Dimensional Understanding of Boron-Based Catalysts for Oxidative Propane Dehydrogenation: Structure and Mechanism

The superiority of boron-based (B-based) catalysts in inhibiting olefin peroxidation has shed light on the industrialization landscape of the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODHP) technology. However, owing to the complexity of the structure and reaction network of B-based catalysts, systematic understanding of the structure–performance relationship and the relevant mixed surface-gas radical mechanism remains limited. In this review, we summarize the latest research advances in the performance of different B-based catalysts and the ODHP reaction mechanism in different spatial dimensions. The construction of active sites from one-dimension (1-D) to three-dimension (3-D) of different catalysts and their ODHP catalytic performances were analyzed in detail, and the structure–activity relationship of the catalysts was elucidated. In addition, potential strategies for enhancing the space–time yield of the catalysts were discussed. Furthermore, this review also thoroughly analyzes the ODHP mechanism about the reaction pathways, key intermediates, rate-determining steps, and catalytic kinetics at the 1/2-D surface active sites and the 3-D gas phase. Finally, we summarize the synergism of surface and gas-phase radical reactions involved in the ODHP reactions and propose the reaction network. Based on existing challenges, the restrictions of this catalytic system were determined to suggest the direction for future studies.