1
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Li SL, Chen Y, Tian G, Kou L, Qiao L, Zhao Y, Gan LY. High catalytic activity and abundant active sites in M 2C 12 monolayer for nitrogen reduction reaction. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 675:411-418. [PMID: 38976967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.231] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Developing highly efficient single-atom catalysts (SACs) for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to ammonia production has garnered significant attention in the scientific community. However, achieving high activity and selectivity remains challenging due to the lack of innate activity in most existing catalysts or insufficient active site density. This study delves into the potential of M2C12 materials (M = Cr, Ir, Mn, Mo, Os, Re, Rh, Ru, W, Fe, Cu, and Ti) with high transition metal coverage as SACs for NRR using first-principles calculations. Among these materials, Os2C12 exhibited superior catalytic activity for NRR, with a low overpotential of 0.39 V and an Os coverage of up to 72.53 wt%. To further boost its catalytic activity, a nonmetal (NM) atom doping (NM = B, N, O, and S) and C vacancy modification were explored in Os2C12. It is found that the introduction of O enables exceptional catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability, with an even lower overpotential of 0.07 V. Incorporating the O atom disrupted the charge balance of its coordinating C atoms, effectively increasing the positive charge density of the Os-d-orbit-related electronic structure. This promoted strong d-π* coupling between Os and N2H, enhancing N2H adsorption and facilitating NRR processes. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into NRR catalyst design for sustainable ammonia production and offers a reference for exploring alternative materials in other catalytic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Long Li
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; School of Physics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611700, China; Western Superconducting Technologies Co, Ltd., Xi'an 710018, China
| | - Yutao Chen
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Guo Tian
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Liangzhi Kou
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Liang Qiao
- School of Physics, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611700, China.
| | - Yong Zhao
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; College of Physics and Energy, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China.
| | - Li-Yong Gan
- College of Physics and Center of Quantum Materials and Devices, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
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2
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Zhang M, Xia C, Li L, Wang A, Cao D, Zhang B, Fang Q, Zhao X. Computational screening of pyrazine-based graphene-supported transition metals as single-atom catalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction. Dalton Trans 2024; 53:14910-14921. [PMID: 39190418 DOI: 10.1039/d4dt01363h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical synthesis of NH3 from N2 utilizing single-atom catalysts (SACs) is a promising strategy for industrial nitrogen fixation and chemical raw material production. In this work, single transition metals (TMs) anchored on pyrazine-based graphene (TM@py-GY) are systematically studied to screen potential electrocatalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) using first-principles calculations. Particularly, the descriptor φ related to electronegativity and valence electron number is selected to clarify the trend of NRR activity, realizing a fast-scan/estimation among various candidates. After a four-step screening process, WI@py-GY and MoII@py-GY SACs are screened with good structural stability, high selectivity, and high activity. Meanwhile, the thermodynamic stability of WI@py-GY and MoII@py-GY SACs is demonstrated to ensure their feasibility in real experimental conditions. Furthermore, electronic properties are also examined in detail to analyze activity origin. This work not only provides an effective and reliable method for screening electrochemical NRR catalysts with excellent performance but also provides guidance for the rational design of SACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- School of Science, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Caijuan Xia
- School of Science, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Lianbi Li
- School of Science, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Anxiang Wang
- School of Science, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Dezhong Cao
- School of Science, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Baiyu Zhang
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-5050, USA
| | - Qinglong Fang
- School of Science, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xumei Zhao
- School of Science, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an 710048, Shaanxi, China.
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3
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Sun X, Zhang P, Zhang B, Xu C. Electronic Structure Regulated Carbon-Based Single-Atom Catalysts for Highly Efficient and Stable Electrocatalysis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2405624. [PMID: 39252646 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202405624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Single-atom-catalysts (SACs) with atomically dispersed sites on carbon substrates have attained great advancements in electrocatalysis regarding maximum atomic utilization, unique chemical properties, and high catalytic performance. Precisely regulating the electronic structure of single-atom sites offers a rational strategy to optimize reaction processes associated with the activation of reactive intermediates with enhanced electrocatalytic activities of SACs. Although several approaches are proposed in terms of charge transfer, band structure, orbital occupancy, and the spin state, the principles for how electronic structure controls the intrinsic electrocatalytic activity of SACs have not been sufficiently investigated. Herein, strategies for regulating the electronic structure of carbon-based SACs are first summarized, including nonmetal heteroatom doping, coordination number regulating, defect engineering, strain designing, and dual-metal-sites scheming. Second, the impacts of electronic structure on the activation behaviors of reactive intermediates and the electrocatalytic activities of water splitting, oxygen reduction reaction, and CO2/N2 electroreduction reactions are thoroughly discussed. The electronic structure-performance relationships are meticulously understood by combining key characterization techniques with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Finally, a conclusion of this paper and insights into the challenges and future prospects in this field are proposed. This review highlights the understanding of electronic structure-correlated electrocatalytic activity for SACs and guides their progress in electrochemical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
| | - Bangyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
| | - Chunming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China
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4
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Zhang C, Wang ZH, Wang H, Liang JX, Zhu C, Li J. Ru 3@Mo 2CO 2 MXene single-cluster catalyst for highly efficient N 2-to-NH 3 conversion. Natl Sci Rev 2024; 11:nwae251. [PMID: 39257434 PMCID: PMC11385201 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwae251] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cluster catalysts (SCCs) representing structurally well-defined metal clusters anchored on support tend to exhibit tunable catalytic performance for complex redox reactions in heterogeneous catalysis. Here we report a theoretical study on an SCC of Ru3@Mo2CO2 MXene for N2-to-NH3 thermal conversion. Our results show that Ru3@Mo2CO2 can effectively activate N2 and promotes its conversion to NH3 through an association mechanism, in which the rate-determining step of NH2* + H* → NH3* has a low energy barrier of 1.29 eV. Notably, with the assistance of Mo2CO2 support, the positively charged Ru3 cluster active site can effectively adsorb and activate N2, leading to 0.74 |e| charge transfer from Ru3@Mo2CO2 to the adsorbed N2. The supported Ru3 also acts as an electron reservoir to regulate the charge transfer for various intermediate steps of ammonia synthesis. Microkinetic analysis shows that the turnover frequency of the N2-to-NH3 conversion on Ru3@Mo2CO2 is as high as 1.45 × 10-2 s-1 site-1 at a selected thermodynamic condition of 48 bar and 700 K, the performance of which even surpasses that of the Ru B5 site and Fe3/θ-Al2O3(010) reported before. Our work provides a theoretical understanding of the high stability and catalytic mechanism of Ru3@Mo2CO2 and guidance for further designing and fabricating MXene-based metal SCCs for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ze-Hui Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Environment Science, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723000, China
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jin-Xia Liang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Chun Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry and Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare-Earth Materials of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Fundamental Science Center of Rare Earths, Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou 341000, China
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5
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Liu Z, Ma A, Wang Z, Li C, Ding Z, Pang Y, Fan G, Xu H. Single-cluster anchored on PC 6 monolayer as high-performance electrocatalyst for carbon dioxide reduction reaction: First principles study. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 669:600-611. [PMID: 38729008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.05.022] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Tremendous challenges remain to develop high-efficient catalysts for carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) owing to the poor activity and low selectivity. However, the activity of catalyst with single active site is limited by the linear scaling relationship between the adsorption energy of intermediates. Motivated by the idea of multiple activity centers, triple metal clusters (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Pd, and Rh) doped PC6 monolayer (M3@PC6) were constructed in this study to investigate the CO2RR catalytic performance via density functional theory calculations. Results shows Mn3@PC6, Fe3@PC6, and Co3@PC6 exhibit high activity and selectivity for the reduction of CO2 to CH4 with limiting potentials of -0.32, -0.28, and -0.31 V, respectively. Analysis on the high-performance origin shows the more binding sites in M3@PC6 render the triple-atom anchored catalysts (TACs) high ability in regulating the binding strength with intermediates by self-adjusting the charges and conformation, leading to the improved performance of M3@PC6 than dual-atom doped PC6. This work manifests the huge application of PC6 based TACs in CO2RR, which hope to prove valuable guidance for the application of TACs in a broader range of electrochemical reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Aling Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Chenyin Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Zongpeng Ding
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - YuShan Pang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Guohong Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
| | - Hong Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
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6
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Zhang L, Ren J, Chen X, Bi J, Liu X. Superlight Ambient Temperature Reversible Hydrogen Storage Media Based on Alkali and Alkali Earth Metal-Functionalized 2D Square-Octagon BCN Monolayer. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024. [PMID: 39213517 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c02243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Energy has always been the engine of human beings; however, because of the environmental pollution caused by traditional fossil fuels, the development of more sustainable energy resources is urgently needed. The hydrogen storage medium is essential for its realization. Here, we introduce a hydrogen storage material, a two-dimensional (2D) square-octagon BCN (SO-BCN) monolayer, composed of lightweight elements (B, C, and N) and strategically functionalized with alkali and alkali earth metal atoms (Li, Na, Mg, and K). Notably, Li@SO-BCN and Mg@SO-BCN exhibit exceptional reversible hydrogen storage capabilities, surpassing the DOE standard of 5.5 wt %, with gravimetric capacities of 7.129 wt % and an impressive value of 11.656 wt %, alongside low adsorption energies of -0.21 eV/H2 and -0.268 eV/H2 at room temperature, respectively. Our investigation, which combines analysis of the atomic structure, electronic structure, and hydrogen process, reveals distinct mechanisms at play: Li activates the substrate, creating additional adsorption sites on the SO-BCN monolayer. Compared with Li, the functionalization of Mg atoms not only activates SO-BCN via charge transfer but also allows Mg2+ to act as a potent attractor for H2 molecule adsorption. This work provides both promising candidates for future hydrogen storage media based on 2D monolayers and a design paradigm for next-generation hydrogen storage materials, emphasizing the synergy of electron-donating species, substrate activation, and hierarchical porous structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhang
- School of Physics and Electronic Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
- School of Integrated Circuits, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
- School of Electric and Electrical Engineering, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu 476000, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Material Science and Engineering Department, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077 China
| | - Xihao Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Jinshun Bi
- School of Physics and Electronic Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
- School of Integrated Circuits, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xuefei Liu
- School of Physics and Electronic Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
- School of Integrated Circuits, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China
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7
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Yuan H, Zhu C, Hou Y, Yang HG, Wang H. Optimizing the Lattice Nitrogen Coordination to Break the Performance Limitation of Metal Nitrides for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction. JACS AU 2024; 4:3038-3048. [PMID: 39211580 PMCID: PMC11350572 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Metal nitrides (MNs) are attracting enormous attention in the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) because of their rich lattice nitrogen (Nlat) and the unique ability of Nlat vacancies to activate N2. However, continuing controversy exists on whether MNs are catalytically active for NRR or produce NH3 via the reductive decomposition of Nlat without N2 activation in the in situ electrochemical conditions, let alone the rational design of high-performance MN catalysts. Herein, we focus on the common rocksalt-type MN(100) catalysts and establish a quantitative theoretical framework based on the first-principles microkinetic simulations to resolve these puzzles. The results show that the Mars-van Krevelen mechanism is kinetically more favorable to drive the NRR on a majority of MNs, in which Nlat plays a pivotal role in achieving the Volmer process and N2 activation. In terms of stability, activity, and selectivity, we find that MN(100) with moderate formation energy of Nlat vacancy (E vac) can achieve maximum activity and maintain electrochemical stability, while low- or high-E vac ones are either unstable or catalytically less active. Unfortunately, owing to the five-coordinate structural feature of Nlat on rocksalt-type MN(100), this maximum activity is limited to a yield of NH3 of only ∼10-15 mol s-1 cm-2. Intriguingly, we identify a volcano-type activity-regulating role of the local structural features of Nlat and show that the four-coordinate Nlat can exhibit optimal activity and overcome the performance limitation, while less coordinated Nlat fails. This work provides, arguably for the first time, an in-depth theoretical insight into the activity and stability paradox of MNs for NRR and underlines the importance of reaction kinetic assessment in comparison with the prevailing simple thermodynamic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yuan
- Key
Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai
Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School
of Materials Science and Engineering, East
China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Key
Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai
Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School
of Materials Science and Engineering, East
China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yu Hou
- Key
Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai
Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School
of Materials Science and Engineering, East
China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hua Gui Yang
- Key
Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, Shanghai
Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School
of Materials Science and Engineering, East
China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Haifeng Wang
- State
Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering and Industrial Catalysis,
Center for Computational Chemistry and Research Institute of Industrial
Catalysis, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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Akter R, Shah SS, Ehsan MA, Shaikh MN, Zahir MH, Aziz MA, Ahammad AJS. Transition-metal-based Catalysts for Electrochemical Synthesis of Ammonia by Nitrogen Reduction Reaction: Advancing the Green Ammonia Economy. Chem Asian J 2024; 19:e202300797. [PMID: 37812018 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300797] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3), a cornerstone in the chemical industry, has historically been pivotal for producing various valuable products, notably fertilizers. Its significance is further underscored in the modern energy landscape, where NH3 is seen as a promising medium for hydrogen storage and transportation. However, the conventional Haber-Bosch process, which accounts for approximately 170 million ton of NH3 produced globally each year, is energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) emerges as a sustainable alternative that operates in ambient conditions and uses renewable energy sources. Despite its potential, the NRR faces challenges, including the inherent stability of nitrogen and its competition with the hydrogen evolution reaction. Transition metals, especially ruthenium (Ru) and molybdenum (Mo), have demonstrated promise as catalysts, enhancing the efficiency of the NRR. Ru excels in catalytic activity, while Mo offers robustness. Strategies like heteroatom doping are being pursued to mitigate NRR challenges, especially the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. This review delves into the advancements of Ru and Mo-based catalysts for electrochemical ammonia synthesis, elucidating the NRR mechanisms, and championing the transition towards a greener ammonia economy. It also seeks to elucidate the core principles underpinning the NRR mechanism. This shift aims not only to address challenges inherent to traditional production methods but also to align with the overarching goals of global sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riva Akter
- Department of Chemistry, Jagannath University, Dhaka, 1100, Bangladesh
| | - Syed Shaheen Shah
- Department of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8520, Japan
| | - Muhammad Ali Ehsan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen and Energy Storage (IRC-HES), King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, KFUPM Box 5040, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Nasiruzzaman Shaikh
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen and Energy Storage (IRC-HES), King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, KFUPM Box 5040, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Hasan Zahir
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Renewable Energy and Power Systems (IRC-REPS), King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Abdul Aziz
- Interdisciplinary Research Center for Hydrogen and Energy Storage (IRC-HES), King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, KFUPM Box 5040, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - A J Saleh Ahammad
- Department of Chemistry, Jagannath University, Dhaka, 1100, Bangladesh
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9
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Cheng W, Liu Y, Yang X, Yan S, Huang G, Zhang H, Tang Z, Zhou H. Effect of Facet on Local Electron Density of Oxygen Vacancy in Catalysts for Nitrogen Electro-Reduction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2312210. [PMID: 38600878 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202312210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Oxygen-vacancy (Ov) engineering is an effective strategy to manipulate the electronic configuration of catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR). The influence of the stable facet on the electronic configuration of Ov is widely studied, however, the effect of the reactive facet on the local electron density of Ov is unveiled. In this work, an eNRR electrode R(111)-TiO2/HGO is provided with a high proportion exposed reactive facet (111) of rutile-TiO2 (denoted as R(111)-TiO2) nanocrystals with Ov anchored in hierarchically porous graphite oxide (HGO) nanofilms. The R(111)-TiO2/HGO exhibits excellent eNRR performance with an NH3 yield rate of 20.68 µg h-1 cm-2, which is ≈20 times the control electrode with the most stable facet (110) exposed (R(110)-TiO2/HGO). The experimental data and theoretical simulations reveal that the crystal facet (111) has a positive effect on regulating the local electron density around the oxygen vacancy and the two adjacent Ti-sites, promoting the π-back-donation, minimizing the eNRR barrier, and transforming the rate determination step to *NNH→*NNHH. This work illuminates the effect of crystal facet on the performance of eNRR, and offers a novel strategy to design efficient eNRR catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Beijing Institute of Collaborative Innovation, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, CAS, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Shuhao Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Gaosheng Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhiyong Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Huiqiong Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
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10
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Sun Y, Feng G, Wang Z, Liu X, Chen X, Sa R, Li Q, Li X, Ma Z. Atomic-level tailoring of single-atom tungsten catalysts for optimized electrochemical nitrate-to-ammonia conversion. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 676:1023-1031. [PMID: 39074405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.07.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate contamination of water resources poses significant health and environmental risks, necessitating efficient denitrification methods that produce ammonia as a desirable product. The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) powered by renewable energy offers a promising solution, however, developing highly active and selective catalysts remains challenging. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have shown impressive performance, but the crucial role of their coordination environment, especially the next-nearest neighbor dopant atoms, in modulating catalytic activity for NO3RR is underexplored. This study aims to optimize the NO3RR performance of tungsten (W) single atoms anchored on graphene by precisely engineering their coordination environment through first and next-nearest neighbor dopants. The stability, reaction paths, activity, and selectivity of 43 different nitrogen and boron doping configurations were systematically studied using density functional theory. The results reveal W@C3, with W coordinated to three carbon atoms, exhibits outstanding NO3RR activity with a low limiting potential of -0.36 V. Intriguingly, introducing next-nearest neighbor B and N dopants further enhances the performance, with W@C3-BN achieving a lower limiting potential of -0.26 V. This exceptional activity originates from optimal nitrate adsorption strengths facilitated by orbital hybridization and charge modulation effects induced by the dopants. Furthermore, high energy barriers for NO2 and NO formation on W@C3 and W@C3-BN ensure their selectivity towards NO3RR products. These findings provide crucial atomic-level insights into rational design strategies for high-performance single-atom NO3RR catalysts via coordination environment engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Sun
- School of Environmental and Materials Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Guoning Feng
- School of Environmental and Materials Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- School of Environmental and Materials Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- School of Environmental and Materials Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Computer and Control Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| | - Rongjian Sa
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Qiaohong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- School of Environmental and Materials Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| | - Zuju Ma
- School of Environmental and Materials Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
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11
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Wen L, Liu X, Li X, Zhang H, Zhong S, Zeng P, Shah SSA, Hu X, Cai W, Li Y. Hydrophobic Microenvironment Modulation of Ru Nanoparticles in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Electrocatalytic N 2 Reduction. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2405210. [PMID: 38984453 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202405210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The modulation of the chemical microenvironment surrounding metal nanoparticles (NPs) is an effective means to enhance the selectivity and activity of catalytic reactions. Herein, a post-synthetic modification strategy is developed to modulate the hydrophobic microenvironment of Ru nanoparticles encapsulated in a metal-organic framework (MOF), MIP-206, namely Ru@MIP-Fx (where x represents perfluoroalkyl chain lengths of 3, 5, 7, 11, and 15), in order to systematically explore the effect of the hydrophobic microenvironment on the electrocatalytic activity. The increase of perfluoroalkyl chain length can gradually enhance the hydrophobicity of the catalyst, which effectively suppresses the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Moreover, the electrocatalytic production rate of ammonia and the corresponding Faraday efficiency display a volcano-like pattern with increasing hydrophobicity, with Ru@MIP-F7 showing the highest activity. Theoretical calculations and experiments jointly show that modification of perfluoroalkyl chains of different lengths on MIP-206 modulates the electronic state of Ru nanoparticles and reduces the rate-determining step for the formation of the key intermediate of N2H2 *, leading to superior electrocatalytic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Wen
- Key Lab of Materials Physics, Anhui Key Lab of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoshuo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China
| | - Xinyang Li
- Key Lab of Materials Physics, Anhui Key Lab of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, P. R. China
| | - Hanlin Zhang
- Key Lab of Materials Physics, Anhui Key Lab of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Shichuan Zhong
- Key Lab of Materials Physics, Anhui Key Lab of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, P. R. China
| | - Pan Zeng
- Key Lab of Materials Physics, Anhui Key Lab of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, P. R. China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Syed Shoaib Ahmad Shah
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Xiaoye Hu
- Key Lab of Materials Physics, Anhui Key Lab of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, P. R. China
| | - Weiping Cai
- Key Lab of Materials Physics, Anhui Key Lab of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, P. R. China
| | - Yue Li
- Key Lab of Materials Physics, Anhui Key Lab of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, P. R. China
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, P. R. China
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12
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Kment Š, Bakandritsos A, Tantis I, Kmentová H, Zuo Y, Henrotte O, Naldoni A, Otyepka M, Varma RS, Zbořil R. Single Atom Catalysts Based on Earth-Abundant Metals for Energy-Related Applications. Chem Rev 2024. [PMID: 38967551 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities related to population growth, economic development, technological advances, and changes in lifestyle and climate patterns result in a continuous increase in energy consumption. At the same time, the rare metal elements frequently deployed as catalysts in energy related processes are not only costly in view of their low natural abundance, but their availability is often further limited due to geopolitical reasons. Thus, electrochemical energy storage and conversion with earth-abundant metals, mainly in the form of single-atom catalysts (SACs), are highly relevant and timely technologies. In this review the application of earth-abundant SACs in electrochemical energy storage and electrocatalytic conversion of chemicals to fuels or products with high energy content is discussed. The oxygen reduction reaction is also appraised, which is primarily harnessed in fuel cell technologies and metal-air batteries. The coordination, active sites, and mechanistic aspects of transition metal SACs are analyzed for two-electron and four-electron reaction pathways. Further, the electrochemical water splitting with SACs toward green hydrogen fuel is discussed in terms of not only hydrogen evolution reaction but also oxygen evolution reaction. Similarly, the production of ammonia as a clean fuel via electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction is portrayed, highlighting the potential of earth-abundant single metal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Štĕpán Kment
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Nanotechnology Centre, Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, 708 00 Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic
| | - Aristides Bakandritsos
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Nanotechnology Centre, Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, 708 00 Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic
| | - Iosif Tantis
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kmentová
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Yunpeng Zuo
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Olivier Henrotte
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Alberto Naldoni
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemistry and NIS Centre, University of Turin, Turin, Italy 10125
| | - Michal Otyepka
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- IT4Innovations, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, 708 00 Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic
| | - Rajender S Varma
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Zbořil
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Nanotechnology Centre, Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, 708 00 Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic
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13
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Wang Z, Yi Z, Wong LW, Tang X, Wang H, Wang H, Zhou C, He Y, Xiong W, Wang G, Zeng G, Zhao J, Xu P. Oxygen Doping Cooperated with Co-N-Fe Dual-Catalytic Sites: Synergistic Mechanism for Catalytic Water Purification within Nanoconfined Membrane. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2404278. [PMID: 38743014 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Atom-site catalysts, especially for graphitic carbon nitride-based catalysts, represents one of the most promising candidates in catalysis membrane for water decontamination. However, unravelling the intricate relationships between synthesis-structure-properties remains a great challenge. This study addresses the impacts of coordination environment and structure units of metal central sites based on Mantel test, correlation analysis, and evolution of metal central sites. An optimized unconventional oxygen doping cooperated with Co-N-Fe dual-sites (OCN Co/Fe) exhibits synergistic mechanism for efficient peroxymonosulfate activation, which benefits from a significant increase in charge density at the active sites and the regulation in the natural population of orbitals, leading to selective generation of SO4 •-. Building upon these findings, the OCN-Co/Fe/PVDF composite membrane demonstrates a 33 min-1 ciprofloxacin (CIP) rejection efficiency and maintains over 96% CIP removal efficiency (over 24 h) with an average permeance of 130.95 L m-2 h-1. This work offers a fundamental guide for elucidating the definitive origin of catalytic performance in advance oxidation process to facilitate the rational design of separation catalysis membrane with improved performance and enhanced stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
- Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, 999077, China
| | - Zhigang Yi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Lok Wing Wong
- Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, 999077, China
| | - Xiang Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, P. R. China
| | - Hou Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Han Wang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410083, China
| | - Chengyun Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yangzhuo He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Weiping Xiong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Guangfu Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jiong Zhao
- Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, 999077, China
| | - Piao Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
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14
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Cao J, Zhao F, Li C, Zhao Q, Gao L, Ma T, Xu H, Ren X, Liu A. Electrocatalytic Synthesis of Urea: An In-depth Investigation from Material Modification to Mechanism Analysis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2403412. [PMID: 38934550 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202403412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Industrial urea synthesis production uses NH3 from the Haber-Bosch method, followed by the reaction of NH3 with CO2, which is an energy-consuming technique. More thorough evaluations of the electrocatalytic C-N coupling reaction are needed for the urea synthesis development process, catalyst design, and the underlying reaction mechanisms. However, challenges of adsorption and activation of reactant and suppression of side reactions still hinder its development, making the systematic review necessary. This review meticulously outlines the progress in electrochemical urea synthesis by utilizing different nitrogen (NO3 -, N2, NO2 -, and N2O) and carbon (CO2 and CO) sources. Additionally, it delves into advanced methods in materials design, such as doping, facet engineering, alloying, and vacancy introduction. Furthermore, the existing classes of urea synthesis catalysts are clearly defined, which include 2D nanomaterials, materials with Mott-Schottky structure, materials with artificially frustrated Lewis pairs, single-atom catalysts (SACs), and heteronuclear dual-atom catalysts (HDACs). A comprehensive analysis of the benefits, drawbacks, and latest developments in modern urea detection techniques is discussed. It is aspired that this review will serve as a valuable reference for subsequent designs of highly efficient electrocatalysts and the development of strategies to enhance the performance of electrochemical urea synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghui Cao
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Leicester International Institute, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Leicester International Institute, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Chengjie Li
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Green and High-value Marine Fine Chemical, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, China
| | - Qidong Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Leicester International Institute, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Liguo Gao
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Leicester International Institute, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Tingli Ma
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Hao Xu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, 010051, China
| | - Xuefeng Ren
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Leicester International Institute, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
| | - Anmin Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Leicester International Institute, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin, 124221, China
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15
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Biswas S, Zhou J, Chen XL, Chi C, Pan YA, Cui P, Li J, Liu C, Xia XH. Synergistic Al-Al Dual-Atomic Site for Efficient Artificial Nitrogen Fixation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202405493. [PMID: 38604975 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405493] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Synthesis of ammonia by electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a promising alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. However, it is commonly obstructed by the high activation energy. Here, we report the design and synthesis of an Al-Al bonded dual atomic catalyst stabilized within an amorphous nitrogen-doped porous carbon matrix (Al2NC) with high NRR performance. The dual atomic Al2-sites act synergistically to catalyze the complex multiple steps of NRR through adsorption and activation, enhancing the proton-coupled electron transfer. This Al2NC catalyst exhibits a high Faradaic efficiency of 16.56±0.3 % with a yield rate of 29.22±1.2 μg h-1 mgcat -1. The dual atomic Al2NC catalyst shows long-term repeatable, and stable NRR performance. This work presents an insight into the identification of synergistic dual atomic catalytic site and mechanistic pathway for the electrochemical conversion of N2 to NH3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Biswas
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xue-Lu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chen Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yi-An Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Peixin Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chungen Liu
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xing-Hua Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
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16
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Wang H, Zhang C, Liu B, Li W, Jiang C, Ke Z, He D, Xiao X. Tuning Surface Potential Polarization to Enhance N 2 Affinity for Ammonia Electrosynthesis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2401032. [PMID: 38444219 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (NRR) to synthesize ammonia is a sustainable reaction that is expected to replace Haber Bosch process. Laminated Bi2WO6 has great potential as an NRR electrocatalyst, however, the effective activity requires that the inert substrate is fully activated. Here, for the first time, success is achieved in activating the Bi2WO6 basal planes with NRR activity through Ti doping. The introduction of Ti successfully tunes the surface potential distribution and enhances the N2 adsorption. The subsequently strong hybrid coupling of d(Ti)-p(N) orbitals fills the electronic state of N2 antibonding molecular orbital, which greatly weakens the bonding strength of N≡N bonds. Further, in situ synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectrum and theoretical calculations show that surface potential polarization enhances the adsorption of HNN* by Bi-Ti dual-metal sites, which is beneficial for the subsequent activation hydrogenation process. The Ti-Bi2WO6 nanosheets achieve 11.44% Faradaic efficiency (-0.2 V vs. RHE), a NH3 yield rate of 23.14 µg mg-1 h-1 (15N calibration), and satisfactory stability in 0.1 M HCl environment. The mutual assistance of theory and experiment can help understand and develop of excellent two-dimensional (2D) materials for the NRR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Wang
- School of Physics and Technology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- School of Physics and Technology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Boling Liu
- School of Physics and Technology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Wenqing Li
- School of Physics and Technology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Changzhong Jiang
- School of Physics and Technology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Zunjian Ke
- School of Physics and Technology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Dong He
- School of Physics and Technology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Xiangheng Xiao
- School of Physics and Technology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
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17
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Yang X, Lin L, Guo X, Zhang S. Design of Multifunctional Electrocatalysts for ORR/OER/HER/HOR: Janus Makes Difference. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2404000. [PMID: 38809060 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202404000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Multifunctional electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have broad application prospects; However, realization of such kinds of materials remain difficulties because it requires the materials to have not only unique electronic properties, but multiple active centers to deal with different reactions. Here, employing density functional theory (DFT) computations, it is demonstrated that by decorating the Janus-type 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) of TaSSe with the single atoms, the materials can achieve multifunctionality to catalyze the ORR/OER/HER/HOR. Out of sixteen catalytic systems, Pt-VS (i.e., Pt atom embedded in the sulfur vacancy), Pd-VSe, and Pt-VSe@TaSSe are promising multifunctional catalysts with superior stability. Among them, the Pt-VS@TaSSe catalyst exhibits the highest activity with theoretical overpotentials ηORR = 0.40 V, ηOER = 0.39 V, and ηHER/HOR = 0.07 V, respectively, better than the traditional Pt (111), IrO2 (110). The interplays between the catalyst and the reaction intermediate over the course of the reaction are then systematically investigated. Generally, this study presents a viable approach for the design and development of advanced multifunctional electrocatalysts. It enriches the application of Janus, a new 2D material, in electrochemical energy storage and conversion technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Yang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Materials on Deep-Earth Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, China
| | - Long Lin
- Henan Key Laboratory of Materials on Deep-Earth Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- School of Science, Constructor University, 28759, Bremen, Germany
| | - Shengli Zhang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Advanced Display Materials and Devices Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, College of Material Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China
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18
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Yang K, Han SH, Cheng C, Guo C, Li T, Yu Y. Unveiling the Reaction Mechanism of Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia Over Cobalt-Based Electrocatalysts. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12976-12983. [PMID: 38567925 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NRA) has emerged as an alternative strategy for sewage treatment and ammonia generation. Despite excellent performances having been achieved over cobalt-based electrocatalysts, the reaction mechanism as well as veritable active species across a wide potential range are still full of controversy. Here, we adopt CoP, Co, and Co3O4 as model materials to solve these issues. CoP evolves into a core@shell structured CoP@Co before NRA. For CoP@Co and Co catalysts, a three-step relay mechanism is carried out over superficial dynamical Coδ+ active species under low overpotential, while a continuous hydrogenation mechanism from nitrate to ammonia is unveiled over superficial Co species under high overpotential. In comparison, Co3O4 species are stable and steadily catalyze nitrate hydrogenation to ammonia across a wide potential range. As a result, CoP@Co and Co exhibit much higher NRA activity than Co3O4 especially under a low overpotential. Moreover, the NRA performance of CoP@Co is higher than Co although they experience the same reaction mechanism. A series of characterizations clarify the reason for performance enhancement highlighting that CoP core donates abundant electrons to superficial active species, leading to the generation of more active hydrogen for the reduction of nitrogen-containing intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Yang
- Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Shu-He Han
- Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chuanqi Cheng
- Institute of New Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chengying Guo
- Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Asia Silicon Joint Research Center of Ammonia-Hydrogen New Energy, Tianjin University, Xining 810000, China
| | - Tieliang Li
- Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yifu Yu
- Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Asia Silicon Joint Research Center of Ammonia-Hydrogen New Energy, Tianjin University, Xining 810000, China
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19
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Zhang Y, Wang D, Wei G, Li B, Mao Z, Xu SM, Tang S, Jiang J, Li Z, Wang X, Xu X. Engineering Spin Polarization of the Surface-Adsorbed Fe Atom by Intercalating a Transition Metal Atom into the MoS 2 Bilayer for Enhanced Nitrogen Reduction. JACS AU 2024; 4:1509-1520. [PMID: 38665658 PMCID: PMC11040660 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The precise control of spin states in transition metal (TM)-based single-atom catalysts (SACs) is crucial for advancing the functionality of electrocatalysts, yet it presents significant scientific challenges. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we propose a novel mechanism to precisely modulate the spin state of the surface-adsorbed Fe atom on the MoS2 bilayer. This is achieved by strategically intercalating a TM atom into the interlayer space of the MoS2 bilayer. Our results show that these strategically intercalated TM atoms can induce a substantial interfacial charge polarization, thereby effectively controlling the charge transfer and spin polarization on the surface Fe site. In particular, by varying the identity of the intercalated TM atoms and their vacancy filling site, a continuous modulation of the spin states of the surface Fe site from low to medium to high can be achieved, which can be accurately described using descriptors composed of readily accessible intrinsic properties of materials. Using the electrochemical dinitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) as a prototypical reaction, we discovered a universal volcano-like relation between the tuned spin and the catalytic activity of Fe-based SACs. This finding contrasts with the linear scaling relationships commonly seen in traditional studies and offers a robust new approach to modulating the activity of SACs through interfacial engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Organo-Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Da Wang
- School
of Mathematics and Computer Science, Gannan
Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Guanping Wei
- Key
Laboratory of Organo-Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Baolei Li
- School
of Mathematics and Computer Science, Gannan
Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Zongchang Mao
- Key
Laboratory of Organo-Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Si-Min Xu
- Key
Laboratory of Organo-Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Shaobin Tang
- Key
Laboratory of Organo-Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Key
Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, School of Chemistry
and Materials Science, University of Science
and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Key
Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, School of Chemistry
and Materials Science, University of Science
and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Xijun Wang
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Xin Xu
- Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Shanghai Key
Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, MOE Key
Laboratory of Computational Physical Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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20
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Xu R, Cao S, Bo T, Mu N, Liu Y, Zhou W. Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction on anchored SnS 2 nanosheets with TM 2 dimers. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 660:290-301. [PMID: 38244496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.01.081] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The design of efficient, high-stability nitrogen fixation catalysts remains a great challenge to achieve electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions. Herein, the high-throughput first-principles calculations are performed to obtain potential electrochemical NRR catalysts from transition metal (TM) dimers anchored on SnS2 nanosheets. The selected W2/SnS2 behaves as a promising NRR candidate possessing -0.27 V limiting potential and 0.81 eV maximum kinetic potential, and it exhibits the adsorption advantages of *N2 over other small molecules (*H2O, *O, *OH, *H). More importantly, the moderate d orbital valence electron number and electronegativity of TM atom could obtain better NRR activity, and a new descriptor φ considering the effects of coordination environments and adsorbates is proposed to achieve the fast pre-screening among various candidates. This work presents practical insights into the fast screening of TM2/SnS2 candidates for efficient nitrogen fixation and further streamlining the design of electrochemical NRR catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixin Xu
- Department of Applied Physics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Shiqian Cao
- Department of Applied Physics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Tingting Bo
- Department of Applied Physics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Nan Mu
- Department of Applied Physics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Yanyu Liu
- College of Physics and Materials Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, PR China.
