Enhanced catalytic hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate over defect-rich boron nitride sheets-anchored Cu catalyst

Utilizing hexagonal boron nitride (BN) with elevated surface area and numerous exposed edges as a support can significantly enhance the catalytic performance. In this study, defect-rich boron nitride sheet (BNS) was facilely prepared via ball-milling of BN and a Cu/BNS catalyst was developed for dimethyl oxalate (DMO) hydrogenation to ethylene glycol (EG). The treated BNS owned increased edge defects and surface area. These edge defects can disperse and further stabilize the Cu species via the formation of interfacial B-O-Cu bonds, resulting in the high dispersion of Cu species and enhanced interaction between the metal and the support, and thus contributing to the anchoring of the Cu nanoparticles. Consequently, the Cu/BNS catalyst exhibited remarkable catalytic performance and stability, with a high EG selectivity of 98.84 % and stability of 750 h. This work provides a new perspective for the development of two-dimensional boron nitride as a support material for heterogeneous catalysts.