Anchoring Pt clusters with different sizes on KY zeolite: highly efficient catalytic reforming of n-octane

Abstract

The size of Pt clusters is intimately related to the catalytic activity and product distribution, yet its effect on n-alkane reforming remains unclear. Herein, highly dispersed Pt in the form of single-atoms and subnano-clusters (pseudo-single-atom Pt), Pt subnano-clusters and Pt nano-clusters were, respectively, deposited on Sn-modified KY zeolite by appropriate preparation methods (atomic layer deposition or impregnation in the solution of Pt nano-clusters) to systematically investigate the size effect of Pt clusters on the catalytic conversion of n-alkane. Among these, the Pt subnano-clusters demonstrated optimal catalytic performance in the reforming of n-alkane, exhibiting a selectivity towards cyclization products of 95.1% with n-octane conversion of 99.1%. This study revealed the dehydrocyclization ability of Pt species with different sizes, providing insights for maximizing atomic utilization and enhancing catalytic reforming performance.