyang; Xiao, Tianci et al. · Nat Commun · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Understanding the dynamic evolution of heterogeneous catalysts is crucial yet challenging for elucidating the structure-performance relationships and enabling rational catalyst design. Herein, we reveal that PtIn alloy clusters gradually evolve into Pt<sub>3</sub>In intermetallic in response to propylene, the product of propane dehydrogenation (PDH) reaction. Specifically, a PtIn<sub>1.0</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> catalyst has been fabricated, comprising sub-nanometric PtIn alloy clusters covered by an In<sup>0</sup> overlayer, with In<sup>3+</sup> species locating at the metal-support interface. During the PDH reaction propylene induces the evaporation of the In<sup>0</sup> overlayer, thereby exposing Pt sites. After an induction period, the evolved Pt<sub>3</sub>In intermetallic (average size ~1.3 nm) exhibits a C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>6</sub> productivity of 145 mol g<sub>Pt</sub><sup>-1</sup> h<sup>-1</sup>. The alloyed In<sup>0</sup> species effectively dilute Pt-Pt ensembles, enhancing propylene selectivity, while the interfacial In<sup>3+</sup> species inhibit aggregation of Pt<sub>3</sub>In intermetallic, ensuring excellent catalytic stability. These findings underscore the critical role of product molecules in shaping active site evolution at the atomic scale.