Nanocarbons for the Development of Advanced Catalysts

NiII-containing l-glutamic acid cross-linked chitosan anchored on Fe3O4/f-MWCNT: a sustainable catalyst for the green reduction and one-pot two-step reductive Schotten-Baumann-type acetylation of nitroarenes

In this research, new and eye-catching catalytic applications of the nickelII (NiII) nanoparticles (NPs)-containing l-glutamic acid cross-linked chitosan anchored on magnetic carboxylic acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (Fe3O4/f-MWCNT-CS-Glu/NiII) system, which was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), SEM-based energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and elemental mapping, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), have been introduced for the environmentally benign and efficient reduction and one-pot two-step reductive Schotten-Baumann-type acetylation of nitroarenes in water at 60 °C under an air atmosphere. It is worth noting that the NiII-containing hybrid nanocatalyst, in the mentioned organic reactions, showed short reaction times, high yields of the desired products, acceptable turnover numbers (TONs) and turnover frequencies (TOFs), and also satisfactory magnetic recycling and reusability performance even after ten times of reuse. As another significant point, all the titled organic transformations have been carried out in water as an entirely favorable and green solvent for chemical reactions.

Metal-organic framework derived crystalline nanocarbon for Fenton-like reaction

Nanoporous carbons with tailorable nanoscale texture and long-range ordered structure are promising candidates for energy, environmental and catalytic applications, while the current synthetic methods do not allow elaborate control of local structure. Here we report a salt-assisted strategy to obtain crystalline nanocarbon from direct carbonization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The crystalline product maintains a highly ordered two-dimensional (2D) stacking mode and substantially differs from the traditional weakly ordered patterns of nanoporous carbons upon high-temperature pyrolysis. The MOF-derived crystalline nanocarbon (MCC) comes with a high level of nitrogen and oxygen terminating the 2D layers and shows an impressive performance as a carbocatalyst in Fenton-like reaction for water purification. The successful preparation of MCC illustrates the possibility to discover other crystalline heteroatom-doped carbon phases starting from correctly designed organic precursors and appropriate templating reactions.

Biochar Meets Single-Atom: A Catalyst for Efficient Utilization in Environmental Protection Applications and Energy Conversion

Single-atom catalysts (SACs), combining the advantages of multiphase and homogeneous catalysis, have been increasingly investigated in various catalytic applications. Carbon-based SACs have attracted much attention due to their large specific surface area, high porosity, particular electronic structure, and excellent stability. As a cheap and readily available carbon material, biochar has begun to be used as an alternative to carbon nanotubes, graphene, and other such expensive carbon matrices to prepare SACs. However, a review of biochar-based SACs for environmental pollutant removal and energy conversion and storage is lacking. This review focuses on strategies for synthesizing biochar-based SACs, such as pre-treatment of organisms with metal salts, insertion of metal elements into biochar, or pyrolysis of metal-rich biomass, which are more simplistic ways of synthesizing SACs. Meanwhile, this paper attempts to 1) demonstrate their applications in environmental remediation based on advanced oxidation technology and energy conversion and storage based on electrocatalysis; 2) reveal the catalytic oxidation mechanism in different catalytic systems; 3) discuss the stability of biochar-based SACs; and 4) present the future developments and challenges regarding biochar-based SACs.

Multifunctional Metal-Organic Frameworks as Catalysts for Tandem Reactions

Owing to well-defined structure as well as easy synthesis and modification, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising catalysts for tandem reactions. In this article, we aim to summarize the development of multifunctional MOFs, including mixed metal MOFs, MOFs that are synergistically catalyzed by metal nodes and organic linkers, MOFs loaded with metal nanoparticles, etc, as heterogenous catalysts for tandem reactions over the past five years. This concept briefly discusses on present challenges, future trends, and prospects of multifunctional MOFs catalysts in tandem reactions.

