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Zhu X, Huang J, Eikerling M. Hierarchical Modeling of the Local Reaction Environment in Electrocatalysis. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:2080-2092. [PMID: 39031075 PMCID: PMC11308366 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
ConspectusElectrocatalytic reactions, such as oxygen reduction/evolution reactions and CO2 reduction reaction that are pivotal for the energy transition, are multistep processes that occur in a nanoscale electric double layer (EDL) at a solid-liquid interface. Conventional analyses based on the Sabatier principle, using binding energies or effective electronic structure properties such as the d-band center as descriptors, are able to grasp overall trends in catalytic activity in specific groups of catalysts. However, thermodynamic approaches often fail to account for electrolyte effects that arise in the EDL, including pH, cation, and anion effects. These effects exert strong impacts on electrocatalytic reactions. There is growing consensus that the local reaction environment (LRE) prevailing in the EDL is the key to deciphering these complex and hitherto perplexing electrolyte effects. Increasing attention is thus paid to designing electrolyte properties, positioning the LRE at center stage. To this end, unraveling the LRE is becoming essential for designing electrocatalysts with specifically tailored properties, which could enable much needed breakthroughs in electrochemical energy science.Theory and modeling are getting more and more important and powerful in addressing this multifaceted problem that involves physical phenomena at different scales and interacting in a multidimensional parametric space. Theoretical models developed for this purpose should treat intrinsic multistep kinetics of electrocatalytic reactions, EDL effects from subnm scale to the scale of 10 nm, and mass transport phenomena bridging scales from <0.1 to 100 μm. Given the diverse physical phenomena and scales involved, it is evident that the challenge at hand surpasses the capabilities of any single theoretical or computational approach.In this Account, we present a hierarchical theoretical framework to address the above challenge. It seamlessly integrates several modules: (i) microkinetic modeling that accounts for various reaction pathways; (ii) an LRE model that describes the interfacial region extending from the nanometric EDL continuously to the solution bulk; (iii) first-principles calculations that provide parameters, e.g., adsorption energies, activation barriers and EDL parameters. The microkinetic model considers all elementary steps without designating an a priori rate-determining step. The kinetics of these elementary steps are expressed in terms of local concentrations, potential and electric field that are codetermined by EDL charging and mass transport in the LRE model. Vital insights on electrode kinetic phenomena, i.e., potential-dependent Tafel slopes, cation effects, and pH effects, obtained from this hierarchical framework are then reviewed. Finally, an outlook on further improvement of the model framework is presented, in view of recent developments in first-principles based simulation of electrocatalysis, observations of dynamic reconstruction of catalysts, and machine-learning assisted computational simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Zhu
- Theory
and Computation of Energy Materials (IEK-13), Institute of Energy
and Climate Research, Forschungszentrum
Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Chair
of Theory and Computation of Energy Materials, Faculty of Georesources
and Materials Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jun Huang
- Theory
and Computation of Energy Materials (IEK-13), Institute of Energy
and Climate Research, Forschungszentrum
Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Theory
of Electrocatalytic Interfaces, Faculty of Georesources and Materials
Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Eikerling
- Theory
and Computation of Energy Materials (IEK-13), Institute of Energy
and Climate Research, Forschungszentrum
Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Chair
of Theory and Computation of Energy Materials, Faculty of Georesources
and Materials Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
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Ge W, Tao H, Dong L, Fan Y, Niu Y, Zhu Y, Lian C, Liu H, Jiang H, Li C. Lewis-base ligand-reshaped interfacial hydrogen-bond network boosts CO 2 electrolysis. Natl Sci Rev 2024; 11:nwae218. [PMID: 39034947 PMCID: PMC11259048 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Both the catalyst and electrolyte strongly impact the performance of CO2 electrolysis. Despite substantial progress in catalysts, it remains highly challenging to tailor electrolyte compositions and understand their functions at the catalyst interface. Here, we report that the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and its analogs, featuring strong Lewis acid-base interaction with metal cations, are selected as electrolyte additives to reshape the catalyst-electrolyte interface for promoting CO2 electrolysis. Mechanistic studies reveal that EDTA molecules are dynamically assembled toward interface regions in response to bias potential due to strong Lewis acid-base interaction of EDTA4--K+. As a result, the original hydrogen-bond network among interfacial H2O is disrupted, and a hydrogen-bond gap layer at the electrified interface is established. The EDTA-reshaped K+ solvation structure promotes the protonation of *CO2 to *COOH and suppressing *H2O dissociation to *H, thereby boosting the co-electrolysis of CO2 and H2O toward carbon-based products. In particular, when 5 mM of EDTA is added into the electrolytes, the Faradaic efficiency of CO on the commercial Ag nanoparticle catalyst is increased from 57.0% to 90.0% at an industry-relevant current density of 500 mA cm-2. More importantly, the Lewis-base ligand-reshaped interface allows a range of catalysts (Ag, Zn, Pd, Bi, Sn, and Cu) to deliver substantially increased selectivity of carbon-based products in both H-type and flow-type electrolysis cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangxin Ge
