Supported boron-based catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of light alkanes to olefins

Boron-based catalysts have shown great fundamental and practical value in oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of light alkanes to olefins. Particularly, supported boron-based catalysts exhibit superior specific activity with highly dispersed active sites and adjustable structures, which can be used to understand the reaction pathway and promotion effect of the microenvironment in a clear manner. This review surveyed the structural characteristics of several important supported boron-based catalysts and their catalytic performance in ODH of light alkanes. The similarities and differences in the origin of active sites and kinetic behaviors over these supported catalysts were summarized and discussed. The interaction between the active boron species and support still plays a crucial role in the stability and activity of the catalysts. Moreover, the potential research directions for the application of highly active and stable boron-based catalysts in ODH of light alkanes to olefins were prospected.