Fluorescent Nanocarbons: From Synthesis and Structure to Cancer Imaging and Therapy

Nanocarbons are emerging at the forefront of nanoscience, with diverse carbon nanoforms emerging over the past two decades. Early cancer diagnosis and therapy, driven by advanced chemistry techniques, play a pivotal role in mitigating mortality rates associated with cancer. Nanocarbons, with an attractive combination of well-defined architectures, biocompatibility, and nanoscale dimension, offer an incredibly versatile platform for cancer imaging and therapy. This paper aims to review the underlying principles regarding the controllable synthesis, fluorescence origins, cellular toxicity, and surface functionalization routes of several classes of nanocarbons: carbon nanodots, nanodiamonds, carbon nanoonions, and carbon nanohorns. This review also highlights recent breakthroughs regarding the green synthesis of different nanocarbons from renewable sources. It also presents a comprehensive and unified overview of the latest cancer-related applications of nanocarbons and how they can be designed to interface with biological systems and work as cancer diagnostics and therapeutic tools. The commercial status for large-scale manufacturing of nanocarbons is also presented. Finally, it proposes future research opportunities aimed at engendering modifiable and high-performance nanocarbons for emerging applications across medical industries. This work is envisioned as a cornerstone to guide interdisciplinary teams in crafting fluorescent nanocarbons with tailored attributes that can revolutionize cancer diagnostics and therapy.

Synthesis and characterization of TiO2/hydrochar matrix composites for enhanced ammonia degradation

This study explores the limitations of TiO2 as a photocatalyst, focusing on its narrow bandwidth and high electron-hole complexation probabilities that restrict its applications. A novel one-pot synthesis method for TiO2/hydrochar matrix composites is presented, with variations achieved through control of hydrothermal temperature, time, and loading concentration. The efficacy of these composites in ammonia removal is investigated, revealing optimal performance for the composite denoted as 3Ti-160-7, synthesized with a titanium salt concentration of 0.3 mol L-1, a hydrothermal temperature of 160 °C, and a hydrothermal time of 7 hours. Comparative analyses with commercial TiO2 (P25) and hydrochar demonstrate superior performance of 3Ti-160-7, exhibiting significantly lower ammonia concentration and reduced NO and NO2 concentrations. This research underscores the cost-effectiveness and application potential of TiO2/hydrochar matrix composites, offering valuable insights for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity and broader applicability in addressing TiO2-related challenges.

Cellulose-based carbon nanotubes array with lawn-like 3D architecture for oxygen reduction reaction

The conversion of biomass into high-performance carbon-based materials provides an opportunity to valorize biomass for advanced applications. Achieving this necessitates requires dedicated efforts and innovations in biocarbon synthesis, design, and applications. This study proposes the controllable conversion of biomass-derived cellulose into well-distributed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by tuning the precipitation of cellulose pyrolysis generated vapors with in-situ formed ferric metal nanoparticles. The obtained CNTs exhibited lawn-like 3D architecture with similar length, uniform alignment, and dense distribution. The combined use of ferric chloride and dicyandiamide as the reagents with a mass ration of 0.162:1.05, demonstrated optimal performance in controlling the morphology of CNTs, enhancing the graphitization, and increasing the content of graphitic-N and pyridine-N. This multi-dimensional modification enhanced the electrocatalytic performance of the obtained CNTs, achieving an onset potential of 0.875 V vs. relative hydrogen electrode (RHE), a half-wave potential of 0.703 V vs. RHE, and a current density of -4.95 mA cm-2 during the oxygen reduction reaction. Following microbial fuel cells (MFCs) tests achieved an output voltage of 0.537 V and an output power density of 412.85 mW m-2, comparable to MFC with Pt/C as the cathode catalyst. This biomass-derived catalyst is recommended as a high-quality, non-noble metal alternative to traditional noble-metal catalysts.

Recent Advances in Mechanistic Understanding of Metal-Free Carbon Thermocatalysis and Electrocatalysis with Model Molecules

Metal-free carbon, as the most representative heterogeneous metal-free catalysts, have received considerable interests in electro- and thermo-catalytic reactions due to their impressive performance and sustainability. Over the past decade, well-designed carbon catalysts with tunable structures and heteroatom groups coupled with various characterization techniques have proposed numerous reaction mechanisms. However, active sites, key intermediate species, precise structure-activity relationships and dynamic evolution processes of carbon catalysts are still rife with controversies due to the monotony and limitation of used experimental methods. In this Review, we summarize the extensive efforts on model catalysts since the 2000s, particularly in the past decade, to overcome the influences of material and structure limitations in metal-free carbon catalysis. Using both nanomolecule model and bulk model, the real contribution of each alien species, defect and edge configuration to a series of fundamentally important reactions, such as thermocatalytic reactions, electrocatalytic reactions, were systematically studied. Combined with in situ techniques, isotope labeling and size control, the detailed reaction mechanisms, the precise 2D structure-activity relationships and the rate-determining steps were revealed at a molecular level. Furthermore, the outlook of model carbon catalysis has also been proposed in this work.

