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Liu J, Lv X, Ma Y, Smith SC, Gu Y, Kou L. Electrocatalytic Urea Synthesis via N 2 Dimerization and Universal Descriptor. ACS NANO 2023; 17:25667-25678. [PMID: 38095313 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic urea synthesis through N2 + CO2 coreduction and C-N coupling is a promising and sustainable alternative to harsh industrial processes. Despite considerable efforts, limited progress has been made due to the challenges of breaking inert N≡N bonds for C-N coupling, competing side reactions, and the absence of theoretical principles guiding catalyst design. In this study, we propose a mechanism for highly electrocatalytic urea synthesis using two adsorbed N2 molecules and CO as nitrogen and carbon sources, respectively. This mechanism circumvents the challenging step of N≡N bond breaking and selective CO2 to CO reduction, as the free CO molecule inserts into dimerized *N2 and binds concurrently with two N atoms, forming a specific urea precursor *NNCONN* with both thermodynamic and kinetic feasibility. Through the proposed mechanism, Ti2@C4N3 and V2@C4N3 are identified as highly active catalysts for electrocatalytic urea formation, exhibiting low onset potentials of -0.741 and -0.738 V, respectively. Importantly, taking transition metal atoms anchored on porous graphite-like carbonitride (TM2@C4N3) as prototypes, we introduce a simple descriptor, namely, effective d electron number (Φ), to quantitatively describe the structure-activity relationships for urea formation. This descriptor incorporates inherent atomic properties of the catalyst, such as the number of d electrons, the electronegativity of the metal atoms, and the generalized electronegativity of the substrate atoms, making it potentially applicable to other urea catalysts. Our work advances the comprehension of mechanisms and provides a universal guiding principle for catalyst design in urea electrochemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxian Liu
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Xingshuai Lv
- Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR 999078, People's Republic of China
| | - Yandong Ma
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Shandanan Street 27, Jinan 250100, People's Republic of China
| | - Sean C Smith
- Integrated Materials Design Laboratory, Department of Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University,Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - YuanTong Gu
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Liangzhi Kou
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
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52
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Wang Z, Wu M, Huang Y, Zhang J, Wei X. The regulatory function of the d-orbital structure in TM@g-t-C 4N 3 for bifunctional catalysis of the oxygen evolution/reduction reaction. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 26:558-568. [PMID: 38086652 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp04249a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Highly efficient catalysts for the oxygen evolution/reduction reaction (OER/ORR) have attracted great attention in research for energy devices with high conversion efficiency. Herein, systematic first-principles investigations are performed to explore the catalytic performance of graphitic C4N3 loaded with single transition metal atoms (TM@g-t-C4N3) for the OER/ORR. The results show that Fe, Co, Ni and Rh@g-t-C4N3 exhibit fascinating bifunctional catalytic activities for both the OER and ORR. Moreover, it is observed that better activities are easily achieved when the valence d orbitals of doped TM atoms are nearly fully occupied. Further analysis reveals the volcano relationship between the OER/ORR performance and the adsorption Gibbs free energy. The adsorption free energy of intermediates in the OER/ORR process is also found to highly correlate with the electronic structures of TM@g-t-C4N3, which are mainly characterized by two quantities, one is the descriptor φ related to the electronegativity and the number of valence electrons in d orbitals, and the other is the projected d band center. The results indicate that it is possible to predict the catalytic performance of TM@g-t-C4N3 by a detailed examination of the electronic properties of the doped TM atoms to some extent. This research not only provides several highly active g-t-C4N3-based single-atom catalysts (SACs) for the OER/ORR, but also reveals some potential regularities of SAC systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenduo Wang
- School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
| | - Meichen Wu
- School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
| | - Yuhong Huang
- School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
| | - Xiumei Wei
- School of Physics and Information Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
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Fang Z, Liang Y, Li Y, Ni B, Zhu J, Li Y, Huang S, Lin W, Zhang Y. Theoretical Insight into the Special Synergy of Bimetallic Site in Co/MoC Catalyst to Promote N 2 -to-NH 3 Conversion. Chemistry 2023:e202302900. [PMID: 38105290 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202302900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The catalytic mechanisms of nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) on the pristine and Co/α-MoC(001) surfaces were explored by density functional theory calculations. The results show that the preferred pathway is that a direct N≡N cleavage occurs first, followed by continuous hydrogenations. The production of second NH3 molecule is identified as the rate-limiting step on both systems with kinetic barriers of 1.5 and 2.0 eV, respectively, indicating that N2 -to-NH3 transformation on bimetallic surface is more likely to occur. The two components of the bimetallic center play different roles during NRR process, in which Co atom does not directly participate in the binding of intermediates, but primarily serves as a reservoir of H atoms. This special synergy makes Co/α-MoC(001) have superior activity for ammonia synthesis. The introduction of Co not only facilitates N2 dissociation, but also accelerates the migration of H atom due to the antibonding characteristic of Co-H bond. This study offers a facile strategy for the rational design and development of efficient catalysts for ammonia synthesis and other reactions involving the hydrogenation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongpu Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Yingsi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Yanli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Bilian Ni
- Department of Basic Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Jia Zhu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330022, China
| | - Yi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Shuping Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Wei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
| | - Yongfan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Xiamen, Fujian, 361005, China
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54
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Ju L, Ma Y, Tan X, Kou L. Controllable Electrocatalytic to Photocatalytic Conversion in Ferroelectric Heterostructures. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:26393-26402. [PMID: 38010364 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c10271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Photocatalytic and electrocatalytic reactions to produce value-added chemicals offer promising solutions for addressing the energy crisis and environmental pollution. Photocatalysis is driven by light excitation and charge separation and relies on semiconducting catalysts, while electrocatalysis is driven by external electric current and is mostly based on metallic catalysts with high electrical conductivity. Due to the distinct reaction mechanism, the conversion between the two catalytic types has remained largely unexplored. Herein, by means of density functional theory (DFT) simulations, we demonstrated that the ferroelectric heterostructures Mo-BN@In2Se3 and WSe2@In2Se3 can exhibit semiconducting or metallic features depending on the polarization direction as a result of the built-in field and electron transfer. Using the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as examples, the metallic heterostructures act as excellent electrocatalysts for these reactions, while the semiconducting heterostructures serve as the corresponding photocatalysts with improved optical absorption, enhanced charge separation, and low Gibbs free energy change. The findings not only bridge physical phenomena of the electronic phase transition with chemical reactions but also offer a new and feasible approach to significantly improve the catalytic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ju
- School of Physics and Electric Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Yandong Ma
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Xin Tan
- Institute for Carbon Neutralization, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liangzhi Kou
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
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55
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Guo H, Yang P, Yang Y, Wu H, Zhang F, Huang ZF, Yang G, Zhou Y. Vacancy-Mediated Control of Local Electronic Structure for High-Efficiency Electrocatalytic Conversion of N 2 to NH 3. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2309007. [PMID: 38037488 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Ambient electrocatalytic nitrogen (N2 ) reduction has gained significant recognition as a potential substitute for producing ammonia (NH3 ). However, N2 adsorption and *NN protonation for N2 activation reaction with the competing hydrogen evolution reaction remain a daunting challenge. Herein, a defect-rich TiO2 nanosheet electrocatalyst with PdCu alloy nanoparticles (PdCu/TiO2-x ) is designed to elucidate the reactivity and selectivity trends of N2 cleavage path for N2 -to-NH3 catalytic conversion. The introduction of oxygen vacancy (OV) not only acts as active sites but also effectively promotes the electron transfer from Pd-Cu sites to high-concentration Ti3+ sites, and thus lends to the N2 activation via electron donation of PdCu. OVs-mediated control effectively lowers the reaction barrier of *N2 H and *H adsorption and facilitates the first hydrogenation process of N2 activation. Consequently, PdCu/TiO2-x catalyst attains a high rate of NH3 evolution, reaching 5.0 mmol gcat. -1 h-1 . This work paves a pathway of defect-engineering metal-supported electrocatalysts for high-efficient ammonia electrosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Peng Yang
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Yuantao Yang
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Haoran Wu
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Fengying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Zhen-Feng Huang
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Guidong Yang
- XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 7010049, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
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56
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Wang J, Li S, Liu Q, Zhao K, Yang Y, Wang X. Direct Electrochemical Synthesis of Acetamide from CO 2 and N 2 on a Single-Atom Alloy Catalyst. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:53436-53445. [PMID: 37934920 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide into value-added compounds not only paves the way toward a sustainable society but also unlocks the potential for electrocatalytic synthesis of amides through the introduction of N atoms. However, it also poses one of the greatest challenges in catalysis: achieving simultaneous completion of C-C coupling and C-N coupling. Here, we have meticulously investigated the catalytic prowess of Cu-based single-atom alloys in facilitating the electrochemical synthesis of acetamide from CO2 and N2. Through a comprehensive screening process encompassing catalyst stability, adsorption capability, and selectivity against the HER, W/Cu(111) SAA has emerged as an auspicious contender. The reaction entails CO2 reduction to CO, C-C coupling leading to the formation of a ketene intermediate *CCO, N2 reduction, and C-N coupling between NH3 and *CCO culminating in the production of acetamide. The W/Cu(111) surface not only exhibits exceptional activity in the formation of acetamide, with a barrier energy of 0.85 eV for the rate-determining CO hydrogenation step, but also effectively suppresses undesired side reactions leading to various C1 and C2 byproducts during CO2 reduction. This work presents a highly effective approach for forming C-C and C-N bonds via coelectroreduction of CO2 and N2, illuminating the reaction mechanism underlying acetamide synthesis from these two gases on single-atom alloy catalysts. The catalyst design strategy employed in this study has the potential to be extended to a range of amide chemicals, thereby broadening the scope of products that can be obtained through CO2/N2 reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingnan Wang
- Institute of Molecular Plus, Department of Chemistry, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Sha Li
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou 515041, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Molecular Plus and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Kaiheng Zhao
- Institute of Molecular Plus, Department of Chemistry, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Yongan Yang
- Institute of Molecular Plus, Department of Chemistry, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Physics, School of Physical Science and Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, P. R. China
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57
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Yin H, Xing X, Zhang W, Li J, Xiong W, Li H. A simple hydrothermal synthesis of an oxygen vacancy-rich MnMoO 4 rod-like material and its highly efficient electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction. Dalton Trans 2023; 52:16670-16679. [PMID: 37916428 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt03018k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction (NRR) for artificial ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions is considered a promising alternative to the traditional Haber-Bosch process. However, it still faces multiple challenges such as the difficulty of N2 adsorption and activation and limited Faraday efficiency. In this work, a bimetallic oxide MnMoO4 was prepared by a hydrothermal method and low temperature calcination. The influence of the sintering temperature on the microstructure (crystallinity and oxygen vacancies) of the oxide and its NRR properties were systematically explored. The results showed that MnMoO4 sintered at 500 °C had the highest concentration of OVs and showed excellent NRR performance, with the highest NH3 yield (up to 12.28 μg h-1 mgcat-1), high Faraday efficiency (23.04% at -0.30 V vs. RHE), and good stability at -0.40 V vs. RHE, and the catalytic performance was about two times higher than that of Mn2O3 and MoO3. It is also superior to other bimetallic oxide NRR electrocatalysts reported in some cases. In addition, we also explored the ratio between Mn and Mo metals, and the catalytic effect was the best when Mn : Mo = 1 : 1. Due to the synergistic effect between Mn and Mo metals and the large number of OVs present internally, the catalytic activity for the NRR was largely improved. This study suggests that the bimetallic oxide MnMoO4 may be a promising NRR electrocatalyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huhu Yin
- Key Laboratory of Novel Biomass-Based Environmental and Energy Materials in Petroleum and Chemical Industry, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor &Green Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China.
