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Chen G, Fu C, Zhang W, Gong W, Ma J, Ji X, Qian L, Feng X, Hu C, Long R, Xiong Y. Solar-driven production of renewable chemicals via biomass hydrogenation with green methanol. Nat Commun 2025; 16:665. [PMID: 39809823 PMCID: PMC11733029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56094-4] [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: 09/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2025] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Solar-driven, selective biomass hydrogenation is recognized as a promising route to renewable chemicals production, but remains challenging. Here, we report a TiO2 supported Cu single-atom catalyst with a four-coordinated Cu1-O4 structure, which can be universally applied for solar-driven production of various renewable chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass-derived platform molecules with good yields using green methanol as a hydrogen donor, to address this challenge. It is significant that the biomass upgrading driven by natural sunlight on a gram scale demonstrates the great practical potential. By combining in situ soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy with theoretical calculations, we successfully identify the dynamic evolution of Cu sites along with the biomass hydrogenation and methanol oxidation, where the tandem process is enabled by the photogenerated electrons and holes to complete a chemical cycle. The concept of solar-driven biomass hydrogenation proposed here provides an efficient and sustainable methodology for the sustainable production of renewable chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Chen
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Cenfeng Fu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Wenhua Zhang
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Wanbing Gong
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Jun Ma
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiaomin Ji
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Lisheng Qian
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Xuefei Feng
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Chuansheng Hu
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, PR China
| | - Ran Long
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Yujie Xiong
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, PR China.
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Engineering Research Center of Carbon Neutrality, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, PR China.
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2
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Xie R, Li K, Tian R, Lu C. Spotting d-band centers of single-atom catalysts by oxygen intermediate-boosted electrochemiluminescence. Chem Sci 2024:d4sc03763d. [PMID: 39416292 PMCID: PMC11474484 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc03763d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Catalytic activities of single-atom catalysts are strongly dependent on their d-band centers. However, it is a long-standing challenge to provide a cost-effective and accurate evaluation for the positions of d-band centers of these catalysts due to the fact that the widely applicable photoelectron spectroscopy methodologies require complicated sampling and spectral unfolding processes. In this contribution, we have proposed oxygen intermediate-boosted electrochemiluminescence (ECL) for rapid spotting of the d-band centers of single-atom catalysts, involving single atomic Au, Ag, Cu and Fe. It was disclosed that the d-band centers of single-atom catalysts closer to the Fermi level could facilitate the interaction between catalysts and oxygen intermediates, leading to higher luminol ECL intensities as a result of the promoted adsorption and reduction ability towards oxygen intermediates. Moreover, this correlation was also adapted for other metal catalysts such as Au and Ag nanoparticles. This correspondence could be utilized for an accurate identification of d-band centers of single-atom catalysts. It is anticipated that the proposed strategy could be beneficial for a deep understanding of microstructure studies of single-atom catalysts to achieve advanced catalytic performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
| | - Kaitao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
- Quzhou Institute for Innovation in Resource Chemical Engineering Quzhou 324000 China
| | - Rui Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
- Quzhou Institute for Innovation in Resource Chemical Engineering Quzhou 324000 China
| | - Chao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing 100029 China
- Pingyuan Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou 450001 China
- Quzhou Institute for Innovation in Resource Chemical Engineering Quzhou 324000 China
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3
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Zhu C, Li W, Chen T, He Z, Villalobos E, Marini C, Zhou J, Woon Lo BT, Xiao H, Liu L. Boosting the Stability of Subnanometer Pt Catalysts by the Presence of Framework Indium(III) Sites in Zeolite. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202409784. [PMID: 39225426 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202409784] [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: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Subnanometer metal clusters show advantages over conventional metal nanoparticles in numerous catalytic reactions owing to their high percentage of exposed surface sites, abundance of under-coordinated metal sites and unique electronic structures. However, the applications of subnanometer metal clusters in high-temperature catalytic reactions (>600 °C) are still hindered, because of their low stability under harsh reaction conditions. In this work, we have developed a zeolite-confined bimetallic PtIn catalyst with exceptionally high stability against sintering. A combination of experimental and theoretical studies shows that the isolated framework In(III) species serve as the anchoring sites for Pt species, precluding the migration and sintering of Pt species in the oxidative atmosphere at ≥650 °C. The catalyst comprising subnanometer PtIn clusters exhibits long-term stability of >1000 h during a cyclic reaction-regeneration test for ethane dehydrogenation reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofeng Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare-Earth Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wenying Li
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare-Earth Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tianxiang Chen
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhe He
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare-Earth Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Eduardo Villalobos
- ALBA Synchrotron Light Source, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, 08290, Spain
| | - Carlo Marini
- ALBA Synchrotron Light Source, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, 08290, Spain
| | - Jian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering and Industrial Catalysis, Shanghai Research Institute of Petrochemical Technology, SINOPEC Corp., Shanghai, 201208, China
| | - Benedict Tsz Woon Lo
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hai Xiao
