Tandem Reactions of CO2 Reduction and Ethane Aromatization

Confining platinum clusters in indium-modified ZSM-5 zeolite to promote propane dehydrogenation

Designing highly active and stable catalytic sites is often challenging due to the complex synthesis procedure and the agglomeration of active sites during high-temperature reactions. Here, we report a facile two-step method to synthesize Pt clusters confined by In-modified ZSM-5 zeolite. In-situ characterization confirms that In is located at the extra-framework position of ZSM-5 as In+, and the Pt clusters are stabilized by the In-ZSM-5 zeolite. The resulting Pt clusters confined in In-ZSM-5 show excellent propane conversion, propylene selectivity, and catalytic stability, outperforming monometallic Pt, In, and bimetallic PtIn alloys. The incorporation of In+ in ZSM-5 neutralizes Brønsted acid sites to inhibit side reactions, as well as tunes the electronic properties of Pt clusters to facilitate propane activation and propylene desorption. The strategy of combining precious metal clusters with metal cation-exchanged zeolites opens the avenue to develop stable heterogeneous catalysts for other reaction systems.

Converting Carbon Dioxide into Carbon Nanotubes by Reacting with Ethane

The urgency to mitigate environmental impacts from anthropogenic CO2 emissions has propelled extensive research efforts on CO2 reduction. The current work reports a novel approach involving transforming CO2 and ethane into carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using earth-abundant metals (Fe, Co, Ni) at 750 °C. This route facilitates long-term carbon storage via generating high-value CNTs and produces valuable syngas with adjustable H2/CO ratios as byproducts. Without CO2, direct pyrolysis of ethane undergoes rapid deactivation. The participation of CO2 not only enhances the durability of the catalyst, but also contributes about 30 % of the CNTs production, presenting a viable solution to CO2 challenges. The CNT morphology depends on the catalyst used. Co- and Ni-based catalysts produce CNT with a 20 nm diameter and micrometer length, whereas Fe-based catalysts yield bamboo-like structures. This work represents a pioneering effort in utilizing CO2 and ethane for CNT production with potential environmental and economic benefits.

Unraveling the Structure-Activity-Stability Relationship over Gallium-Promoted HZSM-5 Nanocrystalline Aggregates for Propane Aromatization

The aromatization of light alkane is an important process for increasing the aromatic production and utilization efficiency of light alkane resources simultaneously. Herein, Ga-modified HZSM-5 catalysts were prepared and investigated by a series of characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption, and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption to study their physicochemical properties. The catalytic performance in propane aromatization was also tested. Importantly, the structure-activity relationship, reaction pathway, and coke formation mechanism in propane aromatization were systematically explored. It was found that different Ga introduction methods would affect the amounts of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites, and Ga-HZSM-5 prepared by the hydrothermal method exhibited higher amounts of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites but a lower B/L ratio. As a result, Ga-HZSM-5 showed higher propane conversion and benzene, toluene, and xylene yield compared with that of Ga2O3/HZSM-5. The propane aromatization reaction pathway indicated that propane dehydrogenation to propene was a crucial step for aromatic formation. The increase of the Lewis acid density in Ga-HZSM-5 can effectively improve the dehydrogenation rate and promote the aromatization reaction. Furthermore, the formation of coke species was studied by thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry and Raman approaches, the results of which indicated that the graphitization degree of coke formed over spent Ga-HZSM-5 is lower, resulting in enhanced anticoking stability.

Pd-catalyzed ortho-C-H arylation of free anilines with arylboric acids forming o-amino biaryls

We report a Pd-catalyzed ortho-C-H arylation of free anilines with arylboric acids. Under the reaction conditions, a wide range of arylboric acids can couple with free anilines to produce the corresponding o-amino biaryls in moderate to good yields with good functional group tolerance. This reaction can be conducted on the gram scale. The products can be easily further functionalized via transformation of the free amino group. These results indicate the potential synthetic value of this new reaction in organic synthesis.

Electro-, thermo-, and photocatalysis of versatile nanocomposites toward tandem process

Tandem reactions involve multi-step processes conducted in one pot, offering a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient approach to chemical transformations with high atom economy. The catalytic systems employed in tandem reactions are crucial for achieving desirable activity, selectivity, and stability. Researchers worldwide have extensively explored catalytic processes driven by various energy fields, such as electrocatalysis, thermocatalysis, and photocatalysis, aiming to facilitate multiple reactions and bond transformations. Continuous advancements have been made in reaction conditions, catalyst design, and preparation methods. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in tandem reactions, specifically focusing on electro-, thermo-, and photocatalysis, and categorizes them into catalysts, reactors, and fields based on their applications. Furthermore, the review highlights the significance of rational design in nanomaterial catalysts and the integration of multiple energy sources, emphasizing their potential to enhance selectivity, performance, and the development of combined catalysis.