Copper Single-Atom Catalysts-A Rising Star for Energy Conversion and Environmental Purification: Synthesis, Modification, and Advanced Applications

Future renewable energy supply and green, sustainable environmental development rely on various types of catalytic reactions. Copper single-atom catalysts (Cu SACs) are attractive due to their distinctive electronic structure (3d orbitals are not filled with valence electrons), high atomic utilization, and excellent catalytic performance and selectivity. Despite numerous optimization studies are conducted on Cu SACs in terms of energy conversion and environmental purification, the coupling among Cu atoms-support interactions, active sites, and catalytic performance remains unclear, and a systematic review of Cu SACs is lacking. To this end, this work summarizes the recent advances of Cu SACs. The synthesis strategies of Cu SACs, metal-support interactions between Cu single atoms and different supports, modification methods including modification for carriers, coordination environment regulating, site distance effect utilizing, and dual metal active center catalysts constructing, as well as their applications in energy conversion and environmental purification are emphatically introduced. Finally, the opportunities and challenges for the future Cu SACs development are discussed. This review aims to provide insight into Cu SACs and a reference for their optimal design and wide application.

Noncovalent Grafting of Molecular Complexes to Solid Supports by Counterion Confinement

Grafting molecular complexes on solid supports is a facile strategy to synthesize advanced materials. Here, we present a general and simple method for noncovalent grafting on charge-neutral surfaces. Our method is based on the generic principle of counterion confinement in surface micropores. We demonstrate the power of this approach using a set of three platinum complexes: Pt1 (Pt1L4(BF4)2, L = p-picoline), Pt2 (Pt2L4(BF4)4, L = 2,6-bis(pyridine-3-ylethynyl)pyridine), and Pt12 (Pt12L24(BF4)24, L = 4,4'-(5-methoxy-1,3-phenylene)dipyridine). These complexes share the same counterion (BF4-) but differ vastly in their size, charge, and structure. Imaging of the grafted materials by aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-HAADF-STEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) showed that our method results in a homogeneous distribution of both complexes and counterions. Nitrogen sorption studies indicated a decrease in the available surface area and micropore volume, providing evidence for counterion confinement in the surface micropores. Following the adsorption of the complexes over time showed that this is a two-step process: fast surface adsorption by van der Waals forces was followed by migration over the surface and surface binding by counterion confinement. Regarding the binding of the complexes to the support, we found that the surface-adsorbate binding constant (KS) increases quadratically with the number of anions per complex up to KS = 1.6 × 106 M-1 equaling ΔG°ads = -35 kJ mol-1 for the surface binding of Pt12. Overall, our method has two important advantages: first, it is general, as you can anchor different complexes (with different charges, counterions, and/or sizes); second, it promotes the distribution of the complexes on the support surface, creating well-distributed sites that can be used in various applications across several areas of chemistry.

A review of the next-generation biochar production from waste biomass for material applications

The development of carbonaceous materials such as biochar has triggered a hot spot in materials application. Carbon material derived from biomass could be a vital platform for energy storage and conversion. Biochar-based materials deliver a novel approach to deal with the current energy-related challenges. To design and utilize the maximum potential of biochar for environmentally sustainable applications, it is crucial to understand the recent progress and advancement in molecular structures of biochar to discover a new possible field to simplify structural application networks. However, most of the studies demonstrated the application of biochar in the form of soil enhancers and bio-adsorbents, reducing soil emissions of greenhouse gases and as fertilizers. The present review on biochar highlighted the application of biochar-based materials in various energy storage and conversion sectors, comprising different types of conversion technologies, biochar formation mechanisms, modification techniques on biochar surface chemistry and its functionality, catalysts, biochar application in energy storage gadgets such as supercapacitors and nanotubes, bio-based composite materials and inorganic based composites materials. Finally, this review addressed some vital outlooks on the prospect of the functionalization and best utilization of biochar-supported materials in numerous energy storage and conversion fields. After reviewing the literature, it was directed that advanced and in-depth research is essential for structural analysis and separation, considering the macroscopic and microscopic evidence of the formed structural design of biochar for specific applications.