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare-Earth Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lichen Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare-Earth Materials of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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4
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Wang C, Sombut P, Puntscher L, Ulreich M, Pavelec J, Rath D, Balajka J, Meier M, Schmid M, Diebold U, Franchini C, Parkinson GS. A Multitechnique Study of C 2H 4 Adsorption on a Model Single-Atom Rh 1 Catalyst. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. C, NANOMATERIALS AND INTERFACES 2024; 128:15404-15411. [PMID: 39323572 PMCID: PMC11421075 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.4c03588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Single-atom catalysts are potentially ideal model systems to investigate structure-function relationships in catalysis if the active sites can be uniquely determined. In this work, we study the interaction of C2H4 with a model Rh/Fe3O4(001) catalyst that features 2-, 5-, and 6-fold coordinated Rh adatoms, as well as Rh clusters. Using multiple surface-sensitive techniques in combination with calculations of density functional theory (DFT), we follow the thermal evolution of the system and disentangle the behavior of the different species. C2H4 adsorption is strongest at the 2-fold coordinated Rh1 with a DFT-determined adsorption energy of -2.26 eV. However, desorption occurs at lower temperatures than expected because the Rh migrates into substitutional sites within the support, where the molecule is more weakly bound. The adsorption energy at the 5-fold coordinated Rh sites is predicated to be -1.49 eV, but the superposition of this signal with that from small Rh clusters and additional heterogeneity leads to a broad C2H4 desorption shoulder in TPD above room temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Wang
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna 1040, Austria
| | | | - Lena Puntscher
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna 1040, Austria
| | - Manuel Ulreich
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna 1040, Austria
| | - Jiri Pavelec
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna 1040, Austria
| | - David Rath
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna 1040, Austria
| | - Jan Balajka
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna 1040, Austria
| | - Matthias Meier
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna 1040, Austria
- Faculty of Physics, Center for Computational Materials Science, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Michael Schmid
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna 1040, Austria
| | - Ulrike Diebold
- Institute of Applied Physics, TU Wien, Vienna 1040, Austria
| | - Cesare Franchini
- Faculty of Physics, Center for Computational Materials Science, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna ,Italy
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5
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Boyes ED, Gai PL. Visualizing Dynamic Single Atom Catalysis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2314121. [PMID: 38757873 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Many industrial chemical processes, including for producing fuels, foods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and environmental controls, employ heterogeneous solid state catalysts at elevated temperatures in gas or liquid environments. Dynamic reactions at the atomic level play a critical role in catalyst stability and functionality. In situ visualization and analysis of atomic-scale processes in real time under controlled reaction environments can provide important insights into practical frameworks to improve catalytic processes and materials. This review focuses on innovative real time in situ electron microscopy (EM) methods, including recent progress in analytical in situ environmental (scanning) transmission EM (E(STEM), incorporating environmental scanning TEM (ESTEM) and environmental transmission EM (ETEM), with single atom resolution for visualizing and analysing dynamic single atom catalysis under controlled flowing gas reaction environments. ESTEM studies of single atom dynamics of reactions, and of sintering deactivation, contribute to a better-informed understanding of the yield and stability of catalyst operations. Advances in in situ technologies, including gas and liquid sample holders, nanotomography, and higher voltages, as well as challenges and opportunities in tracking reacting atoms, are highlighted. The findings show that the understanding and application of fundamental processes in catalysis can be improved, with valuable economic, environmental, and societal benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward D Boyes
- The York Nanocentre, Department of Physics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Pratibha L Gai
- The York Nanocentre, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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6
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Miao B, Cao Y, Khan I, Chen Q, Khan S, Zada A, Shahyan M, Ali S, Ullah R, Bai J, Rizwan M, Alhuthali AMS. Innovative dual-active sites in interfacially engineered interfaces for high-performance S-scheme solar-driven CO 2 photoreduction. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 661:544-563. [PMID: 38308894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.01.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The realization of 2D/2D Van der Waals (VDW) heterojunctions represents an advanced approach to achieving superior photocatalytic efficiency. However, electron transfer through Van der Waals heterojunctions formed via ex-situ assembly encounters significant challenges at the interface due to contrasting morphologies and potential barriers among the nanocomposite substituents. Herein, a novel approach is presented, involving the insertion of a phosphate group between copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and B-doped and N-deficient g-C3N4 (BDCNN), to design and construct a Van der Waals heterojunction labeled as xCu[acs]/yP-BDCNN. The introduction of phosphate as a charge modulator and efficient conduit for charge transfer within the heterojunction resulted in the elimination of spatial barriers and induced electron movement from BDCNN to CuPc in the excited states. Consequently, the catalytic central Cu2+ in CuPc captured the photoelectrons, leading to the conversion of CO2 to C2H4, CO and CH4. Remarkably, this approach resulted in a 78-fold enhancement in photocatalytic efficiency compared to pure BDCNN. Moreover the findings confirm that the 2D-2D 4Cu[acs]/9P-BDCNN sheet-like heterojunction effectively boosts photocatalytic activity for persistent pollutants such as methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB), and tetracycline antibiotics (TCs). The introduction of "interfacial interacting" substances to establish an electron transfer pathway presents a novel and effective strategy for designing photocatalysts capable of efficiently reducing CO2 into valuable products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoji Miao
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nano-Photoelectric Magnetic Materials. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou City 450001, China.
