An Investigation into the Utilisation of Ga Pt "Supported Catalytically Active Liquid Metal Solutions" (SCALMS) in the Dehydrogenation of Methylcyclohexane and n-Heptane

This thesis delves into the exploration and application of Ga-rich Ga-Pt SCALMS in the context of dehydrogenation reactions involving intermediate chain length alkanes, specifically focusing on methylcyclohexane and n-heptane (C7). With a focus on elucidating the comparative advantages of GaPt SCALMS over conventional heterogeneous catalysts in alkane dehydrogenation, this study endeavours to contribute to the understanding and optimization of catalytic processes in this domain. The investigation begins by scrutinizing the performance of Ga-Pt SCALMS in methylcyclohexane dehydrogenation, aiming to discern their resilience against deactivation mechanisms such as coking and sintering, while also assessing the influence of support materials on catalytic efficacy. Given the challenges associated with traditional bottom-up synthesis methods for Ga-Pt SCALMS, alternative top-down approaches are explored to streamline the synthesis protocols. Subsequently, the inquiry extends to evaluating the effectiveness of Ga-Pt SCALMS in n-heptane dehydrogenation. This transition from the previously examined methylcyclohexane substrate to n-heptane promised new insights due to the sensitivity of n-heptane dehydrogenation against alterations in the active sites. Through systematic experimentation, the aim was to identify optimal synthesis procedures that enhance the catalytic performance of Ga-Pt SCALMS in n-heptane dehydrogenation. Furthermore, the reaction kinetic studies of Ga-Pt SCALMS in dehydrogenation of alkanes were performed to compare the mode of action of SCALMS vs. traditional supported Pt nanoparticles catalysts. This investigation seeks to provide insights into the underlying mechanisms governing catalytic activity for guiding future research directions in this field. By amalgamating experimental findings with theoretical insights, this thesis aims to shed light on the nuanced interplay between catalyst synthesis methodology, composition, and catalytic performance, thereby contributing to the broader understanding of alkane dehydrogenation processes and paving the way for the development of more efficient and sustainable SCALMS systems.