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Applied Physics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials Physics and Preparing Technology, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China.
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21
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Xie L, Zhou W, Huang Y, Qu Z, Li L, Yang C, Ding Y, Li J, Meng X, Sun F, Gao J, Zhao G, Qin Y. Elucidating the impact of oxygen functional groups on the catalytic activity of M-N 4-C catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction: a density functional theory and machine learning approach. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:1719-1731. [PMID: 38277153 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh02115g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Efforts to enhance the efficiency of electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in energy conversion and storage devices present formidable challenges. In this endeavor, M-N4-C single-atom catalysts (MN4) have emerged as promising candidates due to their precise atomic structure and adaptable electronic properties. However, MN4 catalysts inherently introduce oxygen functional groups (OGs), intricately influencing the catalytic process and complicating the identification of active sites. This study employs advanced density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the profound influence of OGs on ORR catalysis within MN4 catalysts (referred to as OGs@MN4, where M represents Fe or Co). We established the following activity order for the 2eORR: for OGs@CoN4: OH@CoN4 > CoN4 > CHO@CoN4 > C-O-C@CoN4 > COC@CoN4 > COOH@CoN4 > CO@CoN4; for OGs@FeN4: COC@FeN4 > CO@FeN4 > OH@FeN4 > FeN4 > COOH@FeN4 > CHO@FeN4 > C-O-C@FeN4. Multiple oxygen combinations were constructed and found to be the true origin of MN4 activity (for instance, the overpotential of 2OH@CoN4 as low as 0.07 V). Furthermore, we explored the performance of the OGs@MN4 system through charge and d-band center analysis, revealing the limitations of previous electron-withdrawing/donating strategies. Machine learning analysis, including GBR, GPR, and LINER models, effectively guides the prediction of catalyst performance (with an R2 value of 0.93 for predicting ΔG*OOH_vac in the GBR model). The Eg descriptor was identified as the primary factor characterizing ΔG*OOH_vac (accounting for 62.8%; OGs@CoN4: R2 = 0.9077, OGs@FeN4: R2 = 0.7781). This study unveils the significant impact of OGs on MN4 catalysts and pioneers design and synthesis criteria rooted in Eg. These innovative findings provide valuable insights into understanding the origins of catalytic activity and guiding the design of carbon-based single-atom catalysts, appealing to a broad audience interested in energy conversion technologies and materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xie
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, P. R. China.
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
| | - Yuming Huang
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
| | - Zhibin Qu
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
| | - Longhao Li
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
| | - Chaowei Yang
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
| | - Yani Ding
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
| | - Junfeng Li
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaoxiao Meng
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
| | - Fei Sun
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
| | - Jihui Gao
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
| | - Guangbo Zhao
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
| | - Yukun Qin
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
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22
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Yang R, Wang Y, Li H, Zhou J, Gao Z, Liu C, Zhang B. Descriptor-Based Volcano Relations Predict Single Atoms for Hydroxylamine Electrosynthesis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317167. [PMID: 38323917 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317167] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Hydroxylamine (NH2OH) is an important feedstock in fuels, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Nanostructured electrocatalysts drive green electrosynthesis of hydroxylamine from nitrogen oxide species in water. However, current electrocatalysts still suffer from low selectivity and manpower-consuming trial-and-error modes, leaving unclear selectivity/activity origins and a lack of catalyst design principles. Herein, we theoretically analyze key determinants of selectivity/activity and propose the adsorption energy of NHO (Gad(*NHO)) as a performance descriptor. A weak *NH2OH binding affinity and a favorable reaction pathway (*NHO pathway) jointly enable single-atom catalysts (SACs) with superior NH2OH selectivity. Then, an activity volcano plot of Gad(*NHO) is established to predict a series of SACs and discover Mn SACs as optimal electrocatalysts that exhibit pH-dependent activity. These theoretical prediction results are also confirmed by experimental results, rationalizing our Gad(*NHO) descriptor. Furthermore, Mn-Co geminal-atom catalysts (GACs) are predicted to optimize Gad(*NHO) and are experimentally proved to enhance NH2OH formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Hongjiao Li
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zeyuan Gao
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Cuibo Liu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin, 300192, China
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23
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Mu J, Gao X, Yu T, Zhao L, Luo W, Yang H, Liu Z, Sun Z, Gu Q, Li F. Ambient Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis: From Theoretical Guidance to Catalyst Design. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308979. [PMID: 38345238 PMCID: PMC11022736 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Ammonia, a vital component in the synthesis of fertilizers, plastics, and explosives, is traditionally produced via the energy-intensive and environmentally detrimental Haber-Bosch process. Given its considerable energy consumption and significant greenhouse gas emissions, there is a growing shift toward electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis as an eco-friendly alternative. However, developing efficient electrocatalysts capable of achieving high selectivity, Faraday efficiency, and yield under ambient conditions remains a significant challenge. This review delves into the decades-long research into electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis, highlighting the evolution of fundamental principles, theoretical descriptors, and reaction mechanisms. An in-depth analysis of the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) and nitrate reduction reaction (NitRR) is provided, with a focus on their electrocatalysts. Additionally, the theories behind electrocatalyst design for ammonia synthesis are examined, including the Gibbs free energy approach, Sabatier principle, d-band center theory, and orbital spin states. The review culminates in a comprehensive overview of the current challenges and prospective future directions in electrocatalyst development for NRR and NitRR, paving the way for more sustainable methods of ammonia production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjia Mu
- Institute for Energy Electrochemistry and Urban Mines MetallurgySchool of MetallurgyNortheastern UniversityShenyangLiaoning110819China
| | - Xuan‐Wen Gao
- Institute for Energy Electrochemistry and Urban Mines MetallurgySchool of MetallurgyNortheastern UniversityShenyangLiaoning110819China
| | - Tong Yu
- Institute of Metal ResearchChinese Academy of SciencesShenyangLiaoning110016China
| | - Lu‐Kang Zhao
- Institute for Energy Electrochemistry and Urban Mines MetallurgySchool of MetallurgyNortheastern UniversityShenyangLiaoning110819China
| | - Wen‐Bin Luo
- Institute for Energy Electrochemistry and Urban Mines MetallurgySchool of MetallurgyNortheastern UniversityShenyangLiaoning110819China
| | - Huicong Yang
- Institute of Metal ResearchChinese Academy of SciencesShenyangLiaoning110016China
| | - Zhao‐Meng Liu
- Institute for Energy Electrochemistry and Urban Mines MetallurgySchool of MetallurgyNortheastern UniversityShenyangLiaoning110819China
| | - Zhenhua Sun
- Institute of Metal ResearchChinese Academy of SciencesShenyangLiaoning110016China
| | - Qin‐Fen Gu
- Institute for Energy Electrochemistry and Urban Mines MetallurgySchool of MetallurgyNortheastern UniversityShenyangLiaoning110819China
- Australian Synchrotron (ANSTO)800 Blackburn RdClaytonVIC3168Australia
| | - Feng Li
- Institute of Metal ResearchChinese Academy of SciencesShenyangLiaoning110016China
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24
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Yu Y, Wei X, Chen W, Qian G, Chen C, Wang S, Min D. Design of Single-Atom Catalysts for E lectrocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202301105. [PMID: 37985420 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) can be used to solve environmental problems as well as energy shortage. However, ENRR still faces the problems of low NH3 yield and low selectivity. The NH3 yield and selectivity in ENRR are affected by multiple factors such as electrolytic cells, electrolytes, and catalysts, etc. Among these catalysts are at the core of ENRR research. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) with intrinsic activity have become an emerging technology for numerous energy regeneration, including ENRR. In particular, regulating the microenvironment of SACs (hydrogen evolution reaction inhibition, carrier engineering, metal-carrier interaction, etc.) can break through the limitation of intrinsic activity of SACs. Therefore, this Review first introduces the basic principles of NRR and outlines the key factors affecting ENRR. Then a comprehensive summary is given of the progress of SACs (precious metals, non-precious metals, non-metallic) and diatomic catalysts (DACs) in ENRR. The impact of SACs microenvironmental regulation on ENRR is highlighted. Finally, further research directions for SACs in ENRR are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yu
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxsi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wei
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxsi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Wangqian Chen
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxsi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Guangfu Qian
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxsi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Changzhou Chen
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxsi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Shuangfei Wang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxsi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
| | - Douyong Min
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxsi University, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, P. R. China
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25
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Chen X, Lin ZZ. Efficient Nitrogen Reduction on Weyl Antiferromagnet Mn 3 Sn. Chemphyschem 2024; 25:e202300451. [PMID: 38190838 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300451] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Topological semimetals have gradually emerged as excellent catalysts owing to their robust surface states. Recently, Mn3 X (X=Sn, Ge, and Ir), which exhibits noncollinear antiferromagnetic phases at room temperature, has been found to possess energy bands that are characteristic of Weyl semimetals. In this study, we demonstrate that the perfect Mn3 Sn (001) surface is favorable for N2 reduction with a low onset potential. According to a theoretical criterion, the catalytic performance of the (001) surface of Mn3 Sn is higher than that of the (001) surfaces of the homologues Cr3 Sn and Mo3 Sn. The construction and catalytic performance of other types of Mn3 Sn surfaces are also investigated. Our findings highlight the feasibility of applying topological Weyl semimetals as electrocatalysts for N2 reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- School of Physics, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, China
| | - Zheng-Zhe Lin
- School of Physics, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, China
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26
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Li Y, Gao D, Tang C, Guo Z, Miao N, Sa B, Zhou J, Sun Z. Breaking linear scaling relations by strain engineering on MXene for boosting N 2 electroreduction. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 658:114-126. [PMID: 38100968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.12.046] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The development of N2 reduction reaction (NRR) electrocatalysts with excellent activity and selectivity is of great significance, but adsorption-energy linear scaling relations between reaction intermediates severely hamper the realization of this aspiration. Here, we propose an elegant strain engineering strategy to break the linear relations in NRR to promote catalytic activity and selectivity. Our results show that the N-N bond lengths of adsorbed N2 with side-on and end-on configurations exhibit opposite variations under strains, which is illuminated by establishing two different N2 activation mechanisms of "P-P" (Pull-Pull) and "E-E" (Electron-Electron). Then, we highlight that strain engineering can break the linear scaling relations in NRR, selectively optimizing the adsorption of key NH2NH2** and NH2* intermediates to realize a lower limiting potential (UL). Particularly, the catalytic activity-selectivity trade-off of NRR on MXene can be circumvented, resulting in a low UL of -0.25 V and high Faraday efficiency (FE), which is further elucidated to originate from the strain-modulated electronic structures. Last but not least, the catalytic sustainability of MXene under strain has been guaranteed. This work not only provides fundamental insights into the strain effect on catalysis but also pioneers a new avenue toward the rational design of superior NRR catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Boron Nitride Micro and Nano Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Dongyue Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Boron Nitride Micro and Nano Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Chengchun Tang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Boron Nitride Micro and Nano Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Zhonglu Guo
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Boron Nitride Micro and Nano Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China.
