GaPt alloy in HZSM ‐5 for highly stable ethane dehydroaromatization

Abstract

Abstract The dehydroaromatization of ethane to aromatics is a highly attractive yet challenging route for valorizing the second‐most abundant component of natural gas. Here, we report bimetallic xGa0.8Pt/HZSM‐5 catalysts that exhibit markedly enhanced stability and coke resistance compared to their monometallic counterparts. The optimal 0.5Ga0.8Pt/HZSM‐5 catalyst affords an initial ethane conversion of 52% and an aromatics space–time yield of 5.4 mmol arom ·g cat −1 ·h −1 , with an exceptionally low deactivation rate constant of 0.007 h −1 over 10 h. An optimal Ga/Pt ratio fosters a strong synergistic effect, as evidenced by gas adsorption–desorption and in situ spectroscopic studies. Crucially, active site characterization reveals that the GaPt alloy formed in this catalyst works in concert with the acid sites of HZSM‐5, enhancing both dehydrogenation and aromatization while simultaneously suppressing coke formation. These findings provide direct evidence for the promotional role of bimetallic alloy sites and offer a rational strategy for designing stable Pt‐based catalysts for light alkane dehydroaromatization.