H2O2 activation and contaminants removal in heterogeneous Fenton-like systems

Emerging contaminants can be removed effectively in heterogeneous Fenton-like systems. Currently, catalyst activity and contaminant removal mechanisms have been studied extensively in Fenton-like systems. However, a systematic summary was lacking. This review summarized: 1) The effects of various heterogeneous catalysts on emerging contaminants degradation by activating H₂O₂; 2) The role of active sites in different catalysts during the activation of H₂O₂ and their contribution to the generation of active species; 3) The modulation of degradation pathways of emerging contaminants. This paper will help scholars to advance the controlled construction of active sites in heterogeneous Fenton-like systems. Suitable heterogeneous Fenton catalysts can be selected in practical water treatment processes.

Morphology-Engineering Construction of Anti-Aggregated Co/N-Doped Hollow Carbon from Metal-Organic Frameworks for Efficient Biomass Upgrading

The controlled pyrolysis of metal/carbon-containing precursors is commonly used for fabricating multifunctional metal/carbon-based catalysts, nevertheless, the inevitable agglomeration of these precursors in pyrolysis is extremely negative for efficient catalysis. This study reports the first example of suppressing the interfacial fusion and agglomeration of metal/carbon-based catalyst in its pyrolysis-involved fabrication process by developing a facile morphology-engineering strategy. Metal-organic framework precursors are chosen as a proof of concept and five Co/N-doped hollow carbons with different morphologies (rhombic dodecahedron, cube, plate, interpenetration twin, and rod) are synthesized via the pyrolysis of their corresponding core-shell ZIF-8@ZIF-67 precursors. It is demonstrated that the interpenetration twin precursor shows the minimum interfacial contact of interparticles due to its partly-concave morphology with abundant facets, which endows it with the best resistibility from interfacial fusion and thus aggregation of interparticles during pyrolysis. Benefiting from its unique anti-aggregated structure with high specific surface area, abundant fully-exposed active sites, and good dispersibility, the resultant 36-facet Co/N-doped hollow carbon exhibit remarkably improved catalytic property for biomass upgrading as compared with its aggregated counterparts. This study highlights the crucial role of engineering morphology to prevent metal/carbon-containing precursors from detrimental agglomeration during pyrolysis, demonstrating a new approach to constructing anti-aggregated metal/carbon-based catalysts.

Facile and controllable preparation of carbon microsphere for electro-driven nitrogen reduction: Accommodating nitrogen doping with hierarchical porous structure

Driven by sustainable electricity, electrochemical nitrogen fixation under ambient conditions is considered as a promising strategy to generate low-concentrated NH₃/NH₄⁺. Under the principle of doping and porous engineering, nitrogen-doped carbon microsphere with hierarchical pores (NC-HP) is fabricated via pyrolyzing polymer microsphere. Hierarchical structure with macro-, meso- and micropores is obtained by assembling melamine/phenol-formaldehyde oligomers in Pickering droplets, with the assistance of triblock copolymer Pluronic F127. The regularity of mesopores is strongly affected by melamine to phenol mass ratio. For NC-HP, nitrogen content (N-content) in the carbon matrix can reach as high as 19.1 wt%, yet trade-off effect is observed between N-content and regularity of mesopores. As consequence, NC-HP-3 with N-content of 15.6 wt% and distinct mesopores exhibits the highest catalytic performance. At -0.5 V vs. RHE, NH₃/NH₄⁺ production rate and Faradaic efficiency (FE) value reach 15.6 μg∙mg_cat.^-1∙h^-1 and 15.5%, respectively. It shows excellent recyclability, and no degradations are observed with respect to morphology and porous structure. In this hierarchical porous structure, mesopores are expected to facilitate mass transfer for both electrolyte ions and nitrogen, and hence catalytic active sites (e.g. pyrrolic- and pyridinic-N species) in hierarchically mutually connected pores can be well utilized.

