Zeolitic imidazolate framework derived cobalt oxide anchored bacterial cellulose: A good template with improved H2O adsorption ability and its enhanced hydrogen evolution performance

Two-way rushing travel: Cathodic-anodic coupling of Bi2O3-SnO@CuO nanowires, a bifunctional catalyst with excellent CO2RR and MOR performance for the efficient production of formate

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) generates high value-added products and simultaneously reduces excess atmospheric CO2 concentrations, is regarded as a potential approach to achieve carbon neutrality. However, the kinetic process of the anode oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is slow, resulting in a poor electrochemical efficiency of CO2RR. It is a breakthrough to replace OER with methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), which has more advantageous reaction kinetics. Herein, this work proposed a bifunctional catalyst Bi2O3-SnO modified CuO nanowires (Bi2O3-SnO@CuO NWs) with excellent CO2RR and MOR performance. For CO2RR, Bi2O3-SnO@CuO NWs achieved more than 90% formate selectivity at wide potential windows from -0.88 to -1.08 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)), peaking at 96.6%. Meanwhile, anodic Bi2O3-SnO@CuO NWs achieved 100 mA cm-2 at a low potential of 1.53 V (vs. RHE), possessing nearly 100% formate selectivity ranging from 1.6 to 1.8 V (vs. RHE). Impressively, by coupling cathodic CO2RR and anodic MOR, the integrated electrolytic cell realized co-production of formate (cathode: 94.7% and anode: 97.5%), minimizing the energy input by approximately 69%, compared with CO2RR. This work provided a meaningful perspective for the design of bifunctional catalysts and coupling reaction systems in CO2RR.

Co-MOF-74 based Co3O4/cellulose derivative membrane as dual-functional catalyst for colorimetric detection and degradation of phenol

Smart nanomaterials that can simultaneously detect and eliminate contaminants in water environment are significant for health protection. To achieve such goal, Co-MOF-74 was in-situ assembled on regenerated cellulose membranes followed by calcination process, thus achieving dual-functional Co₃O₄/cellulose derivative membrane (Co₃O₄/CDM) catalyst. The Co₃O₄ morphology was readily controlled by further recrystallization of the deposited MOF precursor. Combining the high enrichment ability of cellulose membrane and outstanding peroxidase-active of Co₃O₄, the fast color reaction for phenol was accomplished within 10 min by Co₃O₄/CDM with the assistance of H₂O₂ and 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP). Moreover, the Co₃O₄/CDM also portrayed an excellent degradation property for phenol elimination via sulfate radical-advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs). The degradation efficiency of phenol reached 93% in 20 min, and the possible mineralization mechanism was proposed based on the XPS and LC-MS analysis. Thus, Co-MOF-74 derived Co₃O₄/CDM shows excellent properties in aiding the colorimetric detection and degradation of phenol in aqueous solutions.

Biopolymer-derived (nano)catalysts for hydrogen evolution via hydrolysis of hydrides and electrochemical and photocatalytic techniques: A review

Over the course of a few decades, the concern of environmental damages of fossil fuels, an increase in CO₂ emission and a decrease of hydrogen have been growing more and more. Accordingly, hydrogen production is a crucial issue nowadays. Different polymers are applied to attain the purpose. Among all polymers, biodegradables polymers are the best choices to develop the main aim. Polysaccharides and proteins are biodegradable polymers with unique places and advantages with regards to their ecofriendly properties. There are different techniques to apply and achieve the foremost purpose. It is worthwhile to mention that green and facile methods are always attracting attention in different aspects and fields. The three non-polluting and economical techniques, that is, electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), photocatalytic technique, and hydrolysis of hydrides, are reviewed in this paper. This review helps researchers, who are environment supporters, to evaluate and choose the most ecological biopolymers and processes in their work.