Controlling Diels-Alder reactions in catalytic pyrolysis of sawdust and polypropylene by coupling CO2 atmosphere and Fe-modified zeolite for enhanced light aromatics production

Producing value-added light aromatics (BTEX) from solid waste streams holds excellent promise for resource recovery. Here we present a thermochemical conversion approach that enhanced BTEX production by coupling CO₂ atmosphere and Fe-modified HZSM-5 zeolite to facilitate the Diels-Alder reactions in catalytic pyrolysis of sawdust and polypropylene. The Diels-Alder reactions between sawdust-derived furans and polypropylene-derived olefins could be controlled by tuning CO₂ concentration and Fe loading amount. Sufficient CO₂ (≥50%) with moderate Fe loading (10 wt%) were observed to produce more BTEX and fewer heavy fractions (C₉⁺aromatics). To deepen the mechanistic understanding, quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and catalyst coke was further conducted. The co-use of CO₂ atmosphere and Fe modification suppressed the appearance of low-, medium-, and high-membered ring PAHs by over 40%, decreased pyrolysis oil toxicity from 42.1 to 12.8 μg/g_oil TEQ, and transformed coke from "hard" to "soft". Based on the characterization of CO₂ adsorption behavior, it was deduced that the introduced CO₂ was activated by loaded Fe and reacted in situ with H₂ generated during aromatization to expedite H-transfer. Meanwhile, BTEX recondensation was prevented through the Boudouard reactions of CO₂ and water-gas reactions between the resulting water and carbon deposits. These synergistically enhanced the production of BTEX and suppressed the formation of heavy species, including PAHs and catalyst coke.

Ultralow-Loading Pt/Zn Hybrid Cluster in Zeolite HZSM-5 for Efficient Dehydroaromatization

Minimizing Pt loading without sacrificing catalytic performance is critical, particularly for designing cost-efficient hydrocarbon transformation catalysts. Here, we show that ultralow-loading (0.001-0.05 wt %) Pt- and Zn-functionalized HZSM-5 catalysts, prepared through simple ion exchange and impregnation, are highly active and stable for light alkane dehydroaromatization (DHA). The specific activity of benzene, toluene, and xylene is up to 8.2 mol/g_Pt/min (or 1592 min^-1) over the 0.001 wt % Pt-Zn₂/HZSM-5 catalyst during ethane DHA at 550 °C under atmospheric pressure. Additionally, such bimetallic Pt_x-Zn_y/HZSM-5 catalysts are highly stable in contrast to the monometallic Pt/HZSM-5 catalysts. The rate constant of deactivation (k_deactiv), according to the first-order generalized power law equation model, for the bimetallic catalysts is up to 120 times lower than that of the monometallic counterparts, depending on the Pt loading. This breakthrough is achieved through the formation of the [Pt₁-Zn_n]^δ+ hybrid cluster, instead of Pt⁰ cluster-proton adducts, in the micropores of the ZSM-5 zeolite.

In Situ Spectroscopic Characterization and Theoretical Calculations Identify Partially Reduced ZnO1-x /Cu Interfaces for Methanol Synthesis from CO2

The active site of the industrial Cu/ZnO/Al₂ O₃ catalyst used in CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol has been debated for decades. Grand challenges remain in the characterization of structure, composition, and chemical state, both microscopically and spectroscopically, and complete theoretical calculations are limited when it comes to describing the intrinsic activity of the catalyst over the diverse range of structures that emerge under realistic conditions. Here a series of inverse model catalysts of ZnO on copper hydroxide were prepared where the size of ZnO was precisely tuned from atomically dispersed species to nanoparticles using atomic layer deposition. ZnO decoration boosted methanol formation to a rate of 877 g_MeOH  kg_cat ^-1  h^-1 with ≈80 % selectivity at 493 K. High pressure in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy demonstrated that the atomically dispersed ZnO species are prone to aggregate at oxygen-deficient ZnO ensembles instead of forming CuZn metal alloys. By modeling various potential active structures, density functional theory calculations and microkinetic simulations revealed that ZnO/Cu interfaces with oxygen vacancies, rather than stoichiometric interfaces, Cu and CuZn alloys were essential to catalytic activation.