Sensor to Electronics Applications of Graphene Oxide through AZO Grafting

Graphene is a two-dimensional (2D) material with a single atomic crystal structure of carbon that has the potential to create next-generation devices for photonic, optoelectronic, thermoelectric, sensing, wearable electronics, etc., owing to its excellent electron mobility, large surface-to-volume ratio, adjustable optics, and high mechanical strength. In contrast, owing to their light-induced conformations, fast response, photochemical stability, and surface-relief structures, azobenzene (AZO) polymers have been used as temperature sensors and photo-switchable molecules and are recognized as excellent candidates for a new generation of light-controllable molecular electronics. They can withstand trans-cis isomerization by conducting light irradiation or heating but have poor photon lifetime and energy density and are prone to agglomeration even at mild doping levels, reducing their optical sensitivity. Graphene derivatives, including graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO), are an excellent platform that, combined with AZO-based polymers, could generate a new type of hybrid structure with interesting properties of ordered molecules. AZO derivatives may modify the energy density, optical responsiveness, and photon storage capacity, potentially preventing aggregation and strengthening the AZO complexes. They are potential candidates for sensors, photocatalysts, photodetectors, photocurrent switching, and other optical applications. This review aimed to provide an overview of the recent progress in graphene-related 2D materials (Gr2MS) and AZO polymer AZO-GO/RGO hybrid structures and their synthesis and applications. The review concludes with remarks based on the findings of this study.

Ru Catalysts Supported on Bamboo-like N-Doped Carbon Nanotubes: Activity and Stability in Oxidizing and Reducing Environment

The catalysts with platinum-group metals on nanostructured carbons have been a very active field of research, but the studies were mainly limited to Pt and Pd. Here, Ru catalysts based on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) have been prepared and thoroughly characterized; Ru loading was kept constant (3 wt.%), while the degree of N-doping was varied (from 0 to 4.8 at.%) to evaluate its influence on the state of supported metal. Using the N-CNTs afforded ultrafine Ru particles (<2 nm) and allowed a portion of Ru to be stabilized in an atomic state. The presence of Ru single atoms in Ru/N-CNTs expectedly increased catalytic activity and selectivity in the formic acid decomposition (FAD) but had no effect in catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) of phenol, thus arguing against a key role of single-atom catalysis in the latter case. A remarkable difference between these two reactions was also found in regard to catalyst stability. In the course of FAD, no changes in the support or supported species or reaction rate were observed even at a high temperature (150 °C). In CWAO, although 100% conversions were still achievable in repeated runs, the oxidizing environment caused partial destruction of N-CNTs and progressive deactivation of the Ru surface by carbonaceous deposits. These findings add important new knowledge about the properties and applicability of Ru@C nanosystems.

Efficient activation of peroxodisulfate by novel bionic iron-encapsulated biochar: The key roles of electron transfer pathway and reactive oxygen species evolution

In this study, a novel iron-encapsulated biochar (Fe@BC) was prepared using the biomass cultivated with an iron-containing solution. The iron in Fe@BC showed the phase change from Fe₃O₄ to α-Fe, and to CFe_15.1, with the increase of pyrolysis temperature (500-900 °C), and a graphene shell formed on the surface of Fe@BC. In addition, the signals assigned to the π-π* shake up, pyridinic N, graphitic N, and defects of Fe@BC were found to be stronger as the pyrolysis temperature increased. The F4@B9 sample, which was prepared at 900 °C, exhibited an excellent performance (98.01 %) to activate peroxydisulfate (PDS) for the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol. Electron paramagnetic resonanceand chemical quenching experiments revealed that reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) including sulfate radical (•SO₄^-), hydroxyl radical (•OH), superoxide radical (•O₂^-), and singlet oxygen (¹O₂) existed in the F4@B9/PDS system. Furthermore, the micro-electrolysis process facilitated the generation of •O₂^- (12.35 %) and ¹O₂ (6.49 %) compared with the pure PDS system. Density functional theory revealed that, for the F4@B9-activated PDS process, the graphene shell of F4@B9 served as catalytic active sites as well. According to the correlation analysis, the iron specie of CFe_15.1 was more favorable for the generation of ROS than α-Fe. Also, π-π* shake up, pyridinic N, graphitic N, and defects participated in the PDS activation. This study provides a new method for the preparation of high-performance catalysts from naturally grown biomass with high iron contents.