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Haolan Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Lei Dong
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yanpu Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yihua Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Cheng Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Honglai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hongliang Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Chunzhong Li
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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Fan J, Arrazolo LK, Du J, Xu H, Fang S, Liu Y, Wu Z, Kim JH, Wu X. Effects of Ionic Interferents on Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction: Mechanistic Insight. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:12823-12845. [PMID: 38954631 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate, a prevalent water pollutant, poses substantial public health concerns and environmental risks. Electrochemical reduction of nitrate (eNO3RR) has emerged as an effective alternative to conventional biological treatments. While extensive lab work has focused on designing efficient electrocatalysts, implementation of eNO3RR in practical wastewater settings requires careful consideration of the effects of various constituents in real wastewater. In this critical review, we examine the interference of ionic species commonly encountered in electrocatalytic systems and universally present in wastewater, such as halogen ions, alkali metal cations, and other divalent/trivalent ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-/CO32-, SO42-, and PO43-). Notably, we categorize and discuss the interfering mechanisms into four groups: (1) loss of active catalytic sites caused by competitive adsorption and precipitation, (2) electrostatic interactions in the electric double layer (EDL), including ion pairs and the shielding effect, (3) effects on the selectivity of N intermediates and final products (N2 or NH3), and (4) complications by the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and localized pH on the cathode surface. Finally, we summarize the competition among different mechanisms and propose future directions for a deeper mechanistic understanding of ionic impacts on eNO3RR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Fan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Leslie K Arrazolo
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Jiaxin Du
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Xu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Fang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongbiao Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jae-Hong Kim
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Xuanhao Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
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Jiao Z, Song D, Wei L, Ma M, Hua W, Zheng Z, Wang M, Su Y, Ke X, Lyu F, Deng Z, Zhong J, Peng Y. Robust Electrocatalytic CO 2 Reduction in Acid Enabled by "Molecularly Charged" Cobalt Phthalocyanine: A Profound Understanding from Electric Double Layer. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:7342-7350. [PMID: 38989694 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c01409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (eCO2R) in acid holds promise in renewable electricity-powered CO2 utilization with high efficiency, but the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) often prevails and results in a low eCO2R selectivity. Here, using cobalt phthalocyanine/Ketjen black (CoPc/KB) as the model catalysts, we systematically study the effect of active site density, operational current density, and hydrated cations on the acidic eCO2R selectivity and decipher it through the componential dynamics of electric double layer (EDL). The optimal CoPc-4/KB demonstrates a near-unity CO Faradaic efficiency from 50 to 400 mA cm-2 and superb operational stability (>120 h) at 100 mA cm-2. Aided by in situ Raman and infrared spectroscopies, we reveal that the proper cations establish an electrostatic shield for mitigating bulk H+ penetration and mediate the interfacial water structure for suppressing HER. This study should elicit further profound thinking on robust eCO2R system design from the perspective of multiphasic and dynamic EDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyang Jiao
- Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials Innovations, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
| | - Daqi Song
- Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials Innovations, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
| | - Le Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microstructure and Properties of Solids, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, P. R. China
| | - Mutian Ma
- Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials Innovations, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
| | - Wei Hua
- Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials Innovations, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
| | - Zhangyi Zheng
- Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials Innovations, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
