Towards stable catalysts by controlling collective properties of supported metal nanoparticles

Reaction-Driven Migration Dynamics of Nano-Metal Particles Unraveled by Quantitative Electron Microscopies

The stability of supported nano-metal catalysts holds significant importance in both scientific and economic practice, beyond the long pursuit of enhanced activity. While previous efforts have concentrated on augmenting the interaction between nano-metals and carriers, in the thermodynamic macro-perspective, to achieve optimized repression upon particle migration coalescence and Ostwald ripening, nevertheless, the microscale kinetics of migrating catalyst particles driven by the reaction remains unknown. In this work, the migration of nano-copper particles is investigated during hydrogen oxidation reaction by utilizing high spatiotemporal resolution of environmental transmission electron microscopy. It is shown that there exists a delicate correlation between the migration dynamics of nano-copper particles and the evolution of asymmetrically distributed Cu and Cu2O phases over the particle surface. It is found that the interplay of reduction and oxidation near the surface areas filled with Cu and Cu2O phases can facilitate the pressure gradient, which drives the migration of nano-particles. A driving force model is therefore established which is capable of qualitatively explaining the influences of reaction conditions such as temperature and hydrogen-to-oxygen ratio on the reaction-driven particle migration. This work adds a potential yet critical perspective to understanding particle migration and thus the nano-metal catalyst particle sintering in heterogeneous catalysis.

Recent advances in bifunctional synthesis gas conversion to chemicals and fuels with a comparison to monofunctional processes

In order to meet the climate goals of the Paris Agreement and limit the potentially catastrophic consequences of climate change, we must move away from the use of fossil feedstocks for the production of chemicals and fuels. The conversion of synthesis gas (a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide) can contribute to this. Several reactions allow to convert synthesis gas to oxygenates (such as methanol), olefins or waxes. In a consecutive step, these products can be further converted into chemicals, such as dimethyl ether, short olefins, or aromatics. Alternatively, fuels like gasoline, diesel, or kerosene can be produced. These two different steps can be combined using bifunctional catalysis for direct conversion of synthesis gas to chemicals and fuels. The synergistic effects of combining two different catalysts are discussed in terms of activity and selectivity and compared to processes based on consecutive reaction with single conversion steps. We found that bifunctional catalysis can be a strong tool for the highly selective production of dimethyl ether and gasoline with high octane numbers. In terms of selectivity bifunctional catalysis for short olefins or aromatics struggles to compete with processes consisting of single catalytic conversion steps.

Rationalising catalytic performance using a unique correlation matrix

Relationships between catalyst synthesis, structure and performance were investigated. Precise nanoparticle size control was achieved by tailoring solvent volume, drying temperature and solvent polarity. Catalyst performance was rationalised using a novel multidimensional correlation matrix, which considered synthetic, structural and catalytic data. This unique matrix can aid the design of improved catalysts.

MgH2 nanoparticles confined in reduced graphene oxide pillared with organosilica: a novel type of hydrogen storage material

Hydrogen is a promising alternative fuel that can push forward the energy transition because of its high energy density (142 MJ kg-1), variety of potential sources, low weight and low environmental impact, but its storage for automotive applications remains a formidable challenge. MgH2, with its high gravimetric and volumetric density, presents a compelling platform for hydrogen storage; however, its utilization is hindered by the sluggish kinetics of hydrogen uptake/release and high temperature operation. Herein we show that a novel layered heterostructure of reduced graphene oxide and organosilica with high specific surface area and narrow pore size distribution can serve as a scaffold to host MgH2 nanoparticles with a narrow diameter distribution around ∼2.5 nm and superior hydrogen storage properties to bulk MgH2. Desorption studies showed that hydrogen release starts at relatively low temperature, with a maximum at 348 °C and kinetics dependent on particle size. Reversibility tests demonstrated that the dehydrogenation kinetics and re-hydrogenation capacity of the system remains stable at 1.62 wt% over four cycles at 200 °C. Our results prove that MgH2 confinement in a nanoporous scaffold is an efficient way to constrain the size of the hydride particles, avoid aggregation and improve kinetics for hydrogen release and recharging.

Colloidal Templating in Catalyst Design for Thermocatalysis

Conventional catalyst preparative methods commonly entail the impregnation, precipitation, and/or immobilization of nanoparticles on their supports. While convenient, such methods do not readily afford the ability to control collective ensemble-like nanoparticle properties, such as nanoparticle proximity, placement, and compartmentalization. In this Perspective, we illustrate how incorporating colloidal templating into catalyst design for thermocatalysis confers synthetic advantages to facilitate new catalytic investigations and augment catalytic performance, focusing on three colloid-templated catalyst structures: 3D macroporous structures, hierarchical macro-mesoporous structures, and discrete hollow nanoreactors. We outline how colloidal templating decouples the nanoparticle and support formation steps to devise modular catalyst platforms that can be flexibly tuned at different length scales. Of particular interest is the raspberry colloid templating (RCT) method which confers high thermomechanical stability by partially embedding nanoparticles within its support, while retaining high levels of reactant accessibility. We illustrate how the high modularity of the RCT approach allows one to independently control collective nanoparticle properties, such as nanoparticle proximity and localization, without concomitant changes to other catalytic descriptors that would otherwise confound analyses of their catalytic performance. We next discuss how colloidal templating can be employed to achieve spatially disparate active site functionalization while directing reactant transport within the catalyst structure to enhance selectivity in multistep catalytic cascades. Throughout this Perspective, we highlight developments in advanced characterization that interrogate transport phenomena and/or derive new insights into these catalyst structures. Finally, we offer our outlook on the future roles, applications, and challenges of colloidal templating in catalyst design for thermocatalysis.