Recent Advances of the Confinement Effects Boosting Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

Powered by clean and renewable energy, electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂ RR) to chemical feedstocks is an effective way to mitigate the greenhouse effect and artificially close the carbon cycle. However, the performance of electrocatalytic CO₂ RR was impeded by the strong thermodynamic stability of CO₂ molecules and the high susceptibility to hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in aqueous phase systems. Moreover, the numerous reaction intermediates formed at very near potentials lead to poor selectivity of reaction products, further preventing the industrialization of CO₂ RR. Catalysis in confined space can enrich the reaction intermediates to improve their coverage at the active site, increase local pH to inhibit HER, and accelerate the mass transfer rate of reactants/products and subsequently facilitate CO₂ RR performance. Therefore, we summarize the research progress on the application of the confinement effects in the direction of CO₂ RR in theoretical and experimental directions. We first analyzed the mechanism of the confinement effect. Subsequently, the confinement effect was discussed in various forms, which can be characterized as an abnormal catalytic phenomenon due to the relative limitation of the reaction region. In specific, based on the physical structure of the catalyst, the confinement effect was divided in four categories: pore structure confinement, cavity structure confinement, active center confinement, and other confinement methods. Based on these discussions, we also have summarized the prospects and challenges in this field. This review aims to stimulate greater interests for the development of more efficient confined strategy for CO₂ RR in the future.

Catalytic Properties of High Nitrogen Content Carbonaceous Materials

The influence of structural modifications on the catalytic activity of carbon materials is poorly understood. A collection of carbonaceous materials with different pore networks and high nitrogen content was characterized and used to catalyze four reactions to deduce structure-activity relationships. The CO₂ cycloaddition and Knoevenagel reaction depend on Lewis basic sites (electron-rich nitrogen species). The absence of large conjugated carbon domains resulting from the introduction of large amounts of nitrogen in the carbon network is responsible for poor redox activity, as observed through the catalytic reduction of nitrobenzene with hydrazine and the catalytic oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine using hydroperoxide. The material with the highest activity towards Lewis acid catalysis (in the hydrolysis of (dimethoxymethyl)benzene to benzaldehyde) is the most effective for small molecule activation and presents the highest concentration of electron-poor nitrogen species.

Synthesis of Oxygenated Hydrocarbons from Ethanol over Sulfided KCoMo-Based Catalysts: Influence of Novel Fiber- and Powder-Activated Carbon Supports

Ethanol has become a viable feedstock for basic organic synthesis. The catalytic conversion of ethanol provides access to such chemicals as diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, and acetaldehyde. Carbonaceous materials are extensively studied as supports for heterogeneous catalysts due to their chemical and thermal stability, high surface area, and tunable texture. In this paper, ethanol conversion over K10Co3.7Mo12S-catalysts supported on novel activated carbon (AC) materials (i.e., novel powder-AC (DAS and YPK-1), fiber non-woven AC material (AHM), and fabric active sorption (TCA)) was investigated. The catalysts were prepared by the incipient wetness co-impregnation method followed by sulfidation. The catalysts were characterized by employing N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, TEM, SEM/EDX, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and XRF. Catalytic performance was assessed in a fixed-bed down-flow reactor operating at 320 °C, 2.5 MPa, and with continuous ethanol feeding in an He atmosphere. Activity is highly dependent on the support type and catalyst’s textural properties. The activity of the fiber-supported catalysts was found to be greater than the powder-supported catalysts. Ethanol conversion at T = 320 °C, P = 2.5 MPa, and GHSV = 760 L h−1 kgcat−1 increased as follows: (38.7%) KCoMoS2/YPK-1 < (49.5%) KCoMoS2/DAS < (58.2%) KCoMoS2/TCA < (67.1%) KCoMoS2/AHM. Catalysts supported by powder-AC enhanced the formation of MoS2-crystallites, whereas the high acidity of fiber-AC seemed to inhibit the formation of MoS2-crystallites. Simultaneously, a high surface area and a microporous catalytic structure enhance the formation of oxygenates from hydrocarbons. The dehydration and dehydrogenation reactions, which led to the creation of ethene and acetaldehyde, were shown to require a highly acidic catalyst, while the synthesis of ethyl acetate and higher alcohols required a less acidic catalyst.

