Synergistic Catalysis of the PtCu Alloy on Ultrathin BN Nanosheets for Accelerated Oxidative Desulfurization

Developing highly active and stable platinum (Pt) nanocatalysts is regarded as an effective way to enhance the catalytic performance. However, the catalytic activity of Pt, closely related to the interface electronic structure and surface chemical state, is considered difficult to be adjusted accurately. Herein, a well-crystallized octahedral PtCu alloy was synthesized and loaded onto ultrathin boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) to regulate the geometric and electronic properties of Pt catalysts. The prepared PtCu nanoalloys are larger and have more exposed facets and edges with respect to the Pt nanoparticles (NPs). The change in geometry is due to the introduction of Cu, which also regulates the electronic properties of the whole catalyst. The experimental results show that PtCu/BNNS hosts a high aerobic oxidative desulfurization activity with molecular oxygen as the oxidant. Furthermore, the PtCu/BNNS catalyst is applied to desulfurization for real diesel fuel and exhibits excellent desulfurization activities. Sulfur removal is 92.1%, and only 7.9 ppm of the total sulfur remains. In addition, the catalyst shows good stability and recyclability, which further indicated its potential application prospects.