| | - Naihua Miao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Baisheng Sa
- Key Laboratory of Eco-materials Advanced Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhimei Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China.
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27
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Duan X, Sha Q, Li P, Li T, Yang G, Liu W, Yu E, Zhou D, Fang J, Chen W, Chen Y, Zheng L, Liao J, Wang Z, Li Y, Yang H, Zhang G, Zhuang Z, Hung SF, Jing C, Luo J, Bai L, Dong J, Xiao H, Liu W, Kuang Y, Liu B, Sun X. Dynamic chloride ion adsorption on single iridium atom boosts seawater oxidation catalysis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1973. [PMID: 38438342 PMCID: PMC10912682 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46140-y] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Seawater electrolysis offers a renewable, scalable, and economic means for green hydrogen production. However, anode corrosion by Cl- pose great challenges for its commercialization. Herein, different from conventional catalysts designed to repel Cl- adsorption, we develop an atomic Ir catalyst on cobalt iron layered double hydroxide (Ir/CoFe-LDH) to tailor Cl- adsorption and modulate the electronic structure of the Ir active center, thereby establishing a unique Ir-OH/Cl coordination for alkaline seawater electrolysis. Operando characterizations and theoretical calculations unveil the pivotal role of this coordination state to lower OER activation energy by a factor of 1.93. The Ir/CoFe-LDH exhibits a remarkable oxygen evolution reaction activity (202 mV overpotential and TOF = 7.46 O2 s-1) in 6 M NaOH+2.8 M NaCl, superior over Cl--free 6 M NaOH electrolyte (236 mV overpotential and TOF = 1.05 O2 s-1), with 100% catalytic selectivity and stability at high current densities (400-800 mA cm-2) for more than 1,000 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxuan Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637459, Singapore
| | - Qihao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Pengsong Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Tianshui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Guotao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Ende Yu
- Ocean Hydrogen Energy R&D Center, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518057, PR China
| | - Daojin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Jinjie Fang
- State Key Lab of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wenxing Chen
- Energy & Catalysis Center, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Yizhen Chen
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, PR China
| | - Lirong Zheng
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiangwen Liao
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yaping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Hongbin Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, PR China
| | - Guoxin Zhang
- College of Energy, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Tsingtao, 266590, PR China
| | - Zhongbin Zhuang
- State Key Lab of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029, Beijing, PR China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Environmental Catalysis, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100029, Beijing, PR China
| | - Sung-Fu Hung
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Center for Emergent Functional Matter Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Changfei Jing
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Lab of Photoelectric Materials & Devices, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, PR China
| | - Jun Luo
- ShenSi Lab, Shenzhen Institute for Advanced Study, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen, 518110, PR China
| | - Lu Bai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, 100190, Beijing, PR China
| | - Juncai Dong
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hai Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Yun Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
- Ocean Hydrogen Energy R&D Center, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518057, PR China.
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, PR China.
- Department of Chemistry & Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF), City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, PR China.
| | - Xiaoming Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
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28
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Gao Y, Li Q, Yin Z, Wang H, Wei Z, Gao J. Transition metal small clusters anchored on biphenylene for effective electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:6991-7000. [PMID: 38344948 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp05763a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The synthesis of ammonia via an electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR, N2 + 6H+ + 6e- → 2NH3), which can weaken but not directly break an inert NN bond under mild conditions via multiple progressive protonation steps, has been proposed as one of the most attractive alternatives for the production of NH3. However, the development of appropriate catalyst materials is a major challenge in the application of NRRs. Recently, single- or multi-metal atoms anchored on two-dimensional (2D) substrates have been demonstrated as ideal candidates for facilitating NRRs. In this work, by applying spin-polarized density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamic simulations, we systematically explored the performances of nine types of transition metal multi-atoms anchored on a recently developed 2D biphenylene (BPN) sheet in nitrogen reduction. Structural stability and NRR performance catalyzed by TMn (TM = V, Fe, Ni, Mo, Ru, Rh, W, Re, Ir; n = 1-4) clusters anchored on BPN sheets were systematically explored. After a strict six-step screening strategy, it was found that W2, Ru2 and Mo4 clusters loaded on BPN demonstrate superior potential for nitrogen reduction with extremely low onset potentials of -0.26, -0.36 and -0.17 V, respectively. Electronic structure analysis revealed that the enhanced ability of these multi-atom catalysts to effectively capture and reduce the N2 molecule can be attributed to bidirectional charge transfer between the d orbitals of transition metal atoms and molecular orbitals of the adsorbed N2 through a "donation-back donation" mechanism. Our findings highlight the value of BPN sheets as a substrate for designing multi-atom nitrogen reduction reaction catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
| | - Qingchen Li
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
| | - Zhilii Yin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
| | - Zhong Wei
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
| | - Junfeng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Dalian 116024, China.
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29
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Qiao M, Xie J, Zhu D. Mo-X 4 (X = O, NH and S)-mediated triphenylene-based two-dimensional carbon-rich conjugate frameworks for an efficient nitrogen reduction reaction. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:3676-3684. [PMID: 38288848 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06549a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a highly competitive approach for the ammonia synthesis to overcome the problems of high energy consumption and air pollution by the traditional Haber-Bosch process. However, the challenges of inert N2 molecule activation and the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) restrict the real utilization of the NRR. Herein, by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we proposed three two-dimensional carbon-rich conjugate frameworks (2D-CCFs) with hexa-substituted triphenylene organic linkers with a metal atom Mo and functional groups X (X = O, NH, and S), namely Mo3(HOTP)2, Mo3(HITP)2 and Mo3(THT)2, to investigate their NRR performance. Our theoretical calculations reveal that Mo atoms in 2D-CCFs can efficiently capture and activate N2 molecules. Among the three structures, Mo3(HOTP)2 exhibited the most superior performance toward the NRR with a favorable limiting potential of -0.41 V and good selectivity for the HER. Furthermore, the catalytic efficiency of 2D-CCFs can be regulated by changing the atoms X in Mo-X4 motifs, providing a new scenario for the development of highly efficient NRR catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Qiao
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing, 210044, China.
| | - Jiachi Xie
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing, 210044, China.
| | - Dongdong Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, 219 Ningliu Road, Nanjing, 210044, China.
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30
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Wu Q, Dai C, Meng F, Jiao Y, Xu ZJ. Potential and electric double-layer effect in electrocatalytic urea synthesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1095. [PMID: 38321031 PMCID: PMC10847171 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45522-6] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrochemical synthesis is a promising way for sustainable urea production, yet the exact mechanism has not been fully revealed. Herein, we explore the mechanism of electrochemical coupling of nitrite and carbon dioxide on Cu surfaces towards urea synthesis on the basis of a constant-potential method combined with an implicit solvent model. The working electrode potential, which has normally overlooked, is found influential on both the reaction mechanism and activity. The further computational study on the reaction pathways reveals that *CO-NH and *NH-CO-NH as the key intermediates. In addition, through the analysis of turnover frequencies under various potentials, pressures, and temperatures within a microkinetic model, we demonstrate that the activity increases with temperature, and the Cu(100) shows the highest efficiency towards urea synthesis among all three Cu surfaces. The electric double-layer capacitance also plays a key role in urea synthesis. Based on these findings, we propose two essential strategies to promote the efficiency of urea synthesis on Cu electrodes: increasing Cu(100) surface ratio and elevating the reaction temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Chencheng Dai
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- The Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore, 1 CREATE way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Fanxu Meng
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yan Jiao
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Zhichuan J Xu
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
- The Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore, 1 CREATE way, Singapore, 138602, Singapore.