| | - Xiujing Xing
- Chemistry Department, University of California, Davis 95616, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Biomass-Based Environmental and Energy Materials in Petroleum and Chemical Industry, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor &Green Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China.
| | - Jin Li
- Key Laboratory of Novel Biomass-Based Environmental and Energy Materials in Petroleum and Chemical Industry, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor &Green Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China.
| | - Wei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Novel Biomass-Based Environmental and Energy Materials in Petroleum and Chemical Industry, Hubei Key Laboratory of Novel Reactor &Green Chemical Technology, School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China.
| | - Hao Li
- Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
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58
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Abstract
Catalysts serve pivotal roles in facilitating the development of sustainable energy systems on a global scale. Liquid metal usually refers to metal that is liquid below 330 °C, also known as low melting point metal. Liquid metal has emerged as an intriguing catalyst due to its commendable electrical conductivity, favorable fluidity, solubility in metals, phase transition capabilities, and modifiable oxide surface, thereby presenting a plethora of prospects for diverse catalytic reactions. In this Perspective, we elucidate the four primary merits of liquid metal catalysts: resistance to coking, the ability to tune elemental composition, the potential for structural transformation, and the capacity to inhibit coalescence. In light of this, a comprehensive summary is presented on the research advancements pertaining to liquid metal in methane pyrolysis, alkane dehydrogenation, carbon dioxide reduction, alcohol oxidation, and various other catalytic reactions. Finally, the challenges and prospects of liquid metal catalysts are elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Tingli Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Mengqi Zeng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Lei Fu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- The Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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59
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Hadsadee S, Roongcharoen T, Takahashi K, Jungsuttiwong S, Namuangruk S. Enhanced Electrocatalytic CO 2 Reduction Reactivity of S- and N-Doped Fe-Embedded Graphene. Chempluschem 2023; 88:e202300306. [PMID: 37787416 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202300306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we studied the reaction mechanisms for CO2 reduction reaction (CRR) on the iron-doped graphene and its coordinating sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) variants, FeNn S4-n (n=1-4), using density functional theory calculations. Our results revealed that the electronic property and catalytic reactivity of the surfaces can be tuned by varying the N and S atoms ratio. The CRR activities of the mixed surfaces, FeN3 S1 , FeN2 S2 , and FeN1 S3 , were better than FeN4 and FeS4 , where the absolute value of the limiting potential of the mixed surface decreased by 0.3 V. Considering the stability, we suggest FeN3 S surface to be favorable for CRR. For the bare surfaces, we found a positive linear correlation between the magnetic moment and the charge of Fe metal. For these surfaces, the reduction of CO (*CO+(H+ +e- )→*CHO) was important in deciding the limiting potential. We found that the adsorption energy of CO displayed a volcano relationship with the magnetic moment of the Fe atom. The study showed that the change of local coordinating structure around the Fe atom could modify the electronic and magnetic properties of the active Fe center and improve the CRR activity performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarinya Hadsadee
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani, 34190, Thailand
| | - Thantip Roongcharoen
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Kaito Takahashi
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, No 1, Sec 4 Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Siriporn Jungsuttiwong
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani, 34190, Thailand
| | - Supawadee Namuangruk
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
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60
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Mou Y, Wang Y, Wan J, Yao G, Feng C, Zhang H, Wang Y. Rational design of 2D MBene-based bifunctional OER/ORR dual-metal atom catalysts: a DFT study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:29135-29142. [PMID: 37869987 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp04323a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Designing highly active, low-cost, and bifunctional oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is urgent for the development of metal-air batteries. Herein, by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we systematically reported a series of dual-metal atom adsorbed novel two-dimensional (2D) MBenes as efficient bifunctional catalysts for the OER/ORR (namely 2TM/TM1TM2-Mo2B2O2, TM = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni). Our theoretical results show that 2Ni-Mo2B2O2, FeCo-Mo2B2O2 and CoNi-Mo2B2O2 exhibit outstanding OER/ORR catalytic activity with overpotentials of 0.49/0.27 V, 0.38/0.50 V and 0.25/0.51 V, respectively, exceeding those of IrO2(110) for the OER and Pt(111) for the ORR. Additionally, these highly active bifunctional catalysts can effectively suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), ensuring the absolute preference for the OER/ORR. More importantly, the Bader charge (QTM) of adsorbed dual-metal atoms is used as a descriptor of OER/ORR catalytic activity, which is linearly related to ηORR and volcanically related to -ηOER. Our work not only provides new theoretical guidance for developing noble metal-free bifunctional electrocatalysts but also enriches the application of MBenes in electrocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Mou
- The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, National Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment Technology, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing City 400044, P. R. China.
| | - Yanwei Wang
- The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, National Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment Technology, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing City 400044, P. R. China.
| | - Jin Wan
- The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, National Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment Technology, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing City 400044, P. R. China.
| | - Guangxu Yao
- The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, National Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment Technology, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing City 400044, P. R. China.
| | - Chuanzhen Feng
- The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, National Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment Technology, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing City 400044, P. R. China.
| | - Huijuan Zhang
- The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, National Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment Technology, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing City 400044, P. R. China.
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Huhehaote, 010022, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, National Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment Technology, Chongqing University, 174 Shazheng Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing City 400044, P. R. China.
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Huhehaote, 010022, P. R. China
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61
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Lv W, Deng J, Wu D, He B, Tang G, Ma D, Jia Y, Lv P. Similar electronic state effect enables excellent activity for nitrate-to-ammonia electroreduction on both high- and low-density double-atom catalysts. J Chem Phys 2023; 159:164704. [PMID: 37873963 DOI: 10.1063/5.0162029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Double-atom catalysts (DACs) for harmful nitrate (NO3-) electroreduction to valuable ammonia (eNO3RR) is attractive for both environmental remediation and energy transformation. However, the limited metal loading in most DACs largely hinders their applications in practical catalytic applications. Therefore, exploring ultrahigh-density (UHD) DACs with abundant active metal centers and excellent eNO3RR activity is highly desired under the site-distance effect. Herein, starting from the experimental M2N6 motif deposited on graphene, we firstly screened the low-density (LD) Mn2N6 and Fe2N6 DACs with high eNO3RR activity and then established an appropriate activity descriptor for the LD-DAC system. By utilizing this descriptor, the corresponding Mn2N6 and Fe2N6 UHD-DACs with dynamic, thermal, thermodynamic, and electrochemical stabilities, are identified to locate at the peak of activity volcano, exhibiting rather-low limiting potentials of -0.25 and -0.38 V, respectively. Further analysis in term of spin state and orbital interaction, confirms that the electronic state effect similar to that of LD-DACs enable the excellent eNO3RR activity to be maintained in the UHD-DACs. These findings highlight the promising application of Mn2N6 and Fe2N6 UHD-DACs in nitrate electroreduction for NH3 production and provide impetus for further experimental exploration of ultrahigh-density DACs based on their intrinsic electronic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Lv
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jianming Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Electronic Functional Materials and Devices, Huizhou University, Huizhou 516001, Guangdong, China
| | - Donghai Wu
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Bingling He
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Gang Tang
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Dongwei Ma
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Joint Center for Theoretical Physics, and Center for Topological Functional Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yu Jia
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Joint Center for Theoretical Physics, and Center for Topological Functional Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- International Laboratory for Quantum Functional Materials of Henan, and School of Physics, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Peng Lv
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Electronic Functional Materials and Devices, Huizhou University, Huizhou 516001, Guangdong, China
- Joint Center for Theoretical Physics, and Center for Topological Functional Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
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62
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Wu J, Wu D, Li H, Song Y, Lv W, Yu X, Ma D. Tailoring the coordination environment of double-atom catalysts to boost electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction: a first-principles study. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:16056-16067. [PMID: 37728053 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr03310d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Tailoring the coordination environment is an effective strategy to modulate the electronic structure and catalytic activity of atomically dispersed transition-metal (TM) catalysts, which has been widely investigated for single-atom catalysts but received less attention for emerging double-atom catalysts (DACs). Herein, based on first-principles calculations, taking the commonly studied N-coordinated graphene-based DACs as references, we explored the effect of coordination engineering on the catalytic behaviors of DACs towards the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), which is realized through replacing one N atom by the B or O atom to form B, N or O, N co-coordinated DACs. We found that B, N or O, N co-coordination could significantly strengthen N2 adsorption and alter the N2 adsorption pattern of the TM dimer active center, which greatly facilitates N2 activation. Moreover, on the studied DACs, the linear scaling relationship between the binding strengths of key intermediates can be attenuated. Consequently, the O, N co-coordinated Mn2 DACs, exhibiting an ultralow limiting potential of -0.27 V, climb to the peak of the activity volcano. In addition, the experimental feasibility of this DAC system was also identified. Overall, benefiting from the coordination engineering effect, the chemical activity and catalytic performance of the DACs for NRR can be significantly boosted. This phenomena can be understood from the adjusted electronic structure of the TM dimer active center due to the changes of its coordination microenvironment, which significantly affects the binding strength (pattern) of key intermediates and changes the reaction pathways, leading to enhanced NRR activity and selectivity. This work highlights the importance of coordination engineering in developing DACs for the electrocatalytic NRR and other important reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Wu
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Donghai Wu
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Nanocomposites and Applications, Institute of Nanostructured Functional Materials, Huanghe Science and Technology College, Zhengzhou 450006, China
| | - Haobo Li
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Yanhao Song
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Wenjing Lv
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Xiaohu Yu
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Catalysis, School of Chemical & Environment Sciences, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723000, China.
