1
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Gan W, Geng L, Huang B, Hansen K, Luo Z. Dehydrogenation of diborane on small Nb n+ clusters. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:9586-9592. [PMID: 38465400 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp06135c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The reactivity of Nbn+ (1 ≤ n ≤ 21) clusters with B2H6 is studied by using a self-developed multiple-ion laminar flow tube reactor combined with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (MIFT-TQMS). The Nbn+ clusters were generated by a magnetron sputtering source and reacted with the B2H6 gas under fully thermalized conditions in the downstream flow tube where the reaction time was accurately controlled and adjustable. The complete and partial dehydrogenation products NbnB1-4+ and NbnB1-4H1,2,4+ were detected, indicative of the removal of H2 and likely BHx moieties. Interestingly, these NbnB1-4+ and NbnB1-4H1,2,4+ products are limited to 3 ≤ n ≤ 6, suggesting that the small Nbn+ clusters are relatively more reactive than the larger Nbn>6+ clusters under the same conditions. By varying the B2H6 gas concentrations and the reactant doses introduced into the flow tube, and by changing the reaction time, we performed a detailed analysis of the reaction dynamics in combination with the DFT-calculated thermodynamics. It is demonstrated that the lack of cooperative active sites on the Nb1+ cations accounts for the weakened dehydrogenation efficiency. Nb2+ forms partial dehydrogenation products at a faster rate. In contrast, the Nbn>6+ clusters are subject to more flexible vibrational relaxation which disperse the energy gain of B2H6-adsorption and thus are unable to overcome the energy barriers for subsequent hydrogen atom transfer and H2 release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Gan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Lijun Geng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Benben Huang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Klavs Hansen
- School of Chemical Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhixun Luo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
- Center for Joint Quantum Studies and Department of Physics, School of Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
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2
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Cheng H, Zhang Z, Zhang L, Liu F, Deng J, Hua M, Cheng Y, Li H, Liu J, Zhu W. Crystal-Plane-Engineered TiO 2-Anchored Vanadium Single Atoms and Clusters for Boosting Ultradeep Aerobic Oxidative Desulfurization of Diesel. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:1488-1498. [PMID: 38175157 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c04233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The crystal plane effect has gained extensive attention in heterogeneous catalysis reactions; however, it is far from being systematically probed in titanium dioxide (TiO2)-supported vanadium catalysts. Herein, a series of vanadium (V) single atoms and clusters anchored on TiO2 with different crystal planes was fabricated by an improved "top-down" protocol. The dispersion state, electronic structure, and redox properties of the V single-atom and VOx cluster-supported catalysts were systematically analyzed by a series of characterization methods, including X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and their catalytic performances were examined for aerobic oxidative desulfurization (AODS) of 4,6-dimethyl-dibenzothiophen (4,6-DMDBT) with O2 as the oxidant. The results unveiled that the synergistic effect between the V single atom and the VOx cluster perceptibly promoted the catalytic performances of VOx/TiO2 samples. Therein, VOx/TiO2-(001) shows the lowest apparent activation energy (Ea) value of 46.3 kJ/mol and the optimal AODS performance with complete 4,6-DMDBT conversion to 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene sulfone (4,6-DMDBTO2) within 60 min at 120 °C as compared with VOx/TiO2-(101) (81.9 kJ/mol and 180 min) and VOx/TiO2-(100) (68.0 kJ/mol and 240 min), which should be attributed to its higher V5+/V4+ ratio, the optimal redox behavior of the V species, the moderate adsorption energy between 4,6-DMDBT and VOx active centers, and the synthetic effect of V single atoms and VOx clusters. Moreover, VOx/TiO2-(001) exhibits robust durability in seven cycles of reuse, showcasing the potential for practical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Cheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Ziteng Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- SINOPEC Research Institute of Petroleum Processing Co., Ltd, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Jianlin Deng
- School of Chemical Engineering, Shandong Institute of Petroleum and Chemical Technology, Dongying 257061, P. R. China
| | - Mingqing Hua
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Environmental Engineering, Qinhuangdao 066102, P. R. China
| | - Huaming Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Jixing Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
| | - Wenshuai Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, P. R. China
- College of Chemical Engineering and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, P. R. China
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3