New trends in nanoparticle exsolution

Many relevant high-temperature chemical processes require the use of oxide-supported metallic nanocatalysts. The harsh conditions under which these processes operate can trigger catalyst degradation via nanoparticle sintering, carbon depositions or poisoning, among others. This primarily affects metallic nanoparticles created via deposition methods with low metal-support interaction. In this respect, nanoparticle exsolution has emerged as a promising method for fabricating oxide-supported nanocatalysts with high interaction between the metal and the oxide support. This is due to the mechanism involved in nanoparticle exsolution, which is based on the migration of metal cations in the oxide support to its surface, where they nucleate and grow as metallic nanoparticles partially embedded in the oxide. This anchorage confers high robustness against sintering or coking-related problems. For these reasons, exsolution has attracted great interest in the last few years. Multiple works have been devoted to proving the high catalytic stability of exsolved metallic nanoparticles in several applications for high-temperature energy storage and conversion. Additionally, considerable attention has been directed towards understanding the underlying mechanism of metallic nanoparticle exsolution. However, this growing field has not been limited to these types of studies and recent discoveries at the forefront of materials design have opened new research avenues. In this work, we define six new trends in nanoparticle exsolution, taking a tour through the most important advances that have been recently reported.

Surface Segregation Studies in Ternary Noble Metal Alloys: Comparing DFT and Machine Learning with Experimental Data

Surface segregation, whereby the surface composition of an alloy differs systematically from the bulk, has historically been hard to study, because it requires experimental and modeling methods that span alloy composition space. In this work, we study surface segregation in catalytically relevant noble and platinum-group metal alloys with a focus on three ternary systems: AgAuCu, AuCuPd, and CuPdPt. We develop a data set of 2478 fcc slabs with those compositions including all three low-index crystallographic orientations relaxed with Density Functional Theory using the PBEsol functional with D3 dispersion corrections. We fine-tune a machine learning model on this data and use the model in a series of 1800 Monte Carlo simulations spanning ternary composition space for each surface orientation and ternary chemical system. The results of these simulations are validated against prior experimental surface segregation data collected using composition spread alloy films for AgAuCu and AuCuPd. Our findings reveal that simulations conducted using the (110) orientation most closely match experimentally observed surface segregation trends, and while predicted trends qualitatively match observation, biases in the PBEsol functional limit numeric accuracy. This study advances understanding of surface segregation and the utility of computational studies and highlights the need for further improvements in simulation accuracy.

The Enigma of Methanol Synthesis by Cu/ZnO/Al2O3-Based Catalysts

The activity and durability of the Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 (CZA) catalyst formulation for methanol synthesis from CO/CO2/H2 feeds far exceed the sum of its individual components. As such, this ternary catalytic system is a prime example of synergy in catalysis, one that has been employed for the large scale commercial production of methanol since its inception in the mid 1960s with precious little alteration to its original formulation. Methanol is a key building block of the chemical industry. It is also an attractive energy storage molecule, which can also be produced from CO2 and H2 alone, making efficient use of sequestered CO2. As such, this somewhat unusual catalyst formulation has an enormous role to play in the modern chemical industry and the world of global economics, to which the correspondingly voluminous and ongoing research, which began in the 1920s, attests. Yet, despite this commercial success, and while research aimed at understanding how this formulation functions has continued throughout the decades, a comprehensive and universally agreed upon understanding of how this material achieves what it does has yet to be realized. After nigh on a century of research into CZA catalysts, the purpose of this Review is to appraise what has been achieved to date, and to show how, and how far, the field has evolved. To do so, this Review evaluates the research regarding this catalyst formulation in a chronological order and critically assesses the validity and novelty of various hypotheses and claims that have been made over the years. Ultimately, the Review attempts to derive a holistic summary of what the current body of literature tells us about the fundamental sources of the synergies at work within the CZA catalyst and, from this, suggest ways in which the field may yet be further advanced.

