Major Breakthrough in Propylene Production Technology: Precious Metal Atom Utilization Rate Nears 100%

Tianjin University Develops “Atomic Extraction” Technology, Cutting Propylene Catalyst Costs by 90%

A research team led by Gong Jinlong from Tianjin University published an innovative achievement in the journal Science, developing a groundbreaking propylene catalyst technology that nearly achieves 100% utilization of precious metal atoms.

Core Innovations

Pioneers the “atomic extraction” strategy: Adding tin elements to the surface of platinum-copper alloy acts like a “magnet” to pull platinum atoms originally hidden inside onto the catalyst surface.

Increases the surface exposure rate of platinum atoms from the traditional 30% to nearly 100%.

The new catalyst requires only 1/10 of the platinum dosage of conventional catalysts, reducing costs by 90% while improving catalytic efficiency.

Industrial Impact

Global annual consumption of precious metals in catalysts is approximately 200 billion yuan, and this technology can save nearly 180 billion yuan.

Reduces dependence on precious metals by 90%, supports the low-carbon economy, and provides new ideas for other precious metal catalytic fields.