Synthesis of hierarchical porous BCN using ternary deep eutectic solvent as precursor and template for aerobic oxidative desulfurization

Abstract

Abstract Boron carbon nitride (BCN) has exhibited superior aerobic catalytic performance in oxidation reactions. Herein, the hierarchical porous BCN catalyst was synthesized using a ternary deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of boric acid, urea and choline chloride as the precursor and template. The as-prepared BCN exhibited impressive catalytic performance in oxidative desulfurization of fuel. Under the optimized conditions, the BCN catalyst can reach 98.4% sulfur removal in 4 h and recycle 5 times with a little activity decrease. Experimental results revealed that the excellent catalytic activity was found to be originated from an improved electron delocalization. Combined with the density functional theory (DFT), the improved electron delocalization increased the electronic density of the BCN, promoting the activation of dioxygen. This strategy provides a novel approach for the design of high-performance catalyst in oxidative desulfurization.