Controlling Pt nanoparticle sintering by sub-monolayer MgO ALD thin films

Metal nanoparticle (NP) sintering is a major cause of catalyst deactivation, as NP growth reduces the surface area available for reaction. A promising route to halt sintering is to deposit a protective overcoat on the catalyst surface, followed by annealing to generate overlayer porosity for gas transport to the NPs. Yet, such a combined deposition-annealing approach lacks structural control over the cracked protection layer and the number of NP surface atoms available for reaction. Herein, we exploit the tailoring capabilities of atomic layer deposition (ALD) to deposit MgO overcoats on archetypal Pt NP catalysts with thicknesses ranging from sub-monolayers to nm-range thin films. Two different ALD processes are studied for the growth of MgO overcoats on Pt NPs anchored on a SiO2 support, using Mg(EtCp)2 and H2O, and Mg(TMHD)2 and O3, respectively. Spectroscopic ellipsometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal significant growth on both SiO2 and Pt for the former process, while the latter exhibits a drastically lower growth per cycle with an initial chemical selectivity towards Pt. These differences in MgO growth characteristics have implications for the availability of uncoated Pt surface atoms at different stages of the ALD process, as probed by low energy ion scattering, and for the sintering behavior during O2 annealing, as monitored in situ with grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (in situ GISAXS). The Mg(TMHD)2-O3 ALD process enables exquisite coverage control allowing a balance between physically blocking the Pt surface to prevent sintering and keeping Pt surface atoms free for reaction. This approach avoids the need for post-annealing, hence also safeguarding the structural integrity of the as-deposited overcoat.

Design and assembly of porous organic cages

Porous organic cages (POCs) represent a notable category of porous materials, showing remarkable material properties due to their inherent porosity. Unlike extended frameworks which are constructed by strong covalent or coordination bonds, POCs are composed of discrete molecular units held together by weak intermolecular forces. Their structure and chemical traits can be systematically tailored, making them suitable for a range of applications including gas storage and separation, molecular separation and recognition, catalysis, and proton and ion conduction. This review provides a comprehensive overview of POCs, covering their synthesis methods, structure and properties, computational approaches, and applications, serving as a primer for those who are new to the domain. A special emphasis is placed on the growing role of computational methods, highlighting how advanced data-driven techniques and automation are increasingly aiding the rapid exploration and understanding of POCs. We conclude by addressing the prevailing challenges and future prospects in the field.

Reversible and Irreversible Structural Changes in Cu/ZnO/ZrO2 Catalysts during Methanol Synthesis

The structure and chemical state of heterogeneous catalysts are closely related to their operational stability. Knowing these relationships as precisely as possible is thus essential for further catalyst development. This work focuses on the deactivation of a Cu/ZnO/ZrO2-type catalyst for methanol synthesis. Experiments were performed in a parallel setup, with which time-dependent changes in the catalyst material can be observed. Elucidation of potential deactivation pathways is described for catalyst aging at different times on stream (0, 50, 935 h). Data from X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N2 physisorption, and transmission electron microscopy measurements reveal that sintering of Cu0 domains and restructuring within ZnO domains mainly contribute to deactivation. Subsequent reactivation by reduction (in H2/N2) reverts the observed structural changes only to a limited extent. Moreover, this work highlights the participation of ZrO2 as a promoter and reveals redispersion of zirconia after initial reduction.

Structure and Role of a Ga-Promoter in Ni-Based Catalysts for the Selective Hydrogenation of CO2 to Methanol

Supported, bimetallic catalysts have shown great promise for the selective hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol. In this study, we decipher the catalytically active structure of Ni-Ga-based catalysts. To this end, model Ni-Ga-based catalysts, with varying Ni:Ga ratios, were prepared by a surface organometallic chemistry approach. In situ differential pair distribution function (d-PDF) analysis revealed that catalyst activation in H2 leads to the formation of nanoparticles based on a Ni-Ga face-centered cubic (fcc) alloy along with a small quantity of GaOx. Structure refinements of the d-PDF data enabled us to determine the amount of both alloyed Ga and GaOx species. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments confirmed the presence of alloyed Ga and GaOx and indicated that alloying with Ga affects the electronic structure of metallic Ni (viz., Niδ-). Both the Ni:Ga ratio in the alloy and the quantity of GaOx are found to minimize methanation and to determine the methanol formation rate and the resulting methanol selectivity. The highest formation rate and methanol selectivity are found for a Ni-Ga alloy having a Ni:Ga ratio of ∼75:25 along with a small quantity of oxidized Ga species (0.14 molNi-1). Furthermore, operando infrared spectroscopy experiments indicate that GaOx species play a role in the stabilization of formate surface intermediates, which are subsequently further hydrogenated to methoxy species and ultimately to methanol. Notably, operando XAS shows that alloying between Ni and Ga is maintained under reaction conditions and is key to attaining a high methanol selectivity (by minimizing CO and CH4 formation), while oxidized Ga species enhance the methanol formation rate.

