Room-Temperature Activation of CO2 by Dual Defect-Stabilized Nanoscale Hematite (Fe2-δO3-v ): Concurrent Role of Fe and O Vacancies

Ultra-small Mo-Pt subnanoparticles enable CO2 hydrogenation at room temperature and atmospheric pressure

We present a partially-oxidised bimetallic Mo-Pt subnanoparticle (Mo4Pt8Ox) enabling thermally-driven CO2 hydrogenation to CO at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. A mechanistic study explained the full catalytic cycle of the reaction from CO2 activation to catalyst reactivation. DFT calculations revealed that alloying with Mo lowers the activation barrier by weakening the CO adsorption. This finding could be a first step for low-energy CO2 conversion.

Structural-controlled formation of nano-particle hematite and their removal performance for heavy metal ions: A review

Hematite is ubiquitous in nature and holds great promise for a wide variety of applications in many frontiers of environmental issues such as heavy metal remediation in environment. Over the past decades, numerous efforts have been made to control and tailor the crystal structures of hematite to improve its adsorption performance for heavy metal ions (HMIs). It is now well established that the adsorption behavior of hematite nanocrystals is strongly affected by their particle sizes, crystal facet contributions, and defective structures. This review examined the size- and facet-dependent hematite, as well as the defective hematite according to their fabrication methods and growth mechanisms. Furthermore, the adsorption performance of various hematite particles for HMIs were introduced and compared to clarify the structure-active relationships of hematite. We also overviewed the advances in charge distribution (CD)-multisite complexation (MUSIC) modeling studies about the HMIs adsorption at the hematite-water interface and the binding parameters. The Present review systematically describes how the formation conditions impact the structural and surface properties of hematite particles, thereby providing new strategies for enhancing the performance of hematite for environmental remediation.

para-Aminobenzoic acid-capped hematite as an efficient nanocatalyst for solvent-free CO2 fixation under atmospheric pressure

Utilization of carbon dioxide by converting it into value-added chemicals is a sustainable remedy approach that stipulates abundant, cheap, non-toxic and efficient catalytic materials. In this study, we have demonstrated the use of para-aminobenzoic acid-capped hematite (PABA@α-Fe₂O₃) as an efficient nanocatalyst for the conversion of epoxides to cyclic carbonates utilizing CO₂. The developed PABA@α-Fe₂O₃ nanocatalyst along with a cocatalyst, tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI), was able to convert a variety of epoxide substrates into their corresponding cyclic carbonates under atmospheric pressure and solvent-free conditions. The efficient catalytic activity of the material is attributed to the synergistic effect between α-Fe₂O₃ and the amine group of the PABA molecule present on the surface. Furthermore, the recyclability study and post-catalytic analysis revealed that the developed catalyst can be used for multiple catalytic cycles due to the stable and robust nature of the nanocatalyst. The choice of the PABA@α-Fe₂O₃ nanocatalyst is indeed a sustainable approach from the CO₂ capture and utilization point of view.

Hematite and Magnetite Nanostructures for Green and Sustainable Energy Harnessing and Environmental Pollution Control: A Review

The optoelectrical and magnetic characteristics of naturally existing iron-based nanostructures, especially hematite and magnetite nanoparticles (H-NPs and M-NPs), gained significant research interest in various applications, recently. The main purpose of this Review is to provide an overview of the utilization of H-NPs and M-NPs in various environmental remediation. Iron-based NPs are extensively explored to generate green energy from environmental friendly processes such as water splitting and CO₂ conversion to hydrogen and low molecular weight hydrocarbons, respectively. The latter part of the Review provided a critical overview to use H-NPs and M-NPs for the detection and decontamination of inorganic and organic contaminants to counter the environmental pollution and toxicity challenge, which could ensure environmental sustainability and hygiene. Some of the future perspectives are comprehensively presented in the final portion of the script, optimiztically, and it is supported by some relevant literature surveys to predict the possible routes of H-NPs and M-NPs modifications that could enable researchers to use these NPs in more advanced environmental applications. The literature collection and discussion on the critical assessment of reserving the environmental sustainability challenges provided in this Review will be useful not only for experienced researchers but also for novices in the field.

Gold incorporated hematite nanocatalyst for solvent-free CO2 fixation under atmospheric pressure

Au/α-Fe₂O₃ as a nanocatalyst for the conversion of epoxides to cyclic carbonates utilizing CO₂ under 1 atm. pressure.