Rh₃ clusters balance activity and butene selectivity in butane dehydrogenation

Scientists from the Institute of Metal Research (IMR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with researchers from Peking University and Chongqing University, have demonstrated how the geometry and electronic properties of subnanometer rhodium (Rh) active sites shape C–H activation, product desorption and C–C bond cleavage during butane dehydrogenation.