Butane dehydrogenation over Pt/alumina: activation, deactivation and the generation of selectivity

The dehydrogenation of butane over a Pt/alumina catalyst has been studied using pulse-flow techniques. The selectivity to butenes is generated as carbonaceous material is deposited. The final catalyst is sensitive to whether reduction has taken place in hydrogen or butane, with the more effective dehydrogenation catalyst being generated from a hydrogen reduction.