General Descriptors for CO2-Assisted Selective C-H/C-C Bond Scission in Ethane

The selective C-H/C-C bond scission in CO₂-assisted alkane activation represents an opportunity for simultaneously upgrading greenhouse gas CO₂ and light alkanes for the synthesis of value-added syngas (CO and H2), olefins, aromatics, and oxygenates. Here, Pd bimetallic (PdM_x)-derived catalysts were investigated for ethane-CO₂ reactions by combining kinetic analysis, in situ characterization, and density functional theory calculations. Two types of catalyst structures were identified under the reaction conditions, with the PdCo_x alloy surface favoring ethoxy formation, a critical precursor for further C-C bond scission, and the reaction-induced InO_x/Pd interface promoting C-H bond scission. Our results revealed a general strategy to capture the reaction-induced surface configurations and in turn control the selectivity in C-C/C-H bond scission over PdM_x-derived catalysts, featuring the interplay of two general descriptors: formation energy of PdM_x surfaces and their binding energy to oxygen. Our study provides insight into the rational design of selective catalysts for light alkane-CO₂ reactions.

Towards the development of the emerging process of CO2 heterogenous hydrogenation into high-value unsaturated heavy hydrocarbons

The emerging process of CO₂ hydrogenation through heterogenous catalysis into important bulk chemicals provides an alternative strategy for sustainable and low-cost production of valuable chemicals, and brings an important chance for mitigating CO₂ emissions. Direct synthesis of the family of unsaturated heavy hydrocarbons such as α-olefins and aromatics via CO₂ hydrogenation is more attractive and challenging than the production of short-chain products to modern society, suffering from the difficult control between C-O activation and C-C coupling towards long-chain hydrocarbons. In the past several years, rapid progress has been achieved in the development of efficient catalysts for the process and understanding of their catalytic mechanisms. In this review, we provide a comprehensive, authoritative and critical overview of the substantial progress in the synthesis of α-olefins and aromatics from CO₂ hydrogenation via direct and indirect routes. The rational fabrication and design of catalysts, proximity effects of multi-active sites, stability and deactivation of catalysts, reaction mechanisms and reactor design are systematically discussed. Finally, current challenges and potential applications in the development of advanced catalysts, as well as opportunities of next-generation CO₂ hydrogenation techniques for carbon neutrality in future are proposed.

Activation and conversion of alkanes in the confined space of zeolite-type materials

Microporous zeolite-type materials, with crystalline porous structures formed by well-defined channels and cages of molecular dimensions, have been widely employed as heterogeneous catalysts since the early 1960s, due to their wide variety of framework topologies, compositional flexibility and hydrothermal stability. The possible selection of the microporous structure and of the elements located in framework and extraframework positions enables the design of highly selective catalysts with well-defined active sites of acidic, basic or redox character, opening the path to their application in a wide range of catalytic processes. This versatility and high catalytic efficiency is the key factor enabling their use in the activation and conversion of different alkanes, ranging from methane to long chain n-paraffins. Alkanes are highly stable molecules, but their abundance and low cost have been two main driving forces for the development of processes directed to their upgrading over the last 50 years. However, the availability of advanced characterization tools combined with molecular modelling has enabled a more fundamental approach to the activation and conversion of alkanes, with most of the recent research being focused on the functionalization of methane and light alkanes, where their selective transformation at reasonable conversions remains, even nowadays, an important challenge. In this review, we will cover the use of microporous zeolite-type materials as components of mono- and bifunctional catalysts in the catalytic activation and conversion of C₁⁺ alkanes under non-oxidative or oxidative conditions. In each case, the alkane activation will be approached from a fundamental perspective, with the aim of understanding, at the molecular level, the role of the active sites involved in the activation and transformation of the different molecules and the contribution of shape-selective or confinement effects imposed by the microporous structure.

Boosting the synthesis of value-added aromatics directly from syngas via a Cr2O3 and Ga doped zeolite capsule catalyst

Even though the transformation of syngas into aromatics has been realized via a methanol-mediated tandem process, the low product yield is still the bottleneck, limiting the industrial application of this technology. Herein, a tailor-made zeolite capsule catalyst with Ga doping and SiO2 coating was combined with the methanol synthesis catalyst Cr2O3 to boost the synthesis of value-added aromatics, especially para-xylene, from syngas. Multiple characterization studies, control experiments, and density functional theory (DFT) calculation results clarified that Ga doped zeolites with strong CO adsorption capability facilitated the transformation of the reaction intermediate methanol by optimizing the first C-C coupling step under a high-pressure CO atmosphere, thereby driving the reaction forward for aromatics synthesis. This work not only reveals the synergistic catalytic network in the tandem process but also sheds new light on principles for the rational design of a catalyst in terms of oriented conversion of syngas.