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Zamora B, Nyulászi L, Höltzl T. CO 2 and H 2 Activation on Zinc-Doped Copper Clusters. Chemphyschem 2024; 25:e202300409. [PMID: 38057146 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300409] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Here we systematically investigate the CO2 and H2 activation and dissociation on small Cun Zn0/+ (n=3-6) clusters using Density Functional Theory. We show that Cu6 Zn is a superatom, displaying an increased HOMO-LUMO gap and is inert towards CO2 or H2 activation or dissociation. While other neutral clusters weakly activate CO2 , the cationic clusters preferentially bind the CO2 in monodentate nonactivated way. Notably, Cu4 Zn allows for the dissociation of activated CO2 , whereas larger clusters destabilize all activated CO2 binding modes. Conversely, H2 dissociation is favored on all clusters examined, except for Cu6 Zn. Cu3 Zn+ and Cu4 Zn, favor the formation of formate through the H2 dissociation pathway rather than CO2 dissociation. These findings suggest the potential of these clusters as synthetic targets and underscore their significance in the realm of CO2 hydrogenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Zamora
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1111-, Budapest, Műegytem rkp 3, Hungary
| | - László Nyulászi
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1111-, Budapest, Műegytem rkp 3, Hungary
- HUN-REN-BME Computation Driven Chemistry research group, 1111-, Budapest, Műegytem rkp. 3, Hungary
| | - Tibor Höltzl
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1111-, Budapest, Műegytem rkp 3, Hungary
- HUN-REN-BME Computation Driven Chemistry research group, 1111-, Budapest, Műegytem rkp. 3, Hungary
- Furukawa Electric Institute of Technology, Nanomaterials Science Group, 1158, Budapest, Késmárk utca 28/A, Hungary
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4
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Geng L, Du Q, Li M, Yin B, Luo Z, Zhao J. The s-p Nonhybrid Nature Causes Adaptive Superatomic States of Bismuth Clusters. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202300167. [PMID: 37358027 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202300167] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
We report a joint experimental and theoretical study on the stability and reactivity of Bin + (n=5-33) clusters. The alternating odd-even effect on the reaction rates of Bin + clusters with NO is observed, and Bi7 + finds the most inertness. First-principles calculation results reveal that the lowest energy structures of Bi6-9 + exhibit quasi-spherical geometry pertaining to the jellium shell model; however, the Bin + (n≥10) clusters adopt assembly structures. The prominent stability of Bi7 + is associated with its highly symmetric structure and superatomic states with a magic number of 34e closed shell. For the first time, we demonstrate that the unique s-p nonhybrid feature in bismuth rationalizes the stability of Bi6-9 + clusters within the jellium model, by filling the 6s electrons into the superatomic orbitals (forming "s-band"). Interestingly, the stability of 18e "s-band" coincides with the compact structure for Bin + at n≤9 but assembly structures for n≥10, showing an accommodation of the s electrons to the geometric structure. The atomic p-orbitals also allow to form superatomic orbitals at higher energy levels, contributing to the preferable structures of tridentate binding units. We illustrate the s-p nonhybrid nature accommodates the structure and superatomic states of bismuth clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Geng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS) State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Qiuying Du
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 11602, P. R. China
| | - Mengxu Li
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 11602, P. R. China
| | - Baoqi Yin
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS) State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Zhixun Luo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS) State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jijun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 11602, P. R. China
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5
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Li M, Yang T, Bakker JM, Janssens E, Hou GL. Unveiling the role of C60-supported vanadium single atoms for catalytic overall water splitting. CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2022; 3:100910. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2022.100910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
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6
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McGrady JE, Weigend F, Dehnen S. Electronic structure and bonding in endohedral Zintl clusters. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 51:628-649. [PMID: 34931207 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00775k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Endohedral Zintl clusters-multi-metallic anionic molecules in which a d-block or f-block metal atom is enclosed by p-block (semi)metal atoms-are very topical in contemporary inorganic chemistry. Not only do they provide insight into the embryonic states of intermetallic compounds and show promise in catalytic applications, they also shed light on the nature of chemical bonding between metal atoms. Over the past two decades, a plethora of endohedral Zintl clusters have been synthesized, revealing a fascinating diversity of molecular architectures. Many different perspectives on the bonding in them have emerged in the literature, sometimes complementary and sometimes conflicting, and there has been no concerted effort to classify the entire family based on a small number of unifying principles. A closer look, however, reveals distinct patterns in structure and bonding that reflect the extent to which valence electrons are shared between the