Two-Electron-Two-Proton Transfer from Colloidal ZnO and TiO2 Nanoparticles to Molecular Substrates

Selective Hydrogenation of Azobenzene to Hydrazobenzene via Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer from a Polyoxotungstate Cluster

In this report, we describe proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactivity at the surface of the Keggin-type polyoxotungstate cluster [nBu4N]3[PWVI12O40] (PW12) in acetonitrile. Bond dissociation free energies (BDFEs) of the O-H groups generated upon reduction of PW12 in the presence of acid are determined through the construction of a potential-pKa diagram. The surface O-H bonds are found to be weak (BDFE(O-H)avg < 48 kcal mol-1), comparable to the BDFE of H2. This is consistent with the observed formation of H2 upon addition of a suitably strong organic acid, H2NPh2+ (pKa MeCN = 5.98), to the reduced form of the cluster. The one-electron reduced form of PW12 is isolated and used in conjunction with acid to realize the stoichiometric semihydrogenation of azobenzene via PCET from the surface of the reduced cluster.

Photoelectrochemical Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer of TiO2 Thin Films on Silicon

TiO2 thin films are often used as protective layers on semiconductors for applications in photovoltaics, molecule-semiconductor hybrid photoelectrodes, and more. Experiments reported here show that TiO2 thin films on silicon are electrochemically and photoelectrochemically reduced in buffered acetonitrile at potentials relevant to photoelectrocatalysis of CO2 reduction, N2 reduction, and H2 evolution. On both n-type Si and irradiated p-type Si, TiO2 reduction is proton-coupled with a 1e-:1H+ stoichiometry, as demonstrated by the Nernstian dependence of the Ti4+/3+ E1/2 on the buffer pKa. Experiments were conducted with and without illumination, and a photovoltage of ∼0.6 V was observed across 20 orders of magnitude in proton activity. The 4 nm films are almost stoichiometrically reduced under mild conditions. The reduced films catalytically transfer protons and electrons to hydrogen atom acceptors, based on cyclic voltammogram, bulk electrolysis, and other mechanistic evidence. TiO2/Si thus has the potential to photoelectrochemically generate high-energy H atom carriers. Characterization of the TiO2 films after reduction reveals restructuring with the formation of islands, rendering TiO2 films as a potentially poor choice as protecting films or catalyst supports under reducing and protic conditions. Overall, this work demonstrates that atomic layer deposition TiO2 films on silicon photoelectrodes undergo both chemical and morphological changes upon application of potentials only modestly negative of RHE in these media. While the results should serve as a cautionary tale for researchers aiming to immobilize molecular monolayers on "protective" metal oxides, the robust proton-coupled electron transfer reactivity of the films introduces opportunities for the photoelectrochemical generation of reactive charge-carrying mediators.

Direct Evidence for a Sequential Electron Transfer-Proton Transfer Mechanism in the PCET Reduction of a Metal Hydroxide Catalyst

The proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism for the reaction Mox-OH + e- + H+ → Mred-OH2 was determined through the kinetic resolution of the independent electron transfer (ET) and proton transfer (PT) steps. The reaction of interest was triggered by visible light excitation of [RuII(tpy)(bpy')H2O]2+, RuII-OH2, where tpy is 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine and bpy' is 4,4'-diaminopropylsilatrane-2,2'-bipyridine, anchored to In2O3:Sn (ITO) thin films in aqueous solutions. Interfacial kinetics for the PCET reduction reaction were quantified by nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy as a function of solution pH and applied potential. Data acquired at pH = 5-10 revealed a stepwise electron transfer-proton transfer (ET-PT) mechanism, while kinetic measurements made below pKa(RuIII-OH/OH2) = 1.3 were used to study the analogous interfacial reaction, where electron transfer was the only mechanistic step. Analysis of this data with a recently reported multichannel kinetic model was used to construct a PCET zone diagram and supported the assignment of an ET-PT mechanism at pH = 5-10. Ultimately, this study represents a unique example among Mox-OH/Mred-OH2 reactivity where the protonation and oxidation states of the intermediate were kinetically and spectrally resolved to firmly establish the PCET mechanism.

