1
|
Kim J, Ling J, Lai Y, Milner PJ. Redox-Active Organic Materials: From Energy Storage to Redox Catalysis. ACS MATERIALS AU 2024; 4:258-273. [PMID: 38737116 PMCID: PMC11083122 DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialsau.3c00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Electroactive materials are central to myriad applications, including energy storage, sensing, and catalysis. Compared to traditional inorganic electrode materials, redox-active organic materials such as porous organic polymers (POPs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are emerging as promising alternatives due to their structural tunability, flexibility, sustainability, and compatibility with a range of electrolytes. Herein, we discuss the challenges and opportunities available for the use of redox-active organic materials in organoelectrochemistry, an emerging area in fine chemical synthesis. In particular, we highlight the utility of organic electrode materials in photoredox catalysis, electrochemical energy storage, and electrocatalysis and point to new directions needed to unlock their potential utility for organic synthesis. This Perspective aims to bring together the organic, electrochemistry, and polymer communities to design new heterogeneous electrocatalysts for the sustainable synthesis of complex molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaehwan Kim
- Department of Chemistry and
Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Jianheng Ling
- Department of Chemistry and
Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Yihuan Lai
- Department of Chemistry and
Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Phillip J. Milner
- Department of Chemistry and
Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cousins LS, Creissen CE. Multiscale effects in tandem CO 2 electrolysis to C 2+ products. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:3915-3925. [PMID: 38099592 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05547g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
CO2 electrolysis is a sustainable technology capable of accelerating global decarbonisation through the production of high-value alternatives to fossil-derived products. CO2 conversion can generate critical multicarbon (C2+) products such as drop-in chemicals ethylene and ethanol, however achieving high selectivity from single-component catalysts is often limited by the competitive formation of C1 products. Tandem catalysis can overcome C2+ selectivity limitations through the incorporation of a component that generates a high concentration of CO, the primary reactant involved in the C-C coupling step to form C2+ products. A wide range of approaches to promote tandem CO2 electrolysis have been presented in recent literature that span atomic-scale manipulation to device-scale engineering. Therefore, an understanding of multiscale effects that contribute to selectivity alterations are required to develop effective tandem systems. In this review, we use relevant examples to highlight the complex and interlinked contributions to selectivity and provide an outlook for future development of tandem CO2 electrolysis systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lewis S Cousins
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.
| | - Charles E Creissen
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao Y, Raj J, Xu X, Jiang J, Wu J, Fan M. Carbon Catalysts Empowering Sustainable Chemical Synthesis via Electrochemical CO 2 Conversion and Two-Electron Oxygen Reduction Reaction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2311163. [PMID: 38308114 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Carbon materials hold significant promise in electrocatalysis, particularly in electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2 RR) and two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e- ORR). The pivotal factor in achieving exceptional overall catalytic performance in carbon catalysts is the strategic design of specific active sites and nanostructures. This work presents a comprehensive overview of recent developments in carbon electrocatalysts for eCO2 RR and 2e- ORR. The creation of active sites through single/dual heteroatom doping, functional group decoration, topological defect, and micro-nano structuring, along with their synergistic effects, is thoroughly examined. Elaboration on the catalytic mechanisms and structure-activity relationships of these active sites is provided. In addition to directly serving as electrocatalysts, this review explores the role of carbon matrix as a support in finely adjusting the reactivity of single-atom molecular catalysts. Finally, the work addresses the challenges and prospects associated with designing and fabricating carbon electrocatalysts, providing valuable insights into the future trajectory of this dynamic field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Zhao
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- Key Lab of Biomass Energy and Material, Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042, China
| | - Jithu Raj
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Xiang Xu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Jianchun Jiang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- Key Lab of Biomass Energy and Material, Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042, China
| | - Jingjie Wu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Mengmeng Fan
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- Key Lab of Biomass Energy and Material, Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Institute of Chemical Industry of Forest Products, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wu Q, Zhu F, Wallace G, Yao X, Chen J. Electrocatalysis of nitrogen pollution: transforming nitrogen waste into high-value chemicals. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:557-565. [PMID: 38099452 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00714f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
On 16 June 2023, the United Nations Environment Programme highlighted the severity of nitrogen pollution faced by humans and called for joint action for sustainable nitrogen use. Excess nitrogenous waste (NW: NO, NO2, NO2-, NO3-, etc.) mainly arises from the use of synthetic fertilisers, wastewater discharge, and fossil fuel combustion. Although the amount of NW produced can be minimised by reducing the use of nitrogen fertilisers and fossil fuels, the necessity to feed seven billion people on Earth limits the utility of this approach. Compared to current industrial processes, electrocatalytic NW reduction or CO2-NW co-reduction offers a potentially greener alternative for recycling NW and producing high-value chemicals. However, upgrading this technology to connect upstream and downstream industrial chains is challenging. This viewpoint focuses on electrocatalytic NW reduction, a cutting-edge technology, and highlights the challenges in its practical application. It also discusses future directions to meet the requirements of upstream and downstream industries by optimising production processes, including the pretreatment and supply of nitrogenous raw materials (e.g. flue gas and sewage), design and macroscopic preparation of electrocatalysts, and upscaling of reactors and other auxiliary equipment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qilong Wu
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Squires Way, North Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia.
| | - Fangfang Zhu
- School of Advanced Energy, Shenzhen Campus, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China.
| | - Gordon Wallace
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Squires Way, North Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia.
| | - Xiangdong Yao
- School of Advanced Energy, Shenzhen Campus, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Chen
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Squires Way, North Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kim J, Shirke Y, Milner PJ. Flexible Backbone Effects on the Redox Properties of Perylenediimide-Based Polymers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023:10.1021/acsami.3c06065. [PMID: 37581286 PMCID: PMC10867274 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Organic electrode materials are appealing candidates for a wide range of applications, including heterogeneous electrocatalysis and electrochemical energy storage. However, a narrow understanding of the structure-property relationships in these materials hinders the full realization of their potential. Herein, we investigate a family of insoluble perylenediimide (PDI) polymers to interrogate how backbone flexibility affects their thermodynamic and kinetic redox properties. We verify that the polymers generally access the highest percentage of redox-active groups with K+ ions (vs Na+ and Li+) due to its small solvation shell/energy and favorable soft-soft interactions with reduced PDI species. Through cyclic voltammetry, we show that increasing the polymer flexibility does not minimize barriers to ion-insertion processes but rather increases the level of diffusion-limited processes. Further, we propose that the condensation of imides to iminoimides can truncate the imide polymer chain growth for certain diamine monomers, leading to greater polymer solubilization and reduced cycling stability. Together, our results provide insight into how polymer flexibility, ion-electrode interactions, and polymerization side reactions dictate the redox properties of PDI polymers, paving the way for the development of next-generation organic electrode materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaehwan Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
| | - Yogita Shirke
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
| | - Phillip J. Milner
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
| |
Collapse
|