MWCNT supported V2O5 quantum dot nanoparticles decorated Bi2O3 nanosheets hybrid system: Efficient visible light driven photocatalyst for degradation of ciprofloxacin

A novel composite of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) supported V₂O₅ quantum dots decorated Bi₂O₃ hybrid was prepared by the simple wet-impregnation method, and the photocatalytic performance of the prepared samples was investigated against the photodegradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP). Herein, different samples of pristine, V₂O₅/Bi₂O₃ and MWCNT@V₂O₅/Bi₂O₃ hybrid photocatalyst were prepared and systematically characterized by various physicochemical techniques. The characterization results demonstrated that the introduction of MWCNT can change the energy band gap of V₂O₅/Bi₂O₃, and the band energies vary with a constituent of MWCNT@V₂O₅/Bi₂O₃ catalyst, in which MWCNT@V₂O₅/Bi₂O₃-5 (0.05 g@0.50 g:0.50 g) has the optimal band gap energy of 2.46 eV. The photocatalytic test demonstrates that the MWCNT@V₂O₅/Bi₂O₃-5 hybrid composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity in CIP degradation compared to that pure and other photocatalyst and its degradation efficiency did not decrease significantly even after five cyclic experiments. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was due to the formation of heterojunction among MWCNT, V₂O₅ and Bi₂O₃, which distinctly improved the separation efficiency of the photogenerated charge carrier, thus increasing the degradation performance. This work gives a new approach to designing an efficient photocatalyst for contaminants degradation.

Preparation and Gas Sensing Properties of Hair-Based Carbon Sheets

Waste human hair was carbonized into carbon sheets by a simple carbonization method, which was studied as gas sensing materials for the first time. The effect of carbonization temperature on the structure and gas sensing properties of hair-based carbon sheet was studied by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectrum, Raman spectrum, and gas-sensitive tester. The results showed that the carbonization temperature had a significant effect on the structure and gas sensing performance of carbon sheets, which were doped with K, N, P, and S elements during carbonization. However, the sensor of the carbon sheet does not show good selectivity among six target gases. Fortunately, the carbon sheets prepared at different temperatures have different responses to the target gases. The sensor array constructed by the carbon sheets prepared at different temperatures can realize the discriminative detection of a variety of target gases. For the optimized carbon sheet, the theoretical limit of detection of hydrogen peroxide is 0.83 ppm. This work provides a reference for the resource utilization of waste protein and the development of gas sensors.

N-Doped sp2 /sp3 Carbon Derived from Carbon Dots to Boost the Performance of Ruthenium for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The structure and properties of the carrier significantly affect the catalytic activity of the active centers for supported electrocatalysts. Therefore, elaborate design and regulation of the physicochemical properties of carbon carriers are essential to improve the activity and stability of the carbon-supported ruthenium-based catalysts. Herein, enlightened by the unique characteristics of coexisting sp² and sp³ carbon nuclei in N-doped carbon dots (NCDs), a hybrid structure of N-doped carbon substrates featuring N-doped sp² /sp³ carbon interfaces loaded with Ru nanoparticles (Ru/NCDs) is obtained. Spectroscopic analysis and density functional theory calculations illustrate that the interaction between Ru and NCDs effectively modulates the electronic structure of the active center Ru, and the formed N-doped sp² /sp³ carbon interface lowers the energy barrier of the intermediates in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and balances the hydrogen adsorption and desorption and, thereby, greatly improves the activity of Ru/NCDs. Remarkably, Ru/NCDs exhibit excellent HER activity and stability in comparison to Pt/C, which merely requires overpotentials as low as 37 and 14 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 in alkaline and acidic electrolytes, respectively. This finding will provide more thoughts about the influence of substrate properties on the catalytic activity and rational design of carbon-loaded electrocatalysts.

Virus-like Cage Hybrid: Covalent Organic Cages Attached to Metal Organic Cage

A well-defined virus-like cage hybrid (VCH) with 24 covalent organic cages (COCs) attached to one metal organic cage (MOC) is presented here. The quantitative assembly of VCH was completed through coordination between soluble anisotropic COC bearing one bipyridine moiety and Pd(II) ions. The obtained VCH exhibited discrete, uniform and stable structures with good solubility and was well characterized by NMR, FT-IR, TEM, AFM, DLS, TGA, and so on. This designable cage hybrid promotes a new strategy to expand the structural and functional complexities of porous molecular cages.

Pickering Emulsion Catalysis: Interfacial Chemistry, Catalyst Design, Challenges, and Perspectives

Pickering emulsions are particle-stabilized surfactant-free dispersions composed of two immiscible liquid phases, and emerge as attractive catalysis platform to surpass traditional technique barrier in some cases. In this review, we have comprehensively summarized the development and the catalysis applications of Pickering emulsions since the pioneering work in 2010. The explicit mechanism for Pickering emulsions will be initially discussed and clarified. Then, summarization is given to the design strategy of amphiphilic emulsion catalysts in two categories of intrinsic and extrinsic amphiphilicity. The progress of the unconventional catalytic reactions in Pickering emulsion is further described, especially for the polarity/solubility difference-driven phase segregation, "smart" emulsion reaction system, continuous flow catalysis, and Pickering interfacial biocatalysis. Challenges and future trends for the development of Pickering emulsion catalysis are finally outlined.

