Bromine-mediated electrochemical propane dehydrogenation by self-assembled ionic liquid-SnO2 hollow spheres

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Yang, Jiarui; Pei, Zhihao; Ye, Bo-Chao; Li, Wen-Hao; Yan, Han; Luan, Deyan; Wang, Dingsheng; Lou, Xiong Wen (David)
• 署名单位: City University of Hong Kong; Tsinghua University; Northeastern University - China; Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Science & Technology of China, CAS
• 刊物名称: SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.aed2309
• 发表日期: 2026-04-02
• 页码: 87-92
• 关键词: x-ray-scattering; co2; catalysts; zeolite; reduction; INDIUM

摘要

Conventional thermal propane dehydrogenation (PDH) faces several notable drawbacks, including high energy requirements, coking-induced catalyst deactivation, and the need for product separation. An electrocatalytic approach, using self-assembled ionic liquid (IL)-tin dioxide (SnO2) hollow spheres as the electrocatalyst, enables efficient PDH at ambient temperature. In this process, bromopropane formed in the anolyte from propane reacts with hydroxyl anions from the cathode to yield propene. The propene selectivity exceeds 98%, and the continuous production of high-purity (>99%) propene gas from the anolyte eliminates the need for downstream separation. The IL-SnO2 catalyst maintains its activity and selectivity for more than 6000 hours, with a small voltage increase rate of 3.16 microvolts per hour. Mechanistic studies suggest that the IL layer enhances propane adsorption and facilitates the carbon-hydrogen bond activation step on adjacent Sn sites. After reaction, the IL layer promotes propene desorption and suppresses deep dehydrogenation.