| | - Dongwei Ma
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
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63
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Yang L, Fan J, Zhu W. Theoretical insight into the essential role of charged surface for ammonia synthesis: Si-decorated carbon nitride electrode. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:26659-26665. [PMID: 37772455 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp03279e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
We report a new Si-decorated carbon nitride (C5N2H2) electrode for the sustainable generation of a hydrogen storage medium, ammonia (NH3), which not only possesses sound electrical conductivity, dynamic stability, and electrochemical activity for the nitric oxide/nitrogen reduction reaction (NORR/NRR), but also provides an option for designing metal-free electrodes. Most importantly, it is found that the charged surface is of great significance to the improved catalytic performance compared to the neutral condition, but this has always been overlooked. Herein, by means of DFT computations, the stubborn chemical bonds of NO and N2 can be entirely activated under an electron density of -2.15 × 10-2 e Å-2 on the Si-C5N2H2 material with an inconsiderable kinetic energy barrier (0.28 eV) along the protonation path. In brief, this finding paves a way for understanding false results by theoretical calculations compared to experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Institute for Computation in Molecular and Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
| | - Jiake Fan
- Institute for Computation in Molecular and Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
| | - Weihua Zhu
- Institute for Computation in Molecular and Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
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64
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Han L, Yu H, Xiang Z. Asymmetric Active Sites for Boosting Oxygen Evolution Reaction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2304108. [PMID: 37317013 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Transition metal-nitrogen-carbon materials with atomically dispersed active sites are promising catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) since they combine the strengths of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. However, the canonically symmetric active site usually exhibits poor OER intrinsic activity due to its excessively strong or weak oxygen species adsorption. Here, a catalyst with asymmetric MN4 sites based on the 3-s-triazine of g-C3 N4 (termed as a-MN4 @NC) is proposed. Compared to symmetric, the asymmetric active sites directly modulate the oxygen species adsorption via unifying planar and axial orbitals (dx2 -y2 , dz2 ), thus enabling higher OER intrinsic activity. In Silico screening suggested that cobalt has the best OER activity among familiar nonprecious transition metal. These experimental results suggest that the intrinsic activity of asymmetric active sites (179 mV overpotential at onset potential) is enhanced by 48.4% compared to symmetric under similar conditions. Remarkably, a-CoN4 @NC showed excellent activity in alkaline water electrolyzer (AWE) device as OER catalyst, the electrolyzer only required 1.7 V and 2.1 V respectively to reach the current density of 150 mA cm-2 and 500 mA cm-2 . This work opens an avenue for modulating the active sites to obtain high intrinsic electrocatalytic performance including, but not limited to, OER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linkai Han
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Haifeng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Zhonghua Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
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65
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Shao Y, Yuan Q, Zhou J. Single-Atom Catalysts and Dual-Atom Catalysts for CO 2 Electroreduction: Competition or Cooperation? SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303446. [PMID: 37267928 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Developing highly active and selective electrocatalysts for electrochemical reduction of CO2 can reduce environmental pollution and mitigation of greenhouse gas emission. Owing to maximal atomic utilization, the atomically dispersed catalysts are broadly adopted in CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR). Dual-atom catalysts (DACs), with more flexible active sites, distinct electronic structures, and synergetic interatomic interactions compared to single-atom catalysts (SACs), may have great potential to enhance catalytic performance. Nevertheless, most of the existing electrocatalysts have low activity and selectivity due to their high energy barrier. Herein, 15 electrocatalysts are explored with noble metallic (Cu, Ag, and Au) active sites embedded in metal-organic hybrids (MOHs) for high-performance CO2 RR and studied the relationship between SACs and DACs by first-principles calculation. The results indicated that the DACs have excellent electrocatalytic performance, and the moderate interaction between the single- and dual-atomic center can improve catalytic activity in CO2 RR. Four among the 15 catalysts, including (CuAu), (CuCu), Cu(CuCu), and Cu(CuAu) MOHs inherited a capability of suppressing the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction with favorable CO overpotential. This work not only reveals outstanding candidates for MOHs-based dual-atom CO2 RR electrocatalysts but also provides new theoretical insights into rationally designing 2D metallic electrocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyue Shao
- State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Qunhui Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- State Key Lab of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
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66
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Ho TH, Bui VQ, Nguyen QAT, Kawazoe Y, Kim SG, Nam PC. Unleashing the power of boron: enhancing nitrogen reduction reaction through defective ReS 2 monolayers. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:25389-25397. [PMID: 37705426 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp02647g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were utilized to investigate the electrocatalytic potential of single boron (B) atom doping in defective ReS2 monolayers as an active site. Our investigation revealed that B-doped defective ReS2, containing S and S-Re-S defects, demonstrated remarkable conductivity, and emerged as an exceptionally active catalyst for nitrogen reduction reactions (NRR), exhibiting limiting potentials of 0.63 and 0.53 V, respectively. For both cases, we determined the potential by examining the hydrogenation of adsorbed N2* to N2H*. Although the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) process appeared dominant in the S-Re-S defect case, its impact was minimal. The outstanding NRR performance can be ascribed to the robust chemical interactions between B and N atoms. The adsorption of N2 on B weakens the N-N bond, thereby facilitating the formation of NH3. Moreover, we verified the selectivity and stability of the catalysts for NRR. Our findings indicate that B-doped defective ReS2 monolayers hold considerable promise for electrocatalysis in a variety of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi H Ho
- Laboratory for Computational Physics, Institute for Computational Science and Artificial Intelligence, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Mechanical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Viet Q Bui
- Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, The University of Danang, 41 Le Duan, Danang, Vietnam.
| | - Quynh Anh T Nguyen
- Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, The University of Danang, 41 Le Duan, Danang, Vietnam.
| | - Yoshiyuki Kawazoe
- New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8579, Japan
- School of Physics, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand
- Physics and Nanotechnoloy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankurathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Seong-Gon Kim
- Department of Physics & Astronomy and Center for Computational Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi 39762, USA
| | - Pham Cam Nam
- Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, The University of Danang, 41 Le Duan, Danang, Vietnam.
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, The University of Danang-University of Science and Technology, Danang City 550000, Vietnam
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67
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Wang C, Huang F, Liang H, Nong W, Tian F, Li Y, Wang C. d- and p-Block single-atom catalysts supported by BN nanocages toward electrochemical reactions of N 2 and O 2. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:25761-25771. [PMID: 37724050 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp03487a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalysis is involved in many energy storage and conversion devices, triggering research and development of electrocatalysts, particularly single-atom catalysts (SACs). The introduction of the strain effect to enhance the performance of SACs has drawn ever-increasing research attention, which can tailor the local atomic and electronic structure of active sites. Herein, via high throughput calculations, we have explored the effects of strain on the catalytic performance of SACs with MN4 configuration for electrochemical reactions of N2 and O2 by incorporating d- and p-block single metal atoms into BN nanocages (BNNCs). The calculations demonstrate that Os@BNNC exhibits the highest catalytic activity for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) with a limiting potential of -0.29 V. Co@BNNC can serve as an excellent bifunctional SAC for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), with overpotentials of 0.32 and 0.37 V, respectively. In particular, Sn@BNNC with a p-block metal as the active center is a competitive SAC for the ORR with an overpotential of 0.64 V. More interestingly, the NRR and ORR performances of SACs supported by BNNCs have a close correlation with the structural and electronic properties of adsorbed N2 and O2 molecules, which proves that controlling the adsorption energy of N2 and O2 molecules is crucial to improving the catalytic activity of BNNC. The current investigation opens up an avenue for designing SACs embedded in nanocages possessing intrinsically curved surfaces for electrochemical reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haikuan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Nong
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chengxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
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68
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Ji S, Li Y, Zhang Y, Lin W. Computational screening of high activity and selectivity of CO 2 reduction via transition metal single-atom catalysts on triazine-based graphite carbon nitride. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:24022-24030. [PMID: 37650553 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp03051b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are emerging as promising catalysts in the field of the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Herein, a series of 3d to 5d transition metal atoms supported on triazine-based graphite carbon nitride (TM@TGCN) as a CO2 reduction catalyst are studied via density functional theory computations. Eventually, four TM@TGCN catalysts (TM = Ni, Rh, Os, and Ir) are selected using a five-step screening method, in which Rh@TGCN and Ni@TGCN show a low limiting potential of -0.48 and -0.58 V, respectively, for reducing CO2 to CH4. The activity mechanism shows that the catalysts with a negative d-band center and optimal positive charge can improve the CO2RR performance. Our study provides theoretical guidance for the rational design of highly active and selective catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, P. R. China.
