In2O3-Modulated Pt-Based Catalyst for n-Butane Dehydrogenation to 1,3-Butadiene with the Suppression of Dehydroisomerization

As one of the most significant chemicals in the industry, 1,3-butadiene has been widely used in various fields. Recently, butane dehydrogenation (BDH) has emerged as a new frontier for the production of 1,3-butadiene. However, this process is limited by the low selectivity to the desired product since BDH experiences a complicated dehydrogenation process and the products consist of various C1–C4 hydrocarbons. Here, we demonstrate that an In2O3-modified Pt-based catalyst can serve as an effective catalyst for the dehydrogenation of n-butane to 1,3-butadiene. The optimum catalyst exhibits n-butane conversion and 1,3-butadiene selectivity of 45.2 and 21.9%, respectively, at 575 °C. Further experimental results indicate that In2O3 can improve the dispersion of Pt, regulate acidity, and suppress n-butane dehydroisomerization (BDI).