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Shafiq F, Yang L, Zhu W. Recent progress in the advanced strategies, rational design, and engineering of electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction toward ammonia. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:11208-11216. [PMID: 38564180 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00659c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Ammonia is a valuable feedstock for most chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizer products. It is a promising carbon-free energy source. Under severe experimental circumstances (high temperature and high pressure), ammonia is manufactured industrially using the standard Haber-Bosch process. This process uses a lot of energy and emits a huge amount of CO2 into the environment. One method that is seen to be promising and could eventually replace the Haber-Bosch process is the electrocatalytic production of ammonia. However, in ambient conditions, the cleavage of the nitrogen molecule is exceedingly difficult. As a result, the yield of ammonia remains modest and the study's scope is still restricted to the lab. When the catalytic performance is significantly increased, nitrate and nitrite contaminations in water systems can be effectively removed and simultaneously transformed into energy sources if nitrites or nitrates are employed as nitrogen sources instead of nitrogen gas. This may become a new substitute for the synthesis of ammonia, but nitrate and nitrite reduction are not getting enough attention. In this review, we discuss the performance of the electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction, which includes cycling stability, reactivity, selectivity, and faradaic efficiency. Following this summary, we look into the crucial elements, the rate-determining step, and the reaction mechanisms that govern the performance of the nitrate reduction reaction. In order to support the practical use of the electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction, we finally provided a summary of the challenges and future directions guiding the design of efficient catalyst and reaction systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Shafiq
- Institute for Computation in Molecular and Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
| | - Lei Yang
- Institute for Computation in Molecular and Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
| | - Weihua Zhu
- Institute for Computation in Molecular and Materials Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China.
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Huang W, Chen T, Luo J, Su G, Wei H. A temperature-adjustable in situ infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy system for catalysts. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:4242-4245. [PMID: 38530244 DOI: 10.1039/d4cc00220b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
We introduce an innovative in situ infrared diffuse reflection rapid detection system, endowed with a temperature regulation function. This system is adept at conducting rapid infrared spectra scanning as well as simulating the catalytic environment of diverse reaction systems. The infrared absorption spectra of four kinds of Pt-based catalysts under vacuum conditions across a wide temperature spectrum ranging from -180 to 300 °C are obtained and analysed through IR correlation spectroscopy. A key finding is the notable variance in peak intensity within Pt/CeO2/CNT catalysts, highlighting a robust adsorption capacity for oxygen-containing groups at lower temperatures and a marked desorption at higher temperatures. By enabling rapid and accurate assessments of catalyst behavior under varying temperatures, it not only accelerates the evaluation process but also provides valuable insights that can guide the synthesis of more efficient catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Huang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia Engineering and Technology Research Center for Catalytic Conversion and Utilization of Carbon Resource Molecules, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 558000, China.
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun 116023, China
| | - Tao Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia Engineering and Technology Research Center for Catalytic Conversion and Utilization of Carbon Resource Molecules, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 558000, China.
| | - Jun Luo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun 116023, China
| | - Geer Su
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Technology, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Hang Wei
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia Engineering and Technology Research Center for Catalytic Conversion and Utilization of Carbon Resource Molecules, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 558000, China.