| | - Yange Cao
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nano-Photoelectric Magnetic Materials. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou City 450001, China
| | - Imran Khan
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nano-Photoelectric Magnetic Materials. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou City 450001, China.
| | - Qiuling Chen
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nano-Photoelectric Magnetic Materials. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou City 450001, China
| | - Salman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Materials Chemistry (Heilongjiang University), Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, International Joint Research Center and Lab for Catalytic Technology, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Amir Zada
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahyan
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan
| | - Sharafat Ali
- School of Physics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Rizwan Ullah
- School of Physics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Jinbo Bai
- Université Paris-Saclay, Centrale Supélec, ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, LMPS-Laboratoire de Mécanique Paris-Saclay, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Abdullah M S Alhuthali
- Department of Physics College of Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Sharma R, Yang WCD. Perspective and prospects of in situ transmission/scanning transmission electron microscopy. Microscopy (Oxf) 2024; 73:79-100. [PMID: 38006307 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfad057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In situ transmission/scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) measurements have taken a central stage for establishing structure-chemistry-property relationship over the past couple of decades. The challenges for realizing 'a lab-in-gap', i.e. gap between the objective lens pole pieces, or 'a lab-on-chip', to be used to carry out experiments are being met through continuous instrumental developments. Commercially available TEM columns and sample holder, that have been modified for in situ experimentation, have contributed to uncover structural and chemical changes occurring in the sample when subjected to external stimulus such as temperature, pressure, radiation (photon, ions and electrons), environment (gas, liquid and magnetic or electrical field) or a combination thereof. Whereas atomic resolution images and spectroscopy data are being collected routinely using TEM/STEM, temporal resolution is limited to millisecond. On the other hand, better than femtosecond temporal resolution can be achieved using an ultrafast electron microscopy or dynamic TEM, but the spatial resolution is limited to sub-nanometers. In either case, in situ experiments generate large datasets that need to be transferred, stored and analyzed. The advent of artificial intelligence, especially machine learning platforms, is proving crucial to deal with this big data problem. Further developments are still needed in order to fully exploit our capability to understand, measure and control chemical and/or physical processes. We present the current state of instrumental and computational capabilities and discuss future possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renu Sharma
- Materials Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Wei-Chang David Yang
- Materials Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
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8
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Liu L, Chen T, Chen Z. Understanding the Dynamic Aggregation in Single-Atom Catalysis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308046. [PMID: 38287886 PMCID: PMC10987127 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The dynamic response of single-atom catalysts to a reactive environment is an increasingly significant topic for understanding the reaction mechanism at the molecular level. In particular, single atoms may experience dynamic aggregation into clusters or nanoparticles driven by thermodynamic or kinetic factors. Herein, the inherent mechanistic nuances that determine the dynamic profile during the reaction will be uncovered, including the intrinsic stability and site-migration barrier of single atoms, external stimuli (temperature, voltage, and adsorbates), and the influence of catalyst support. Such dynamic aggregation can be beneficial or deleterious on the catalytic performance depending on the optimal initial state. Those examples will be highlighted where in situ formed clusters, rather than single atoms, serve as catalytically active sites for improved catalytic performance. This is followed by the introduction of operando techniques to understand the structural evolution. Finally, the emerging strategies via confinement and defect-engineering to regulate dynamic aggregation will be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laihao Liu
- School of Science and EngineeringThe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenGuangdong518172China
| | - Tiankai Chen
- School of Science and EngineeringThe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenGuangdong518172China
| | - Zhongxin Chen
- School of Science and EngineeringThe Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenGuangdong518172China
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9
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Sharma VK, Ma X, Zboril R. Single atom catalyst-mediated generation of reactive species in water treatment. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:7673-7686. [PMID: 37855667 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00627a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Water is one of the most essential components in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. With worsening global water scarcity, especially in some developing countries, water reuse is gaining increasing acceptance. A key challenge in water treatment by conventional treatment processes is the difficulty of treating low concentrations of pollutants (micromolar to nanomolar) in the presence of much higher levels of inorganic ions and natural organic matter (NOM) in water (or real water matrices). Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have emerged as an attractive treatment technology that generates reactive species with high redox potentials (E0) (e.g., hydroxyl radical (HO˙), singlet oxygen (1O2), sulfate radical (SO4˙-), and high-valent metals like iron(IV) (Fe(IV)), copper(III) (Cu(III)), and cobalt(IV) (Co(IV))). The use of single atom catalysts (SACs) in AOPs and water treatment technologies has appeared only recently. This review introduces the application of SACs in the activation of hydrogen peroxide and persulfate to produce reactive species in treatment processes. A significant part of the review is devoted to the mechanistic aspects of traditional AOPs and their comparison with those triggered by SACs. The radical species, SO4˙- and HO˙, which are produced in both traditional and SACs-activated AOPs, have higher redox potentials than non-radical species, 1O2 and high-valent metal species. However, SO4˙- and HO˙ radicals are non-selective and easily affected by components of water while non-radicals resist the impact of such constituents in water. Significantly, SACs with varying coordination environments and structures can be tuned to exclusively generate non-radical species to treat water with a complex matrix. Almost no influence of chloride, carbonate, phosphate, and NOM was observed on the performance of SACs in treating pollutants in water when nonradical species dominate. Therefore, the appropriately designed SACs represent game-changers in purifying water vs. AOPs with high efficiency and minimal interference from constituents of polluted water to meet the goals of water sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender K Sharma
- Program for the Environment and Sustainability, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA.
| | - Xingmao Ma
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | - Radek Zboril
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 241/27, Olomouc, 783 71, Czech Republic.
