W Single-Atom-Engineered Acid Sites over Pt/Al2O3 Catalysts to Boost Propane Oxidation Activity

Catalytic combustion is a primary method for the industrial elimination of propane. To enhance propane combustion activity by maximizing the interaction between platinum and acidic sites to break C–H bonds in propane molecules, single-atom W and Pt nanoparticles are simultaneously loaded onto Al2O3. Single-atom W is in a coordination unsaturated state and exhibits more and stronger Lewis and Brønsted acid sites. Uniform Pt nanoparticles over Al2O3, with the assistance of abundant Lewis acid sites from single-atom W, enhance the catalytic activity toward the complete oxidation of propane. In situ DRIFTS studies proved that the Lewis acids on single-atom W adsorbed propane and converted it more rapidly into the key intermediate olefinic or olefinic aldehyde species, which was then gradually oxidized into carbonates and carbon dioxide. This research provides a new perspective for designing single-atom catalysts and nanocatalysts in the field of energy and environmental catalysis to enhance catalytic activity collaboratively.