Electrosynthesis of H2O2 through a two-electron oxygen reduction reaction by carbon based catalysts: From mechanism, catalyst design to electrode fabrication

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an efficient oxidant with multiple uses ranging from chemical synthesis to wastewater treatment. The in-situ H₂O₂ production via a two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) will bring H₂O₂ beyond its current applications. The development of carbon materials offers the hope for obtaining inexpensive and high-performance alternatives to substitute noble-metal catalysts in order to provide a full and comprehensive picture of the current state of the art treatments and inspire new research in this area. Herein, the most up-to-date findings in theoretical predictions, synthetic methodologies, and experimental investigations of carbon-based catalysts are systematically summarized. Various electrode fabrication and modification methods were also introduced and compared, along with our original research on the air-breathing cathode and three-phase interface theory inside a porous electrode. In addition, our current understanding of the challenges, future directions, and suggestions on the carbon-based catalyst designs and electrode fabrication are highlighted.

Advanced Carbon-Based Nanocatalysts and their Application in Catalytic Conversion of Renewable Platform Molecules

The transformation of renewable platform molecules to produce value-added fuels and fine-chemicals is a promising strategy to sustainably meet future demands. Owing to their finely modified electronic and geometric properties, carbon-based nanocatalysts have shown great capability to regulate their catalytic activity and stability. Their well-defined and uniform structures also provide both the opportunity to explore intrinsic reaction mechanisms and the site-requirement for valorization of renewable platform molecules to advanced fuels and chemicals. This Review highlights the progress achieved in carbon-based nanocatalysts, mainly by using effective regulation approaches such as heteroatom anchoring, bimetallic synergistic effects, and carbon encapsulation to enhance catalyst performance and stability, and their applications in renewable platform molecule transformations. The foundation for understanding the structure-performance relationship of carbon-based catalysts has been established by investigating the effect of these regulation methods on catalyst performance. Finally, the opportunities, challenges and potential applications of carbon-based nanocatalysts are discussed.

A State-of-Art on the Development of Nafion-Based Membrane for Performance Improvement in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Nafion, a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane (PEM), has been widely used in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) to serve as a proton carrier, methanol barrier, and separator for the anode and cathode. A significant drawback of Nafion in DMFC applications is the high anode-to-cathode methanol fuel permeability that results in over 40% fuel waste. Therefore, the development of a new membrane with lower permeability while retaining the high proton conductivity and other inherent properties of Nafion is greatly desired. In light of these considerations, this paper discusses the research findings on developing Nafion-based membranes for DMFC. Several aspects of the DMFC membrane are also presented, including functional requirements, transport mechanisms, and preparation strategies. More importantly, the effect of the various modification approaches on the performance of the Nafion membrane is highlighted. These include the incorporation of inorganic fillers, carbon nanomaterials, ionic liquids, polymers, or other techniques. The feasibility of these membranes for DMFC applications is discussed critically in terms of transport phenomena-related characteristics such as proton conductivity and methanol permeability. Moreover, the current challenges and future prospects of Nafion-based membranes for DMFC are presented. This paper will serve as a resource for the DMFC research community, with the goal of improving the cost-effectiveness and performance of DMFC membranes.

Molecular planting of a single organothiol into a "gap-site" of a 2D patterned adlayer in an electrochemical environment

The self-assembled inclusion of molecules into two-dimensional (2D) porous networks on surfaces has been extensively studied because 2D functional materials consisting of organic molecules have become an important research topic. However, the isolation of a single molecular thiol remains a challenging goal. Here, we report a method of planting and isolating organothiols onto a 2D patterned organic adlayer at an electrochemical interface. In situ scanning tunneling microscopy revealed that the phase transition of an ovalene adlayer is electrochemically induced and that the gap site created by three ovalene molecules serves as a 2D molecular template to isolate thiol molecules and to standardize the distance between them via the formation of precise selective open spaces, suggesting that electrochemical "molecular planting" opens applications for 2D patterns of isolated single organothiol molecules.