- Nanotechnology Centre, for Energy and Environmental Technologies, VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava-Poruba, 708 00, Czech Republic
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10
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Guo F, Mao C, Liang C, Xing P, Yu L, Shi Y, Cao S, Wang F, Liu X, Ai Z, Zhang L. Triangle Cl-Ag 1 -Cl Sites for Superior Photocatalytic Molecular Oxygen Activation and NO Oxidation of BiOCl. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023:e202314243. [PMID: 37874325 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202314243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BiOCl photocatalysis shows great promise for molecular oxygen activation and NO oxidation, but its selective transformation of NO to immobilized nitrate without toxic NO2 emission is still a great challenge, because of uncontrollable reaction intermediates and pathways. In this study, we demonstrate that the introduction of triangle Cl-Ag1 -Cl sites on a Cl-terminated, (001) facet-exposed BiOCl can selectively promote one-electron activation of reactant molecular oxygen to intermediate superoxide radicals (⋅O2 - ), and also shift the adsorption configuration of product NO3 - from the weak monodentate binding mode to a strong bidentate mode to avoid unfavorable photolysis. By simultaneously tuning intermediates and products, the Cl-Ag1 -Cl-landen BiOCl achieved >90 % NO conversion to favorable NO3 - of high selectivity (>97 %) in 10 min under visible light, with the undesired NO2 concentration below 20 ppb. Both the activity and the selectivity of Cl-Ag1 -Cl sites surpass those of BiOCl surface sites (38 % NO conversion, 67 % NO3 - selectivity) or control O-Ag1 -O sites on a benchmark photocatalyst P25 (67 % NO conversion and 87 % NO3 - selectivity). This study develops new single-atom sites for the performance enhancement of semiconductor photocatalysts, and also provides a facile pathway to manipulate the reactive oxygen species production for efficient pollutant removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Chengliang Mao
- Materials Chemistry and Nanochemistry Research Group, Solar Fuels Cluster, Departments of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Chuan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Pan Xing
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Linghao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Yanbiao Shi
- Department School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Shiyu Cao
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Fanyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Zhihui Ai
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
- Department School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
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11
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Zhao F, Nie S, Wu L, Yuan Q, Wang X. Porous, Ultrathin PtAgBiTe Nanosheets for Direct Hydrazine Hydrate Fuel Cell Devices. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2303672. [PMID: 37378656 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Ultrathin 2D nanomaterials have attracted extensive attention due to their fascinating applications in sustainable and clean-energy-related devices, but obtaining ultrathin 2D multimetallic polycrystalline structures with large lateral dimensions remains a challenge. In this study, ultrathin 2D porous PtAgBiTe and PtBiTe polycrystalline nanosheets (PNSs) are obtained via a visible-light-photoinduced Bi2 Te3 -nanosheet-mediated route. The PtAgBiTe PNSs are assembled by sub-5 nm grains with widths beyond 700 nm. Strain and ligand effects originating from the porous, curly polycrystalline structure endow the PtAgBiTe PNSs with robust hydrazine hydrate oxidation reaction activity. Theoretical research demonstrates that the modified Pt activates the N-H bonds in N2 H4 during the reaction, and strong hybridization between Pt-5d and N-2p facilitates dehydrogenation while reducing energy consumption. The peak power densities of the PtAgBiTe PNSs in actual hydrazine-O2 /air fuel cell devices are boosted to 532.9/315.9 mW cm-2 , while those of the commercial Pt/C are 394.7/157.9 mW cm-2 . This work provides a strategy not only for preparing ultrathin multimetallic PNSs but also for finding promising electrocatalysts for actual hydrazine fuel cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengling Zhao
- State-Local Joint Laboratory for Comprehensive Utilization of Biomass, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, P. R. China
| | - Siyang Nie
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Liang Wu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Yuan
- State-Local Joint Laboratory for Comprehensive Utilization of Biomass, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, 550025, P. R. China
| | - Xun Wang
- Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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12
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Sarma BB, Maurer F, Doronkin DE, Grunwaldt JD. Design of Single-Atom Catalysts and Tracking Their Fate Using Operando and Advanced X-ray Spectroscopic Tools. Chem Rev 2023; 123:379-444. [PMID: 36418229 PMCID: PMC9837826 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The potential of operando X-ray techniques for following the structure, fate, and active site of single-atom catalysts (SACs) is highlighted with emphasis on a synergetic approach of both topics. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and related X-ray techniques have become fascinating tools to characterize solids and they can be applied to almost all the transition metals deriving information about the symmetry, oxidation state, local coordination, and many more structural and electronic properties. SACs, a newly coined concept, recently gained much attention in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. In this way, one can achieve a minimum use of the metal, theoretically highest efficiency, and the design of only one active site-so-called single site catalysts. While single sites are not easy to characterize especially under operating conditions, XAS as local probe together with complementary methods (infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy) is ideal in this research area to prove the structure of these sites and the dynamic changes during reaction. In this review, starting from their fundamentals, various techniques related to conventional XAS and X-ray photon in/out techniques applied to single sites are discussed with detailed mechanistic and in situ/operando studies. We systematically summarize the design strategies of SACs and outline their exploration with XAS supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and recent machine learning tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidyut Bikash Sarma
