Diagnostic Features of EPR Spectra of Superoxide Intermediates on Catalytic Surfaces and Molecular Interpretation of Their g and A Tensors

Material Engineering Solutions toward Selective Redox Catalysts for Chemical-Looping-Based Olefin Production Schemes: A Review

Chemical looping (CL) has emerged as a promising approach in the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of light alkanes, offering an opportunity for significant reductions in emissions and energy consumption in the ethylene and propylene production industry. While high olefin yields are achievable via CL, the material requirements (e.g., electronic and geometric structures) that prevent the total conversion of alkanes to CO x are not clearly understood. This review aims to give a concise understanding of the nucleophilic oxygen species involved in the selective reaction pathways for olefin production as well as of the electrophilic oxygen species that promote an overoxidation to CO x products. It further introduces advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering, which have been employed successfully in identifying such reactive oxygen species. To mitigate CO x formation and enhance olefin selectivity, material engineering solutions are discussed. Common techniques include doping of the bulk or surface and the deposition of functional coatings. In the context of energy consumption and CO2 intensity, techno-economic assessments of CL-ODH systems have predicted energy savings of up to 80% compared to established olefin production processes such as steam cracking or dehydrogenation. Finally, although their practical application has been limited to date, the potential advantages of the use of fluidized bed reactors in CL-ODH are presented.

Ultrasonic controllable synthesis of sulfur-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (S-MOFs) and their application in piezo-photocatalytic rapid reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr)

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are significant in guiding modern scientific research. In recent years, scholars have paid much attention to MOFs materials as green materials. However, piezo catalysis of MOFs materials has not been widely studied. Piezoelectric materials can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, while MOFs are effective photocatalysts for removing pollutants. Therefore, it is crucial to design MOFs with piezoelectric properties and photosensitivity. In this study, sulfur-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (S-MOFs) were prepared using organic sulfur-functionalized ligand (H2TDC) ultrasonic synthesis to enhance their piezoelectric properties and visible light absorption. The study demonstrated that the S-MOFs significantly enhanced the reduction of a 10 mg/L solution of hexavalent chromium to 99.4 % within 10 min, using only 15 mg of catalyst. The orbital energy level differences of the elements were analyzed using piezo response force microscopy (PFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that MOFs functionalized with sulfur atom ligands have a built-in electric field that facilitates charge separation and migration. This study presents a new approach to enhance the piezoelectric properties of MOFs, which broadens their potential applications in piezo catalysis and piezo-photocatalysis. Additionally, it provides a sustainable method for reducing hexavalent chromium, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals, specifically SDG-6, SDG-7, SDG-9, and SDG-12.

Superoxide Radicals in Uranyl Peroxide Solids: Lasting Signatures Identified by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

U(VI) peroxide phases (studtite and meta-studtite) are found throughout the nuclear fuel cycle and exist as corrosion products in high radiation fields. Peroxides are part of a family of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that include hydroperoxyl and superoxide species and are produced during alpha radiolysis of water. While U(VI) peroxides have been thoroughly investigated, the incorporation and stability of ROS species within studtite have not been validated. In the current study, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to identify the presence of free radicals within a series of U(VI) peroxide samples containing depleted, highly enriched, and natural uranium. Density functional theory calculations indicated that the predicted EPR signals matched well with a superoxide (O2 -⋅) species incorporated into the studtite structure, confirming the presence of ROS in the material. Further analysis of samples that were synthesized between 1945 and 2023 indicated that there is a correlation between the radical signal and the product of specific activity multiplied by age of the sample.

Implementing vanadium peroxides as direct air carbon capture materials

Direct air capture (DAC) removal of anthropogenic CO2 from the atmosphere is imperative to slow the catastrophic effects of global climate change. Numerous materials are being investigated, including various alkaline inorganic metal oxides that form carbonates via DAC. Here we explore metastable early d0 transition metal peroxide molecules that undergo stabilization via multiple routes, including DAC. Specifically here, we describe via experiment and computation the mechanistic conversion of A3V(O2)4 (tetraperoxovanadate, A = K, Rb, Cs) to first a monocarbonate VO(O2)2(CO3)3-, and ultimately HKCO3 plus KVO4. Single crystal X-ray structures of rubidium and cesium tetraperoxovanadate are reported here for the first time, likely prior-challenged by instability. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), 51V solid state NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), tandem thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) along with calculations (DFT, density functional theory) all converge on mechanisms of CO2 capture and release that involve the vanadium centre, despite the end product of a 300 days study being bicarbonate and metavanadate. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy along with a wet chemical assay and computational studies evidence the presense of ∼5% adventitous superoxide, likely formed by peroxide reduction of vanadium, which also stabilizes via the reaction with CO2. The alkalis have a profound effect on the stability of the peroxovanadate compounds, stability trending K > Rb > Cs. While this translates to more rapid CO2 capture with heavier alkalis, it does not necessarily lead to capture of more CO2. All compounds capture approximately two equivalents CO2 per vanadium centre. We cannot yet explain the reactivity trend of the alkali peroxovanadates, because any change in speciation of the alkalis from reactions to product is not quantifiable. This study sets the stage for understanding and implementing transition metal peroxide species, including peroxide-functionalized metal oxides, for DAC.

