Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) were recently reported as highly selective catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of alkanes to olefins in the gas phase. Previous studies revealed a substantial increase in surface oxygen content after exposure to ODH conditions (heating to ca. 500 °C under a flow of alkane and oxygen); however, the complexity of these materials has thus far precluded an in-depth understanding of the oxygenated surface species. In this contribution, we combine advanced NMR spectroscopy experiments with scanning electron microscopy and soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy to characterize the molecular structure of the oxygen functionalized phase that arises on h-BN and BNNT following catalytic testing for ODH of propane. The pristine BN materials are readily oxidized and hydrolyzed under ODH reaction conditions to yield a phase consisting of three-coordinate boron sites with variable numbers of hydroxyl and bridging oxide groups which is denoted B(OH)xO3-x (where x = 0-3). Evidence for this robust oxide phase revises previous literature hypotheses of hydroxylated BN edges as the active component on h-BN.

The lack of congenial atmosphere in our institution seems to be due to the attitude of the course organizers.A need for makeover in attitudes and approach on the part of the teachers to make the learning experience more pleasant for the students was made obvious by this study.

In this contribution we report on the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) activity of silica-supported boron oxide prepared via incipient wetness impregnation. Characterization of pristine and spent catalysts with infrared, Raman, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy reveals the presence of both isolated and aggregated oxidized boron sites. The results of these investigations, in combination with our earlier work on bulk boron-containing ODH catalysts (e.g., h-BN, metal borides, and elemental boron), bolster the hypothesis that oxidized boron species in situ formed on the surface of these materials are responsible for the exceptional catalytic behavior. We anticipate that investigation of supported boron materials can provide insight into the structural characteristics required for selective boron-containing ODH catalysts. Disciplines DisciplinesPhysical Chemistry Comments CommentsAbstract. In this contribution we report on the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) activity of silica-supported boron oxide prepared via incipient wetness impregnation. Characterization of pristine and spent catalysts with infrared, Raman, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy reveals the presence of both isolated and aggregated oxidized boron sites. The results of these investigations, in combination with our earlier work on bulk boron-containing ODH catalysts (e.g., h-BN, metal borides, and elemental boron), give direct evidence that oxidized boron species formed in situ on the surface of these materials are responsible for the exceptional catalytic behavior. We anticipate that investigation of supported boron materials can provide insight into the structural characteristics required for selective boron-containing ODH catalysts.

Boron‐containing materials have recently been identified as highly selective catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of alkanes to olefins. It has previously been demonstrated by several spectroscopic characterization techniques that the surface of these boron‐containing ODH catalysts oxidize and hydrolyze under reaction conditions, forming an amorphous B2(OH)xO(3−x/2) (x=0–6) layer. Yet, the precise nature of the active site(s) remains elusive. In this Communication, we provide a detailed characterization of zeolite MCM‐22 isomorphously substituted with boron (B‐MWW). Using 11B solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, we show that the majority of boron species in B‐MWW exist as isolated BO3 units, fully incorporated into the zeolite framework. However, this material shows no catalytic activity for ODH of propane to propene. The catalytic inactivity of B‐MWW for ODH of propane falsifies the hypothesis that site‐isolated BO3 units are the active site in boron‐based catalysts. This observation is at odds with other traditionally studied catalysts like vanadium‐based catalysts and provides an important piece of the mechanistic puzzle.

Animal experimentation is carried out in consultation with the veterinary wing but it is essential that be familiar with experimental protocols of animal model to be able to design an approriate study. This is more so in place where the veterinary facilities are not easily available.Span Rabbits are commonly used as subjects for screening implant material. They have gained favour for their numerous advantages even though they should be ideally used prior to testing in a larger animal model. Though experimentation on rabbits seems to be easy there are many pitfalls. Our endeavor in this article is to integrate all the data about maintaining rabbits as a model and to critically analyze it on the basis of our experimentation.