- Institute
for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engesserstraße 20, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute
of Catalysis Research and Technology, Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, 76344 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Florian Maurer
- Institute
for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engesserstraße 20, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Dmitry E. Doronkin
- Institute
for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engesserstraße 20, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute
of Catalysis Research and Technology, Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, 76344 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jan-Dierk Grunwaldt
- Institute
for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engesserstraße 20, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute
of Catalysis Research and Technology, Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, 76344 Karlsruhe, Germany
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13
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Xie W, Li K, Liu XH, Zhang X, Huang H. P-Mediated Cu-N 4 Sites in Carbon Nitride Realizing CO 2 Photoreduction to C 2 H 4 with Selectivity Modulation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2208132. [PMID: 36331052 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Photocatalytic CO2 reduction to high value-added C2 products (e.g., C2 H4 ) is of considerable interest but challenging. The C2 H4 product selectivity strongly hinges on the intermediate energy levels in the CO2 reduction pathway. Herein, Cu-N4 sites anchored phosphorus-modulated carbon nitride (CuACs/PCN) is designed as a photocatalyst to tailor the intermediate energy levels in the the C2 H4 formation reaction pathway for realizing its high production with tunable selectivity. Theoretical calculations combined with experimental data demonstrate that the formation of the C-C coupling intermediates can be realized on Cu-N4 sites and the surrounding doped P facilitates the production of C2 H4 . Thus, CuACs/PCN exhibits a high C2 H4 selectivity of 53.2% with a yielding rate of 30.51 µmol g-1 . The findings reveal the significant role of the coordination environment and surrounding microenvironment of Cu single atoms in C2 H4 formation and offer an effective approach for highly selective CO2 photoreduction to produce C2 H4 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenke Xie
- School of Science, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Kuangjun Li
- School of Science, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Xuan-He Liu
- School of Science, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Xing Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, Institution of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Hongwei Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
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14
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LaGrow AP, Famiani S, Sergides A, Lari L, Lloyd DC, Takahashi M, Maenosono S, Boyes ED, Gai PL, Thanh NTK. Environmental STEM Study of the Oxidation Mechanism for Iron and Iron Carbide Nanoparticles. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15041557. [PMID: 35208096 PMCID: PMC8877599 DOI: 10.3390/ma15041557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The oxidation of solution-synthesized iron (Fe) and iron carbide (Fe2C) nanoparticles was studied in an environmental scanning transmission electron microscope (ESTEM) at elevated temperatures under oxygen gas. The nanoparticles studied had a native oxide shell present, that formed after synthesis, an ~3 nm iron oxide (FexOy) shell for the Fe nanoparticles and ~2 nm for the Fe2C nanoparticles, with small void areas seen in several places between the core and shell for the Fe and an ~0.8 nm space between the core and shell for the Fe2C. The iron nanoparticles oxidized asymmetrically, with voids on the borders between the Fe core and FexOy shell increasing in size until the void coalesced, and finally the Fe core disappeared. In comparison, the oxidation of the Fe2C progressed symmetrically, with the core shrinking in the center and the outer oxide shell growing until the iron carbide had fully disappeared. Small bridges of iron oxide formed during oxidation, indicating that the Fe transitioned to the oxide shell surface across the channels, while leaving the carbon behind in the hollow core. The carbon in the carbide is hypothesized to suppress the formation of larger crystallites of iron oxide during oxidation, and alter the diffusion rates of the Fe and O during the reaction, which explains the lower sensitivity to oxidation of the Fe2C nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec P. LaGrow
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: (A.P.L.); (N.T.K.T.)
| | - Simone Famiani
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (S.F.); (A.S.)
- UCL Healthcare Biomagnetics and Nanomaterials Laboratories, London W1S 4BS, UK
| | - Andreas Sergides
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (S.F.); (A.S.)
- UCL Healthcare Biomagnetics and Nanomaterials Laboratories, London W1S 4BS, UK
| | - Leonardo Lari
- The York Nanocentre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (L.L.); (D.C.L.); (E.D.B.); (P.L.G.)
| | - David C. Lloyd
- The York Nanocentre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (L.L.); (D.C.L.); (E.D.B.); (P.L.G.)
| | - Mari Takahashi
- School of Material Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Ishikawa, Kanazawa 923-1292, Japan; (M.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Shinya Maenosono
- School of Material Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Ishikawa, Kanazawa 923-1292, Japan; (M.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Edward D. Boyes
- The York Nanocentre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (L.L.); (D.C.L.); (E.D.B.); (P.L.G.)
| | - Pratibha L. Gai
- The York Nanocentre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK; (L.L.); (D.C.L.); (E.D.B.); (P.L.G.)
| | - Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (S.F.); (A.S.)
