A mini review on oxidative dehydrogenation of propane over boron nitride catalysts

Abstract

Oxidative dehydrogenation of propane is an attractive route for the synthesis of propylene due to its favorable thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics, however, it is challenging to realize high selectivity towards propylene. Recently, it has been discovered that boron nitride (BN) is a promising catalyst that affords superior selectivity towards propylene in oxidative dehydrogenation of propane. Summarizing the progress and unravelling the reaction mechanism of BN in oxidative dehydrogenation of propane are of great significance for the rational design of efficient catalysts in the future. Herein, in this review, the underlying reaction mechanisms of oxidative dehydrogenation of propane over BN are extracted; the developed BN catalysts are classified into pristine BN, functionalized BN, supported BN and others, and the applications of each category of BN catalysts in oxidative dehydrogenation of propane are summarized; the challenges and opportunities on oxidative dehydrogenation of propane over BN are pointed out, aiming to inspire more studies and advance this research field.