Advancing nitrate reduction to ammonia: insights into mechanism, activity control, and catalyst design over Pt nanoparticle-based ZrO2

The reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) to NH3, or N2 represents a crucial step in mitigating atmospheric NO3 and NO2 emissions, a significant contributor to air pollution. Among these reduction products, ammonia (NH3) holds particular significance due to its utility in nitrogen-based fertilizers and its versatile applications in various industrial processes. Platinum-based catalysts have exhibited promise in enhancing the rate and selectivity of these reduction reactions. In this study, we employ density functional theory (DFT) calculations to explore the catalytic potential of Pt nanoparticle (PtNP)-supported ZrO2 for the conversion of NO3 to NH3. The most favorable pathway for the NO3 reduction to NH3 follows a sequence, that is, NO3 → NO2 → NO → ONH → ONH2/HNOH → NH2/NH → NH2 → NH3, culminating in the production of valuable ammonia. The introduction of low-state Fe and Co dopants into the ZrO2 support reduces energy barriers for the most challenging rate-determining hydrogenation step in NOx reduction to NH3, demonstrating significant improvements in catalytic activity. The incorporation of dopants into the ZrO2 support results in a depletion of electron density within the Pt cocatalyst resulting in enhanced hydrogen transfer efficiency during the hydrogenation process. This study aims to provide insights into the catalytic activity of platinum-based ZrO2 catalysts and will help design new high-performance catalysts for the reduction of atmospheric pollutants and for energy applications.

Supraparticles on beads for supported catalytically active liquid metal solutions - the SCALMS suprabead concept

A novel GaPt-based supported catalytically active liquid metal solution (SCALMS) material is developed by exploiting the suprabead concept: Supraparticles, i.e. micrometer-sized particles composed of nanoparticles assembled by spray-drying, are bonded to millimeter-sized beads. The suprabeads combine macroscale size with catalytic properties of nanoscale GaPt particles entrapped in their silica framework.

Quantitative 3D Characterization of Functionally Relevant Parameters in Heavy-Oxide-Supported 4d Metal Nanocatalysts

Accurate 3D nanometrology of catalysts with small nanometer-sized particles of light 3d or 4d metals supported on high-atomic-number oxides is crucial for understanding their functionality. However, performing quantitative 3D electron tomography analysis on systems involving metals like Pd, Ru, or Rh supported on heavy oxides (e.g., CeO2) poses significant challenges. The low atomic number (Z) of the metal complicates discrimination, especially for very small nanoparticles (1-3 nm). Conventional reconstruction methods successful for catalysts with 5d metals (e.g., Au, Pt, or Ir) fail to detect 4d metal particles in electron tomography reconstructions, as their contrasts cannot be effectively separated from those of the underlying support crystallites. To address this complex 3D characterization challenge, we have developed a full deep learning (DL) pipeline that combines multiple neural networks, each one optimized for a specific image-processing task. In particular, single-image super-resolution (SR) techniques are used to intelligently denoise and enhance the quality of the tomographic tilt series. U-net generative adversarial network algorithms are employed for image restoration and correcting alignment-related artifacts in the tilt series. Finally, semantic segmentation, utilizing a U-net-based convolutional neural network, splits the 3D volumes into their components (metal and support). This approach enables the visualization of subnanometer-sized 4d metal particles and allows for the quantitative extraction of catalytically relevant structural information, such as particle size, sphericity, and truncation, from compressed sensing electron tomography volume reconstructions. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by characterizing nanoparticles of a metal widely used in catalysis, Pd (Z = 46), supported on CeO2, a very high density (7.22 g/cm3) oxide involving a quite high-atomic-number element, Ce (Z = 58).

Tailoring Zeolite L-Supported-Cu Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation: Insights into the Mechanism of CH3OH and CO Formation

The utilization of Cu-based catalysts in CO2 conversion into valuable chemicals is of significant interest due to their potential in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, the controllable design of Cu-based catalysts and the regulation of their mechanism remain challenging. In this study, a series of efficient Cu/L catalysts were prepared for this process, and the intrinsic influencing factors on the reaction routes were systematically revealed. Various techniques revealed that Cu particles in L-supported catalysts exhibited higher dispersion and formed Cu-O(OH)-K interfacial sites. However, with increasing Cu loading, the dispersion of Cu particles and the percentage of Cu-O(OH)-K interfaces decreased. Kinetic investigations revealed that the adsorption configuration and electronic structure of Cu species codetermined the reaction pathways and resulting selectivity. Cu/L catalysts possessing Cu-O(OH)-K interfaces and small particles demonstrated the preferential formation of formate species, promoting methanol formation. However, larger Cu particles generated carboxylate intermediates, resulting in higher CO selectivity..

Direct Observation of Ni Nanoparticle Growth in Carbon-Supported Nickel under Carbon Dioxide Hydrogenation Atmosphere

Understanding nanoparticle growth is crucial to increase the lifetime of supported metal catalysts. In this study, we employ in situ gas-phase transmission electron microscopy to visualize the movement and growth of ensembles of tens of nickel nanoparticles supported on carbon for CO2 hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure (H2:CO2 = 4:1) and relevant temperature (450 °C) in real time. We observe two modes of particle movement with an order of magnitude difference in velocity: fast, intermittent movement (vmax = 0.7 nm s-1) and slow, gradual movement (vaverage = 0.05 nm s-1). We visualize the two distinct particle growth mechanisms: diffusion and coalescence, and Ostwald ripening. The diffusion and coalescence mechanism dominates at small interparticle distances, whereas Ostwald ripening is driven by differences in particle size. Strikingly, we demonstrate an interplay between the two mechanisms, where first coalescence takes place, followed by fast Ostwald ripening due to the increased difference in particle size. Our direct visualization of the complex nanoparticle growth mechanisms highlights the relevance of studying nanoparticle growth in supported nanoparticle ensembles under reaction conditions and contributes to the fundamental understanding of the stability in supported metal catalysts.

