Synthesis of Ce-doped mesoporous γ-alumina with enhanced catalytic performance for propane dehydrogenation

Ce-doped mesoporous γ-alumina with different contents of Ce was prepared by the sol–gel synthesis method and applied for the synthesis of propane dehydrogenation catalysts. To investigate the influence of different Ce contents on the properties of the supports, the prepared samples were characterized by several techniques, such as XRD, N₂-physisorption, TEM, XPS, NH₃-TPD, and hydrogen chemisorption. The results showed that, by the incorporation of Ce, the pore structure was changed, the acid content was decreased, and the properties of the metallic Pt particles were promoted significantly. Based on these effects, the coke deposits on the active center were suppressed and even migrated to the external surface of the support. As expected, when the content of Ce is suitable (0.6 wt%), the catalytic performance of propane dehydrogenation and the stability of the catalyst were highly promoted.