endohedral atom and the cluster shell. We show that there is a much more uniform relationship between the total valence electron count and the structure and bonding patterns of these clusters than previously anticipated. All of the p-block (semi)metal shells can be placed on a ladder of total valence electron count that ranges between 4n+2 (closo deltahedra), 5n (closed, three-bonded polyhedra) and 6n (crown-like structures). Although some structural isomerism can occur for a given electron count, the presence of a central metal cation imposes a preference for rather regular and approximately spherical structures which maximise electrostatic interactions between the metal and the shell. In cases where the endohedral metal has relatively accessible valence electrons (from the d or f shells), it can also contribute its valence electrons to the total electron count of the cluster shell, raising the effective electron count and often altering the structural preferences. The electronic situation in any given cluster is considered from different perspectives, some more physical and some more chemical, in a way that highlights the important point that, in the end, they explain the same situation. This article provides a unifying perspective of bonding that captures the structural diversity across this diverse family of multimetallic clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E McGrady
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3QZ, UK.
| | - Florian Weigend
- Fachbereich Chemie and Wissenschaftliches Zentrum für Materialwissenschaften, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Dehnen
- Fachbereich Chemie and Wissenschaftliches Zentrum für Materialwissenschaften, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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7
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Hou G, Yang T, Li M, Vanbuel J, Lushchikova OV, Ferrari P, Bakker JM, Janssens E. Water Splitting by C
60
‐Supported Vanadium Single Atoms. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202112398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gao‐Lei Hou
- Quantum Solid-State Physics Department of Physics and Astronomy KU Leuven Celestijnenlaan 200D 3001 Leuven Belgium
- MOE Key Laboratory for Non-Equilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter School of Physics Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
| | - Tao Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Non-Equilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter School of Physics Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
| | - Mengyang Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Non-Equilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter School of Physics Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an 710049 P. R. China
| | - Jan Vanbuel
- Quantum Solid-State Physics Department of Physics and Astronomy KU Leuven Celestijnenlaan 200D 3001 Leuven Belgium
| | - Olga V. Lushchikova
- Radboud University Institute for Molecules and Materials FELIX Laboratory Toernooiveld 7 6525 ED Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Piero Ferrari
- Quantum Solid-State Physics Department of Physics and Astronomy KU Leuven Celestijnenlaan 200D 3001 Leuven Belgium
| | - Joost M. Bakker
- Radboud University Institute for Molecules and Materials FELIX Laboratory Toernooiveld 7 6525 ED Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Ewald Janssens
- Quantum Solid-State Physics Department of Physics and Astronomy KU Leuven Celestijnenlaan 200D 3001 Leuven Belgium
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8
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Lushchikova OV, Szalay M, Tahmasbi H, Juurlink LBF, Meyer J, Höltzl T, Bakker JM. IR spectroscopic characterization of the co-adsorption of CO 2 and H 2 onto cationic Cu n+ clusters. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:26661-26673. [PMID: 34709259 PMCID: PMC8653698 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp03119h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To understand elementary reaction steps in the hydrogenation of CO2 over copper-based catalysts, we experimentally study the adsorption of CO2 and H2 onto cationic Cun+ clusters. For this, we react Cun+ clusters formed by laser ablation with a mixture of H2 and CO2 in a flow tube-type reaction channel and characterize the products formed by IR multiple-photon dissociation spectroscopy employing the IR free-electron laser FELICE. We analyze the spectra by comparing them to literature spectra of Cun+ clusters reacted with H2 and with new spectra of Cun+ clusters reacted with CO2. The latter indicate that CO2 is physisorbed in an end-on configuration when reacted with the clusters alone. Although the spectra for the co-adsorption products evidence H2 dissociation, no signs for CO2 activation or reduction are observed. This lack of reactivity for CO2 is rationalized by density functional theory calculations, which indicate that CO2 dissociation is hindered by a large reaction barrier. CO2 reduction to formate should energetically be possible, but the lack of formate observation is attributed to kinetic hindering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Lushchikova
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Toernooiveld 7, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Máté Szalay
- MTA-BME Computation Driven Chemistry Research Group, Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Muegyetem rkp. 3, Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Hossein Tahmasbi
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden University, P. O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ludo B F Juurlink
