Single [Ga(OH)]2+ species facilitate efficient aromatization of light alkanes

Aromatics, especially benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX), are critical feedstocks for the chemical industry. However, conventional production methods rely on energy-intensive processes like naphtha cracking or catalytic reforming under harsh conditions. Undoubtedly, the development of efficient light alkane aromatization technology would be more feasible and promising. However, currently reported catalysts show lower product selectivity and catalytic stability, which makes the light alkane aromatization inferior to traditional aromatics production technology.

Recently, a research team led by Prof. Weibin Fan (Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences) developed a novel catalyst—single [Ga(OH)]²⁺ species supported on mesoporous hollow-structured H-ZSM-5—that achieves unprecedented efficiency in light alkane aromatization, offering a sustainable solution for the chemical industry. The results were published in Chinese Journal of Catalysis (DOI:10.1016/S1872-2067(25)64678-X).

The unique catalyst yielded unprecedented catalytic results: The propane conversion and aromatics selectivity as high as 97.4% and 78.2%, respectively. The TON for propane aromatization reached 57,479, which is higher than the state-of-the-art catalysts. The catalyst also exhibited exceptional stability, maintaining performance through multiple regeneration cycles. This study not only delivers a high-performance catalyst but also clarifies the synergistic mechanism between zeolite acid sites and gallium species. Tailoring gallium species distribution could further optimize catalyst design for industrial-scale alkane aromatization. The technology holds promise for valorizing shale gas and coal-derived byproducts, reducing reliance on petroleum resources and advancing carbon neutrality goals.