Issue 14, 2024

Adsorption and activation of small molecules on boron nitride catalysts

Abstract

Hexagonal boron nitride possesses a unique layered structure, high specific surface area and similar electronic properties as graphene, which makes it not only a promising catalyst support, but also a highly effective metal-free catalyst in the booming field of green chemistry. Reactions involving small molecules (e.g., oxygen, low carbon alkanes, nitrogen and carbon dioxide) have always been a hot topic in catalytic research, especially associated with the adsorption and activation regime of different forms of small molecules on catalysts. In this review, we have investigated the adsorption of different small molecules and the relevant activation mechanisms of four typical chemical bonds (O[double bond, length as m-dash]O, C–H, N[triple bond, length as m-dash]N, C[double bond, length as m-dash]O) on hexagonal boron nitride. Recent progress on approaches adopted to enhance the activation capacity such as doping, defect engineering and heterostructuring are summarized, highlighting the potential applications of nonmetallic hexagonal boron nitride catalysts in various reactions. This comprehensive investigation offers a reference point for the enhanced mechanistic understanding and future design of effective and sustainable catalytic systems based on boron nitride.

Graphical abstract: Adsorption and activation of small molecules on boron nitride catalysts

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
09 jan 2024
Accepted
12 mar 2024
First published
13 mar 2024

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2024,26, 10494-10505

Adsorption and activation of small molecules on boron nitride catalysts

B. Miao, Z. Qiu, Z. Zhen, Y. Yang, Z. Yang, T. Xiao, J. Lv, S. Huang, Y. Wang and X. Ma, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2024, 26, 10494 DOI: 10.1039/D4CP00103F

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