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden University, P. O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jörg Meyer
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden University, P. O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tibor Höltzl
- MTA-BME Computation Driven Chemistry Research Group, Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Muegyetem rkp. 3, Budapest 1111, Hungary
- Furukawa Electric Institute of Technology, Késmárk utca 28/A 1158, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Joost M Bakker
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Toernooiveld 7, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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9
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Szalay M, Buzsáki D, Barabás J, Faragó E, Janssens E, Nyulászi L, Höltzl T. Screening of transition metal doped copper clusters for CO 2 activation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:21738-21747. [PMID: 34549207 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp02220b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Activation of CO2 is the first step towards its reduction to more useful chemicals. Here we systematically investigate the CO2 activation mechanism on Cu3X (X is a first-row transition metal atom) using density functional theory computations. The CO2 adsorption energies and the activation mechanisms depend strongly on the selected dopant. The dopant electronegativity, the HOMO-LUMO gap and the overlap of the frontier molecular orbitals control the CO2 dissociation efficiency. Our calculations reveal that early transition metal-doped (Sc, Ti, V) clusters exhibit a high CO2 adsorption energy, a low activation barrier for its dissociation, and a facile regeneration of the clusters. Thus, early transition metal-doped copper clusters, particularly Cu3Sc, may be efficient catalysts for the carbon capture and utilization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Máté Szalay
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Dániel Buzsáki
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Júlia Barabás
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Endre Faragó
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Ewald Janssens
- Quantum Solid-State Physics, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, BE-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - László Nyulászi
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary. .,MTA-BME Computation Driven Research Group, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Höltzl
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary. .,MTA-BME Computation Driven Research Group, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary.,Furukawa Electric Institute of Technology, Nanomaterials Science Group, Késmárk utca 28/A, H-1158 Budapest, Hungary
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10
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Hou GL, Yang T, Li M, Vanbuel J, Lushchikova OV, Ferrari P, Bakker JM, Janssens E. Water Splitting by C 60 -Supported Vanadium Single Atoms. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:27095-27101. [PMID: 34610202 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202112398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Water splitting is an important source of hydrogen, a promising future carrier for clean and renewable energy. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms of water splitting, catalyzed by supported metal atoms or nanoparticles, is essential to improve the design of efficient catalysts. Here, we report an infrared spectroscopic study of such a water splitting process, assisted by a C60 supported vanadium atom, C60 V+ +H2 O→C60 VO+ +H2 . We probe both the entrance channel complex C60 V+ (H2 O) and the end product C60 VO+ , and observe the formation of H2 as a result from resonant infrared absorption. Density functional theory calculations exploring the detailed reaction pathway reveal that a quintet-to-triplet spin crossing facilitates the water splitting reaction by C60 -supported V+ , whereas this reaction is kinetically hindered on the isolated V+ ion by a high energy barrier. The C60 support has an important role in lowering the reaction barrier with more than 70 kJ mol-1 due to a large orbital overlap of one water hydrogen atom with one carbon atom of the C60 support. This fundamental insight in the water splitting reaction by a C60 -supported single vanadium atom showcases the importance of supports in single atom catalysts by modifying the reaction potential energy surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao-Lei Hou
- Quantum Solid-State Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, 3001, Leuven, Belgium.,MOE Key Laboratory for Non-Equilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Tao Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Non-Equilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Mengyang Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Non-Equilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, P. R. China
| | - Jan Vanbuel
- Quantum Solid-State Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Olga V Lushchikova
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Toernooiveld 7, 6525, ED, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Piero Ferrari
- Quantum Solid-State Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost M Bakker
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Toernooiveld 7, 6525, ED, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ewald Janssens
- Quantum Solid-State Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200D, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