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Jia S, Wu L, Liu H, Wang R, Sun X, Han B. Nitrogenous Intermediates in NO x-involved Electrocatalytic Reactions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400033. [PMID: 38225207 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400033] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Chemical manufacturing utilizing renewable sources and energy emerges as a promising path towards sustainability and carbon neutrality. The electrocatalytic reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx) offered a potential strategy for synthesizing various nitrogenous chemicals. However, it is currently hindered by low selectivity/efficiency and limited reaction pathways, mainly due to the difficulties in controllable generation and utilization of nitrogenous intermediates. In this minireview, focusing on nitrogenous intermediates in NOx-involved electrocatalytic reactions, we discuss newly developed methodologies for studying and controlling the generation, conversion, and utilizing of nitrogenous intermediates, which enable recent developments in NOx-involved electrocatalytic reactions that yield various products, including ammonia (NH3), organonitrogen molecules, and nitrogenous compounds exhibiting unconventional oxidation states. Furthermore, we also make an outlook to highlight future directions in the emerging field of NOx-involved electrocatalytic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunhan Jia
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hanle Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Ruhan Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaofu Sun
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Buxing Han
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
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Mu J, Gao X, Yu T, Zhao L, Luo W, Yang H, Liu Z, Sun Z, Gu Q, Li F. Ambient Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis: From Theoretical Guidance to Catalyst Design. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308979. [PMID: 38345238 PMCID: PMC11022736 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Ammonia, a vital component in the synthesis of fertilizers, plastics, and explosives, is traditionally produced via the energy-intensive and environmentally detrimental Haber-Bosch process. Given its considerable energy consumption and significant greenhouse gas emissions, there is a growing shift toward electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis as an eco-friendly alternative. However, developing efficient electrocatalysts capable of achieving high selectivity, Faraday efficiency, and yield under ambient conditions remains a significant challenge. This review delves into the decades-long research into electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis, highlighting the evolution of fundamental principles, theoretical descriptors, and reaction mechanisms. An in-depth analysis of the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) and nitrate reduction reaction (NitRR) is provided, with a focus on their electrocatalysts. Additionally, the theories behind electrocatalyst design for ammonia synthesis are examined, including the Gibbs free energy approach, Sabatier principle, d-band center theory, and orbital spin states. The review culminates in a comprehensive overview of the current challenges and prospective future directions in electrocatalyst development for NRR and NitRR, paving the way for more sustainable methods of ammonia production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjia Mu
- Institute for Energy Electrochemistry and Urban Mines MetallurgySchool of MetallurgyNortheastern UniversityShenyangLiaoning110819China
| | - Xuan‐Wen Gao
- Institute for Energy Electrochemistry and Urban Mines MetallurgySchool of MetallurgyNortheastern UniversityShenyangLiaoning110819China
| | - Tong Yu
- Institute of Metal ResearchChinese Academy of SciencesShenyangLiaoning110016China
| | - Lu‐Kang Zhao
- Institute for Energy Electrochemistry and Urban Mines MetallurgySchool of MetallurgyNortheastern UniversityShenyangLiaoning110819China
| | - Wen‐Bin Luo
- Institute for Energy Electrochemistry and Urban Mines MetallurgySchool of MetallurgyNortheastern UniversityShenyangLiaoning110819China
| | - Huicong Yang
- Institute of Metal ResearchChinese Academy of SciencesShenyangLiaoning110016China
| | - Zhao‐Meng Liu
- Institute for Energy Electrochemistry and Urban Mines MetallurgySchool of MetallurgyNortheastern UniversityShenyangLiaoning110819China
| | - Zhenhua Sun
- Institute of Metal ResearchChinese Academy of SciencesShenyangLiaoning110016China
| | - Qin‐Fen Gu
- Institute for Energy Electrochemistry and Urban Mines MetallurgySchool of MetallurgyNortheastern UniversityShenyangLiaoning110819China
- Australian Synchrotron (ANSTO)800 Blackburn RdClaytonVIC3168Australia
| | - Feng Li
- Institute of Metal ResearchChinese Academy of SciencesShenyangLiaoning110016China
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Liu L, Zheng SJ, Chen H, Cai J, Zang SQ. Tandem Nitrate-to-Ammonia Conversion on Atomically Precise Silver Nanocluster/MXene Electrocatalyst. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316910. [PMID: 38179795 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316910] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate (NO3 RR) to synthesize ammonia (NH3 ) provides a competitive manner for carbon neutrality and decentralized NH3 synthesis. Atomically precise nanoclusters, as an advantageous platform for investigating the NO3 RR mechanisms and actual active sites, remain largely underexplored due to the poor stability. Herein, we report a (NH4 )9 [Ag9 (mba)9 ] nanoclusters (Ag9 NCs) loaded on Ti3 C2 MXene (Ag9 /MXene) for highly efficient NO3 RR performance towards ambient NH3 synthesis with improved stability in neutral medium. The composite structure of MXene and Ag9 NCs enables a tandem catalysis process for nitrate reduction, significantly increasing the selectivity and FE of NH3 . Besides, compared with individual Ag9 NCs, Ag9 /MXene has better stability with the current density performed no decay after 108 hours of reaction. This work provides a strategy for improving the catalytic activity and stability of atomically precise metal NCs, expanding the mechanism research and application of metal NCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Crystalline Molecular Functional Materials, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Tumor Theranostical Cluster Materials, Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Su-Jun Zheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Crystalline Molecular Functional Materials, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Tumor Theranostical Cluster Materials, Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Henan Key Laboratory of Crystalline Molecular Functional Materials, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Tumor Theranostical Cluster Materials, Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jinmeng Cai
- Henan Key Laboratory of Crystalline Molecular Functional Materials, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Tumor Theranostical Cluster Materials, Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Shuang-Quan Zang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Crystalline Molecular Functional Materials, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Tumor Theranostical Cluster Materials, Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
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Biswas S, Das S, Negishi Y. Advances in Cu nanocluster catalyst design: recent progress and promising applications. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2023; 8:1509-1522. [PMID: 37772632 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00336a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The quest for cleaner pathways to the production of fuels and chemicals from non-fossil feedstock, efficient transformation of raw materials to value-added chemicals under mild conditions, and control over the activity and selectivity of chemical processes are driving the state-of-the-art approaches to the construction and precise chemical modification of sustainable nanocatalysts. As a burgeoning category of atomically precise noble metal nanoclusters, copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) benefitting from their exclusive structural architecture, ingenious designability of active sites and high surface-to-volume ratio qualify as potential rationally-designed catalysts. In this Minireview, we present a detailed coverage of the optimal design strategies and controlled synthesis of Cu NC catalysts with a focus on tuning of active sites at the atomic level, the implications of cluster size, shape and structure, the ligands and heteroatom doping on catalytic activity, and reaction scope ranging from chemical catalysis to emerging photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Biswas
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science, Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan.
| | - Saikat Das
- Research Institute for Science & Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan.
| | - Yuichi Negishi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science, Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan.
- Research Institute for Science & Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan.
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Xiang T, Liang Y, Zeng Y, Deng J, Yuan J, Xiong W, Song B, Zhou C, Yang Y. Transition Metal Single-Atom Catalysts for the Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction: Mechanism, Synthesis, Characterization, Application, and Prospects. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303732. [PMID: 37300329 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Excessive accumulation of nitrate in the environment will affect human health. To combat nitrate pollution, chemical, biological, and physical technologies have been developed recently. The researcher favors electrocatalytic reduction nitrate reaction (NO3 RR) because of the low post-treatment cost and simple treatment conditions. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) offer great activity, exceptional selectivity, and enhanced stability in the field of NO3 RR because of their high atomic usage and distinctive structural characteristics. Recently, efficient transition metal-based SACs (TM-SACs) have emerged as promising candidates for NO3 RR. However, the real active sites of TM-SACs applied to NO3 RR and the key factors controlling catalytic performance in the reaction process remain ambiguous. Further understanding of the catalytic mechanism of TM-SACs applied to NO3 RR is of practical significance for exploring the design of stable and efficient SACs. In this review, from experimental and theoretical studies, the reaction mechanism, rate-determining steps, and essential variables affecting activity and selectivity are examined. The performance of SACs in terms of NO3 RR, characterization, and synthesis is then discussed. In order to promote and comprehend NO3 RR on TM-SACs, the design of TM-SACs is finally highlighted, together with the current problems, their remedies, and the way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Xiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yuntao Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yuxi Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jie Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jili Yuan
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Weiping Xiong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Chengyun Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330013, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
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