In Situ and Emerging Transmission Electron Microscopy for Catalysis Research

Catalysts are the primary facilitator in many dynamic processes. Therefore, a thorough understanding of these processes has vast implications for a myriad of energy systems. The scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) is a powerful tool not only for atomic-scale characterization but also in situ catalytic experimentation. Techniques such as liquid and gas phase electron microscopy allow the observation of catalysts in an environment conducive to catalytic reactions. Correlated algorithms can greatly improve microscopy data processing and expand multidimensional data handling. Furthermore, new techniques including 4D-STEM, atomic electron tomography, cryogenic electron microscopy, and monochromated electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) push the boundaries of our comprehension of catalyst behavior. In this review, we discuss the existing and emergent techniques for observing catalysts using S/TEM. Challenges and opportunities highlighted aim to inspire and accelerate the use of electron microscopy to further investigate the complex interplay of catalytic systems.

Molecular Thin Films Enable the Synthesis and Screening of Nanoparticle Megalibraries Containing Millions of Catalysts

Megalibraries are centimeter-scale chips containing millions of materials synthesized in parallel using scanning probe lithography. As such, they stand to accelerate how materials are discovered for applications spanning catalysis, optics, and more. However, a long-standing challenge is the availability of substrates compatible with megalibrary synthesis, which limits the structural and functional design space that can be explored. To address this challenge, thermally removable polystyrene films were developed as universal substrate coatings that decouple lithography-enabled nanoparticle synthesis from the underlying substrate chemistry, thus providing consistent lithography parameters on diverse substrates. Multi-spray inking of the scanning probe arrays with polymer solutions containing metal salts allows patterning of >56 million nanoreactors designed to vary in composition and size. These are subsequently converted to inorganic nanoparticles via reductive thermal annealing, which also removes the polystyrene to deposit the megalibrary. Megalibraries with mono-, bi-, and trimetallic materials were synthesized, and nanoparticle size was controlled between 5 and 35 nm by modulating the lithography speed. Importantly, the polystyrene coating can be used on conventional substrates like Si/SiO_x, as well as substrates typically more difficult to pattern on, such as glassy carbon, diamond, TiO_2, BN, W, or SiC. Finally, high-throughput materials discovery is performed in the context of photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants using Au-Pd-Cu nanoparticle megalibraries on TiO₂ substrates with 2,250,000 unique composition/size combinations. The megalibrary was screened within 1 h by developing fluorescent thin-film coatings on top of the megalibrary as proxies for catalytic turnover, revealing Au_0.53Pd_0.38Cu_0.09-TiO₂ as the most active photocatalyst composition.

Scalable synthesis of Cu clusters for remarkable selectivity control of intermediates in consecutive hydrogenation

Subnanometric Cu clusters that contain only a small number of atoms exhibit unique and, often, unexpected catalytic behaviors compared with Cu nanoparticles and single atoms. However, due to the high mobility of Cu species, scalable synthesis of stable Cu clusters is still a major challenge. Herein, we report a facile and practical approach for scalable synthesis of stable supported Cu cluster catalysts. This method involves the atomic diffusion of Cu from the supported Cu nanoparticles to CeO₂ at a low temperature of 200 °C to form stable Cu clusters with tailored sizes. Strikingly, these Cu clusters exhibit high yield of intermediate product (95%) in consecutive hydrogenation reactions due to their balanced adsorption of the intermediate product and dissociation of H₂. The scalable synthesis strategy reported here makes the stable Cu cluster catalysts one step closer to practical semi-hydrogenation applications.

Disclosing the leaching behaviour of Pd@CMK3 catalysts in formic acid decomposition by electron tomography

Supported nanocatalysts exhibit different performances in batch and fixed bed reactors for a wide range of liquid phase catalytic reactions due to differences in metal leaching. To investigate this leaching process and its influence on the catalytic performance, a quantitative 3D characterization of the particle size and the particle distribution is important to follow the structural evolution of the active metal catalysts supported on porous materials during the reaction. In this work, electron tomography has been applied to uncover leaching and redeposition of a Pd@CMK3 catalyst during formic acid decomposition in batch and fixed bed reactors. The 3D distribution of Pd NPs on the mesoporous carbon CMK3 has been determined by a quantitative tomographic analysis and the determined structural changes are correlated with the observed differences in activity and stability of formic acid decomposition using batch and fixed bed reactors.