| | - Yi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, P. R. China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Yongfan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, P. R. China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Wei Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, P. R. China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
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69
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Lu X, Li J, Cao S, Hu Y, Yang C, Chen Z, Wei S, Liu S, Wang Z. Constructing N,S and N,P Co-Coordination in Fe Single-Atom Catalyst for High-Performance Oxygen Redox Reaction. CHEMSUSCHEM 2023; 16:e202300637. [PMID: 37232090 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202300637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are promising electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), in which the coordination environment plays a crucial role in activating the intrinsic activity of the central metal. Taking the FeN4 SAC as a probe, this work investigates the effect of introducing S or P atoms into N coordination (FeSx N4-x and FePx N4-x (x=1-4)) on the electronic structure optimization of Fe center and its catalytic performance. Attributing to the optimal Fe 3d orbitals, FePN3 can effectively activate O2 and promote ORR with a low overpotential of 0.29 V, surpassing FeN4 and most reported catalysts. FeSN3 is beneficial to H2 O activation and OER, proceeding with an overpotential of 0.68 V, which is superior to FeN4 . Both FePN3 and FeSN3 exhibit outstanding thermodynamic and electrochemical stability with negative formation energies and positive dissolution potentials. Hence, the N,P and N,S co-coordination might provide better catalytic environment than regular N coordination for SACs in ORR and OER. This work demonstrates FePN3 /FeSN3 as high-performance ORR/OER catalysts and highlights N,P and N,S co-coordination regulation as an effective approach to fine tune high atomically dispersed electrocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Lu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, Shandong, 266580, P. R. China
| | - Jiao Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, Shandong, 266580, P. R. China
| | - Shoufu Cao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, Shandong, 266580, P. R. China
| | - Yuying Hu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, Shandong, 266580, P. R. China
| | - Chunyu Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, Shandong, 266580, P. R. China
| | - Zengxuan Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, Shandong, 266580, P. R. China
| | - Shuxian Wei
- College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, Shandong, 266580, P. R. China
| | - Siyuan Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, Shandong, 266580, P. R. China
| | - Zhaojie Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao, Shandong, 266580, P. R. China
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70
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Hamsa AP, Arulprakasam M, Unni SM. Electrochemical nitrogen fixation on single metal atom catalysts. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:10689-10710. [PMID: 37584339 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02229c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical reduction of nitrogen (eNRR) offers a promising alternative to the Haber-Bosch (H-B) process for producing ammonia under moderate conditions. However, the inertness of dinitrogen and the competing hydrogen evolution reaction pose significant challenges for eNRR. Thus, developing more efficient electrocatalysts requires a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanistic reactions and electrocatalytic activity. Single atom catalysts, which offer tunable catalytic properties and increased selectivity, have emerged as a promising avenue for eNRR. Carbon and metal-based substrates have proven effective for dispersing highly active single atoms that can enhance eNRR activity. In this review, we explore the use of atomically dispersed single atoms on different substrates for eNRR from both conceptual and experimental perspectives. The review is divided into four sections: the first section describes eNRR mechanistic pathways, the second section focuses on single metal atom catalysts (SMACs) with metal atoms dispersed on carbon substrates for eNRR, the third section covers SMACs with metal atoms dispersed on non-carbon substrates for eNRR, and the final section summarizes the remaining challenges and future scope of eNRR for green ammonia production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashida P Hamsa
- CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute Madras Unit, CSIR Madras Complex, Taramani, Chennai 600113, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Muraliraj Arulprakasam
- CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute Madras Unit, CSIR Madras Complex, Taramani, Chennai 600113, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Sreekuttan M Unni
- CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute Madras Unit, CSIR Madras Complex, Taramani, Chennai 600113, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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71
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Lin W, Yin WJ, Wen B. Proximity effects in graphene-supported single-atom catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction. J Chem Phys 2023; 159:094703. [PMID: 37655775 DOI: 10.1063/5.0165695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between adjacent active sites is crucial to balance the efficiency and utilization of functional atoms in single-atom catalysts. Herein, the catalytic activity of hydrogen evolution reaction at different site (nitrogen coordinated transition metal centers embedded in graphene) distances was comprehensively investigated by density functional theory calculations. The results show that a proximity effect of reactivity and site spacing can be identified in the Co-series single-atom catalysts. Although the proximity effect is more linearly responded with the site spacing along x direction, an optimal distance of ∼0.8 and ∼2.8 nm are found for Co and Rh, Ir atoms, respectively. An in-depth analysis of the electronic property reveals that the proximity effect is caused by the distinct net charge of the active site, which is affected by the dz2 position relative to EF. Subsequently, an excess electron nodal channel in x direction was found to serve as a communication pathway between the active sites. Through the finding in this work, an optimal Fe-N2C2 structure was deliberately designed and has shown prominent proximity effect as Co-series do. The results reported in this work provide a simple and effective tuning method for the reactivity of a single-atom catalyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Lin
- School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Wen-Jin Yin
- School of Physics and Electronic Science, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
| | - Bo Wen
- School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
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72
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Cheng Q, Wang M, Liu S, Zhang L, Ji H, He Y, Li N, Qian T, Yan C, Lu J. Eliminating Concentration Polarization with Cationic Covalent Organic Polymer to Promote Effective Overpotential of Nitrogen Fixation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202308262. [PMID: 37442810 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction offers a sustainable alternative to the conventional Haber-Bosch process. However, it is currently restricted by low effective overpotential due to the concentration polarization, which arises from accumulated products, ammonium, at the reaction interface. Here, a novel covalent organic polymer with ordered periodic cationic sites is proposed to tackle this challenge. The whole network exhibits strong positive charge and effectively repels the positively charged ammonium, enabling an ultra-low interfacial product concentration, and successfully driving the reaction equilibrium to the forward direction. With the given potential unchanged, the suppressed overpotential can be much liberated, ultimately leading to a continuous high-level reaction rate. As expected, when this tailored microenvironment is coupled with a transition metal-based catalyst, a 24-fold improvement is generated in the Faradaic efficiency (73.74 %) as compared with the bare one. The proposed strategy underscores the importance of optimizing dynamic processes as a means of improving overall performance in electrochemical syntheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyang Cheng
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Mengfan Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Sisi Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Haoqing Ji
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Yanzheng He
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Najun Li
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and materials science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Tao Qian
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Chenglin Yan
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Jianmei Lu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and materials science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
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73
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He Y, Zhou X, Jia Y, Li H, Wang Y, Liu Y, Tan Q. Advances in Transition-Metal-Based Dual-Atom Oxygen Electrocatalysts. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2206477. [PMID: 37147778 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen electrocatalysis has aroused considerable interest over the past years because of the new energy technologies boom in hydrogen energy and metal-air battery. However, due to the sluggish kinetic of the four-electron transfer process in oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, the electro-catalysts are urgently needed to accelerate the oxygen electrocatalysis. Benefit from the high atom utilization efficiency, unprecedentedly high catalytic activity, and selectivity, single-atom catalysts (SACs) are considered the most promising candidate to replace the traditional Pt-group-metal catalysts. Compared with SACs, the dual-atom catalysts (DACs) are attracting more attraction including higher metal loading, more versatile active sites, and excellent catalytic activity. Therefore, it is essential to explore the new universal methods approaching to the preparation, characterization, and to elucidate the catalytic mechanisms of the DACs. In this review, several general synthetic strategies and structural characterization methods of DACs are introduced and the involved oxygen catalytic mechanisms are discussed. Moreover, the state-of-the-art electrocatalytic applications including fuel cells, metal-air batteries, and water splitting have been sorted out at present. The authors hope this review has given some insights and inspiration to the researches about DACs in electro-catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting He
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Xingchen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yufei Jia
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Hongtao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Yongning Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Tan
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
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74
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Rasool A, Anis I, Bhat SA, Dar MA. Optimizing the NRR activity of single and double boron atom catalysts using a suitable support: a first principles investigation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:22275-22285. [PMID: 37577857 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp02358c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Designing cost effective transition-metal free electrocatalysts for nitrogen fixation under ambient conditions is highly appealing from an industrial point of view. Using density functional theory calculations in combination with the computational hydrogen electrode model, we investigate the N2 activation and reduction activity of ten different model catalysts obtained by supporting single and double boron atoms on five different substrates (viz. GaN, graphene, graphyne, MoS2 and g-C3N4). Our results demonstrate that the single/double boron atom catalysts bind favourably on these substrates, leading to a considerable change in the electronic structure of these materials. The N2 binding and activation results reveal that the substrate plays an important role by promoting the charge transfer from the single/double boron atom catalysts to the antibonding orbitals of *N2 to form strong B-N bonds and subsequently activate the inert NN bond. Double boron atom catalysts supported on graphene, MoS2 and g-C3N4 reveal very high binding energies of -2.38, -2.11 and -1.71 eV respectively, whereas single boron atom catalysts supported on graphene and g-C3N4 monolayers bind N2 with very high binding energies of -1.45 and -2.38 eV, respectively. The N2 binding on these catalysts is further explained by means of orbital projected density of states plots which reflect greater overlap between the N2 and B states for the catalysts, which bind N2 strongly. The simulated reaction pathways reveal that the single and double boron atom catalysts supported on g-C3N4 exhibit excellent catalytic activity with very low limiting potentials of -0.67 and -0.36 V, respectively, while simultaneously suppressing the HER. Thus, the current work provides important insights to advance the design of transition-metal free catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen fixation from an electronic structure point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjumun Rasool
- Department of Chemistry, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir-192122, India.
| | - Insha Anis
- Department of Chemistry, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir-192122, India.
| | - Sajad Ahmad Bhat
- Department of Chemistry, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir-192122, India.
| | - Manzoor Ahmad Dar
- Department of Chemistry, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir-192122, India.
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75
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Liu LZ, Yu XS, Wang SX, Zhang LL, Zhao XC, Lei BC, Yin HM, Huang YN. First Principles Study of the Photoelectric Properties of Alkaline Earth Metal (Be/Mg/Ca/Sr/Ba)-Doped Monolayers of MoS 2. Molecules 2023; 28:6122. [PMID: 37630374 PMCID: PMC10458419 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The energy band structure, density of states, and optical properties of monolayers of MoS2 doped with alkaline earth metals (Be/Mg/Ca/Sr/Ba) are systematically studied based on first principles. The results indicate that all the doped systems have a great potential to be formed and structurally stable. In comparison to monolayer MoS2, doping alkaline earth metals results in lattice distortions in the doped system. Therefore, the recombination of photogenerated hole-electron pairs is suppressed effectively. Simultaneously, the introduction of dopants reduces the band gap of the systems while creating impurity levels. Hence, the likelihood of electron transfer from the valence to the conduction band is enhanced, which means a reduction in the energy required for such a transfer. Moreover, doping monolayer MoS2 with alkaline earth metals increases the static dielectric constant and enhances its polarizability. Notably, the Sr-MoS2 system exhibits the highest value of static permittivity, demonstrating the strongest polarization capability. The doped systems exhibit a red-shifted absorption spectrum in the low-energy region. Consequently, the Be/Mg/Ca-MoS2 systems demonstrate superior visible absorption properties and a favorable band gap, indicating their potential as photo-catalysts for water splitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zhi Liu
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Phase Transitions and Microstructures in Condensed Matter Physics, College of Physical Science and Technology, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China; (L.-Z.L.); (X.-S.Y.); (B.-C.L.); (H.-M.Y.); (Y.-N.H.)
| | - Xian-Sheng Yu
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Phase Transitions and Microstructures in Condensed Matter Physics, College of Physical Science and Technology, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China; (L.-Z.L.); (X.-S.Y.); (B.-C.L.); (H.-M.Y.); (Y.-N.H.)
| | - Shao-Xia Wang
- Physics and Electronic Engineering College, Kashi University, Kashi 844000, China;
| | - Li-Li Zhang
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Phase Transitions and Microstructures in Condensed Matter Physics, College of Physical Science and Technology, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China; (L.-Z.L.); (X.-S.Y.); (B.-C.L.); (H.-M.Y.); (Y.-N.H.)
| | - Xu-Cai Zhao
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Phase Transitions and Microstructures in Condensed Matter Physics, College of Physical Science and Technology, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China; (L.-Z.L.); (X.-S.Y.); (B.-C.L.); (H.-M.Y.); (Y.-N.H.)
| | - Bo-Cheng Lei
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Phase Transitions and Microstructures in Condensed Matter Physics, College of Physical Science and Technology, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China; (L.-Z.L.); (X.-S.Y.); (B.-C.L.); (H.-M.Y.); (Y.-N.H.)
| | - Hong-Mei Yin
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Phase Transitions and Microstructures in Condensed Matter Physics, College of Physical Science and Technology, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China; (L.-Z.L.); (X.-S.Y.); (B.-C.L.); (H.-M.Y.); (Y.-N.H.)
| | - Yi-Neng Huang
- Xinjiang Laboratory of Phase Transitions and Microstructures in Condensed Matter Physics, College of Physical Science and Technology, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China; (L.-Z.L.); (X.-S.Y.); (B.-C.L.); (H.-M.Y.); (Y.-N.H.)