- UCL Healthcare Biomagnetics and Nanomaterials Laboratories, London W1S 4BS, UK
- Correspondence: (A.P.L.); (N.T.K.T.)
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15
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Liang Y. Recent advanced development of metal-loaded mesoporous organosilicas as catalytic nanoreactors. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:6827-6868. [PMID: 36132354 PMCID: PMC9417426 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00488c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Ordered periodic mesoporous organosilicas have been widely applied in adsorption/separation/sensor technologies and the fields of biomedicine/biotechnology as well as catalysis. Crucially, surface modification with functional groups and metal complexes or nanoparticle loading has ensured high efficacy and efficiency. This review will highlight the current state of design and catalytic application of transition metal-loaded mesoporous organosilica nanoreactors. It will outline prominent synthesis approaches for the grafting of metal complexes, metal salt adsorption and in situ preparation of metal nanoparticles, and summarize the catalytic performance of the resulting mesoporous organosilica hybrid materials. Finally, the potential prospects and challenges of metal-loaded mesoporous organosilica nanoreactors are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucang Liang
- Anorganische Chemie, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen Auf der Morgenstelle 18 Tübingen 72076 Germany +49 7071 292436
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16
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Speck FD, Kim JH, Bae G, Joo SH, Mayrhofer KJJ, Choi CH, Cherevko S. Single-Atom Catalysts: A Perspective toward Application in Electrochemical Energy Conversion. JACS AU 2021; 1:1086-1100. [PMID: 34467351 PMCID: PMC8397360 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Single-atom catalysts (SACs) hold great promise for maximized metal utilization, exceptional tunability of the catalytic site, and selectivity. Moreover, they can substantially contribute to lower the cost and abundancy challenges associated with raw materials. Significant breakthroughs have been achieved over the past decade, for instance, in terms of synthesis methods for SACs, their catalytic activity, and the mechanistic understanding of their functionality. Still, great challenges lie ahead in order to render them viable for application in important fields such as electrochemical energy conversion of renewable electrical energy. We have identified three particular development fields for advanced SACs that we consider crucial, namely, the scale-up of the synthesis, the understanding of their performance in real devices such as fuel cells and electrolyzers, and the understanding and mitigation of their degradation. In this Perspective, we review recent activities of the community and provide our outlook with respect to the aspects required to bring SACs toward application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian D. Speck
- Helmholtz-Institute
Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Egerlandstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jae Hyung Kim
- Clean
Energy Research Center, Korea Institute
of Science and Technology (KIST), 5 Hwarangro 14-gil, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Geunsu Bae
- School
of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju
Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Joo
- Department
of Chemistry, Ulsan National Institute of
Science and Technology (UNIST), 50 UNIST-gil, Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Karl J. J. Mayrhofer
- Helmholtz-Institute
Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Egerlandstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstr. 3, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Chang Hyuck Choi
- School
of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju
Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Serhiy Cherevko
- Helmholtz-Institute
Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Egerlandstr. 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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17
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Recent developments of nanocarbon based supports for PEMFCs electrocatalysts. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2067(20)63736-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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18
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Wu X, Zhang H, Zuo S, Dong J, Li Y, Zhang J, Han Y. Engineering the Coordination Sphere of Isolated Active Sites to Explore the Intrinsic Activity in Single-Atom Catalysts. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2021; 13:136. [PMID: 34138406 PMCID: PMC8184907 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-021-00668-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Reducing the dimensions of metallic nanoparticles to isolated, single atom has attracted considerable attention in heterogeneous catalysis, because it significantly improves atomic utilization and often leads to distinct catalytic performance. Through extensive research, it has been recognized that the local coordination environment of single atoms has an important influence on their electronic structures and catalytic behaviors. In this review, we summarize a series of representative systems of single-atom catalysts, discussing their preparation, characterization, and structure-property relationship, with an emphasis on the correlation between the coordination spheres of isolated reactive centers and their intrinsic catalytic activities. We also share our perspectives on the current challenges and future research promises in the development of single-atom catalysis. With this article, we aim to highlight the possibility of finely tuning the catalytic performances by engineering the coordination spheres of single-atom sites and provide new insights into the further development for this emerging research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China
- KAUST Catalysis Center, Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huabin Zhang
- KAUST Catalysis Center, Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shouwei Zuo
- KAUST Catalysis Center, Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Juncai Dong
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu Han
- Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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19
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20
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Fonseca J, Lu J. Single-Atom Catalysts Designed and Prepared by the Atomic Layer Deposition Technique. ACS Catal 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.1c01200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Fonseca
- Nanomaterial Laboratory for Catalysis and Advanced Separations, Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 313 Snell Engineering Center, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115-5000, United States
| | - Junling Lu
- Department of Chemical Physics, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, iChEM, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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21