Manganese Oxide as a Promoter for Copper Catalysts in CO2 and CO Hydrogenation

In this work, we discuss the role of manganese oxide as a promoter in Cu catalysts supported on graphitic carbon during hydrogenation of CO₂ and CO. MnO_x is a selectivity modifier in an H₂/CO₂ feed and is a highly effective activity promoter in an H₂/CO feed. Interestingly, the presence of MnO_x suppresses the methanol formation from CO₂ (TOF of 0.7 ⋅ 10^-3 s^-1 at 533 K and 40 bar) and enhances the low-temperature reverse water-gas shift reaction (TOF of 5.7 ⋅ 10^-3 s^-1) with a selectivity to CO of 87 %_C. Using time-resolved XAS at high temperatures and pressures, we find significant absorption of CO₂ to the MnO, which is reversed if CO₂ is removed from the feed. This work reveals fundamental differences in the promoting effect of MnO_x and ZnO_x and contributes to a better understanding of the role of reducible oxide promoters in Cu-based hydrogenation catalysts.

Competition between reverse water gas shift reaction and methanol synthesis from CO2: influence of copper particle size

Converting CO₂ into value-added chemicals and fuels, such as methanol, is a promising approach to limit the environmental impact of human activities. Conventional methanol synthesis catalysts have shown limited efficiency and poor stability in a CO₂/H₂ mixture. To design improved catalysts, crucial for the effective utilization of CO₂, an in-depth understanding of the active sites and reaction mechanism is desired. The catalytic performance of a series of carbon-supported Cu catalysts, with Cu particle sizes in the range of 5 to 20 nm, was evaluated under industrially relevant temperature and pressure, i.e. 260 °C and 40 bar(g). The CO₂ hydrogenation reaction exhibited clear particle size effects up to 13 nm particles, with small nanoparticles having the lower activity, but higher methanol selectivity. MeOH and CO formation showed a different size-dependence. The TOF_CO increased from 1.9 × 10^-3 s^-1 to 9.4 × 10^-3 s^-1 with Cu size increasing from 5 nm to 20 nm, while the TOF_MeOH was size-independent (8.4 × 10^-4 s^-1 on average). The apparent activation energies for MeOH and CO formation were size-independent with values of 63 ± 7 kJ mol^-1 and 118 ± 6 kJ mol^-1, respectively. Hence the size dependence was ascribed to a decrease in the fraction of active sites suitable for CO formation with decreasing particle size. Theoretical models and DFT calculations showed that the origin of the particle size effect is most likely related to the differences in formate coverage for different Cu facets whose abundancy depends on particle size. Hence, the CO₂ hydrogenation reaction is intrinsically sensitive to the Cu particle size.

Metal Sites in Zeolites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalysis

Zeolites with ordered microporous systems, distinct framework topologies, good spatial nanoconfinement effects, and superior (hydro)thermal stability are an ideal scaffold for planting diverse active metal species, including single sites, clusters, and nanoparticles in the framework and framework-associated sites and extra-framework positions, thus affording the metal-in-zeolite catalysts outstanding activity, unique shape selectivity, and enhanced stability and recyclability in the processes of Brønsted acid-, Lewis acid-, and extra-framework metal-catalyzed reactions. Especially, thanks to the advances in zeolite synthesis and characterization techniques in recent years, zeolite-confined extra-framework metal catalysts (denoted as metal@zeolite composites) have experienced rapid development in heterogeneous catalysis, owing to the combination of the merits of both active metal sites and zeolite intrinsic properties. In this review, we will present the recent developments of synthesis strategies for incorporating and tailoring of active metal sites in zeolites and advanced characterization techniques for identification of the location, distribution, and coordination environment of metal species in zeolites. Furthermore, the catalytic applications of metal-in-zeolite catalysts are demonstrated, with an emphasis on the metal@zeolite composites in hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, and oxidation reactions. Finally, we point out the current challenges and future perspectives on precise synthesis, atomic level identification, and practical application of the metal-in-zeolite catalyst system.

Solid-State Reaction Synthesis of Nanoscale Materials: Strategies and Applications

Nanomaterials (NMs) with unique structures and compositions can give rise to exotic physicochemical properties and applications. Despite the advancement in solution-based methods, scalable access to a wide range of crystal phases and intricate compositions is still challenging. Solid-state reaction (SSR) syntheses have high potential owing to their flexibility toward multielemental phases under feasibly high temperatures and solvent-free conditions as well as their scalability and simplicity. Controlling the nanoscale features through SSRs demands a strategic nanospace-confinement approach due to the risk of heat-induced reshaping and sintering. Here, we describe advanced SSR strategies for NM synthesis, focusing on mechanistic insights, novel nanoscale phenomena, and underlying principles using a series of examples under different categories. After introducing the history of classical SSRs, key theories, and definitions central to the topic, we categorize various modern SSR strategies based on the surrounding solid-state media used for nanostructure growth, conversion, and migration under nanospace or dimensional confinement. This comprehensive review will advance the quest for new materials design, synthesis, and applications.