Surface ligand length influences kinetics of H-atom uptake in polyoxovanadate-alkoxide clusters

The uptake of hydrogen atoms (H-atoms) at reducible metal oxide nanocrystal surfaces has implications in catalysis and energy storage. However, it is often difficult to gain insight into the physicochemical factors that dictate the thermodynamics and kinetics of H-atom transfer to the surface of these assemblies. Recently, our research group has demonstrated the formation of oxygen-atom (O-atom) defects in polyoxovanadate-alkoxide (POV-alkoxide) clusters via conversion of surface oxido moieties to aquo ligands, which can be accomplished via addition of two H-atom equivalents. Here, we present the dependence of O-atom defect formation via H-atom transfer at the surface of vanadium oxide clusters on the length of surface alkoxide ligands. Analysis of H-atom transfer reactions to low-valent POV-alkoxide clusters [V6O7(OR)12]1- (R = Me, Et, nPr, nBu) reveals that the length of primary alkoxide surface ligands does not significantly influence the thermodynamics of these processes. However, surface ligand length has a significant impact on the kinetics of these PCET reactions. Indeed, the methoxide-bridged cluster, [V6O7(OMe)12]1- reacts ∼20 times faster than the other derivatives evaluated. Interestingly, as the aliphatic linkages are increased in size from -C2H5 to -C4H9, reaction rates remain consistent, suggesting restricted access to available ligand conformers as a result of the incompatibility of the aliphatic ligands and acetonitrile may buffer further changes to the rate of reaction.

Tandem Hydroperoxyl-Alkylperoxyl Radical Quenching by an Engineered Nanoporous Cerium Oxide Nanoparticle Macrostructure (NCeONP): Toward Efficient Solid-State Autoxidation Inhibitors

The use of nanomaterials as inhibitors of the autoxidation of organic materials is attracting tremendous interest in petrochemistry, food storage, and biomedical applications. Metal oxide materials and CeO2 in particular represent one of the most investigated inorganic materials with promising radical trapping and antioxidant abilities. However, despite the importance, examples of the CeO2 material's ability to retard the autoxidation of organic substrates are still lacking, together with a plausible chemical mechanism for radical trapping. Herein, we report the synthesis of a new CeO2-derived nanoporous material (NCeONP) with excellent autoxidation inhibiting properties due to its ability to catalyze the cross-dismutation of alkyl peroxyl (ROO•) and hydroperoxyl (HOO•) radicals, generated in the system by the addition of the pro-aromatic hydrocarbon γ-terpinene. The antioxidant ability of NCeONP is superior to that of other nanosized metal oxides, including TiO2, ZnO, ZrO2, and pristine CeO2 nanoparticles. Studies of the reaction with a sacrificial reductant allowed us to propose a mechanism of inhibition consisting of H atom transfer from HOO• to the metal oxides (MOx + HOO• → MOx-H• + O2), followed by the release of the H atom to an ROO• radical (MOx-H• + ROO• → MOx + ROOH). Besides identifying NCeONP as a promising material for developing effective antioxidants, our study provides the first evidence of a radical mechanism that can be exploited to develop novel solid-state autoxidation inhibitors.

Photoactivation of titanium-oxo cluster [Ti6O6(OR)6(O2C t Bu)6]: mechanism, photoactivated structures, and onward reactivity with O2 to a peroxide complex