- Energy Research Institute @ Nanyang Technological University, ERI@N, Interdisciplinary Graduate School, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
- Center for Advanced Catalysis Science and Technology, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
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31
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Qin M, Chen L, Zhang W, Yang J. A Self-Consistent Framework for Tailored Single-Atom Catalysts in Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:1089-1096. [PMID: 38261607 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The catalytic activity of single-atom catalysts (SACs) is crucially affected by the actual ligand configurations under the reaction condition; thus, carefully considering the reaction condition is crucial for the theoretical design of SACs. With single metal atoms supported by g-C3N4 as a model system, a self-consistent screening framework is proposed for the theoretical design of SACs with respect to the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Pourbaix diagrams are constructed on the basis of various co-adsorption configurations of N2, H, and OH. Possible stable configurations containing N2 under the expected reaction condition are considered to obtain the limiting potential of NRR, and the stability of the configuration at the calculated UL is rechecked. With this framework, AC stacking of double-layer g-C3N4-supported Nb and AA stacking and AB stacking of double-layer g-C3N4-supported W are predicted to exhibit superior NRR activity with UL values of -0.36, -0.45, and -0.52 V, respectively. This procedure can be widely applied to the screening of SACs for electrocatalytic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxin Qin
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Lanlan Chen
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Wenhua Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
- Laboratory for Chemical Technology, Ghent University, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Jinlong Yang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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32
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Liu P, Liu Y, Zhang A, Liu Z, Yang L, Yang Z. Catalytic Ozonation of Air toward Direct Nitric Acid Production Using Hierarchical Co 3O 4 with a Tunable Microstructure. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:3564-3575. [PMID: 38206319 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The nitrogen oxidation reaction (NOR) to form nitric acid by applying natural air and H2O under ambient conditions is a sustainable approach to achieving efficient and selective N2 fixation for industrial applications. In this study, four kinds of Co3O4 catalysts with a controllable microstructure were prepared to catalyze the direct NOR of N2 in the air. At the same time, the reaction mechanism of the conversion of N2 to nitric acid under catalytic ozonation was explored through experimental research and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The results showed that the prepared porous nanosheets self-assembled into microflower-structured samples. The HCOF showed extraordinary catalytic performance for direct NOR to produce a high concentration of nitric acid. The maximum rate of nitric acid formation could be as high as 6.67 mmol/(h·gcat), which was higher than those of most reported photocatalytic or electrocatalytic N2 fixation processes for direct NOR to produce NO3-. Furthermore, the 15N isotopic-labeling experiment confirmed that the produced NO3- originated from N2 in the air by the direct NOR process. In the direct NOR mechanism, inert N2 molecules were captured at the Co3+ active sites by the acceptance-donation electron conduction mode, and the oxygen vacancies boosted the chemical adsorption of N2 molecules and greatly reduced the activation energy barrier of N2 molecules. The active free radicals •OH and •O2- generated by the decomposition of O3 molecules oxidized N2 to the intermediate *NO, which was the rate-determining step, and it was then absorbed by water to form nitric acid. The air catalytic ozonation method in this study was proposed as a facile pathway for efficient nitrogen fixation. This research provides a new method for environmental protection and efficient production of nitric acid at distributed sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Liu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, P. R. China
- Xi'an Aeronautical Polytechnic Institute, Xi'an 710089, P. R. China
| | - Yongjun Liu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, P. R. China
| | - Aining Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, P. R. China
| | - Zhe Liu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, P. R. China
| | - Lu Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, P. R. China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Yang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, P. R. China
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33
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Miao Y, Xia M, Tao C, Zhang J, Ni P, Jiang Y, Lu Y. Iron-doped carbon nitride with enhanced peroxidase-like activity for smartphone-based colorimetric assay of total antioxidant capacity. Talanta 2024; 267:125141. [PMID: 37672985 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The facile detection of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is limited by in-situ analysis, because it usually requires complex laboratory equipments. Here, a colorimetric assay for TAC detection is developed based on the peroxidase-like activity of iron-doped carbon nitride (Fe/NC) and the smartphone platform. The peroxidase-like activity of carbon nitride is greatly improved by the introduction of Fe atoms, and the active sites turn to Fe-Nx coordination groups in the Fe/NC. The inhibition mechanism of the chromogenic reaction for different kinds of antioxidants is also studied. The colorimetric assay is fabricated by the relationship of absorbance-color-antioxidant content and applied successfully to the TAC detection of several fruit juicesand commercial beverages. This work not only provides a promising approach for convenient in-situ TAC assay without the use of large instruments, but also expands the application of nanozymes in nutritional value assessment of foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanrong Miao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, PR China
| | - Mingyuan Xia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, PR China
| | - Chenyu Tao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, PR China
| | - Jiqing Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, PR China
| | - Pengjuan Ni
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, PR China.
| | - Yizhong Lu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022, PR China.
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34
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Chang B, Cao Z, Ren Y, Chen C, Cavallo L, Raziq F, Zuo S, Zhou W, Han Y, Zhang H. Electronic Perturbation of Isolated Fe Coordination Structure for Enhanced Nitrogen Fixation. ACS NANO 2024; 18:288-298. [PMID: 37955363 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Modulation of the local electronic structure of isolated coordination structures plays a critical role in electrocatalysis yet remains a grand challenge. Herein, we have achieved electron perturbation for the isolated iron coordination structure via tuning the iron spin state from a high spin state (FeN4) to a medium state (FeN2B2). The transition of spin polarization facilitates electron penetration into the antibonding π orbitals of nitrogen and effectively activates nitrogen molecules, thereby achieving an ammonia yield of 115 μg h-1 mg-1cat. and a Faradaic efficiency of 24.8%. In situ spectroscopic studies and theoretical calculations indicate that boron coordinate sites, as electron acceptors, can regulate the adsorption energy of NxHy intermediates on the Fe center. FeN2B2 sites favor the NNH* intermediate formation and reduce the energy barrier of rate-determining steps, thus accounting for excellent nitrogen fixation performance. Our strategy provides an effective approach for designing efficient electrocatalysts via precise electronic perturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Chang
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Institute for Advanced Interdisciplinary Research (IAIR), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Cao
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Yuanfu Ren
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Cailing Chen
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Luigi Cavallo
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fazal Raziq
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Shouwei Zuo
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Weijia Zhou
- Institute for Advanced Interdisciplinary Research (IAIR), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China
| | - Yu Han
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Huabin Zhang
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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35
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Yang L, Han H, Sun L, Wu J, Wang M. The Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives on Electrocatalytic Reduction of Nitrogenous Substances to Ammonia: A Review. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:7647. [PMID: 38138789 PMCID: PMC10744934 DOI: 10.3390/ma16247647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) is considered to be a critical chemical feedstock in agriculture, industry, and other fields. However, conventional Haber-Bosch (HB) ammonia (NH3) production suffers from high energy consumption, harsh reaction conditions, and large carbon dioxide emissions. Despite the emergence of electrocatalytic reduction of nitrogenous substances to NH3 under ambient conditions as a new frontier, there are several bottleneck problems that impede the commercialization process. These include low catalytic efficiency, competition with the hydrogen evolution reaction, and difficulties in breaking the N≡N triple bond. In this review, we explore the recent advances in electrocatalytic NH3 synthesis, using nitrogen and nitrate as reactants. We focus on the contribution of the catalyst design, specifically based on molecular-catalyst interaction mechanisms, as well as chemical bond breaking and directional coupling mechanisms, to address the aforementioned problems during electrocatalytic NH3 synthesis. Finally, we discuss the relevant opportunities and challenges in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Queen Mary University of London Engineering School, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China; (L.Y.); (H.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Huichun Han
- Queen Mary University of London Engineering School, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China; (L.Y.); (H.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Lan Sun
- Queen Mary University of London Engineering School, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China; (L.Y.); (H.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Jinxiong Wu
- University and College Key Lab of Natural Product Chemistry and Application in Xinjiang, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China
| | - Meng Wang
- School of Materials Engineering, Xi’an Aeronautical University, 259 West Second Ring, Xi’an 710077, China
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36
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Shi B, Zen A, Kapil V, Nagy PR, Grüneis A, Michaelides A. Many-Body Methods for Surface Chemistry Come of Age: Achieving Consensus with Experiments. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:25372-25381. [PMID: 37948071 PMCID: PMC10683001 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The adsorption energy of a molecule onto the surface of a material underpins a wide array of applications, spanning heterogeneous catalysis, gas storage, and many more. It is the key quantity where experimental measurements and theoretical calculations meet, with agreement being necessary for reliable predictions of chemical reaction rates and mechanisms. The prototypical molecule-surface system is CO adsorbed on MgO, but despite intense scrutiny from theory and experiment, there is still no consensus on its adsorption energy. In particular, the large cost of accurate many-body methods makes reaching converged theoretical estimates difficult, generating a wide range of values. In this work, we address this challenge, leveraging the latest advances in diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) and coupled cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)] to obtain accurate predictions for CO on MgO. These reliable theoretical estimates allow us to evaluate the inconsistencies in published temperature-programed desorption experiments, revealing that they arise from variations in employed pre-exponential factors. Utilizing this insight, we derive new experimental estimates of the (electronic) adsorption energy with a (more) precise pre-exponential factor. As a culmination of all of this effort, we are able to reach a consensus between multiple theoretical calculations and multiple experiments for the first time. In addition, we show that our recently developed cluster-based CCSD(T) approach provides a low-cost route toward achieving accurate adsorption energies. This sets the stage for affordable and reliable theoretical predictions of chemical reactions on surfaces to guide the realization of new catalysts and gas storage materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin
X. Shi
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, U.K.
| | - Andrea Zen
- Dipartimento
di Fisica Ettore Pancini, Università
di Napoli Federico II, Monte S. Angelo, I-80126 Napoli, Italy
- Department
of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT London, U.K.
| | - Venkat Kapil
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, U.K.
| | - Péter R. Nagy
- Department
of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemical Technology
and Biotechnology, Budapest University of
Technology and Economics, Müegyetem rkp. 3, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-BME
Quantum Chemistry Research Group, Müegyetem rkp. 3, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-BME
Lendület Quantum Chemistry Research Group, Müegyetem rkp. 3, H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andreas Grüneis
- Institute
for Theoretical Physics, TU Wien, Wiedner Hauptstraße 8-10/136, 1040 Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelos Michaelides
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, U.K.
