Synthesis of Pt and Pt-Sn catalysts supported on H-Y zeolite induced by microwave radiation

The purpose of this study was the preparation of Pt and Pt-Sn catalysts supported on a HY zeolite (Si/Al = 3) induced by microwave radiation as heating source. The solids were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental chemical analysis, nitrogen physisorption at -196 °C, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Catalytic activity of the solids was evaluated using the toluene hydrogenation reaction. The XRD analysis showed that the zeolite structure was maintained after metal deposition. XPS revealed the presence of Pt⁰ species in monometallic catalyst, while in bimetallic Pt-Sn catalysts, Pt⁰ and SnOx species were found, which seem to be strongly interacting. The toluene hydrogenation reaction showed a drastic decrease in activity for bimetallic Pt-Sn catalyst, which was attributed to either a geometric and/or electronic interaction taking place on the Pt sites and tin species, avoiding, toluene adsorption.