The catalyst of Pt nanoparticles loaded on Al2O3 support has been prepared by a facile liquid phase synthesis-ultrasonic vibration method. With propane dehydrogenation as a probe reaction, the influence of promoter cerium (Ce) on the catalyst was investigated by means of transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Na adsorption-desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of CO adsorption, H-2-temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and catalytic properties for propane dehydrogenation. The results revealed that the Pt nanograins with diameter of 1.6-4.8 nm were evenly dispersed on the Ce-containing Al2O3 support. The introduction of a small amount Ce into Pt/Al2O3 results in a bimetallic surface interaction, enhancing the surface reducibility and dispersity of Pt nanoparticles. The study of propane dehydrogenation performance shows that Ce-containing Pt catalyst is more active and less coke deposition than Ce-free Pt/Al2O3 counterpart. This study can provide an insight into the design and development of new Pt-based catalyst, especially for the improvement of catalytic activity and stability towards alkane dehydrogenation. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.