| | - Min Wang
- Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials Innovations, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
| | - Yanhui Su
- Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials Innovations, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxing Ke
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microstructure and Properties of Solids, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, P. R. China
| | - Fenglei Lyu
- Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials Innovations, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Negative Carbon Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Deng
- Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials Innovations, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Negative Carbon Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhong
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yang Peng
- Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials Innovations, College of Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Negative Carbon Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China
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5
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Wei Z, Ding J, Wang Z, Wang A, Zhang L, Liu Y, Guo Y, Yang X, Zhai Y, Liu B. Enhanced Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction to Formate over Phosphate-Modified In: Water Activation and Active Site Tuning. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402070. [PMID: 38664999 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402070] [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: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) offers a sustainable strategy for producing fuels and chemicals. However, it suffers from sluggish CO2 activation and slow water dissociation. In this work, we construct a (P-O)δ- modified In catalyst that exhibits high activity and selectivity in electrochemical CO2 reduction to formate. A combination of in situ characterizations and kinetic analyses indicate that (P-O)δ- has a strong interaction with K+(H2O)n, which effectively accelerates water dissociation to provide protons. In situ attenuated total reflectance surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS) measurements together with density functional theory (DFT) calculations disclose that (P-O)δ- modification leads to a higher valence state of In active site, thus promoting CO2 activation and HCOO* formation, while inhibiting competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). As a result, the (P-O)δ- modified oxide-derived In catalyst exhibits excellent formate selectivity across a broad potential window with a formate Faradaic efficiency as high as 92.1 % at a partial current density of ~200 mA cm-2 and a cathodic potential of -1.2 V vs. RHE in an alkaline electrolyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Wei
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Anyang Wang
- School of Electrical Engineering, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuhang Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuzheng Guo
- School of Electrical Engineering, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Yueming Zhai
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Institute of Clean Energy (HKICE) & Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF), City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
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6
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Chu N, Jiang Y, Zeng RJ, Li D, Liang P. Solid Electrolytes for Low-Temperature Carbon Dioxide Valorization: A Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10881-10896. [PMID: 38861036 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
One of the most promising approaches to address the global challenge of climate change is electrochemical carbon capture and utilization. Solid electrolytes can play a crucial role in establishing a chemical-free pathway for the electrochemical capture of CO2. Furthermore, they can be applied in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR) to increase carbon utilization, produce high-purity liquid chemicals, and advance hybrid electro-biosystems. This review article begins by covering the fundamentals and processes of electrochemical CO2 capture, emphasizing the advantages of utilizing solid electrolytes. Additionally, it highlights recent advancements in the use of the solid polymer electrolyte or solid electrolyte layer for the CO2RR with multiple functions. The review also explores avenues for future research to fully harness the potential of solid electrolytes, including the integration of CO2 capture and the CO2RR and performance assessment under realistic conditions. Finally, this review discusses future opportunities and challenges, aiming to contribute to the establishment of a green and sustainable society through electrochemical CO2 valorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, PR China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, PR China
| | - Raymond Jianxiong Zeng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, PR China
| | - Daping Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Peng Liang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