Towards Highly Loaded and Finely Dispersed CuO Catalysts via ADP: Effect of the Alumina Support

To meet current economic demands enforcing the replacement of platinum-group metals, extensively used in three-way-catalytic converters (TWC), research is driven towards low-cost and widely available base metals. However, to cope with their lower activity, high metal loadings must be coupled with increased dispersion. Herein, a series of CuO/Al2O3 samples is produced and the effect of different alumina supports’ properties on CuO dispersion, speciation and eventually on the TWC performance is studied. The alumina samples are synthesized via different methods, including soft-templating routes and flame spray pyrolysis, and compared with a commercial one, while CuO used as the catalytic active phase is added through ammonia-driven deposition–precipitation. As found, the large surface area and low crystallinity of the aluminas produced by soft-templating routes favor strong metal–support interaction, generating highly dispersed and strongly bonded CuO species at low loading and copper-aluminate phases at high loading. Notably, the use of amorphous mesoporous alumina completely prevents the formation of crystalline CuO even at 15 wt% Cu. Such high metal loading and dispersion capacity without the application of elevated calcination temperatures is one of the best reported for nonreducible supports. Catalytic evaluation of this material reveals a pronounced enhancement of oxidation activity with metal loading increase.

Insight into the Nature of the ZnO x Promoter during Methanol Synthesis

Despite the great commercial relevance of zinc-promoted copper catalysts for methanol synthesis, the nature of the Cu-ZnO x synergy and the nature of the active Zn-based promoter species under industrially relevant conditions are still a topic of vivid debate. Detailed characterization of the chemical speciation of any promoter under high-pressure working conditions is challenging but specifically hampered by the large fraction of Zn spectator species bound to the oxidic catalyst support. We present the use of weakly interacting graphitic carbon supports as a tool to study the active speciation of the Zn promoter phase that is in close contact with the Cu nanoparticles using time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy under working conditions. Without an oxidic support, much fewer Zn species need to be added for maximum catalyst activity. A 5-15 min exposure to 1 bar H2 at 543 K only slightly reduces the Zn(II), but exposure for several hours to 20 bar H2/CO and/or H2/CO/CO2 leads to an average Zn oxidation number of +(0.5-0.6), only slightly increasing to +0.8 in a 20 bar H2/CO2 feed. This means that most of the added Zn is in a zerovalent oxidation state during methanol synthesis conditions. The Zn average coordination number is 8, showing that this phase is not at the surface but surrounded by other metal atoms (whether Zn or Cu), and indicating that the Zn diffuses into the Cu nanoparticles under reaction conditions. The time scale of this process corresponds to that of the generally observed activation period for these catalysts. These results reveal the speciation of the relevant Zn promoter species under methanol synthesis conditions and, more generally, present the use of weakly interacting graphitic supports as an important strategy to avoid excessive spectator species, thereby allowing us to study the nature of relevant promoter species.

Defect-mediated ripening of core-shell nanostructures

Understanding nanostructure ripening mechanisms is desirable for gaining insight on the growth and potential applications of nanoscale materials. However, the atomic pathways of nanostructure ripening in solution have rarely been observed directly. Here, we report defect-mediated ripening of Cd-CdCl₂ core-shell nanoparticles (CSN) revealed by in-situ atomic resolution imaging with liquid cell transmission electron microscopy. We find that ripening is initiated by dissolution of the nanoparticle with an incomplete CdCl₂ shell, and that the areas of the Cd core that are exposed to the solution are etched first. The growth of the other nanoparticles is achieved by generating crack defects in the shell, followed by ion diffusion through the cracks. Subsequent healing of crack defects leads to a highly crystalline CSN. The formation and annihilation of crack defects in the CdCl₂ shell, accompanied by disordering and crystallization of the shell structure, mediate the ripening of Cd-CdCl₂ CSN in the solution.

Understanding the ripening of core-shell nanostructures is challenging. Here, the authors use liquid cell transmission electron microscopy to show that the atomic ripening pathway for Cd-CdCl₂ core-shell nanoparticles is mediated by crack defects.

Automated Image Analysis for Single-Atom Detection in Catalytic Materials by Transmission Electron Microscopy

Single-atom catalytic sites may have existed in all supported transition metal catalysts since their first application. Yet, interest in the design of single-atom heterogeneous catalysts (SACs) only really grew when advances in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) permitted direct confirmation of metal site isolation. While atomic-resolution imaging remains a central characterization tool, poor statistical significance, reproducibility, and interoperability limit its scope for deriving robust characteristics about these frontier catalytic materials. Here, we introduce a customized deep-learning method for automated atom detection in image analysis, a rate-limiting step toward high-throughput TEM. Platinum atoms stabilized on a functionalized carbon support with a challenging irregular three-dimensional morphology serve as a practically relevant test system with promising scope in thermo- and electrochemical applications. The model detects over 20,000 atomic positions for the statistical analysis of important properties for establishing structure-performance relations over nanostructured catalysts, like the surface density, proximity, clustering extent, and dispersion uniformity of supported metal species. Good performance obtained on direct application of the model to an iron SAC based on carbon nitride demonstrates its generalizability for single-atom detection on carbon-related materials. The approach establishes a route to integrate artificial intelligence into routine TEM workflows. It accelerates image processing times by orders of magnitude and reduces human bias by providing an uncertainty analysis that is not readily quantifiable in manual atom identification, improving standardization and scalability.

Recent advances in the applications of porous organic cages

Porous organic cages (POCs) have emerged as a new sub-class of porous materials that stand out by virtue of their tunability, modularity, and processibility. Similar to other porous materials such...

