Proton-poor, gallium- and indium-loaded zeolite dehydrogenation catalysts

The catalytic (propane dehydrocyclization) and reduction behaviors of near 1:1 cation (Ga, In)/framework‐Al MFI zeolites were examined under conditions where the materials were initially either in fully protonated or zero−protonated states. Reductions at appropriate temperatures proceeded up to ∼100% exchange of protons for reduced univalent cations. Further aqueous exchange of alkali (K+>) or alkaline earth (Ba2+) cations increased the selectivity for dehydrogenation reactions at little or no sacrifice in overall activity.