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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76
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Jiang Z, Zhou W, Hu C, Luo X, Zeng W, Gong X, Yang Y, Yu T, Lei W, Yuan C. Interlayer-Confined NiFe Dual Atoms within MoS 2 Electrocatalyst for Ultra-Efficient Acidic Overall Water Splitting. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300505. [PMID: 37147742 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Confining dual atoms (DAs) within the van der Waals gap of 2D layered materials is expected to expedite the kinetic and energetic strength in catalytic process, yet is a huge challenge in atomic-scale precise assembling DAs within two adjacent layers in the 2D limit. Here, an ingenious approach is proposed to assemble DAs of Ni and Fe into the interlayer of MoS2 . While inheriting the exceptional merits of diatomic species, this interlayer-confined structure arms itself with confinement effect, displaying the more favorable adsorption strength on the confined metal active center and higher catalytic activity towards acidic water splitting, as verified by intensive research efforts of theoretical calculations and experimental measurements. Moreover, the interlayer-confined structure also renders metal DAs a protective shelter to survive in harsh acidic environment. The findings embodied the confinement effects at the atom level, and interlayer-confined assembling of multiple species highlights a general pathway to advance interlayer-confined DAs catalysts within various 2D materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Jiang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Sensors, School of Physics, Communication and Electronics, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330022, China
| | - Wenda Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui University, 111 Jiulong Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, China
| | - Ce Hu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Sensors, School of Physics, Communication and Electronics, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330022, China
| | - Xingfang Luo
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Sensors, School of Physics, Communication and Electronics, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330022, China
| | - Wei Zeng
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Sensors, School of Physics, Communication and Electronics, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330022, China
| | - Xunguo Gong
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Sensors, School of Physics, Communication and Electronics, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330022, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Sensors, School of Physics, Communication and Electronics, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330022, China
| | - Ting Yu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Sensors, School of Physics, Communication and Electronics, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330022, China
| | - Wen Lei
- Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Cailei Yuan
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Sensors, School of Physics, Communication and Electronics, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330022, China
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77
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Fang C, Zhou J, Zhang L, Wan W, Ding Y, Sun X. Synergy of dual-atom catalysts deviated from the scaling relationship for oxygen evolution reaction. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4449. [PMID: 37488102 PMCID: PMC10366111 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40177-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Dual-atom catalysts, particularly those with heteronuclear active sites, have the potential to outperform the well-established single-atom catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction, but the underlying mechanistic understanding is still lacking. Herein, a large-scale density functional theory is employed to explore the feasibility of *O-*O coupling mechanism, which can circumvent the scaling relationship with improving the catalytic performance of N-doped graphene supported Fe-, Co-, Ni-, and Cu-containing heteronuclear dual-atom catalysts, namely, M'M@NC. Based on the constructed activity maps, a rationally designed descriptor can be obtained to predict homonuclear catalysts. Seven heteronuclear and four homonuclear dual-atom catalysts possess high activities that outperform the minimum theoretical overpotential. The chemical and structural origin in favor of *O-*O coupling mechanism thus leading to enhanced reaction activity have been revealed. This work not only provides additional insights into the fundamental understanding of reaction mechanisms, but also offers a guideline for the accelerated discovery of efficient catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Fang
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266101, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, 266101, Qingdao, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266101, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, 266101, Qingdao, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266101, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, 266101, Qingdao, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Wenchao Wan
- Max-Plank Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Mülheim an der Ruhr, 45470, Germany
| | - Yuxiao Ding
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
- Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 730000, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 266101, Qingdao, China.
- Shandong Energy Institute, 266101, Qingdao, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
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78
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Cao S, Liu Y, Hu Y, Li J, Yang C, Chen Z, Wang Z, Wei S, Liu S, Lu X. Precise electronic structure modulation on MXene-based single atom catalysts for high-performance electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction: A first-principle study. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 642:273-282. [PMID: 37004261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.03.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to CO is a logical approach to achieve a carbon-neutral cycle. In this work, a series of Ti2CO2 and O vacancy containing Ti2CO2 MXene-based transition metal (TM) single atom catalysts (SACs), including TM-Ti2CO2 and TM-Ov-Ti2CO2, are explored for high-performance CO2RR. Sc/Ti/V/Cr-Ti2CO2 and Ni-Ov-Ti2CO2 are screened out with limiting potential (UL) more positive than -0.50 V. Ni-Ov-Ti2CO2 is a candidate catalyst for CO2RR to CO, considering its activity with UL of -0.27 eV, and the selectivity relevant to hydrogen evolution reaction and HCOOH production. Meanwhile, a novel activity descriptor of TM-Ti-O group valence state is proposed according to that TMs work in synergy with coordinated Ti and O atoms and a level of around 0.64 e- benefits to CO2RR. This work highlights oxygen vacancy containing Ti2CO2-based Ni SAC as a promising catalyst for CO2RR, and provides a feasible electronic structure design principle for guiding the design of MXene-based SACs for CO2RR.
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79
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Wang H, Zou L, Li M, Zhang L. Identification of linear scaling relationships in polysulfide conversion on α-In 2Se 3-supported single-atom catalysts. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023. [PMID: 37334959 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp00371j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Developing highly active single-atom catalysts (SACs) for suppressing the shuttle effect and enhancing the kinetics of polysulfide conversion is regarded as an important approach to improve the performance of Li-S batteries. However, the adsorption behaviors of polysulfides and the catalytic properties of host materials remain obscure due to the lack of mechanistic understanding of the structure-performance relationship. Here, we identify that the adsorption energies of polysulfides on 3d transition-metal atoms supported by two-dimensional α-In2Se3 with downward polarization (TM@In2Se3) are highly correlated with the d-band centers of the TM atoms. Introduction of the TM atoms on the α-In2Se3 surface improves the electrical conductivity and meanwhile, significantly enhances the adsorption strength of polysulfides and suppresses the shuttle effect. A mechanistic study of polysulfide conversion on TM@In2Se3 shows that the Li2S2 dissociation is the potential-determining step with low activation energies, indicating that TM@In2Se3 can accelerate the kinetics of polysulfide conversion. Electronic structure analysis shows that the kinetics of the potential-determining step on TM@In2Se3 is related to the TM-S interaction in Li2S2-adsorbed TM@In2Se3. A linear scaling relationship between activation energy and the integrated crystal orbital Hamilton population of TM-S in the potential-determining step on TM@In2Se3 is identified. Based on the evaluation of stability, conductivity and activity, we concluded that Ti@In2Se3, V@In2Se3, and Fe@In2Se3 are the promising cathode materials for Li-S batteries. Our findings provide a fundamental understanding of the intrinsic link between the electronic structure and catalytic activity for polysulfide conversion and pave a way for the rational design of SAC-based cathodes for Li-S batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Super Microstructure and Ultrafast Process, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nanophotonics and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| | - Lin Zou
- School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Super Microstructure and Ultrafast Process, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nanophotonics and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| | - Min Li
- School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Super Microstructure and Ultrafast Process, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nanophotonics and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| | - Long Zhang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Super Microstructure and Ultrafast Process, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nanophotonics and Devices, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
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80
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Liu W, Guo K, Xie Y, Liu S, Chen L, Xu J. High efficiency carbon nanotubes-based single-atom catalysts for nitrogen reduction. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9926. [PMID: 37336942 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36945-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon-based single-atom catalysts (SACs) for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) have received increasing attention due to their sustainable, efficient, and green advantages. However, at present, the research on carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-based NRR catalysts is very limited. In this paper, using FeN3@(n, 0) CNTs (n = 3 ~ 10) as the representative catalysts, we demonstrate that the CNT curvatures will affect the spin polarization of the catalytic active centers, the activation of the adsorbed N2 molecules and the Gibbs free energy barriers for the formation of the critical intermediates in the NRR processes, thus changing the catalytic performance of CNT-based catalysts. Zigzag (8, 0) CNT was taken as the optimal substrate, and twenty transition metal atoms (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, W, Re, Ir, and Pt) were embedded into (8, 0) CNT via N3 group to construct the NRR catalysts. Their electrocatalytic performance for NRR were examined using DFT calculations, and TcN3@(8, 0) CNT was screened out as the best candidate with a low onset potential of - 0.53 V via the distal mechanism, which is superior to the molecules- or graphene-support Tc catalysts. Further electronic properties analysis shows that the high NRR performance of TcN3@(8, 0) CNT originates from the strong d-2π* interaction between the N2 molecule and Tc atom. TcN3@(8, 0) CNT also exhibits higher selectivity for NRR than the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) process. The present work not only provides a promising catalyst for NRR, but also open up opportunities for further exploring of low-dimensional carbon-based high efficiency electrochemical NRR catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- College of Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Guo
- College of Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunhao Xie
- College of Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Sitong Liu
- College of Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Chen
- College of Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xu
- College of Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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81
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Zang Y, Wu Q, Wang S, Huang B, Dai Y, Ma Y. Activating dual atomic electrocatalysts for the nitric oxide reduction reaction through the P/S element. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:2160-2168. [PMID: 36961303 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh01440h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of efficient atomic electrocatalysts to resolve the activity and selectivity issues of the nitric oxide reduction reaction (NORR) has increasingly received more attention but is still challenging. The current research on the dual atomic NORR electrocatalyst is exclusively focused on TM atoms. Herein, we propose a novel mechanism of introducing a P/S element, which takes advantage of finite orbitals to active the transition metal (TM) atoms of dual atomic electrocatalysts for NORR. The finite orbitals can hinder the capture of the lone pair electrons of NO but modulate the electronic configurations of the neighboring TM and thus the "donation-backdonation" mechanism can be realized. Through large-scale first-principles calculations, the catalytic performance of a series of P/S-TM biatoms supported by the monolayer CN (P/S-TM@CN) is evaluated. According to a "four-step" screening strategy, P-Cu@CN and S-Ni@CN are successfully screened as promising catalysts with outstanding activity and high selectivity for direct NO-to-NH3 conversion. Moreover, we identify Δεd-p as a valid descriptor to evaluate the adsorption of NO on such catalysts, allowing for reducing the number of catalytic candidates. Our work thus provides a new direction for the rational design of dual atomic electrocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Zang
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Shandanan Street 27, Jinan 250100, China.
| | - Qian Wu
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Shandanan Street 27, Jinan 250100, China.
| | - Shuhua Wang
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Shandanan Street 27, Jinan 250100, China.
| | - Baibiao Huang
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Shandanan Street 27, Jinan 250100, China.
| | - Ying Dai
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Shandanan Street 27, Jinan 250100, China.
| | - Yandong Ma
- School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Shandanan Street 27, Jinan 250100, China.
