M−N₃ Configuration on Boron Nitride Boosts Singlet Oxygen Generation via Peroxymonosulfate Activation for Selective Oxidation

Abstract

Singlet oxygen (¹O₂) is an essential reactive species responsible for selective oxidation of organic matter, especially in Fenton-like processes. However, due to the great limitations in synthesizing catalysts with well-defined active sites, the controllable production and practical application of ¹O₂ remain challenging. Herein, guided by theoretical simulations, a series of boron nitride-based single-atom catalysts (BvBN/M, M=Co, Fe, Cu, Ni and Mn) were synthesized to regulate ¹O₂ generation by activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). All the fabricated BvBN/M catalysts with explicit M-N₃ sites promoted the self-decomposition of the two PMS molecules to generate ¹O₂ with high selectivity, where BvBN/Co possessed moderate adsorption energy and d-band center exhibited superior catalytic activity. As an outcome, the BvBN/Co-PMS system coupled with membrane filtration technology could continuously transform aromatic alcohols to aldehydes with nearly 100 % selectivity and conversion rate under mild conditions, suggesting the potential of this novel catalytic system for green organic synthesis.