Application of electrochemical methods in heterogeneous catalysis

Operando film-electrochemical EPR spectroscopy tracks radical intermediates in surface-immobilized catalysts

The development of surface-immobilized molecular redox catalysts is an emerging research field with promising applications in sustainable chemistry. In electrocatalysis, paramagnetic species are often key intermediates in the mechanistic cycle but are inherently difficult to detect and follow by conventional in situ techniques. We report a new method, operando film-electrochemical electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (FE-EPR), which enables mechanistic studies of surface-immobilized electrocatalysts. This technique enables radicals formed during redox reactions to be followed in real time under flow conditions, at room temperature and in aqueous solution. Detailed insight into surface-immobilized catalysts, as exemplified here through alcohol oxidation catalysis by a surface-immobilized nitroxide, is possible by detecting active-site paramagnetic species sensitively and quantitatively operando, thereby enabling resolution of the reaction kinetics. Our finding that the surface electron-transfer rate, which is of the same order of magnitude as the rate of catalysis (accessible from operando FE-EPR), limits catalytic efficiency has implications for the future design of better surface-immobilized catalysts.

Electrification of Selective Catalytic Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers: Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Reactions

The development of efficient, chemical hydrogen-storage materials is one of the greatest technical challenges for the coming hydrogen-based economy. Analyzed liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), which bond, store, and release the H2 molecules through catalytic hydrogenation, cracking, and dehydrogenation cycles, are being considered as an alternative, functional option. The search for a highly industrialized reactive production process, coupled with the use of renewable electrical energy, has encouraged the consideration of characteristic stand-alone methods (such as microwave-assisted surface reactions, an increase in the rates by magnetic heating systems, electrocatalysis, variable photochemical manufacturing, and plasma). This mini review aims to highlight, assess, and critically evaluate these recent advances in the electrification of LOHC-related plant technologies. Besides base storing vectors, such as methanol, formaldehyde, and formic acid derivatives, reversible cycling compounds, i.e., benzene, toluene, polycyclic dibenzyl toluene (DBT), carbazole, and indole, are given an overview. These all compete with, for example, ammonia. Specific design methodologies, such as density functional theory (DFT), kinetics, mass-transfer phenomena, etc., are discussed, whether these were studied or the subject of modeling. Lastly, quantitative structure-performance relationships are correlated for activity, selectivity, and stability, where the latter was possible.

(Fe-Co-Ni-Zn)-Based Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Electrocatalyst for Zinc-Air Batteries

Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) have garnered significant interest as a viable substitute for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), primarily due to their impressive energy density and low cost. However, the efficacy of zinc-air batteries is heavily dependent on electrocatalysts, which play a vital role in enhancing reaction efficiency and stability. This scholarly review article highlights the crucial significance of electrocatalysts in zinc-air batteries and explores the rationale behind employing Fe-Co-Ni-Zn-based metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived hybrid materials as potential electrocatalysts. These MOF-derived electrocatalysts offer advantages such as abundancy, high catalytic activity, tunability, and structural stability. Various synthesis methods and characterization techniques are employed to optimize the properties of MOF-derived electrocatalysts. Such electrocatalysts exhibit excellent catalytic activity, stability, and selectivity, making them suitable for applications in ZABs. Furthermore, they demonstrate notable capabilities in the realm of ZABs, encompassing elevated energy density, efficacy, and prolonged longevity. It is imperative to continue extensively researching and developing this area to propel the advancement of ZAB technology forward and pave the way for its practical implementation across diverse fields.