Clathrate and inclusion compounds—II (1). The Raman spectra of Hofmann-type benzene and benzene-D6 clathrates

Deciphering Indirect Nitrite Reduction to Ammonia in High-Entropy Electrocatalysts Using In Situ Raman and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopies

This research adopts a new method combining calcination and pulsed laser irradiation in liquids to induce a controlled phase transformation of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Mn transition-metal-based high-entropy Prussian blue analogs into single-phase spinel high-entropy oxide and face-centered cubic high-entropy alloy (HEA). The synthesized HEA, characterized by its highly conductive nature and reactive surface, demonstrates exceptional performance in capturing low-level nitrite (NO2 -) in an electrolyte, which leads to its efficient conversion into ammonium (NH4 +) with a Faradaic efficiency of 79.77% and N selectivity of 61.49% at -0.8 V versus Ag/AgCl. In addition, the HEA exhibits remarkable durability in the continuous nitrite reduction reaction (NO2 -RR), converting 79.35% of the initial NO2 - into NH4 + with an impressive yield of 1101.48 µm h-1 cm-2. By employing advanced X-ray absorption and in situ electrochemical Raman techniques, this study provides insights into the indirect NO2 -RR, highlighting the versatility and efficacy of HEA in sustainable electrochemical applications.

High-Pressure Effects on Hofmann-Type Clathrates: Promoted Release and Restricted Insertion of Guest Molecules

The search for effective methods to accurately control host-guest relationship is the central theme of host-guest chemistry. In this work, high pressure successfully promotes guest release in the Hofmann-type clathrate of [Ni(NH₃)₂Ni(CN)₄]·2C₆H₆ (Ni-Bz) and restricts guest insertion into Ni(NH₃)₂Ni(CN)₄ (Ni-Ni). Because of the weak host-guest interactions of Ni-Bz, external force gradually removes guest benzene from the host framework, leading to puckered layers. Further theoretical calculations reveal the positive pressure contribution to breaking the energy barrier between Ni-Bz and Ni-Ni, explaining guest release from an energy standpoint. Inversely, guest insertion is restricted in the synthesized host of Ni-Ni because of the steric hindrance effect at high pressure. This study not only reveals structural effects on host-guest behaviors but also proves the role of pressure in controlling host-guest interactions. This unique observation is also crucial for the further application of host-guest materials in sustained and intelligent drug release, molecular separation, and transportation.

FT-IR spectroscopic investigation of some Hofmann type complexes: M(1-phenylpiperazine)2Ni(CN)4 (M=Ni, Co, Cd, Pd or Mn)

New Hofmann type complexes in the form of M(pp)(2)Ni(CN)(4) (where pp=1-phenylpiperazine and M=Ni, Co, Cd, Pd or Mn) have been prepared in powder form and their infrared spectra have been reported in the range of (4000-400) cm(-1). The thermal behaviours of these complexes have been investigated by differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). Ni(pp)(2)Ni(CN)(4) complex has been examined via transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results suggest that these compounds are similar in structure to Hofmann type complexes and their structures consist of polymeric layers |M-Ni(CN)(4)|(infinity) with the pp molecule bounded to the metal atom (M).