Applications of Zeolites to C1 Chemistry: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Opportunities

C1 chemistry, which is the catalytic transformation of C1 molecules including CO, CO₂ , CH₄ , CH₃ OH, and HCOOH, plays an important role in providing energy and chemical supplies while meeting environmental requirements. Zeolites are highly efficient solid catalysts used in the chemical industry. The design and development of zeolite-based mono-, bi-, and multifunctional catalysts has led to a booming application of zeolite-based catalysts to C1 chemistry. Combining the advantages of zeolites and metallic catalytic species has promoted the catalytic production of various hydrocarbons (e.g., methane, light olefins, aromatics, and liquid fuels) and oxygenates (e.g., methanol, dimethyl ether, formic acid, and higher alcohols) from C1 molecules. The key zeolite descriptors that influence catalytic performance, such as framework topologies, nanoconfinement effects, Brønsted acidities, secondary-pore systems, particle sizes, extraframework cations and atoms, hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity, and proximity between acid and metallic sites are discussed to provide a deep understanding of the significance of zeolites to C1 chemistry. An outlook regarding challenges and opportunities for the conversion of C1 resources using zeolite-based catalysts to meet emerging energy and environmental demands is also presented.

Catalytic conversion of ethane to valuable products through non-oxidative dehydrogenation and dehydroaromatization

Chemical utilization of ethane to produce valuable chemicals has become especially attractive since the expanded utilization of shale gas in the United States and associated petroleum gas in the Middle East. Catalytic conversion to ethylene and aromatic hydrocarbons through non-oxidative dehydrogenation and dehydroaromatization of ethane (EDH and EDA) are potentially beneficial technologies because of their high selectivity to products. The former represents an attractive alternative to conventional thermal cracking of ethane. The latter can produce valuable aromatic hydrocarbons from a cheap feedstock. Nevertheless, further progress in catalytic science and technology is indispensable to implement these processes beneficially. This review summarizes progress that has been achieved with non-oxidative EDH and EDA in terms of the nature of active sites and reaction mechanisms. Briefly, platinum-, chromium- and gallium-based catalysts have been introduced mainly for EDH, including effects of carbon dioxide co-feeding. Efforts to use EDA have emphasized zinc-modified MFI zeolite catalysts. Finally, some avenues for development of catalytic science and technology for ethane conversion are summarized.

Reactions of CO2 and ethane enable CO bond insertion for production of C3 oxygenates

Reacting CO2 and ethane to synthesize value-added oxygenate molecules represents opportunities to simultaneously reduce CO2 emissions and upgrade underutilized ethane in shale gas. Herein, we propose a strategy to produce C3 oxygenates using a tandem reactor. This strategy is achieved with a Fe3Ni1/CeO2 catalyst (first reactor at 600-800 °C) for CO2-assisted dehydrogenation and reforming of ethane to produce ethylene, CO, and H2, and a RhCox/MCM-41 catalyst (second reactor at 200 °C) enabling CO insertion for the production of C3 oxygenates (propanal and 1-propanol) via the heterogeneous hydroformylation reaction at ambient pressure. In-situ characterization using synchrotron spectroscopies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the effect of Rh-Co bimetallic formation in facilitating the production of C3 oxygenates. The proposed strategy provides an opportunity for upgrading light alkanes in shale gas by reacting with CO2 to produce aldehydes and alcohols.

Mechanistic understanding of ethane dehydrogenation and aromatization over Zn/ZSM-5: effects of Zn modification and CO2 co-reactant

DFT calculations identified the promotional role of introducing a Zn modifier to HZSM-5 in ethane dehydrogenation/aromatization. The CO₂-assisted effect would be achieved by using bimetallic-modified catalysts such as Zn–Pt/ZSM5 and Zn–Fe/ZSM-5.

CO2-Assisted propane aromatization over phosphorus-modified Ga/ZSM-5 catalysts

Efficient and stable phosphorus-modified Ga/ZSM-5 catalysts are identified for a one-step process of CO₂-assisted propane aromatization to liquid aromatics.