Oxygen Activation by a Copper Complex with Sulfur-Only Coordination Relevant to the Formylglycine Generating Enzyme

Synthesizing hydrosulfido Cu thiolate complexes is quite challenging. In this report, two new and rare hydrosulfido Cu thiolate complexes, [Et₄N]₂[(mnt)Cu-SH] (2, mnt = maleonitrile dithiolene = S₂C₂(CN)₂) and [Et₄N]₃[(mnt)Cu-(μ-SH)-Cu(mnt)] (3), have been synthesized. Coordination sites and O₂ activation by complex 2 resemble the formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE), an enzyme recently crystallographically characterized with sulfur-only coordination around Cu (three thiolate ligands). The function of this enzyme (and complex 2) is surprising because vulnerable thiolates should not be well suited for O₂ activation rationally. Indeed, activation of oxygen by such an all-sulfur-coordinated Cu complex 2 is lacking in the literature. Aerial O₂ (ambient O₂ from the air) activation by complex 2 could proceed through a superoxide radical intermediate and a sulfur radical intermediate detected by resonance Raman (rR) spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, respectively. The chemistry of 2 has been examined by its reactivity, crystal structure, and spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetric analyses. In addition, the results have been complemented with density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations.

On the nature of decoherence in quantum circuits: Revealing the structural motif of the surface radicals in α-Al2O3

Quantum information technology puts stringent demands on the quality of materials and interfaces in the pursuit of increased device coherence. Yet, little is known about the chemical structure and origins of paramagnetic impurities that produce flux/charge noise that causes decoherence of fragile quantum states and impedes the progress toward large-scale quantum computing. Here, we perform high magnetic field electron paramagnetic resonance (HFEPR) and hyperfine multispin spectroscopy on α-Al₂O₃, a common substrate for quantum devices. In its amorphous form, α-Al₂O₃ is also unavoidably present in aluminum-based superconducting circuits and qubits. The detected paramagnetic centers are immanent to the surface and have a well-defined but highly complex structure that extends over multiple hydrogen, aluminum, and oxygen atoms. Modeling reveals that the radicals likely originate from well-known reactive oxygen chemistry common to many metal oxides. We discuss how EPR spectroscopy might benefit the search for surface passivation and decoherence mitigation strategies.

Enhanced adsorption and degradation of methylene blue over mixed niobium-cerium oxide - Unraveling the synergy between Nb and Ce in advanced oxidation processes

Formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via H₂O₂ activation is of vital importance in catalytic environmental chemistry, especially in degradation of organic pollutants. A new mixed niobium-cerium oxide (NbCeO_x) was tailored for this purpose. A thorough structural and chemical characterization of NbCeO_x along with CeO₂ and Nb₂O₅ reference materials was carried out using TEM/STEM/EDS, SEM, XRD, XPS, EPR, UV-vis and N₂ physisorption. The ability of the catalysts to activate H₂O₂ towards ROS formation was assessed on the basis of EPR and Raman measurements. Catalytic activity of the oxides was evaluated in degradation of methylene blue (MB) as a model pollutant. Very high activity of NbCeO_x was attributed to the mixed redox-acidic nature of its surface, which originated from the synergy between Nb and Ce species. These two properties (redox activity and acidity) ensured convenient conditions for efficient activation of H₂O₂ and degradation of MB. The activity of NbCeO_x in MB degradation was found 3 times higher than that of the commercial Nb₂O₅ CBMM catalyst and 240 times higher than that of CeO₂. The mechanism of the degradation reaction was found to be an adsorption-triggered process initiated by hydroxyl radicals, generated on the surface via the transformation of O₂^-•/O₂^2-.

Visible-light induced copper(i)-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of o-aminobenzamides with methanol and ethanol via HAT

The use of the in situ generated ligand-copper superoxo complex absorbing light energy to activate the alpha C(sp³)-H of MeOH and EtOH via the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process for the synthesis of quinazolinones by oxidative cyclization of alcohols with o-aminobenzamide has been investigated. The synthetic utility of this protocol offers an efficient synthesis of a quinazolinone intermediate for erlotinb (anti-cancer agent) and 30 examples were reported.

