Encapsulation of Cu nanoparticles within TS-1 zeolite: synergistic Cu–N coordination and CuO(111)/Cu(111) facet engineering for enhanced 1,4-butynediol synthesis

Ligand-protected encapsulated Cu@TS-1(2) with confined Cu nanoparticles delivers enhanced selectivity and stability, driven by Cu–N bonds for acetylene adsorption and synergistic CuO(111)/Cu(111) facets for formaldehyde activation.