The molecular titanium-oxo cluster [Ti₆O₆(OⁱPr)₆(O₂C ^t Bu)₆] (1) can be photoactivated by UV light, resulting in a deeply coloured mixed valent (photoreduced) Ti (iii/iv) cluster, alongside alcohol and ketone (photooxidised) organic products. Mechanistic studies indicate that a two-electron (not free-radical) mechanism occurs in this process, which utilises the cluster structure to facilitate multielectron reactions. The photoreduced products [Ti₆O₆(OⁱPr)₄(O₂C ^t Bu)₆(sol)₂], sol = ⁱPrOH (2) or pyridine (3), can be isolated in good yield and are structurally characterized, each with two, uniquely arranged, antiferromagnetically coupled d-electrons. 2 and 3 undergo onward oxidation under air, with 3 cleanly transforming into peroxide complex, [Ti₆O₆(OⁱPr)₄(O₂C ^t Bu)₆(py)(O₂)] (5). 5 reacts with isopropanol to regenerate the initial cluster (1) completing a closed cycle, and suggesting opportunities for the deployment of these easily made and tuneable clusters for sustainable photocatalytic processes using air and light. The redox reactivity described here is only possible in a cluster with multiple Ti sites, which can perform multi-electron processes and can adjust its shape to accommodate changes in electron density.

Changing the reaction pathway in TiO2 photocatalytic dehalogenation of halogenated aromatic pollutants by surface hydroxyl regulation

Understanding the photocatalytic reductive dehalogenation mechanism of halogenated aromatic pollutants is of great research value. However, the proton source in the photocatalytic dehalogenation process of representative halogenated aromatic pollutants by TiO₂ is not clear. In this study, the TiO₂ surface was modified by hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and sodium fluoride to obtain TiO₂ samples with different hydroxyl groups. It was found that the hydroxyl groups on the surface of TiO₂ affects the sequence of proton and electron transfer in dehalogenation. The abundance of hydroxyl groups on the surface of TiO₂ can accelerate the reductive dehalogenation process of representative halogenated aromatic pollutants. The kinetic solvent isotope effect was used to study the proton-coupled electron transfer process in the reaction. It shows that the enriching of protons on TiO₂ bridging oxygen (bridging hydroxyl groups) is conducive to the rapid step of protonation of the reactant, and subsequent proton and electron transfer. On the contrary, the bridging hydroxyl groups can be removed by reacting with strongly basic sodium hydroxide and sodium ions can occupy the bridging oxygen. The substitution of bridging oxygen by fluorine ions can also lead to the destruction of bridge hydroxyl groups. Significantly, the absence of bridging hydroxyl groups on titanium dioxide will lead to the dehalogenation of representative halogenated aromatic pollutants initiated by electron transfer. This study is helpful to understand dehalogenation reaction paths catalyzed by TiO₂.

Colloidal Approaches to Zinc Oxide Nanocrystals

Zinc oxide is an extensively studied semiconductor with a wide band gap in the near-UV. Its many interesting properties have found use in optics, electronics, catalysis, sensing, as well as biomedicine and microbiology. In the nanoscale regime the functional properties of ZnO can be precisely tuned by manipulating its size, shape, chemical composition (doping), and surface states. In this review, we focus on the colloidal synthesis of ZnO nanocrystals (NCs) and provide a critical analysis of the synthetic methods currently available for preparing ZnO colloids. First, we outline key thermodynamic considerations for the nucleation and growth of colloidal nanoparticles, including an analysis of different reaction methodologies and of the role of dopant ions on nanoparticle formation. We then comprehensively review and discuss the literature on ZnO NC systems, including reactions in polar solvents that traditionally occur at low temperatures upon addition of a base, and high temperature reactions in organic, nonpolar solvents. A specific section is dedicated to doped NCs, highlighting both synthetic aspects and structure-property relationships. The versatility of these methods to achieve morphological and compositional control in ZnO is explicated. We then showcase some of the key applications of ZnO NCs, both as suspended colloids and as deposited coatings on supporting substrates. Finally, a critical analysis of the current state of the art for ZnO colloidal NCs is presented along with existing challenges and future directions for the field.

