K-modified Sn-containing dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles with tunable size and SnOx-silica interaction for the dehydrogenation of propane to propylene

Abstract Sn-containing dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Sn-DMSNs) were successfully prepared by the in-situ co-assembly method. Sn-DMSNs preserve original structural characteristics with three-dimensional and center-radial pore structure. The nanoparticle sizes of Sn-DMSNs can be controlled systematically from 170 nm to 360 nm depending on the molar ratio of NaSal/CTAB. Sn species are incorporated into the matrix of silica and the highly dispersed SnOx species are achieved. Sn-DMSNs catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic performance and stability in the propane dehydrogenation. The highly dispersed SnOx species rather than polymeric SnOx or crystalline SnO2 species contribute to the activation of propane and formation of propylene. The molar ratio of NaSal/CTAB also shows an important role in the structure of support and SnOx species. The excellent stability of Sn-DMSNs catalysts can be ascribed to the good ability to restrain coke formation and strong interaction between SnOx species and silica. The effect of potassium on Sn-DMSNs catalyst is also investigated.