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82
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Kong L, Liang X, Wang M, Lawrence Wu CM. Role of transition metal d-orbitals in single-atom catalysts for nitric oxide electroreduction to ammonia. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 647:375-383. [PMID: 37269734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.05.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Recently, surging interests exist in direct electrochemical ammonia (NH3) synthesis from nitric oxide (NO) due to the dual benefit of NH3 synthesis and NO removal. However, designing highly efficient catalysts is still challenging. Based on density functional theory, the best ten candidates of transition-metal atoms (TMs) embedded in phosphorus carbide (PC) monolayer is screened out as highly active catalysts for direct NO-to-NH3 electroreduction. The employment of machine learning-aided theoretical calculations helps to identify the critical role of TM-d orbitals in regulating NO activation. A V-shape tuning rule of TM-d orbitals for the Gibbs free energy change of NO or limiting potentials is further revealed as the design principle of TM embedded PC (TM-PC) for NO-to-NH3 electroreduction. Moreover, after employing effective screening strategies including surface stability, selectivity, the kinetic barrier of potential-determining step, and thermal stability comprehensively studied for the ten TM-PC candidates, only Pt embedded PC monolayer has been identified as the most promising direct NO-to-NH3 electroreduction with high feasibility and catalytic performance. This work not only offers a promising catalyst but also sheds light on the active origin and design principle of PC-based single-atom catalysts for NO-to-NH3 conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Kong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xiongyi Liang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Maohuai Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Chi-Man Lawrence Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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83
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Wang G, Chen Q, Zhang J, An X, Liu Q, Xie L, Yao W, Sun X, Kong Q. NiMoO 4 nanorods with oxygen vacancies self-supported on Ni foam towards high-efficiency electrocatalytic conversion of nitrite to ammonia. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 647:73-80. [PMID: 37245271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.05.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
As an eco-friendly and sustainable strategy, the electrochemical reduction of nitrite (NO2-) can simultaneous generation of NH3 and treatment of NO2- contamination in the environment. Herein, monoclinic NiMoO4 nanorods with abundant oxygen vacancies self-supported on Ni foam (NiMoO4/NF) are considered high-performance electrocatalysts for ambient NH3 synthesis by reduction of NO2-, which can deliver an outstanding yield of 18089.39 ± 227.98 μg h-1 cm-2 and a preferable FE of 94.49 ± 0.42% at -0.8 V. Additionally, its performance remains relatively stable during long-term operation as well as cycling tests. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations unveil the vital role of oxygen vacancies in promoting nitrite adsorption and activation, ensuring efficient NO2-RR towards NH3. A Zn-NO2- battery with NiMoO4/NF as the cathode shows high battery performance as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoguo Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiuyue Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China; Interdisciplinary Materials Research Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuguang An
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China; Interdisciplinary Materials Research Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China; Interdisciplinary Materials Research Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Lisi Xie
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China; Interdisciplinary Materials Research Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Weitang Yao
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China; Interdisciplinary Materials Research Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Xunping Sun
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, China; College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China.
| | - Qingquan Kong
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China; Interdisciplinary Materials Research Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China.
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84
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Mou LH, Han T, Smith PES, Sharman E, Jiang J. Machine Learning Descriptors for Data-Driven Catalysis Study. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2301020. [PMID: 37191279 PMCID: PMC10401178 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Traditional trial-and-error experiments and theoretical simulations have difficulty optimizing catalytic processes and developing new, better-performing catalysts. Machine learning (ML) provides a promising approach for accelerating catalysis research due to its powerful learning and predictive abilities. The selection of appropriate input features (descriptors) plays a decisive role in improving the predictive accuracy of ML models and uncovering the key factors that influence catalytic activity and selectivity. This review introduces tactics for the utilization and extraction of catalytic descriptors in ML-assisted experimental and theoretical research. In addition to the effectiveness and advantages of various descriptors, their limitations are also discussed. Highlighted are both 1) newly developed spectral descriptors for catalytic performance prediction and 2) a novel research paradigm combining computational and experimental ML models through suitable intermediate descriptors. Current challenges and future perspectives on the application of descriptors and ML techniques to catalysis are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hui Mou
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - TianTian Han
- Hefei JiShu Quantum Technology Co. Ltd., Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Pieter E S Smith
- YDS Pharmatech, ETEC, 1220 Washington Ave., Albany, NY, 12203, USA
| | - Edward Sharman
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Jun Jiang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
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85
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Yang X, An P, Wang R, Jia J. Tuning the Site-to-Site Interaction of Heteronuclear Diatom Catalysts MoTM/C 2N (TM = 3d Transition Metal) for Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104003. [PMID: 37241745 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) synthesis is one of the most important catalytic reactions in energy and chemical fertilizer production, which is of great significance to the sustainable development of society and the economy. The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR), especially when driven by renewable energy, is generally regarded as an energy-efficient and sustainable process to synthesize NH3 in ambient conditions. However, the performance of the electrocatalyst is far below expectations, with the lack of a high-efficiency catalyst being the main obstacle. Herein, by means of comprehensive spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) computations, the catalytic performance of MoTM/C2N (TM = 3d transition metal) for use in eNRR was systematically evaluated. Among the results, MoFe/C2N can be considered the most promising catalyst due to its having the lowest limiting potential (-0.26 V) and high selectivity in the context of eNRR. Compared with its homonuclear counterparts, MoMo/C2N and FeFe/C2N, MoFe/C2N can balance the first protonation step and the sixth protonation step synergistically, showing outstanding activity regarding eNRR. Our work not only opens a new door to advancing sustainable NH3 production by tailoring the active sites of heteronuclear diatom catalysts but also promotes the design and production of novel low-cost and efficient nanocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Yang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Molecules and Magnetic Information Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Chemistry and Material Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China
| | - Ping An
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Molecules and Magnetic Information Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Chemistry and Material Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China
| | - Ruiying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Molecules and Magnetic Information Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Chemistry and Material Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China
| | - Jianfeng Jia
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Molecules and Magnetic Information Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Chemistry and Material Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China
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86
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Yang L, Fan J, Zhu W. Single silicon-doped CNT as a metal-free electrode for robust nitric oxide reduction utilizing a Lewis base site: an ingenious electronic "Reflux-Feedback" mechanism. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:13072-13079. [PMID: 37114943 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp00677h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The electrocatalytic reduction of nitric oxide (NO) has become the most charming approach for the sustainable synthesis of ammonia (NH3), however, the development of a valid catalyst endowed with low cost, high efficiency, and long-term endurance still faces an enormous challenge. In view of the famous concept of "donate and accept", various transition metal-based electrodes have been predicted and brought into production for electrocatalysis, but metal-free materials or novel activation mechanisms are rarely reported. Here, metal-free electrocatalysts, namely individual silicon (Si) atom-embedded single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs), for the NO reduction reaction (NORR) were put forward by performing first-principles calculations. The results disclose that the discarded NO can be converted into value-added NH3 on Si-CNT(10, 0) with a limiting potential of -0.25 V. Importantly, the doped Si atom acts as a Lewis base site that drives some of the p-orbital electrons to return to the surrounding carbon atoms and then feed adequate electron back to intermediates, rendering it more flat for the electroreduction progress. In summary, the designed carbon-based electrode holds great promise for experimental trial and offers a certain degree of theoretical guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Institute for Computation in Molecular and Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
| | - Jiake Fan
- Institute for Computation in Molecular and Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
| | - Weihua Zhu
- Institute for Computation in Molecular and Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
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87
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Wang L, Liu Y, Wang H, Yang T, Luo Y, Lee S, Kim MG, Nga TTT, Dong CL, Lee H. Oxygen-Bridged Vanadium Single-Atom Dimer Catalysts Promoting High Faradaic Efficiency of Ammonia Electrosynthesis. ACS NANO 2023; 17:7406-7416. [PMID: 37042711 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c11954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Single-atom catalysts have already been widely investigated for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). However, the simplicity of a single atom as an active center encounters the challenge of modulating the multiple reaction intermediates during the NRR process. Moving toward the single-atom-dimer (SAD) structures can not only buffer the multiple reaction intermediates but also provide a strategy to modify the electronic structure and environment of the catalysts. Here, a structure of a vanadium SAD (V-O-V) catalyst on N-doped carbon (O-V2-NC) is proposed for the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction, in which the vanadium dimer is coordinated with nitrogen and simultaneously bridged by one oxygen. The oxygen-bridged metal atom dimer that has more electron deficiency is perceived to be the active center for nitrogen reduction. A loop evolution of the intermediate structure was found during the theoretical process simulated by density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The active center V-O-V breaks down to V-O and V during the protonation process and regenerates to the original V-O-V structure after releasing all the nitrogen species. Thus, the O-V2-NC structure presents excellent activity toward the electrochemical NRR, achieving an outstanding faradaic efficiency (77%) along with the yield of 9.97 μg h-1 mg-1 at 0 V (vs RHE) and comparably high ammonia yield (26 μg h-1 mg-1) with the FE of 4.6% at -0.4 V (vs RHE). This report synthesizes and proves the peculiar V-O-V dimer structure experimentally, which also contributes to the library of SAD catalysts with superior performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongdan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Taehun Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongguang Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungeun Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Gyu Kim
- Beamline Research Division, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL), Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Ta Thi Thuy Nga
- Department of Physics, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Li Dong
- Department of Physics, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan
| | - Hyoyoung Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Creative Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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88
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Yang P, Guo H, Wu H, Zhang F, Liu J, Li M, Yang Y, Cao Y, Yang G, Zhou Y. Boosting charge-transfer in tuned Au nanoparticles on defect-rich TiO 2 nanosheets for enhancing nitrogen electroreduction to ammonia production. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 636:184-193. [PMID: 36634390 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) to ammonia (NH3) has been recognized as an effective, carbon-neutral, and great-potential strategy for ammonia production. However, the conversion efficiency and selectivity of eNRR still face significant challenges due to the slow transfer kinetics and lack of effective N2 adsorption and activation sites in this process. Herein, we designed and fabricated defect-rich TiO2 nanosheets furnished with oxygen vacancies (OVs) and Au nanoparticles (Au/TiO2-x) as the electrocatalyst for efficient N2-fixing. The experimental results demonstrate that OVs act as active sites, which enable efficient chemisorption and activation of N2 molecules. The Au nanoparticles loaded on the OVs-rich TiO2 nanosheets not only accelerate charge transfer but also change the local electronic structure, thus enhancing N2 adsorption and activation. In this work, the optimal Au/TiO2-x electrocatalyst displays a considerable NH3 yield activity of 12.5 μg h-1 mgcat.-1 and a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 10.2 % at -0.40 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). More importantly, the Au/TiO2-x exhibits a stable N2-fixing activity in cycling and it persists even after 80 h of consecutive electrolysis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the OVs serve as the active sites in TiO2, while Au nanoparticles are crucial for improving N2 chemisorption and lowering the reaction energy barrier by facilitating the charge transfer for eNRR with a distal hydrogenation pathway. This research offers a rational catalytic site design for modulating charge transfer of active sites on metal-supported defective catalysts to boost N2 electroreduction to NH3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yang
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Heng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China; School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China.
