Decoding the Electronic Structure of Distorted h-BN Catalysts for Hydrothermally Stable Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane via Soft X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (2026)
Abstract
Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is a promising metal-free catalyst for propane oxidative dehydrogenation, but BO? sites degrade under high-temperature, H2O-rich conditions. We propose a molten magnesium¿induced lattice strain strategy to stabilise BO? species. Mg-treated h-BN maintains >50% propane conversion and ~28% propylene selectivity over 35 h, versus a 15.7% decrease for untreated h-BN. A combined structural and spectroscopic analysis suggests lattice distortion and an electron-enriched surface. Soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy at B, N, and O K-edges will resolve BO3, BO2N, and BN environments, linking structure, Mg treatment, and catalytic stability.
