For the DFT calculations, we focus on the "pristine" clusters Pt 4 and Pt 4 Ge, and their partially coked counterparts Pt 4 C 2 , and Pt 4 GeC 2 . After obtaining the ensemble of isomers, we perform transition state calculations to obtain barriers and determine the reactivities of these isomers towards ethane and ethylene dehydrogenation. Detailed bonding analyses of the interaction between Ge and C 2 provides deeper chemical insights into activity and stability trends. With supporting experimental evidence from ISS and TPD data, we observe that Ge mitigates the deactivating effect of C towards ethane dehydrogenation, and improves the selectivity towards ethylene desorption.