<p>Propane dehydrogenation (PDH) to propylene is a key industrial process, and the development of high-performance non-precious metal catalysts remains a significant challenge. In this work, hierarchical porous SBA-15 was prepared as a catalyst support, and bimetallic Ni-GaO_x species were loaded onto SBA-15 surface via incipient wetness impregnation to fabricate related catalysts. The catalyst structure and PDH performance were systematically investigated using a combination of characterization techniques, with catalytic activity evaluated in a fixed-bed reactor. Results showed that the 20Ni/SBA-15 catalyst (single Ni-loaded) exhibited a propane conversion of ~ 10%, but no propylene was detected due to severe non-selective side reactions. With increasing Ga₂O₃ content, propylene yield gradually increased, and the 20Ni₁Ga₂/SBA-15 catalyst achieved an excellent propylene yield with sustained high selectivity. Methane and ethylene were generated as by-products during the reaction. Eventually, thermogravimetric analysis was performed on both fresh and spent catalysts, which confirmed the formation of graphitic coke deposits. This work provides a feasible strategy for designing and optimizing Ni-based catalysts via Ga₂O₃ modification, which is expected to guide the development of high-selectivity and anti-coking dehydrogenation catalysts.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>