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Tang B, Fang Y, Zhu S, Bai Q, Li X, Wei L, Li Z, Zhu C. Tuning hydrogen bond network connectivity in the electric double layer with cations. Chem Sci 2024; 15:7111-7120. [PMID: 38756806 PMCID: PMC11095383 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc06904d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen bond (H-bond) network connectivity in electric double layers (EDLs) is of paramount importance for interfacial HER/HOR electrocatalytic processes. However, it remains unclear whether the cation-specific effect on H-bond network connectivity in EDLs exists. Herein, we report simulation evidence from ab initio molecular dynamics that cations at Pt(111)/water interfaces can tune the structure and the connectivity of H-bond networks in EDLs. As the surface charge density σ becomes more negative, we show that the connectivity of the H-bond networks in EDLs of the Na+ and Ca2+ systems decreases markedly; in stark contrast, the connectivity of the H-bond networks in EDLs of the Mg2+ system increases slightly. Further analysis revealed that the interplay between the hydration of cations and the interfacial water structure plays a key role in the connectivity of H-bond networks in EDLs. These findings highlight the key roles of cations in EDLs and electrocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Tang
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Yeguang Fang
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology Beijing 100190 China
| | - Shuang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Qi Bai
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Xiaojiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Laiyang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 P. R. China
| | - Chongqin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
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Zhang P, Gardini AT, Xu X, Parrinello M. Intramolecular and Water Mediated Tautomerism of Solvated Glycine. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:3599-3604. [PMID: 38620066 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Understanding tautomerism and characterizing solvent effects on the dynamic processes pose significant challenges. Using enhanced-sampling molecular dynamics based on state-of-the-art deep learning potentials, we investigated the tautomeric equilibria of glycine in water. We observed that the tautomerism between neutral and zwitterionic glycine can occur through both intramolecular and intermolecular proton transfers. The latter proceeds involving a contact anionic-glycine-hydronium ion pair or separate cationic-glycine-hydroxide ion pair. These pathways with comparable barriers contribute almost equally to the reaction flux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Zhang
- Center for Combustion Energy, Department of Energy and Power Engineering, and Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Atomistic Simulations, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova 16152, Italy
| | - Axel Tosello Gardini
- Atomistic Simulations, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova 16152, Italy
- Department of Materials Science, Università di Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Xuefei Xu
- Center for Combustion Energy, Department of Energy and Power Engineering, and Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Michele Parrinello
- Atomistic Simulations, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova 16152, Italy
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Wu W, Xu L, Lu Q, Sun J, Xu Z, Song C, Yu JC, Wang Y. Addressing the Carbonate Issue: Electrocatalysts for Acidic CO 2 Reduction Reaction. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2312894. [PMID: 38722084 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) powered by renewable energy provides a promising route to CO2 conversion and utilization. However, the widely used neutral/alkaline electrolyte consumes a large amount of CO2 to produce (bi)carbonate byproducts, leading to significant challenges at the device level, thereby impeding the further deployment of this reaction. Conducting CO2RR in acidic electrolytes offers a promising solution to address the "carbonate issue"; however, it presents inherent difficulties due to the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, necessitating concerted efforts toward advanced catalyst and electrode designs to achieve high selectivity and activity. This review encompasses recent developments of acidic CO2RR, from mechanism elucidation to catalyst design and device engineering. This review begins by discussing the mechanistic understanding of the reaction pathway, laying the foundation for catalyst design in acidic CO2RR. Subsequently, an in-depth analysis of recent advancements in acidic CO2RR catalysts is provided, highlighting heterogeneous catalysts, surface immobilized molecular catalysts, and catalyst surface enhancement. Furthermore, the progress made in device-level applications is summarized, aiming to develop high-performance acidic CO2RR systems. Finally, the existing challenges and future directions in the design of acidic CO2RR catalysts are outlined, emphasizing the need for improved selectivity, activity, stability, and scalability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixing Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Liangpang Xu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Qian Lu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Jiping Sun
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Zhanyou Xu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Chunshan Song
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Jimmy C Yu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
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10
