The Role Played by Ga-Pt Nanoparticles in the Aromatization of Lower Alkanes on ZSM-5 Zeolites

The activity and selectivity of Pt-Ga/ZSM-5 zeolites in the aromatization of ethane was studied. The temperature intervals of the stability of gallium oxides on the surface of zeolites were determined by X-ray diffraction. The formation of GaPt clusters was observed after high-temperature treatment of a mixture of platinum-containing zeolites with gallium oxides. Density functional theory was used to study the state of gallium clusters in zeolites by quantum-chemical methods. The interaction of gallium with the H-form of ZSM-5 zeolites was shown to result in the formation of cationic centers containing reduced single-charged gallium cations. The introduction of platinum stabilized alloyed Ga-Pt particles localized in zeolite channels. These particles increase catalyst activity in the aromatization of lower alkanes.