Ceria–tungsten–tin oxide catalysts with superior regeneration capacity after sulfur poisoning for NH3-SCR process

A combined study on the anti-sintering ability, SO2-poisoning mechanism and thermal regeneration property of CeWSnOx catalysts for NH3-SCR reaction.

Thermally Stable Single-Atom Heterogeneous Catalysts

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted extensive attention in fields related to energy, environment, and material sciences because of the high atom efficiency and the unique properties of these materials. Many approaches have hitherto been successfully established to prepare SACs, including impregnation, pyrolysis-involved processes, atom trapping, and coprecipitation. However, under typical reaction conditions, single atoms on catalysts tend to migrate or agglomerate, forming nanoclusters or nanoparticles, which lowers their surface free energy. Efforts are required to develop strategies for improving the thermal stability of SACs while achieving excellent catalytic performance. In this Progress Report, recent advances in the development of thermally durable single-atom heterogeneous catalysts are discussed. Several important preparation approaches for thermally stable SACs are described in this article. Fundamental understanding of the coordination structures of thermally stable single atom prepared by these methods is discussed. Furthermore, the catalytic performances of these thermally stable SACs are reviewed, including their activity and stability. Finally, a perspective of this important and rapidly evolving research field is provided.

Magnetic covalent organic framework immobilized gold nanoparticles with high-efficiency catalytic performance for chemiluminescent detection of pesticide triazophos

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are considered to be a promising support material for catalyst due to their highly ordered porous structure. Here, a core-shell structured Fe₃O₄ magnetic covalent organic framework (Fe₃O₄@COF) was synthesized and employed to provide basic sites for immobilization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The AuNPs was in-situ immobilized on the shell of Fe₃O₄@COF via a citrate reducing method. The Fe₃O₄@COF-AuNP had convenient magnetic separability and exhibited excellent mimicking peroxidase-like activity in catalyzing chemiluminescence (CL) reaction of luminol with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). With acetylcholine chloride (ACh) as substrate of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a CL method was exploited for sensitive detection of organophosphorus pesticide triazophos due to its irreversible inhibiting effect on the AChE activity and subsequently influences the production of H₂O₂ under the condition of choline oxidase (ChOx). This method gave a good linearity for triazophos in the range of 5.0-300.0 nmol L^-1, and a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 nmol L^-1 was acquired. The applicability of this method was verified by the determination of triazophos in different spiked vegetable samples.

Unraveling the Nature of Extraframework Catalytic Ensembles in Zeolites: Flexibility and Dynamics of the Copper-Oxo Trimers in Mordenite

Extraframework cations define the chemical versatility of zeolite catalysts. Addressing their structural complexity and dynamic behavior represents one of the main fundamental challenges in the field. Herein, we present a computational approach for the identification and analysis of the accessible pool of intrazeolite extraframework complexes with a Cu/MOR catalyst as an industrially important model system. We employ ab initio molecular dynamics for capturing the ensemble of reactive isomers with the [Cu₃O₃]²⁺ stoichiometry confined in the mordenite channels. The high structural diversity of the generated isomers was ensured by concentrating the kinetic energy along the low-curvature directions of the potential energy surface (PES). Geometrically distinct [Cu₃O₃]²⁺ complexes were identified via a series of clustering procedures ensuring that one structure of each local minima is retained. The proposed procedure has resulted in a set of previously unknown peroxo-complexes, which are >50 kJ/mol more stable than the recently hypothesized chair-shaped structure. Our analysis demonstrates that the most stable peroxo-containing clusters can be formed under operando conditions from molecular oxygen and the Cu₃O unit, similar to that in methane monooxygenase (MMO) enzymes.

Effect of Sn Doping on Pd Electro-Catalysts for Enhanced Electro-Catalytic Activity towards Methanol and Ethanol Electro-Oxidation in Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells

Carbon nano-onions (CNOs) were successfully synthesized by employing the flame pyrolysis (FP) method, using flaxseed oil as a carbon source. The alcohol reduction method was used to prepare Pd/CNOs and Pd-Sn/CNOs electro-catalysts, with ethylene glycol as the solvent and reduction agent. The metal-nanoparticles were supported on the CNO surface without adjusting the pH of the solution. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images reveal CNOs with concentric graphite ring morphology, and also PdSn nanoparticles supported on the CNOs. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) patterns confirm that CNOs are amorphous and show the characteristic diffraction peaks of Pd. There is a shifting of Pd diffraction peaks to lower angles upon the addition of Sn compared to Pd/CNOs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results also confirm the doping of Pd with Sn to form a PdSn alloy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) displays oxygen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, and carbonyl, which facilitates the dispersion of Pd and Sn nanoparticles. Raman spectrum displays two prominent peaks of carbonaceous materials which correspond to the D and G bands. The Pd-Sn/CNOs electro-catalyst demonstrates improved electro-oxidation of methanol and ethanol performance compared to Pd/CNOs and commercial Pd/C electro-catalysts under alkaline conditions.

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.