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37
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Ma N, Li Y, Liang B, Luo S, Fan J. Establishing an orbital-level understanding of active origins of heteroatom-coordinated single-atom catalysts: The case of N 2 reduction. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 650:961-971. [PMID: 37453320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.07.047] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Heteroatom-coordinated single-atom catalysts (SACs) supported by porous graphene exhibit high activity in electrochemical reduction reactions. However, the underlying active origins are complex and puzzling, hindering the development of efficient catalysts. Herein, we investigate the active origins of heteroatom-coordinated Fe-XmYn SACs (X, Y = B, C, N, O, m + n = 4) toward nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) as a model reaction, through comprehensive analysis of structural, energetic, and electronic parameters. Specifically, the number and arrangement of heteroatoms are found to significantly affect the degree of d-orbital splitting and magnetic moment of the Fe center. Moreover, d-orbital splitting energy (dSE), rather than the conventional d-band theory, explains the adsorption behavior of intermediates in multi-step electron-proton coupling (EPC) reactions. In addition, both s- and d-orbitals of Fe are found to be important for Fe-N bonding, which promotes charge transfer (CT) and N2 activation. Importantly, CT is thought to influence the Pauli repulsion and orbital interaction. Correspondingly, relationships are unveiled between limiting potential (Ulimit) and adsorption energy ΔE(*NNH), dSE, CT, Fe-N bond. In all, this work provides orbital-level insights into the active origins of Fe-XmYn SACs, contributing to the understanding of intrinsic mechanism and the design of electrocatalysts for multi-step EPC reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuhang Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ninggui Ma
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yao Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Bochun Liang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuang Luo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Fan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Center for Advanced Nuclear Safety and Sustainable Development, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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38
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Sun Y, Shi W, Fu YQ, Yu H, Wang Z, Li Z. The novel π-d conjugated TM 2B 3N 3S 6 (TM = Mo, Ti and W) monolayers as highly active single-atom catalysts for electrocatalytic synthesis of ammonia. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 650:1-12. [PMID: 37392494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.06.181] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Recently, single-atom catalysts (SACs) are receiving significant attention in electrocatalysis fields due to their excellent specific activities and extremely high atomic utilization ratio. Effective loading of metal atoms and high stability of SACs increase the number of exposed active sites, thus significantly improving their catalytic efficiency. Herein, we proposed a series (29 in total) of two-dimensional (2D) conjugated structures of TM2B3N3S6 (TM means those 3d to 5d transition metals) and studied the performance as single-atom catalysts for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) using density functional theory (DFT). Results show that TM2B3N3S6 (TM = Mo, Ti and W) monolayers have superior performance for ammonia synthesis with low limiting potentials of -0.38, -0.53 and -0.68 V, respectively. Among them, the Mo2B3N3S6 monolayer shows the best catalytic performance of NRR. Meanwhile, the π conjugated B3N3S6 rings undergo coordinated electron transfer with the d orbitals of TM to exhibit good chargeability, and these TM2B3N3S6 monolayers activate isolated N2 according to the "acceptance-donation" mechanism. We have also verified the good stability (i.e., Ef < 0, and Udiss > 0) and high selectivity (Ud = -0.03, 0.01 and 0.10 V, respectively) of the above four types of monolayers for NRR over hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The NRR activities have been clarified by multiple-level descriptors (ΔG*N2H, ICOHP, and Ɛd) in the terms of basic characteristics, electronic property, and energy. Moreover, the aqueous solution can promote the NRR process, leading to the reduction of ΔGPDS from 0.38 eV to 0.27 eV for the Mo2B3N3S6 monolayer. However, the TM2B3N3S6 (TM = Mo, Ti and W) also showed excellent stability in aqueous phase. This study proves that the π-d conjugated monolayers of TM2B3N3S6 (TM = Mo, Ti and W) as electrocatalysts show great potentials for the nitrogen reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiu Sun
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, PR China
| | - Wenwu Shi
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, PR China
| | - Yong-Qing Fu
- Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Haijian Yu
- Department of Mechanical Engineer, Weihai Secondary Vocational School, Weihai 264213, PR China
| | - Zhiguo Wang
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, PR China.
| | - Zhijie Li
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, PR China.
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Zhang H, Luo T, Chen Y, Liu K, Li H, Pensa E, Fu J, Lin Z, Chai L, Cortés E, Liu M. Highly Efficient Decomposition of Perfluorocarbons for over 1000 Hours via Active Site Regeneration. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202305651. [PMID: 37612240 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202305651] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Tetrafluoromethane (CF4 ), the simplest perfluorocarbon (PFC), has the potential to exacerbate global warming. Catalytic hydrolysis is a viable method to degrade CF4 , but fluorine poisoning severely restricts both the catalytic performance and catalyst lifetime. In this study, Ga is introduced to effectively assists the defluorination of poisoned Al active sites, leading to highly efficient CF4 decomposition at 600 °C with a catalytic lifetime exceeding 1,000 hours. 27 Al and 71 Ga magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MAS NMR) showed that the introduced Ga exists as tetracoordinated Ga sites (GaIV ), which readily dissociate water to form Ga-OH. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and density function theory (DFT) calculations confirmed that Ga-OH assists the defluorination of poisoned Al active sites via a dehydration-like process. As a result, the Ga/Al2 O3 catalyst achieved 100 % CF4 decomposition keeping an ultra-long catalytic lifetime and outperforming reported results. This work proposes a new approach for efficient and long-term CF4 decomposition by promoting the regeneration of active sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhang
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Tao Luo
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Yingkang Chen
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Kang Liu
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
- Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Evangelina Pensa
- Nanoinstitut München, Fakultät für Physik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80539, München, Germany
| | - Junwei Fu
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Zhang Lin
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
- Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Liyuan Chai
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
- Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control & Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Emiliano Cortés
- Nanoinstitut München, Fakultät für Physik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80539, München, Germany
| | - Min Liu
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China
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Zhang X, Yan L, Su Z. A single transition metal atom anchored on Nb 2C as an electrocatalyst for the nitrogen reduction reaction. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:17508-17515. [PMID: 37869771 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02491a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N2) reduction to produce ammonia (NH3) under milder conditions is attractive as NH3 has been widely used in various fields. The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is considered to be a more moderate and green method for ammonia synthesis. Herein, using density functional theory (DFT) computations, we investigated the potential application of single-atom catalysts (SACs) toward the NRR, in which transition metal (TM, TM = Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Y, Zr, Mo) atoms are supported on Nb2C (TM-Nb2C). Through our screening, Fe-Nb2C is highlighted from 8 candidate systems as the superior SAC for the NRR with a low limiting potential of -0.47 V. Meanwhile, a volcano plot between UL (NRR) and the ICOHP values of the N-H bond in *NH2 is established to determine the optimal ICOHP values that can be used as a simple descriptor of the NRR performance of Fe-Nb2C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyue Zhang
- Institute of Functional Material Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate Science of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, P. R. China.
| | - Likai Yan
- Institute of Functional Material Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate Science of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, P. R. China.
| | - Zhongmin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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Zhang S, Zhang Q, Xu R, Ma J, Fang L. Realizing zero-order controlled transdermal drug permeation through competing doubly ionic H-bond in patch. Int J Pharm 2023; 645:123410. [PMID: 37703958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) was an effective way to realize controlled drug delivery. However, realizing zero-order controlled drug skin delivery was still challenging in the drug-in-adhesive patch. This study provided a strategy to accomplish this delivery form by stabilizing the drug concentration in adhesive through concentration-dependent competitive interaction. Clonidine (CLO) and Granisetron (GRA) were chosen as the model drugs which were of high skin permeability, and polydimethylaminoethyl acrylate (EA) as an excipient to interact with hydroxyphenyl adhesive (HP). Drug release, permeation and pharmacokinetic study were conducted to evaluate the controlled effect of HP-EA. The molecular interaction was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR and XPS. Dynamic simulation and molecular docking further clarified the competitive interaction involved in the release process. Both the drug skin permeation study of CLO and GRA patch based on the HP-EA adhesive showed good zero-order fitting with r of 0.994 and 0.998, compared with non-functional adhesive (0-PSA). Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic study of the CLO patch showed a plateau phase for around 52 h without influencing the area under concentration-time curve (AUC), indicating that the HP-EA could realize zero-order drug skin delivery. The mechanism study revealed that EA serving as a 'buffer component' promoted the conversion of the ionic CLO to the neutrals the as the neutrals released, which stabilized '1% neutrals CLO concentration'. In conclusion, the drug delivery system based on the concentration-dependent competitive interaction broadened our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in zero-order controlled release in transdermal patches which would promote the development of zero-order drug delivery in TDDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Quanzhi Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Runmei Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Junyao Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Liang Fang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China.
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Wu J, Wu D, Li H, Song Y, Lv W, Yu X, Ma D. Tailoring the coordination environment of double-atom catalysts to boost electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction: a first-principles study. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:16056-16067. [PMID: 37728053 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr03310d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Tailoring the coordination environment is an effective strategy to modulate the electronic structure and catalytic activity of atomically dispersed transition-metal (TM) catalysts, which has been widely investigated for single-atom catalysts but received less attention for emerging double-atom catalysts (DACs). Herein, based on first-principles calculations, taking the commonly studied N-coordinated graphene-based DACs as references, we explored the effect of coordination engineering on the catalytic behaviors of DACs towards the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), which is realized through replacing one N atom by the B or O atom to form B, N or O, N co-coordinated DACs. We found that B, N or O, N co-coordination could significantly strengthen N2 adsorption and alter the N2 adsorption pattern of the TM dimer active center, which greatly facilitates N2 activation. Moreover, on the studied DACs, the linear scaling relationship between the binding strengths of key intermediates can be attenuated. Consequently, the O, N co-coordinated Mn2 DACs, exhibiting an ultralow limiting potential of -0.27 V, climb to the peak of the activity volcano. In addition, the experimental feasibility of this DAC system was also identified. Overall, benefiting from the coordination engineering effect, the chemical activity and catalytic performance of the DACs for NRR can be significantly boosted. This phenomena can be understood from the adjusted electronic structure of the TM dimer active center due to the changes of its coordination microenvironment, which significantly affects the binding strength (pattern) of key intermediates and changes the reaction pathways, leading to enhanced NRR activity and selectivity. This work highlights the importance of coordination engineering in developing DACs for the electrocatalytic NRR and other important reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Wu
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Donghai Wu
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Nanocomposites and Applications, Institute of Nanostructured Functional Materials, Huanghe Science and Technology College, Zhengzhou 450006, China
| | - Haobo Li
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Yanhao Song
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Wenjing Lv
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Xiaohu Yu
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Catalysis, School of Chemical & Environment Sciences, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong 723000, China.