An EPR characterisation of stable and transient reactive oxygen species formed under radiative and non-radiative conditions

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is the ideal method of choice when detecting and studying the wide variety of paramagnetic oxygen-centred radicals. For simple diatomic radicals, such as the superoxide (O2−) or peroxy $$ ({\text{ROO}}^{\bullet})$$(ROO∙) species, the CW EPR profile (in particular the g-values) of these species can appear similar and indeed indistinguishable in some cases. Experiments using 17O-enriched oxygen, revealing a rich 17O hyperfine pattern, are therefore essential to distinguish between the two species. However, in many cases, particularly involving TiO2 photocatalysis, the peroxy-type $$ ({\text{ROO}}^{\bullet})$$(ROO∙) radicals or other intermediate species such as the [O2−…organic]-type adducts can be transient in nature and once again can produce similar g-values. In general terms, these reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed and detected at low-temperature conditions. Hence, the application of EPR spectroscopy to studies of surface-stabilised oxygen-centred radicals must be performed under carefully selected conditions in order to confidently distinguish between the differing types of diatomic radicals, such as O2−, $$ {\text{ROO}}^{\bullet}$$ROO∙ or [O2−…organic].

Braiding kinetics and spectroscopy in photo-catalysis: the spectro-kinetic approach

The combination of kinetic and spectroscopic tools has become a key scientific methodology for the understanding of catalytic behavior but its application in photocatalysis has inherent difficulties due to the nature of the energy source of the reaction. This review article provides an overview of its use by, first, presenting mechanistically derived kinetic formulations and spectroscopic data handling methods including intrinsic expressions for light and, second, highlighting representative examples of application. To do it we consider universal catalytic systems, particularly (although not exclusively) titania-based materials, and the most frequent hole and/or electron triggered reaction schemes. This review also provides a general framework to pave the way for the future progress of the spectro-kinetic approach in the photocatalysis area.

A vicinal effect for promoting catalysis of Pd1/TiO2: supports of atomically dispersed catalysts play more roles than simply serving as ligands

Atomically dispersing metal atoms on supports has been emerging as an effective strategy to maximize the atom utilization of metals for catalysis. However, due to the lack of effective tools to characterize the detailed structure of metal-support interface, the chemical functions of supports in atomically dispersed metal catalysts are hardly elucidated at the molecular level. In this work, an atomically dispersed Pd₁/TiO₂ catalyst with Ti(III) vicinal to Pd is prepared and used to demonstrate the direct involvement of metal atoms on support in the catalysis of dispersed metal atoms. Systematic studies reveal that the Ti(III)-O-Pd interface facilitates the activation of O₂ into superoxide (O₂^-), thus promoting the catalytic oxidation. The catalyst exhibits the highest CO turn-over frequency among ever-reported Pd-based catalysts, and enhanced catalysis in the combustion of harmful volatile organic compound (i.e., toluene) and green-house gas (i.e., methane). The demonstrated direct involvement of metal atoms on oxide support suggests that the real active sites of atomically dispersed metal catalysts can be far beyond isolated metal atoms themselves. Metal atoms on oxide supports in the vicinity serve as another vector to promote the catalysis of atomically dispersed metal catalysts.

A platinum catalyst deposited on a zirconia support for the design of lithium–oxygen batteries with enhanced cycling ability

A platinum catalyst deposited onto a zirconia support with oxygen-defective sites is developed for the stabilization of the discharge product of lithium–oxygen batteries.

Paramagnetic dioxovanadium(IV) molecules inside the channels of zeolite BEA--EPR screening of VO2 reactivity toward small gas-phase molecules

Interaction of small gas-phase molecules (NO, N2O, O2, CO) with VO2 radicals inside the channels of a dealuminated SiBEA zeolite was investigated by means of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), infrared (IR), and mass (QMS) spectroscopies to provide direct insights into the chemistry of a unique paramagnetic state of vanadium - VO2 molecules. A facile way of forming VO2 inside the channels of SiBEA via thermal reduction of VO2(+) precursor cations was shown. Dioxovanadium(IV) was identified based on its unusual EPR signal which, as compared with the typical monooxovanadium(IV) (VO(2+) cation), is featured by rhombic symmetry and a positive Aiso value leading to a hyperfine splitting as large as 32 mT. VO2 molecules exhibit reducing properties transforming N2O and O2 into vanadium intrachannel cage adducts comprising of reactive oxygen species (O(-) and O2(-), respectively). Interaction with CO led to its oxidation to CO2, while paramagnetic NO acted as a scavenger for VO2 radicals producing diamagnetic adducts. The observed reactivity was rationalized in terms of spin-pairing, electron transfer, and oxygen transfer processes. As a result new chemical pathways of vanadium reactivity were demonstrated which were not observed so far either in the homogeneous molecular systems or supported vanadium materials.