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Kacenauskaite L, Moncada Cohen M, Van Wyck SJ, Fayer MD. Fast Structural Dynamics in Concentrated HCl Solutions: From Proton Hopping to the Bulk Viscosity. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12355-12364. [PMID: 38682723 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Concentrated acid solutions, particularly HCl, have been studied extensively to examine the proton hopping and infrared spectral signatures of hydronium ions. Much less attention has been given to the structural dynamics of concentrated HCl solutions. Here, we apply optical heterodyne detected-optical Kerr effect (OHD-OKE) measurements to examine HCl concentration-dependent dynamics from moderate (0.8 m) to very high (15.5 m) concentrations and compare the results to the dynamics of NaCl solutions, as Na+ is similar in size to the hydronium cation. Both HCl and NaCl OHD-OKE signals decay as triexponentials at all concentrations, in contrast to pure water, which decays as a biexponential. Two remarkable features of the HCl dynamics are the following: (1) the bulk viscosity is linearly related to the slowest decay constant, t3, and (2) the concentration-dependent proton hopping times, determined by ab initio MD simulations and 2D IR chemical exchange experiments, both obtained from the literature, fall on the same line as the slowest structural dynamics relaxation time, t3, within experimental error. The structural dynamics of hydronium/chloride/water clusters, with relaxation times t3, are responsible for the concentration dependence of microscopic property of proton hopping and the macroscopic bulk viscosity. The slowest time constant (t3), which does not have a counterpart in pure water, is 3 ps at 0.8 m and increases by a factor of ∼2 by 15.5 m. The two fastest HCl decay constants, t1 and t2, are similar to those of pure water and increase mildly with the concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kacenauskaite
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Nano-Science Center & Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Max Moncada Cohen
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Stephen J Van Wyck
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Michael D Fayer
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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11
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Pu Y, Wang Y, Wu G, Wu X, Lu Y, Yu Y, Chu N, He X, Li D, Zeng RJ, Jiang Y. Tandem Acidic CO 2 Electrolysis Coupled with Syngas Fermentation: A Two-Stage Process for Producing Medium-Chain Fatty Acids. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7445-7456. [PMID: 38622030 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The tandem application of CO2 electrolysis with syngas fermentation holds promise for achieving heightened production rates and improved product quality. However, the significant impact of syngas composition on mixed culture-based microbial chain elongation remains unclear. Additionally, effective methods for generating syngas with an adjustable composition from acidic CO2 electrolysis are currently lacking. This study successfully demonstrated the production of medium-chain fatty acids from CO2 through tandem acidic electrolysis with syngas fermentation. CO could serve as the sole energy source or as the electron donor (when cofed with acetate) for caproate generation. Furthermore, the results of gas diffusion electrode structure engineering highlighted that the use of carbon black, either alone or in combination with graphite, enabled consistent syngas generation with an adjustable composition from acidic CO2 electrolysis (pH 1). The carbon black layer significantly improved the CO selectivity, increasing from 0% to 43.5% (0.05 M K+) and further to 92.4% (0.5 M K+). This enhancement in performance was attributed to the promotion of K+ accumulation, stabilizing catalytically active sites, rather than creating a localized alkaline environment for CO2-to-CO conversion. This research contributes to the advancement of hybrid technology for sustainable CO2 reduction and chemical production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Pu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Gaoying Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaobing Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yilin Lu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601 China
| | - Yangyang Yu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601 China
| | - Na Chu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaohong He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Daping Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Raymond Jianxiong Zeng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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12
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Fan Y, Chen Y, Ge W, Dong L, Qi Y, Lian C, Zhou X, Liu H, Liu Z, Jiang H, Li C. Mechanistic Insights into Surfactant-Modulated Electrode-Electrolyte Interface for Steering H 2O 2 Electrosynthesis. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:7575-7583. [PMID: 38466222 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13660] [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
Electrocatalytic reactions taking place at the electrified electrode-electrolyte interface involve processes of proton-coupled electron transfer. Interfacial protons are delivered to the electrode surface via a H2O-dominated hydrogen-bond network. Less efforts are made to regulate the interfacial proton transfer from the perspective of interfacial hydrogen-bond network. Here, we present quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactants as electrolyte additives for enhancing the H2O2 selectivity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Through in situ vibrational spectroscopy and molecular dynamics calculation, it is revealed that the surfactants are irreversibly adsorbed on the electrode surface in response to a given bias potential range, leading to the weakening of the interfacial hydrogen-bond network. This decreases interfacial proton transfer kinetics, particularly at high bias potentials, thus suppressing the 4-electron ORR pathway and achieving a highly selective 2-electron pathway toward H2O2. These results highlight the opportunity for steering H2O-involved electrochemical reactions via modulating the interfacial hydrogen-bond network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fan