| | - Haoran Wu
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Fengying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China; School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Mengyue Li
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Yuantao Yang
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Yuehan Cao
- School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Guidong Yang
- XJTU-Oxford International Joint Research Laboratory of Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 7010049, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China; School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China; Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory, Chengdu 611130, China.
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89
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Lin X, Wang Y, Chang X, Zhen S, Zhao Z, Gong J. High‐Throughput Screening of Electrocatalysts for Nitrogen Reduction Reactions Accelerated by Interpretable Intrinsic Descriptor. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202300122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Lin
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Weijin Road 92 300072 Tianjin China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations 300192 Tianjin China
| | - Yongtao Wang
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Weijin Road 92 300072 Tianjin China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations 300192 Tianjin China
| | - Xin Chang
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Weijin Road 92 300072 Tianjin China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations 300192 Tianjin China
| | - Shiyu Zhen
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Weijin Road 92 300072 Tianjin China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations 300192 Tianjin China
| | - Zhi‐Jian Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Weijin Road 92 300072 Tianjin China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations 300192 Tianjin China
| | - Jinlong Gong
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Weijin Road 92 300072 Tianjin China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations 300192 Tianjin China
- National Industry-Education Platform of Energy Storage Tianjin University 135 Yaguan Road 300350 Tianjin China
- Joint School of National University of Singapore Tianjin University International Campus of Tianjin University Binhai New City 350207 Fuzhou China
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90
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Sathishkumar N, Chen HT. Regulating the Coordination Environment of Single-Atom Catalysts Anchored on Thiophene Linked Porphyrin for an Efficient Nitrogen Reduction Reaction. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:15545-15560. [PMID: 36931875 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c00559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) offers a promising strategy to resolve high energy consumption in the nitrogen industry. Recently, the regulation of the electronic structure of single-atom catalysts (SACs) by adjusting their coordination environment has emerged as a rather promising strategy to further enhance their electrocatalytic activity. Herein, we design novel SACs supported by thiophene-linked porphyrin (TM-N4/TP and TM-N4-xBx/TP, where TM = Sc to Au) as potential NRR catalysts using density functional theory calculations. Among these catalysts, TM-N4/TP (TM = Ti, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, and Re) and TM-N4/TP with a water bilayer (TM = Nb, Mo, W, and Re) show excellent activity (low limiting potential) but low selectivity. Encouragingly, we find that Mo-N3B/TP, Mo-N2B2-2/TP, W-N3B/TP, W-N2B2-2/TP, Re-N3B/TP, Re-N2B2-2/TP, and Re-N2B2-1/TP serve as the most efficient NRR electrocatalysts, as they present stability, superior activity, better selectivity with low limiting potentials (-0.18 ∼ -0.90 V), and high Faradaic efficiencies (>99.80%). Based on microkinetic modeling, kinetic analysis of the NRR is performed and shows that the Re-N2B2-1/TP catalyst is more efficient for NH3 formation. Additionally, multiple-level descriptors provide insight into the origin of NRR activity and enable fast prescreening among numerous candidates. This work provides a new perspective to design highly efficient catalysts for the NRR under ambient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadaraj Sathishkumar
- Department of Chemistry, R&D Center for Membrane Technology, and Research Center for Semiconductor Materials and Advanced Optics, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chungli District, Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Tsung Chen
- Department of Chemistry, R&D Center for Membrane Technology, and Research Center for Semiconductor Materials and Advanced Optics, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chungli District, Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan
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91
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Liu L, Corma A. Bimetallic Sites for Catalysis: From Binuclear Metal Sites to Bimetallic Nanoclusters and Nanoparticles. Chem Rev 2023; 123:4855-4933. [PMID: 36971499 PMCID: PMC10141355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Heterogeneous bimetallic catalysts have broad applications in industrial processes, but achieving a fundamental understanding on the nature of the active sites in bimetallic catalysts at the atomic and molecular level is very challenging due to the structural complexity of the bimetallic catalysts. Comparing the structural features and the catalytic performances of different bimetallic entities will favor the formation of a unified understanding of the structure-reactivity relationships in heterogeneous bimetallic catalysts and thereby facilitate the upgrading of the current bimetallic catalysts. In this review, we will discuss the geometric and electronic structures of three representative types of bimetallic catalysts (bimetallic binuclear sites, bimetallic nanoclusters, and nanoparticles) and then summarize the synthesis methodologies and characterization techniques for different bimetallic entities, with emphasis on the recent progress made in the past decade. The catalytic applications of supported bimetallic binuclear sites, bimetallic nanoclusters, and nanoparticles for a series of important reactions are discussed. Finally, we will discuss the future research directions of catalysis based on supported bimetallic catalysts and, more generally, the prospective developments of heterogeneous catalysis in both fundamental research and practical applications.
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92
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Zhang L, Zhou H, Yang X, Zhang S, Zhang H, Yang X, Su X, Zhang J, Lin Z. Boosting Electroreduction Kinetics of Nitrogen to Ammonia via Atomically Dispersed Sn Protuberance. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202217473. [PMID: 36738169 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202217473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Atomically dispersed metal catalysts show potential advantages in N2 reduction reaction (NRR) due to their excellent activity and efficient metal utilization. Unfortunately, the reported catalysts usually exhibit unsatisfactory NRR activity due to their poor N2 adsorption and activation. Herein, we report a novel Sn atomically dispersed protuberance (ADP) by coordination with substrate C and O to induce positive charge accumulation on Sn site for improving its N2 adsorption, activation and NRR performance. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra confirmed the local coordination structure of the Sn ADPs. NRR activity was significantly promoted via Sn ADPs, exhibiting a remarkable NH3 yield (RNH3 ) of 28.3 μg h-1 mgcat -1 (7447 μg h-1 mgSn -1 ) at -0.3 V. Furthermore, the enhanced N2 Hx intermediates was verified by in situ experiments, yielding consistent results with DFT calculation. This work opens a new avenue to regulate the activity and selectivity of N2 fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Zhang
- School of Environment and Energy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, P. R. China.,SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Hanfeng Zhou
- School of Environment and Energy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoju Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Rd, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Shengbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (China)
| | - Haimin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (China)
| | - Xuan Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Rd, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xintai Su
- School of Environment and Energy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Jiangwei Zhang
- Science Center of Energy Material and Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, China
| | - Zhang Lin
- School of Environment and Energy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510006, P. R. China
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93
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Han Z, Huang S, Zhang J, Wang F, Han S, Wu P, He M, Zhuang X. Single Ru-N 4 Site-Embedded Porous Carbons for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:13025-13032. [PMID: 36857306 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c21744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia is an effective feedstock for chemicals, fertilizers, and energy storage. The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is an alternative, efficient, and clean technology for ammonia production, relative to the traditional Haber-Bosch method. Single-metal catalysts are widely studied in the field of NRR. However, very limited conclusions have been made on how to precisely modulate the coordination environment of the single-metal-atom sites to boost catalytic NRR performance. Herein, we report a 5,7-membered carbon ring-involved porous carbon (PC) preparation toward single-atom Ru-embedded PCs. As electrocatalysts, such materials exhibit surprisingly promising catalytic NRR properties with an NH3 yield rate of up to 67.8 ± 4.9 μg h-1 mgcat-1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 19.5 ± 0.6%, exceeding those of most of the reported single-atom NRR catalysts. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure demonstrates that the presence of topological defects increases the Ru-N bond from 1.48 to 1.56 Å, modulating the coordination environment of the single-atom Ru active sites. Density functional theory-calculated results demonstrate that the adsorption of N2 onto single-atom Ru surrounded by topological defects extends the N≡N bond to 1.146 Å, weakening the strength of N≡N and making it susceptible to the NRR. All in all, this work provides a new design strategy by involving topological defects and corresponding large polarization around the Ru single atom to boost the catalytic NRR performance. Such a concept can also be applied to many other kinds of catalysts for energy storage and conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiya Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Process, Department of Chemistry, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules & Zhang Jiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai 200203, China
| | - Senhe Huang
- The Meso-Entropy Matter Lab, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Thermal Ageing, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules & Zhang Jiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai 200203, China
| | - Jichao Zhang
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Fu Wang
- Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 P. R. China
| | - Sheng Han
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Process, Department of Chemistry, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Mingyuan He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Process, Department of Chemistry, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhuang
- The Meso-Entropy Matter Lab, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Thermal Ageing, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules & Zhang Jiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai 200203, China
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94
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Boonpalit K, Wongnongwa Y, Prommin C, Nutanong S, Namuangruk S. Data-Driven Discovery of Graphene-Based Dual-Atom Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction with Graph Neural Network and DFT Calculations. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:12936-12945. [PMID: 36746619 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c19391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The flexible tuning ability of dual-atom catalysts (DACs) makes them an ideal system for a wide range of electrochemical applications. However, the large design space of DACs and the complexity in the binding motif of electrochemical intermediates hinder the efficient determination of DAC combinations for desirable catalytic properties. A crystal graph convolutional neural network (CGCNN) was adopted for DACs to accelerate the high-throughput screening of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts. From a pool of 435 dual-atom combinations in N-doped graphene (N6Gr), we screened out two high-performance HER catalysts (AuCo@N6Gr and NiNi@N6Gr) with excellent HER, electronic conductivity, and stability using the combination of CGCNN and density functional theory (DFT). Furthermore, comprehensive DFT studies were conducted on these two catalysts to confirm their outstanding reaction kinetics and to understand the cooperative effect between the metal pair for HER. To obtain ideal hydrogen binding in AuCo, the inert Au weakens the strong hydrogen binding of Co, while for NiNi, the two weakly binding Ni cooperate. The present protocol was able to select the two catalysts with different physical origins for HER and can be applied to other DAC catalysts, which should hasten catalyst discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajjana Boonpalit
