C. Audo et al., Synthesis of platinum-tin/alumina reforming catalysts from a well-defined platinum-tin precursor complex, CATAL TODAY, 65(2-4), 2001, pp. 157-162
The complex [(CH3)(4)N](3)[Pt(SnCl3)(5)] was selected as a molecular precur
sor to prepare PtSn/gamma (c)-Al2O3 reforming catalysts. The spectroscopic
fingerprints of the starting complex were obtained by Pt-195 and Sn-119 NMR
and diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectroscopy. A series of supported cat
alysts were synthesized by wet impregnation of alumina with a solution of t
he precursor in acetone.
Well-dispersed species are obtained for Pt loadings below 1 wt.%; at higher
loadings, a second species is formed that has spectroscopic features remin
iscent of the initial complex and precipitates as a separate phase. Apparen
tly, the Pt-Sn bonds are hydrolyzed in the low-loading species and preserve
d in the high-loading species.
The thermal transformations of PtSn/gamma (c)-Al2O3 catalysts are also stud
ied and compared with those of the bulk precursor. In particular, it is sho
wn that the nature of the atmosphere of thermal treatment (neutral or oxidi
zing) can orient the final catalyst towards preservation of an intimate Pt-
Sn interaction, or towards demixtion. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All ri
ghts reserved.