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wangxin Ge
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Lei Dong
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yanbin Qi
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Cheng Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Honglai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hongliang Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chunzhong Li
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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13
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Yang X, Ding H, Li S, Zheng S, Li JF, Pan F. Cation-Induced Interfacial Hydrophobic Microenvironment Promotes the C-C Coupling in Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:5532-5542. [PMID: 38362877 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) toward C2 products is a promising way for the clean energy economy. Modulating the structure of the electric double layer (EDL), especially the interfacial water and cation type, is a useful strategy to promote C-C coupling, but atomic understanding lags far behind the experimental observations. Herein, we investigate the combined effect of interfacial water and alkali metal cations on the C-C coupling at the Cu(100) electrode/electrolyte interface using ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations with a constrained MD and slow-growth approach. We observe a linear correlation between the water-adsorbate stabilization effect, which manifests as hydrogen bonds, and the corresponding alleviation in the C-C coupling free energy. The role of a larger cation, compared to a smaller cation (e.g., K+ vs Li+), lies in its ability to approach the interface through desolvation and coordinates with the *CO+*CO moiety, partially substituting the hydrogen-bonding stabilizing effect of interfacial water. Although this only results in a marginal reduction of the energy barrier for C-C coupling, it creates a local hydrophobic environment with a scarcity of hydrogen bonds owing to its great ionic radius, impeding the hydrogen of surrounding interfacial water to approach the oxygen of the adsorbed *CO. This skillfully circumvents the further hydrogenation of *CO toward the C1 pathway, serving as the predominant factor through which a larger cation facilitates C-C coupling. This study unveils a comprehensive atomic mechanism of the cation-water-adsorbate interactions that can facilitate the further optimization of the electrolyte and EDL for efficient C-C coupling in CO2RR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhe Yang
- School of Advanced Materials, Peking University, Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Haowen Ding
- School of Advanced Materials, Peking University, Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Shunning Li
- School of Advanced Materials, Peking University, Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Shisheng Zheng
- School of Advanced Materials, Peking University, Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518000, China
- College of Energy, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Jian-Feng Li
- College of Energy, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, College of Physical Science and Technology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Feng Pan
- School of Advanced Materials, Peking University, Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518000, China
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14
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Bai X, Chen C, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Zheng Y, Jiao Y. Accelerating the Reaction Kinetics of CO 2 Reduction to Multi-Carbon Products by Synergistic Effect between Cation and Aprotic Solvent on Copper Electrodes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317512. [PMID: 38168478 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317512] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Improving the selectivity of electrochemical CO2 reduction to multi-carbon products (C2+ ) is an important and highly challenging topic. In this work, we propose and validate an effective strategy to improve C2+ selectivity on Cu electrodes, by introducing a synergistic effect between cation (Na+ ) and aprotic solvent (DMSO) to the electrolyte. Based on constant potential ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, we first revealed that Na+ facilitates C-C coupling while inhibits CH3 OH/CH4 products via reducing the water network connectivity near the electrode. Furthermore, the water network connectivity was further decreased by introducing an aprotic solvent DMSO, leading to suppression of both C1 production and hydrogen evolution reaction with minimal effect on *OCCO* hydrogenation. The synergistic effect enhancing C2 selectivity was also experimentally verified through electrochemical measurements. The results showed that the Faradaic efficiency of C2 increases from 9.3 % to 57 % at 50 mA/cm2 under a mixed electrolyte of NaHCO3 and DMSO compared to a pure NaHCO3 , which can significantly enhance the selectivity of the C2 product. Therefore, our discovery provides an effective electrolyte-based strategy for tuning CO2 RR selectivity through modulating the microenvironment at the electrode-electrolyte interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowan Bai