- School of Information Science and Technology, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong21210, Thailand
| | - Yutthana Wongnongwa
- School of Information Science and Technology, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong21210, Thailand
- NSTDA Supercomputer Center (ThaiSC), National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani12120, Thailand
| | - Chanatkran Prommin
- School of Information Science and Technology, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong21210, Thailand
| | - Sarana Nutanong
- School of Information Science and Technology, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong21210, Thailand
| | - Supawadee Namuangruk
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani12120, Thailand
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95
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Zhang Q, Hu PA, Xu ZY, Tang BB, Zhang HR, Xiao YH, Wu YC. Unravelling intrinsic descriptors based on a two-stage activity regulation of bimetallic 2D c-MOFs for CO 2RR. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:4991-5000. [PMID: 36786677 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr07301c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The bimetallic 2D conductive MOFs of M1Pc-M2-O, possessing dual metal sites to realize flexible molecular-level structural modification, are brilliant catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction. However, the bimetallic centers bring about the complex regulatory mechanism of catalytic activity and obscure principles for catalyst design. Herein, systematical theoretical investigation unravels intrinsic descriptors to design favorable M1Pc-M2-O catalysts based on the discovered coarse-fine two-stage activity regulation mechanism. The reaction site controls the M-COOH distance of the key intermediate and therefore affects the reaction kinetics for the first stage of coarse regulation. The other metal site influents the d-band center of the reaction site and thus constitutes the second stage of fine regulation. The coarse and fine regulation are related to the valence electrons (V), electronegativity (E), and bond length (LM-N/O) between the metal and coordination atoms. The intrinsic descriptor ϕ = (4 × VM1 × (EM1 + EN/O)/EN/O + VM2 × (EM2 + EN/O)/EN/O) × LM1-N/O (with a coefficient ratio of 4 : 1) was eventually established and correlated well with the reported experiments. On this basis, the favorable catalysts CoPc-Zn-O and CoPc-Co-O were located. The research results could contribute to the diversity of bimetallic 2D c-MOFs in CO2RR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology, Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Ping-Ao Hu
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology, Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Zhi-Yuan Xu
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology, Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Bei-Bei Tang
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology, Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Hui-Ru Zhang
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology, Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Yu-Hong Xiao
- Institute of Industry & Equipment Technology, Anhui Province Key Lab of Aerospace Structural Parts Forming Technology and Equipment, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Yu-Cheng Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
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96
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Kress PL, Zhang S, Wang Y, Çınar V, Friend CM, Sykes ECH, Montemore MM. A Priori Design of Dual-Atom Alloy Sites and Experimental Demonstration of Ethanol Dehydrogenation and Dehydration on PtCrAg. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145. [PMID: 36888984 PMCID: PMC10119928 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c13577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Single-atom catalysts have received significant attention for their ability to enable highly selective reactions. However, many reactions require more than one adjacent site to align reactants or break specific bonds. For example, breaking a C-O or O-H bond may be facilitated by a dual site containing an oxophilic element and a carbophilic or "hydrogenphilic" element that binds each molecular fragment. However, design of stable and well-defined dual-atom sites with desirable reactivity is difficult due to the complexity of multicomponent catalytic surfaces. Here, we describe a new type of dual-atom system, trimetallic dual-atom alloys, which were designed via computation of the alloying energetics. Through a broad computational screening we discovered that Pt-Cr dimers embedded in Ag(111) can be formed by virtue of the negative mixing enthalpy of Pt and Cr in Ag and the favorable interaction between Pt and Cr. These dual-atom alloy sites were then realized experimentally through surface science experiments that enabled the active sites to be imaged and their reactivity related to their atomic-scale structure. Specifically, Pt-Cr sites in Ag(111) can convert ethanol, whereas PtAg and CrAg are unreactive toward ethanol. Calculations show that the oxophilic Cr atom and the hydrogenphilic Pt atom act synergistically to break the O-H bond. Furthermore, ensembles with more than one Cr atom, present at higher dopant loadings, produce ethylene. Our calculations have identified many other thermodynamically favorable dual-atom alloy sites, and hence this work highlights a new class of materials that should offer new and useful chemical reactivity beyond the single-atom paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L. Kress
- Department
of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Shengjie Zhang
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118, United States
| | - Yicheng Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Volkan Çınar
- Department
of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Cynthia M. Friend
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard
University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - E. Charles H. Sykes
- Department
of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Matthew M. Montemore
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118, United States
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97
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Yang L, Feng S, Zhu W. Novel honeycomb-like metal organic frameworks as multifunction electrodes for nitrate degradation: A computational study. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130534. [PMID: 36493649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic reduction of ubiquitous waste nitrate to ammonia (NH3) is a promising converting route toward recovering the disrupted nitrogen cycle. However, this carbon neutral synthesis process suffers from sluggish kinetics and flat Faradaic efficiency owing to the lack of efficient catalysts. Herein, we reported a novel two-dimension metal organic framework (MOF) as multifunction electrode via combining metal Zr atoms and benzenehexaselenolate skeletons (denoted as Zr-BHS) for nitrate remediation, featured with an impressive limiting potential of - 0.47 V, satisfactory selectivity, and favorable stability. A reasonable electronic indicator φ proposed here successfully explains why early transition metal elements in recently reports exhibit excellent electrochemical nitrate reduction activity. More importantly, as a derivative, Co-BHT has surprisingly superior hydrogen evolution performance comparable to the Pt-based material since the striking H-s and Co-d orbital hybridization overlap tailors the H attachment. Our studies not only offer a brand new multifunction MOF material for hydrogen energy carrier (NH3 and H2) electroreduction, but also put forward an ingenious self-assembly tactic, paving road for guiding the top-down synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Institute for Computation in Molecular and Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Shenghua Feng
- Institute for Computation in Molecular and Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
| | - Weihua Zhu
- Institute for Computation in Molecular and Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
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98
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Sun Y, Yu Y, Xu W, Wu D, Wei Y, Lai J, Wang L. ·H effectively enhance electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 640:619-625. [PMID: 36889059 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.02.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, most reported ammonia (NH3) yields and Faradaic efficiency (FE) of electrocatalysts are very low in the field of electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reactions (NRR). Here, we are reported ·H for the first time in the field of electrocatalytic NRR, which are generated by sulfite (SO32-) and H2O in electrolyte solutions upon exposure to UV light. The high NH3 yields can achieve 100.7 μg h-1 mgcat-1, while stability can achieve 64 h and the FE can achieve 27.1% at -0.3 V (vs. RHE) with UV irradiation. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electron spin resonance (ESR), density functional theory (DFT) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests showed that the ∙H effectively lowered the reaction energy barrier at each step of the NRR process and inhibits the occurrence of competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This explores the path and provides ideas for the field of electrocatalysis involving water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Yaodong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Wenxia Xu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Yingying Wei
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China
| | - Jianping Lai
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, Ministry of Education, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China; Shandong Engineering Research Center for Marine Environment Corrosion and Safety Protection, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, PR China.
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99
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Zhu C, Geng Y, Yao X, Zhu G, Su Z, Zhang M. Fascinating Electrocatalysts with Dispersed Di-Metals in MN 3 -M'N 4 Moiety as Two Active Sites Separately for N 2 and CO 2 Reduction Reactions and Jointly for CN Coupling and Urea Production. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2201331. [PMID: 36720016 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202201331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The idealized urea electrocatalyst is crucial to boost the CN coupling reaction and simultaneously suppress their isolated reduction process after adsorbing N2 and CO2 molecules. Therefore, the dispersed MN3 -M'N4 moiety is investigated systematically, including 26 homonuclear and 650 heteronuclear di-metal systems. After, 205 stable systems are selected using lowest-energy principle and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. According to three possible pathways, NCON, CO, and OCOH to produce urea, a five-step high-throughput screening method for excellent catalytic activity and a five-aspect high-throughput screening strategy for outstanding catalytic selectivity are proposed, respectively. The potential determined steps and the limiting potential through three pathways are identified. The data indicates both CO pathway and OCOH pathway are more competitive at lower Gibbs free energy. Significantly, the most favorite RuN3 -CoN4 combination possesses an extremely low limiting potential of -0.80 V for urea production, meanwhile it exists a strong foundation for experimental preparation. This work not only broadens electrocatalytic potentiality of developing di-metals as two active sites, but also provides a feasible high-throughput screening recipe for urea production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyan Zhu
- Institute of Functional Material Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National & Local United Engineering Laboratory for Power Batteries, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Yun Geng
- Institute of Functional Material Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National & Local United Engineering Laboratory for Power Batteries, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Xiaohui Yao
- Institute of Functional Material Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National & Local United Engineering Laboratory for Power Batteries, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Guangshan Zhu
- Institute of Functional Material Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National & Local United Engineering Laboratory for Power Batteries, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Zhongmin Su
- Institute of Functional Material Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National & Local United Engineering Laboratory for Power Batteries, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Institute of Functional Material Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National & Local United Engineering Laboratory for Power Batteries, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
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100
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Huang Z, Rafiq M, Woldu AR, Tong QX, Astruc D, Hu L. Recent progress in electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia (NRR). Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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