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11
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Huang S, Ouyang T, Zheng B, Dan M, Liu Z. Enhanced Photoelectrocatalytic Activities for CH
3
OH‐to‐HCHO Conversion on Fe
2
O
3
/MoO
3
: Fe‐O‐Mo Covalency Dominates the Intrinsic Activity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202101058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center Guangzhou University Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road 510006 Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Ting Ouyang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center Guangzhou University Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road 510006 Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Bang‐Feng Zheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center Guangzhou University Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road 510006 Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Meng Dan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center Guangzhou University Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road 510006 Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Zhao‐Qing Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center Guangzhou University Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road 510006 Guangzhou P. R. China
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12
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Huang S, Ouyang T, Zheng B, Dan M, Liu Z. Enhanced Photoelectrocatalytic Activities for CH
3
OH‐to‐HCHO Conversion on Fe
2
O
3
/MoO
3
: Fe‐O‐Mo Covalency Dominates the Intrinsic Activity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:9546-9552. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202101058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center Guangzhou University Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road 510006 Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Ting Ouyang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center Guangzhou University Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road 510006 Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Bang‐Feng Zheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center Guangzhou University Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road 510006 Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Meng Dan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center Guangzhou University Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road 510006 Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Zhao‐Qing Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Institute of Clean Energy and Materials/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Huangpu Hydrogen Innovation Center Guangzhou University Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road 510006 Guangzhou P. R. China
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Zhang H, Zhang M, Jia Y, Geng L, Yin B, Li S, Luo Z, Pan F. Vanadium Cluster Neutrals Reacting with Water: Superatomic Features and Hydrogen Evolution in a Fishing Mode. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:1593-1600. [PMID: 33545005 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c03809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is known as the heart of various energy storage and conversation systems of renewable energy sources. Here we observe the cluster reactions of a light transition metal, vanadium, with water in a gas-phase flow tube reactor. While HER products of V1 and V2 were not observed, the effective HER of water on neutral Vn (n ≥ 3) clusters reveals reasonable and size-dependent reactivity of the vanadium clusters. Superatomic features and reaction dynamics of V10, V13, and V16 are highlighted. Among the three typical superatoms, V10 and V16 exhibit an abnormal superatomic orbital energy level order, 1S|2S|1P|1D..., where the energy-reduced 2S orbital helps to accommodate the geometric structure and hence reinforce the cluster stability. In comparison, V13 bears a less symmetrical structure and reacts readily with water, allowing for recombination of a hydroxyl atom with an adsorbed hydrogen atom, akin to a fishing-mode HER process. The joint experimental and theoretical study on neutral Vn clusters clarifies the availability of superatom chemistry for transition metals and appeals further development of cluster theory based on electronic cloud/orbital analysis instead of simply counting the valence electrons. Also, we provide insights into the HER mechanism of metal clusters and propose a strategy to design new materials for portable fuel cells of hydrogen energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyu Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory of Molecular sciences (BNLMS), State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Mingzheng Zhang
- School of Advanced Materials, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yuhan Jia
- Beijing National Laboratory of Molecular sciences (BNLMS), State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Lijun Geng
- Beijing National Laboratory of Molecular sciences (BNLMS), State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Baoqi Yin
- Beijing National Laboratory of Molecular sciences (BNLMS), State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Shunning Li
- School of Advanced Materials, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
| | - Zhixun Luo
- Beijing National Laboratory of Molecular sciences (BNLMS), State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Feng Pan
- School of Advanced Materials, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
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