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Li X, Kou Z, Wang J. Manipulating Interfaces of Electrocatalysts Down to Atomic Scales: Fundamentals, Strategies, and Electrocatalytic Applications. SMALL METHODS 2021; 5:e2001010. [PMID: 34927897 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202001010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Raising electrocatalysis by rationally devising catalysts plays a core role in almost all renewable energy conversion and storage systems. The principal catalytic properties can be controlled and improved well by manipulation of interfaces, ascribed to the interactions among different components/players at the interfaces. In particular, manipulating interfaces down to atomic scales is becoming increasingly attractive, not only because those atoms at around the interface are the key players during electrocatalysis, but also, understandings on the atomic level electrocatalysis allow one to gain deep insights into the reaction mechanism. With the feature down-sizing to atomic scales, there is a timely need to redefine the interfaces, as some of them have gone beyond the conventionally perceived interfacial concept. In this overview, the key active players participating in the interfacial manipulation of electrocatalysts are examined, from a new angle of "atomic interface," including those individual atoms, defects, and their interactions, together with the essential characterization techniques for them. The specific approaches and pathways to engineer better atomic interfaces are investigated, and thus to enable the unique electrocatalysis for targeted applications. Looking beyond recent progress, the challenges and prospects of the atomic level interfacial engineering are also briefly visited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117574, Singapore
| | - Zongkui Kou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117574, Singapore
| | - John Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117574, Singapore
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22
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Lobo LS, Carabineiro SAC. Kinetics of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Growth on Iron and Steel: Evidencing the Mechanisms of Carbon Formation. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11010143. [PMID: 33435552 PMCID: PMC7827186 DOI: 10.3390/nano11010143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Carbon formation on steel has recently become an active research area with several important applications, using either carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene structures. The production of vertically aligned CNT (VACNT) forests with combined metals has been explored with important results. Detailed kinetics is the best approach to understand a mechanism. The growth behavior seems complex but can be simplified through the knowledge of the three more common alternative reaction mechanisms/routes. The time required to optimize the production and properties might be reduced. The mechanistic proposal reported in 1971 was better explained recently. The volcano shape Arrhenius plot reported is observed only when Fe, Co, and Ni are used as reaction catalysts. Other metals are catalytically active at higher temperatures, following a different route, which does not require surface catalysis decomposition of the reactive gas. C2H2 and low olefins react well, but CH4 is not reactive via this surface catalysis route. Optimizing production of CNTs, research work is usually based on previous experience, but solid-state science-based studies are available.
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23
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van der Wal LI, Turner SJ, Zečević J. Developments and advances in in situ transmission electron microscopy for catalysis research. Catal Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1cy00258a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments and advances in in situ TEM have raised the possibility to study every step during the catalysts' lifecycle. This review discusses the current state, opportunities and challenges of in situ TEM in the realm of catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars I. van der Wal
- Materials Chemistry and Catalysis
- Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science
- Utrecht University
- Utrecht
- The Netherlands
| | - Savannah J. Turner
- Materials Chemistry and Catalysis
- Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science
- Utrecht University
- Utrecht
- The Netherlands
| | - Jovana Zečević
- Materials Chemistry and Catalysis
- Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science
- Utrecht University
- Utrecht
- The Netherlands
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24
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Shang Y, Xu X, Gao B, Wang S, Duan X. Single-atom catalysis in advanced oxidation processes for environmental remediation. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:5281-5322. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01032d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This review presents the recent advances in synthetic strategies, characterisation, and computations of carbon-based single-atom catalysts, as well as their innovative applications and mechanisms in advanced oxidation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Shang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Shandong University
- Jinan 250100
- P. R. China
| | - Xing Xu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Shandong University
- Jinan 250100
- P. R. China
| | - Baoyu Gao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Shandong University
- Jinan 250100
- P. R. China
| | - Shaobin Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials
- The University of Adelaide
- Adelaide
- Australia
| | - Xiaoguang Duan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials
- The University of Adelaide
- Adelaide
- Australia
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25
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Martin TE, Mitchell RW, Boyes ED, Gai PL. Atom-by-atom analysis of sintering dynamics and stability of Pt nanoparticle catalysts in chemical reactions. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2020; 378:20190597. [PMID: 33100157 PMCID: PMC7661282 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2019.0597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Supported Pt nanoparticles are used extensively in chemical processes, including for fuel cells, fuels, pollution control and hydrogenation reactions. Atomic-level deactivation mechanisms play a critical role in the loss of performance. In this original research paper, we introduce real-time in-situ visualization and quantitative analysis of dynamic atom-by-atom sintering and stability of model Pt nanoparticles on a carbon support, under controlled chemical reaction conditions of temperature and continuously flowing gas. We use a novel environmental scanning transmission electron microscope with single-atom resolution, to understand the mechanisms. Our results track the areal density of dynamic single atoms on the support between nanoparticles and attached to them; both as migrating species in performance degradation and as potential new independent active species. We demonstrate that the decay of smaller nanoparticles is initiated by a local lack of single atoms; while a post decay increase in single-atom density suggests anchoring sites on the substrate before aggregation to larger particles. The analyses reveal a relationship between the density and mobility of single atoms, particle sizes and their nature in the immediate neighbourhood. The results are combined with practical catalysts important in technological processes. The findings illustrate the complex nature of sintering and deactivation. They are used to generate new fundamental insights into nanoparticle sintering dynamics at the single-atom level, important in the development of efficient supported nanoparticle systems for improved chemical processes and novel single-atom catalysis. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Dynamic in situ microscopy relating structure and function'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Martin
- Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- York Nanocentre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Robert W. Mitchell
- Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- York Nanocentre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Edward D. Boyes
- Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- York Nanocentre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Pratibha L. Gai
- Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- York Nanocentre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
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Boyes ED, LaGrow AP, Ward MR, Martin TE, Gai PL. Visualizing single atom dynamics in heterogeneous catalysis using analytical in situ environmental scanning transmission electron microscopy. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2020; 378:20190605. [PMID: 33100164 PMCID: PMC7661277 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2019.0605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Progress is reported in analytical in situ environmental scanning transmission electron microscopy (ESTEM) for visualizing and analysing in real-time dynamic gas-solid catalyst reactions at the single-atom level under controlled reaction conditions of gas environment and temperature. The recent development of the ESTEM advances the capability of the established ETEM with the detection of fundamental single atoms, and the associated atomic structure of selected solid-state heterogeneous catalysts, in catalytic reactions in their working state. The new data provide improved understanding of dynamic atomic processes and reaction mechanisms, in activity and deactivation, at the fundamental level; and in the chemistry underpinning important technological processes. The benefits of atomic resolution-E(S)TEM to science and technology include new knowledge leading to improved technological processes, reductions in energy requirements and better management of environmental waste. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Dynamic in situ microscopy relating structure and function'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward D. Boyes
- The York Nanocentre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- e-mail:
| | - Alec P. LaGrow
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga 4715-330, Portugal
| | - Michael R. Ward
- The York Nanocentre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Thomas E. Martin
- The York Nanocentre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Pratibha L. Gai
- The York Nanocentre, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- Department of Physics, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- e-mail:
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Boniface M, Plodinec M, Schlögl R, Lunkenbein T. Quo Vadis Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems for the Study of Heterogeneous Catalysts Inside the Electron Microscope? Top Catal 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11244-020-01398-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDuring the last decade, modern micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology has been used to create cells that can act as catalytic nanoreactors and fit into the sample holders of transmission electron microscopes. These nanoreactors can maintain atmospheric or higher pressures inside the cells as they seal gases or liquids from the vacuum of the TEM column and can reach temperatures exceeding 1000 °C. This has led to a paradigm shift in electron microscopy, which facilitates the local characterization of structural and morphological changes of solid catalysts under working conditions. In this review, we outline the development of state-of-the-art nanoreactor setups that are commercially available and are currently applied to study catalytic reactions in situ or operando in gaseous or liquid environments. We also discuss challenges that are associated with the use of environmental cells. In catalysis studies, one of the major challenge is the interpretation of the results while considering the discrepancies in kinetics between MEMS based gas cells and fixed bed reactors, the interactions of the electron beam with the sample, as well as support effects. Finally, we critically analyze the general role of MEMS based nanoreactors in electron microscopy and catalysis communities and present possible future directions.
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Liu L, Lopez-Haro M, Calvino JJ, Corma A. Tutorial: structural characterization of isolated metal atoms and subnanometric metal clusters in zeolites. Nat Protoc 2020; 16:1871-1906. [PMID: 32887974 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-0366-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The encapsulation of subnanometric metal entities (isolated metal atoms and metal clusters with a few atoms) in porous materials such as zeolites can be an effective strategy for the stabilization of those metal species and therefore can be further used for a variety of catalytic reactions. However, owing to the complexity of zeolite structures and their low stability under the electron beam, it is challenging to obtain atomic-level structural information of the subnanometric metal species encapsulated in zeolite crystallites. In this protocol, we show the application of a scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) technique that records simultaneously the high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) images and integrated differential phase-contrast (iDPC) images for structural characterization of subnanometric Pt and Sn species within MFI zeolite. The approach relies on the use of a computational model to simulate results obtained under different conditions where the metals are present in different positions within the zeolite. This imaging technique allows to obtain simultaneously the spatial information of heavy elements (Pt and Sn in this work) and the zeolite framework structure, enabling direct determination of the location of the subnanometric metal species. Moreover, we also present the combination of other spectroscopy techniques as complementary tools for the STEM-iDPC imaging technique to obtain global understanding and insights on the spatial distributions of subnanometric metal species in zeolite structure. These structural insights can provide guidelines for the rational design of uniform metal-zeolite materials for catalytic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichen Liu
- Instituto de Tecnología Química, Universitat Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Lopez-Haro
- Departamento de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica y Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Jose J Calvino
- Departamento de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica y Química Inorgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Avelino Corma
- Instituto de Tecnología Química, Universitat Politècnica de València-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain.
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Dong C, Li Y, Cheng D, Zhang M, Liu J, Wang YG, Xiao D, Ma D. Supported Metal Clusters: Fabrication and Application in Heterogeneous Catalysis. ACS Catal 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c02818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyang Dong
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering and College of Engineering, and BIC-ESAT, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yinlong Li
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Danyang Cheng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering and College of Engineering, and BIC-ESAT, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Mengtao Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering and College of Engineering, and BIC-ESAT, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jinjia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion, Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
- National Energy Center for Coal to Liquids, Synfuels China Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing 101400, China
| | - Yang-Gang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Dequan Xiao
- Center for Integrative Materials Discovery, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
| | - Ding Ma
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering and College of Engineering, and BIC-ESAT, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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