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Chaojie Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Xunhua Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Quantum Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education, School of Physics, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Yehui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Quantum Materials and Devices of Ministry of Education, School of Physics, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Yao Zheng
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Yan Jiao
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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15
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Zhao R, Li L, Wu Q, Li Q, Cui C. Key Role of Cations in Stabilizing Hydrogen Radicals for CO 2-to-CO Conversion via a Reverse Water-Gas Shift Reaction. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:1914-1920. [PMID: 38345623 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemically converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels in acidic media is argued as a promising energy- and carbon-efficient route. Although several key roles of alkali cations have been unveiled, the alkali cation trends for CO2 reduction remain largely elusive. With decreasing cation size from Cs+ to Li+, here we show that the apparent proton diffusion coefficient in 3.0 M Li+ is tens-fold lower than in 3.0 M K+ and 3.0 M Cs+ acidic electrolytes. Although Li+ has the strongest inhibition ability for proton transport, it acts the worst for both the CO2-to-CO conversion and partial current density on Au catalysts. Unexpectedly, K+ with a higher proton transport performs the best for CO2-to-CO conversion. We thus revisit the roles of alkali cations and find that hydrated K+ can stabilize hydrogen radicals benefiting CO2 conversion at the electrode interface while for Li+ this is not the case. This study proposes that cation-stabilized atomic hydrogen assists in activating CO2 via a reverse water-gas shift route under electrochemical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Zhao
- Molecular Electrochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Lei Li
- Molecular Electrochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Qianbao Wu
- Molecular Electrochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Qing Li
- Molecular Electrochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Chunhua Cui
- Molecular Electrochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
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16
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Zhang Z, Li H, Shao Y, Gan L, Kang F, Duan W, Hansen HA, Li J. Molecular understanding of the critical role of alkali metal cations in initiating CO 2 electroreduction on Cu(100) surface. Nat Commun 2024; 15:612. [PMID: 38242907 PMCID: PMC10799043 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44896-x] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular understanding of the solid-liquid interface is challenging but essential to elucidate the role of the environment on the kinetics of electrochemical reactions. Alkali metal cations (M+), as a vital component at the interface, are found to be necessary for the initiation of carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) on coinage metals, and the activity and selectivity of CO2RR could be further enhanced with the cation changing from Li+ to Cs+, while the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Herein, using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations with explicit solvation and enhanced sampling methods, we systematically investigate the role of M+ in CO2RR on Cu surface. A monotonically decreasing CO2 activation barrier is obtained from Li+ to Cs+, which is attributed to the different coordination abilities of M+ with *CO2. Furthermore, we show that the competing hydrogen evolution reaction must be considered simultaneously to understand the crucial role of alkali metal cations in CO2RR on Cu surfaces, where H+ is repelled from the interface and constrained by M+. Our results provide significant insights into the design of electrochemical environments and highlight the importance of explicitly including the solvation and competing reactions in theoretical simulations of CO2RR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Zhang
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Hengyu Li
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangfan Shao
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Gan
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiyu Kang
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenhui Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Quantum Physics and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
- Frontier Science Center for Quantum Information, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Heine Anton Hansen
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Jia Li
