Industrial scale-up of an innovative catalyst for sustainable propylene production.
The PROESCAT project is developing a pioneering catalytic technology to enhance the sustainable production of propylene, a fundamental component in the manufacture of plastics and chemicals. The initiative focuses on optimising propane dehydrogenation by using an advanced catalyst composed of bimetallic nanoparticles (platinum and tin) on an alumina base.
The catalyst is prepared via a “one-pot” synthesis method—a process where the reaction occurs within a single reactor—ensuring high nanoparticle dispersion and exceptional stability. This approach enables the technology to achieve 99 % selectivity, a figure that outperforms current commercial alternatives.
The primary goal of the experiment is to scale up production and validate performance in a pilot plant under real-world conditions, demonstrating the technology’s technical and economic viability. Furthermore, the project identifies market opportunities alongside petrochemical companies and manufacturers to streamline future technology transfer.
This innovation helps transform the industry through more energy-efficient processes with a lower environmental impact, paving the way for the use of alternative feedstocks such as biopropane.
Eurecat contributes to the project through its Chemical Technology unit, providing expertise in material synthesis and process scale-up, while the Valorisation area manages market transfer and intellectual property protection.
General data
Project
PROESCAT – Propane Dehydrogenation Scaling with innovative Catalyst.
Project reference
2025PROD00130
Programme and call
Project funded by the Product call under the Knowledge Industry programme (AGAUR) of the Government of Catalonia.
Related SDGs