| | - Dongwei Ma
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
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Wang C, Huang F, Liang H, Nong W, Tian F, Li Y, Wang C. d- and p-Block single-atom catalysts supported by BN nanocages toward electrochemical reactions of N 2 and O 2. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:25761-25771. [PMID: 37724050 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp03487a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalysis is involved in many energy storage and conversion devices, triggering research and development of electrocatalysts, particularly single-atom catalysts (SACs). The introduction of the strain effect to enhance the performance of SACs has drawn ever-increasing research attention, which can tailor the local atomic and electronic structure of active sites. Herein, via high throughput calculations, we have explored the effects of strain on the catalytic performance of SACs with MN4 configuration for electrochemical reactions of N2 and O2 by incorporating d- and p-block single metal atoms into BN nanocages (BNNCs). The calculations demonstrate that Os@BNNC exhibits the highest catalytic activity for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) with a limiting potential of -0.29 V. Co@BNNC can serve as an excellent bifunctional SAC for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), with overpotentials of 0.32 and 0.37 V, respectively. In particular, Sn@BNNC with a p-block metal as the active center is a competitive SAC for the ORR with an overpotential of 0.64 V. More interestingly, the NRR and ORR performances of SACs supported by BNNCs have a close correlation with the structural and electronic properties of adsorbed N2 and O2 molecules, which proves that controlling the adsorption energy of N2 and O2 molecules is crucial to improving the catalytic activity of BNNC. The current investigation opens up an avenue for designing SACs embedded in nanocages possessing intrinsically curved surfaces for electrochemical reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haikuan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Nong
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chengxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
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Biswas A, Ghosh B, Sudarshan K, Gupta SK, Dey RS. Ample Lewis Acidic Sites in Mg 2B 2O 5 Facilitate N 2 Electroreduction through Bonding-Antibonding Interactions. Inorg Chem 2023; 62:14094-14102. [PMID: 37594321 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c02389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Extensive research on the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has put forward a sound list of potential catalyst materials with properties inducing N2 adsorption, protonation, and reduction. However, rather than a random selection of catalysts, it is essential to understand the vitals in terms of orbital orientation and charge distribution that actually manipulate the rate-determining steps of NRR. Realizing these factors, herein we have explored a main group earth-abundant Mg-based electrocatalyst Mg2B2O5 for NRR due to the abundance of Lewis acid sites in the catalyst favoring the bonding-antibonding interactions with the N2 molecules. Positron annihilation studies indicate that the electronic charge distribution within the catalyst has shallow surface oxygen vacancies. These features in the catalyst enabled a sound Faradaic efficiency of 46.4% at -0.1 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode for the selective NH3 production in neutral electrolyte. In situ Fourier transform infrared suggests a maximum N-N bond polarization at -0.1 V and detected H-N-H and -NH2 intermediates during the course of the NRR on the catalyst surface. In a broader picture, the biocompatibility of Mg2+ diversifies the utility of this catalyst material in N2/biofuel cell applications that would certainly offer a green alternative toward our goal of a sustainable society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashmita Biswas
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Sector-81, Mohali 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Bikram Ghosh
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Sector-81, Mohali 140306, Punjab, India
| | - Kathi Sudarshan
- Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Santosh K Gupta
- Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Ramendra Sundar Dey
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Sector-81, Mohali 140306, Punjab, India
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Kumar De S, Won DI, Kim J, Kim DH. Integrated CO 2 capture and electrochemical upgradation: the underpinning mechanism and techno-chemical analysis. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:5744-5802. [PMID: 37539619 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00512c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Coupling post-combustion CO2 capture with electrochemical utilization (CCU) is a quantum leap in renewable energy science since it eliminates the cost and energy involved in the transport and storage of CO2. However, the major challenges involved in industrial scale implementation are selecting an appropriate solvent/electrolyte for CO2 capture, modeling an appropriate infrastructure by coupling an electrolyser with a CO2 point source and a separator to isolate CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) products, and finally selection of an appropriate electrocatalyst. In this review, we highlight the major difficulties with detailed mechanistic interpretation in each step, to find out the underpinning mechanism involved in the integration of electrochemical CCU to achieve higher-value products. In the past decades, most of the studies dealt with individual parts of the integration process, i.e., either selecting a solvent for CO2 capture, designing an electrocatalyst, or choosing an ideal electrolyte. In this context, it is important to note that solvents such as monoethanolamine, bicarbonate, and ionic liquids are often used as electrolytes in CO2 capture media. Therefore, it is essential to fabricate a cost-effective electrolyser that should function as a reversible binder with CO2 and an electron pool capable of recovering the solvent to electrolyte reversibly. For example, reversible ionic liquids, which are non-ionic in their normal forms, but produce ionic forms after CO2 capture, can be further reverted back to their original non-ionic forms after CO2 release with almost 100% efficiency through the chemical or thermal modulations. This review also sheds light on a focused techno-economic evolution for converting the electrochemically integrated CCU process from a pilot-scale project to industrial-scale implementation. In brief, this review article will summarize a state-of-the-art argumentation of challenges and outcomes over the different segments involved in electrochemically integrated CCU to stimulate urgent progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandip Kumar De
- Department of Chemistry, UPL University of Sustainable Technology, 402, Ankleshwar - Valia Rd, Vataria, Gujarat 393135, India
| | - Dong-Il Won
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea.
| | - Jeongwon Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea.
| | - Dong Ha Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea.
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Wang Z, Zhang Q, Wang H, Sun C, Li X, He H, Wang J, Zhao Y, Zhang X. Efficient Nitrate Generation through Electrochemical N 2 Oxidation with Nickel Oxyhydroxide Decorated Copper Hydroxide Driven by Solar Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2301438. [PMID: 37086125 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202301438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrogen oxidation reaction (NOR) into nitrate under ambient conditions, as an alternative to replace traditional industrial method, is a promising artificial N2 fixation strategy, especially powered by renewable energy. Here, through skillfully balancing competitive relationships between NOR and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the nickel oxyhydroxide decorated Cu(OH)2 hybrid electrocatalyst with Cu:Ni molar ratio of 1:1 is developed, which achieves outstanding Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 18.7% and yield rate of 228.24 µmol h-1 gcat -1 at 2.0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in the electrolyte of 0.1 m Na2 SO4 . Also, the hybrid catalyst maintained over five cycles (10 h each cycle) with negligible decay in performance. The synergetic effect between the components of nickel oxyhydroxide and Cu(OH)2 is found to remarkably activate N2 and suppress the activity of competitive OER, which enhances NOR performance eventually. Moreover, the conversion efficiency of solar-to-nitrate (STN) with 0.025% was obtained by coupling with a commercial solar cell. This work provides a novel avenue of rational catalysts design strategies and realizes solar-to-nitrate synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongke Wang
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Solar Energy Research Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Qixing Zhang
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Solar Energy Research Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - He Wang
- Solar Cell Research Laboratory Tianjin Institute of Power Sources, Tianjin, 300381, P. R. China
| | - Cong Sun
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Solar Energy Research Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Xingliang Li
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Solar Energy Research Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Han He
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Solar Energy Research Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Juan Wang
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Solar Energy Research Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Solar Energy Research Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodan Zhang
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Solar Energy Research Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
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47
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Wang JM, Zhu QY, Lee JH, Woo TG, Zhang YX, Jang WD, Kim TK. Asymmetric gradient orbital interaction of hetero-diatomic active sites for promoting C - C coupling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3808. [PMID: 37369676 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39580-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Diatomic-site catalysts (DACs) garner tremendous attention for selective CO2 photoreduction, especially in the thermodynamical and kinetical mechanism of CO2 to C2+ products. Herein, we first engineer a novel Zn-porphyrin/RuCu-pincer complex DAC (ZnPor-RuCuDAC). The heteronuclear ZnPor-RuCuDAC exhibits the best acetate selectivity (95.1%), while the homoatomic counterparts (ZnPor-Ru2DAC and ZnPor-Cu2DAC) present the best CO selectivity. In-situ spectroscopic measurements reveal that the heteronuclear Ru-Cu sites easily appear C1 intermediate coupling. The in-depth analyses confirm that due to the strong gradient orbital coupling of Ru4d-Cu3d resonance, two formed *CO intermediates of Ru-Cu heteroatom show a significantly weaker electrostatic repulsion for an asymmetric charge distribution, which result from a side-to-side absorption and narrow dihedral angle distortion. Moreover, the strongly overlapped Ru/Cu-d and CO molecular orbitals split into bonding and antibonding orbitals easily, resulting in decreasing energy splitting levels of C1 intermediates. These results collectively augment the collision probability of the two *CO intermediates on heteronuclear DACs. This work first provides a crucial perspective on the symmetry-forbidden coupling mechanism of C1 intermediates on diatomic sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ming Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Qin Yao Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Heon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Gyun Woo
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yue Xing Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Dezhou University, Dezhou, 253023, China
| | - Woo-Dong Jang
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Kyu Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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48
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Ajmal S, Yasin G, Kumar A, Tabish M, Ibraheem S, Sammed KA, Mushtaq MA, Saad A, Mo Z, Zhao W. A disquisition on CO2 electroreduction to C2H4: An engineering and design perspective looking beyond novel choosy catalyst materials. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2023.215099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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49
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Lu S, Lou F, Zhao Y, Yu Z. Regulating the coordination environment of single-atom catalysts for electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 646:301-310. [PMID: 37201458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.05.064] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) through single-atom catalysts (SACs) consisting of transition metals (TMs) anchored on nitrogenated carbon (TM-N-C) has shown promise for carbon neutralization. However, high overpotentials and low selectivity are still issues. Regulating the coordination environment of anchored TM atom is important to address these problems. In this study, we evaluated nonmetal atom (NM = B, O, F, Si, P, S, Cl, As and Se) modified TM (TM = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn)@N4-C catalysts for their ECR to CO performance using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. NM dopants can induce active center distortion and tune electron structure, promoting intermediate formation. Doping heteroatoms can improve ECR to CO activity on Ni and Cu@N4 but worsen it on Co@N4 catalysts. Fe@N4-F1(I), Ni@N3-B1, Cu@N4-O1(III), and Zn@N4-Cl1(II) have excellent activity for ECR to CO, with overpotentials of 0.75, 0.49, 0.43, and 0.15 V, respectively, and improved selectivity. The catalytic performance is related to the intermediate binding strength, as evidenced by d band center, charge density difference, crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP), and integrated COHP (ICOHP). It is expected that our work can be used as the design principle to guide the synthesis of the high-performance heteroatoms modified SACs for ECR to CO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Lu
- Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering, University of Stavanger, 4036 Stavanger, Norway
| | | | - Yafei Zhao
- School of Physics and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China.
| | - Zhixin Yu
- Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering, University of Stavanger, 4036 Stavanger, Norway; Institute of New Energy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China.
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50
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Yang X, An P, Wang R, Jia J. Tuning the Site-to-Site Interaction of Heteronuclear Diatom Catalysts MoTM/C 2N (TM = 3d Transition Metal) for Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104003. [PMID: 37241745 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) synthesis is one of the most important catalytic reactions in energy and chemical fertilizer production, which is of great significance to the sustainable development of society and the economy. The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR), especially when driven by renewable energy, is generally regarded as an energy-efficient and sustainable process to synthesize NH3 in ambient conditions. However, the performance of the electrocatalyst is far below expectations, with the lack of a high-efficiency catalyst being the main obstacle. Herein, by means of comprehensive spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) computations, the catalytic performance of MoTM/C2N (TM = 3d transition metal) for use in eNRR was systematically evaluated. Among the results, MoFe/C2N can be considered the most promising catalyst due to its having the lowest limiting potential (-0.26 V) and high selectivity in the context of eNRR. Compared with its homonuclear counterparts, MoMo/C2N and FeFe/C2N, MoFe/C2N can balance the first protonation step and the sixth protonation step synergistically, showing outstanding activity regarding eNRR. Our work not only opens a new door to advancing sustainable NH3 production by tailoring the active sites of heteronuclear diatom catalysts but also promotes the design and production of novel low-cost and efficient nanocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Yang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Molecules and Magnetic Information Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Chemistry and Material Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, China
| | - Ping An
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Molecules and Magnetic Information Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Chemistry and Material Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China
| | - Ruiying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Molecules and Magnetic Information Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Chemistry and Material Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China
| | - Jianfeng Jia
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Molecules and Magnetic Information Materials (Ministry of Education), School of Chemistry and Material Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China
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