Research Advancements in Co-Based Catalysts for Propane Dehydrogenation (A Review)

Propane dehydrogenation to propylene (PDH) represents a crucial process in propylene production, exhibiting extensive industrial application potential. In recent years, cobalt-based catalysts have garnered significant attention in PDH research due to their advantages such as relatively low cost, abundant active components, and tunability. This paper reviews the research progress of cobalt-based catalysts in PDH. Active cobalt can exist in various forms within the catalyst, including single-atomic Co that can precisely regulate propane adsorption and activation, prevalent tetrahedral Co(II) sites that interact significantly with the support material, and even metallic Co particles. However, the industrial application of cobalt-based catalysts still faces substantial challenges, including high-temperature deactivation of active sites, unclear carbon deposition kinetics, and excessive costs associated with large-scale synthesis. To address these issues, this paper systematically discusses strategies for enhancing catalyst performance, including adjustment of the active site microenvironment (additive doping and support modification), optimization of the catalyst interface (acid-base balance adjustment and pore structure design), and improvement of catalyst stability (multi-component synergistic strengthening). In addition, considering the challenges faced in the PDH reaction using Co-based catalysts, we summarize the corresponding regulatory strategies, providing novel insights and valuable guidance for the development of efficient PDH catalysts.