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center and Institute of Materials Research, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Liu Y, Yang Z, Zou Y, Wang S, He J. Interfacial Micro-Environment of Electrocatalysis and Its Applications for Organic Electro-Oxidation Reaction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306488. [PMID: 37712127 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Conventional designing principal of electrocatalyst is focused on the electronic structure tuning, on which effectively promotes the electrocatalysis. However, as a typical kind of electrode-electrolyte interface reaction, the electrocatalysis performance is also closely dependent on the electrocatalyst interfacial micro-environment (IME), including pH, reactant concentration, electric field, surface geometry structure, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, etc. Recently, organic electro-oxidation reaction (OEOR), which simultaneously reduces the anodic polarization potential and produces value-added chemicals, has emerged as a competitive alternative to oxygen evolution reaction, and the role IME played in OEOR is receiving great interest. Thus, this article provides a timely review on IME and its applications toward OEOR. In this review, the IME for conventional gas-involving reactions, as a contrast, is first presented, and then the recent progresses of IME toward diverse typical OEOR are summarized; especially, some representative works are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, cutting-edge analytical methods and characterization techniques are introduced to comprehensively understand the role IME played in OEOR. In the last section, perspectives and challenges of IME regulation for OEOR are shared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, P. R. China
| | - Zhihui Yang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, P. R. China
| | - Yuqin Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Chem/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Shuangyin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chem/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Junying He
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, P. R. China
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18
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Chu N, Jiang Y, Wang D, Li D, Zeng RJ. Super-fast Charging Biohybrid Batteries through a Power-to-formate-to-bioelectricity Process by Combining Microbial Electrochemistry and CO 2 Electrolysis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202312147. [PMID: 37801326 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202312147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Extensive study on renewable energy storage has been sparked by the growing worries regarding global warming. In this study, incorporating the latest advancements in microbial electrochemistry and electrochemical CO2 reduction, a super-fast charging biohybrid battery was introduced by using pure formic acid as an energy carrier. CO2 electrolyser with a slim-catholyte layer and a solid electrolyte layer was built, which made it possible to use affordable anion exchange membranes and electrocatalysts that are readily accessible. The biohybrid battery only required a 3-minute charging to accomplish an astounding 25-hour discharging phase. In the power-to-formate-to-bioelectricity process, bioconversion played a vital role in restricting both the overall Faradaic efficiency and Energy efficiency. The CO2 electrolyser was able to operate continuously for an impressive total duration of 164 hours under Gas Stand-By model, by storing N2 gas in the extraction chamber during stand-by periods. Additionally, the electric signal generated during the discharging phase was utilized for monitoring water biotoxicity. Functional genes related to formate metabolism were identified in the bioanode and electrochemically active bacteria were discovered. On the other hand, Paracoccus was predominantly found in the used air cathode. These results advance our current knowledge of exploiting biohybrid technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Donglin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Daping Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Raymond Jianxiong Zeng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
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19
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Li P, Jiao Y, Huang J, Chen S. Electric Double Layer Effects in Electrocatalysis: Insights from Ab Initio Simulation and Hierarchical Continuum Modeling. JACS AU 2023; 3:2640-2659. [PMID: 37885580 PMCID: PMC10598835 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Structures of the electric double layer (EDL) at electrocatalytic interfaces, which are modulated by the material properties, the electrolyte characteristics (e.g., the pH, the types and concentrations of ions), and the electrode potential, play crucial roles in the reaction kinetics. Understanding the EDL effects in electrocatalysis has attracted substantial research interest in recent years. However, the intrinsic relationships between the specific EDL structures and electrocatalytic kinetics remain poorly understood, especially on the atomic scale. In this Perspective, we briefly review the recent advances in deciphering the EDL effects mainly in hydrogen and oxygen electrocatalysis through a multiscale approach, spanning from the atomistic scale simulated by ab initio methods to the macroscale by a hierarchical approach. We highlight the importance of resolving the local reaction environment, especially the local hydrogen bond network, in understanding EDL effects. Finally, some of the remaining challenges are outlined, and an outlook for future developments in these exciting frontiers is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Hubei
Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuzhou Jiao
- Hubei
Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Institute
of Energy and Climate Research, IEK-13: Theory and Computation of
Energy Materials, Forschungszentrum Jülich
GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Theory
of Electrocatalytic Interfaces, Faculty of Georesources and Materials
Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Shengli Chen
- Hubei
Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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