Direct detection as a probe of platinum nanoparticles encapsulated in MFI zeolite nanocrystallite aggregates

Abstract

An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) combined with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) offers a wealth of information about the mode of distribution in heterogeneous catalysis for platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) encapsulated in MFI zeolite nanocrystallite aggregates, thus providing a promising probe of their local structure. In this paper, we hydrothermally synthesized a novel microsphere monomer containing encapsulated Pt ZSM-5 nanocrystalline aggregates with a diameter of 5–7 μm, in which the Pt content can be confirmed by direct detection with the difference in detection depths of XRF and EDS. Moreover, the package structure can limit the size of the metal Pt particles, improve the degree of metal dispersion, and obtain high propane conversion (45%) and propylene selectivity (63%) over the long term.