Low-temperature selective production of propylene from non-oxidative dehydrogenation of propane over unconventional Zr/ZK-5 catalysts

The supply-side abundance of inexpensive propane and ethane from shale gas and stranded gas are drivers for technologies for the on-demand production of light olefins, propylene and ethylene. However, existing catalysts exhibit relatively poor stability and deactivate rapidly at the high temperature required for dehydrogenation. This indicates an opportunity for new catalyst systems which can activate propane at a relatively lower temperature. Small pore zeolites, ZK-5 with improved acidity, notably monodispersed zirconia ZK-5 catalyst, are explored for low-temperature dehydrogenation of propane to propylene. Zeolite supports help to stabilise the metal particles and improve metal-support synergy. This paper demonstrates a Pt-free metal impregnated zeolite catalyst for propane dehydrogenation while maintaining good stability and activity. The Zr/ZK-5 catalyst exhibits 40.3% conversion with 45.2% propylene selectivity at 500 degrees C for 24 h. The combination of Zr and ZK-5 effectively activates the C-H bond, inhibits side reactions, reduces coke formation, and improves selectivity as well as stability.