Coordination-induced bond weakening of water at the surface of an oxygen-deficient polyoxovanadate cluster

Hydrogen-atom (H-atom) transfer at the surface of heterogeneous metal oxides has received significant attention owing to its relevance in energy conversion and storage processes. Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of an organofunctionalized polyoxovanadate cluster, (calix)V6O5(OH2)(OMe)8 (calix = 4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene). Through a series of equilibrium studies, we establish the BDFE(O-H)avg of the aquo ligand as 62.4 ± 0.2 kcal mol-1, indicating substantial bond weaking of water upon coordination to the cluster surface. Subsequent kinetic isotope effect studies and Eyring analysis indicate the mechanism by which the hydrogenation of organic substrates occurs proceeds through a concerted proton-electron transfer from the aquo ligand. Atomistic resolution of surface reactivity presents a novel route of hydrogenation reactivity from metal oxide surfaces through H-atom transfer from surface-bound water molecules.

Multisite PCET with photocharged carbon nitride in dark

A combination of photochemistry and proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) is a primary strategy employed by biochemical systems and synthetic chemistry to enable uphill reactions under mild conditions. Degenerate nanometer-sized n-type semiconductor nanoparticles (SCNPs) with the Fermi level above the bottom of the conduction band are strongly reducing and act more like metals than semiconductors. Application of the degenerate SCNPs is limited to few examples. Herein, we load microporous potassium poly(heptazine imide) (K-PHI) nanoparticles with electrons (e^‒) and charge balancing protons (H⁺) in an illumination phase using sacrificial agents. e^‒/H⁺ in the K-PHI nanoparticles are weakly bound and therefore could be used in a range of PCET reactions in dark, such as generation of aryl radicals from aryl halides, ketyl radicals from ketones, and 6e^‒/6H⁺ reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline. The integration of several features that until now were intrinsic for plants and natural photosynthesis into a transition metal free nanomaterial composed of abundant elements (C, N, and K) offers a powerful tool for synthetic organic chemistry.

Multi-charge transfer from photodoped ITO nanocrystals

Metal oxide nanocrystals are emerging as an extremely versatile material for addressing many of the current challenging demands of energy-conversion technology. Being able to exploit their full potential is not only an advantage but also a scientific and economic ambition for a more sustainable energy development. In this direction, the photodoping of metal oxide nanocrystals is a very notable process that allows accumulating multiple charge carriers per nanocrystal after light absorption. The reactivity of the photodoped electrons is currently the subject of an intense study. In this context, the possibility to extract efficiently the stored electrons could be beneficial for numerous processes, from photoconversion and sunlight energy storage to photocatalysis and photoelectrochemistry. In this work we provide, via oxidative titration and optical spectroscopy, evidence for multi-electron transfer processes from photodoped Sn : In₂O₃ nanocrystals to a widely employed organic electron acceptor (F4TCNQ). The results of this study disclose the potential of photodoped electrons to drive chemical reactions involving more than one electron.

Concerted Multiproton-Multielectron Transfer for the Reduction of O2 to H2O with a Polyoxovanadate Cluster

The concerted transfer of protons and electrons enables the activation of small-molecule substrates by bypassing energetically costly intermediates. Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of several hydrogenated forms of an organofunctionalized vanadium oxide assembly, [V₆O₁₃(TRIOL^NO₂)₂]^2-, and their ability to facilitate the concerted transfer of protons and electrons to O₂. Electrochemical analysis reveals that the fully reduced cluster is capable of mediating 2e^-/2H⁺ transfer reactions from surface hydroxide ligands, with an average bond dissociation free energy (BDFE) of 61.6 kcal/mol. Complementary stoichiometric experiments with hydrogen-atom-accepting reagents of established bond strengths confirm that the electrochemically established BDFE predicts the 2H⁺/2e^- transfer reactivity of the assembly. Finally, the reactivity of the reduced polyoxovanadate toward O₂ reduction is summarized; our results indicate a stepwise reduction of the substrate, proceeding through H₂O₂ en route to the formation of H₂O. Kinetic isotope effect experiments confirm the participation of hydrogen transfer in the rate-determining step of both the reduction of O₂ and H₂O₂. This work constitutes the first example of hydrogen atom transfer for small-molecule activation with reduced polyoxometalates, where both electron and proton originate from the cluster.