1
|
Wu J, Wang S, Ji R, Kai D, Kong J, Liu S, Thitsartarn W, Tan BH, Chua MH, Xu J, Loh XJ, Yan Q, Zhu Q. In Situ Characterization Techniques for Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39092833 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The electrochemical reduction of nitrogen to produce ammonia is pivotal in modern society due to its environmental friendliness and the substantial influence that ammonia has on food, chemicals, and energy. However, the current electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) mechanism is still imperfect, which seriously impedes the development of NRR. In situ characterization techniques offer insight into the alterations taking place at the electrode/electrolyte interface throughout the NRR process, thereby helping us to explore the NRR mechanism in-depth and ultimately promote the development of efficient catalytic systems for NRR. Herein, we introduce the popular theories and mechanisms of the electrochemical NRR and provide an extensive overview on the application of various in situ characterization approaches for on-site detection of reaction intermediates and catalyst transformations during electrocatalytic NRR processes, including different optical techniques, X-ray-based techniques, electron microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy. Finally, some major challenges and future directions of these in situ techniques are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Republic of Singapore
| | - Suxi Wang
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Rong Ji
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Dan Kai
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Junhua Kong
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Songlin Liu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Warintorn Thitsartarn
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Beng Hoon Tan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ming Hui Chua
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore
| | - Jianwei Xu
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore
| | - Xian Jun Loh
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, #03-09 EA, Singapore 117575, Republic of Singapore
| | - Qingyu Yan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Republic of Singapore
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Republic of Singapore
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore 637371, Republic of Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yue C, Bao W, Liu Y, Chao X, Liu N, Hao H, Sun F, Zhang C, Yan D, Bi J, Lu Y. Ultrafine Co-MoC particles in porous carbon derived from polyoxometalate-based metal organic framework for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 667:184-191. [PMID: 38636220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.04.042] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Accurately regulating ultrafine molybdenum carbide (MoC)-based catalysts is a significant challenge in the rational design of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts. Herein, under the guidance of the first principle calculations, we proposed an in-situ polyoxometalate-confined strategy for creating uniformly distributed ultrafine Co-MoC bimetallic nanoparticles in porous carbon nanostars, with the assistance of precisely designed metal-organic framework (MOF). The Co-MoC@C electrocatalyst has a high specific surface area of 969 m2·g-1 because of the conductive carbon substrate with abundant mesopores, which makes for exposing more active sites of Co-MoC nanocrystals (∼1.5 nm) and facilitating electron/ion transport. Thus, Co-MoC@C electrocatalyst shows the excellent electrochemical activity with overpotentials of 88.4 mV and 66.6 mV at a current density of 10 mA·cm-2 under acidic and alkaline conditions, respectively. The in-situ polyoxometalate-confined strategy will provide a new guideline for the design and preparation of efficient HER electrocatalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changle Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, PR China
| | - Wenjing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, PR China
| | - Xinyi Chao
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, PR China
| | - Na Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, PR China
| | - Haoyuan Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, PR China
| | - Fengyue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, PR China
| | - Cong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, PR China
| | - Dengwei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, PR China
| | - Jiahui Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, PR China
| | - Yukun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Huang H, Xu L, Zuo S, Song L, Zou C, García-Melchor M, Li Y, Ren Y, Rueping M, Zhang H. Manipulation of Oxidation States on Phase Boundary via Surface Layer Modification for Enhanced Alkaline Hydrogen Electrocatalysis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2405128. [PMID: 39072907 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202405128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
In alkaline water electrolysis and anion exchange membrane water electrolysis technologies, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the cathode is significantly constrained by a high energy barrier during the water dissociation step. This study employs a phase engineering strategy to construct heterostructures composed of crystalline Ni4W and amorphous WOx aiming to enhance catalytic performance in the HER under alkaline conditions. This work systematically modulates the oxidation states of W within the amorphous WOx of the heterostructure to adjust the electronic states of the phase boundary, the energy barriers associated with the water dissociation step, and the adsorption/desorption properties of intermediates during the alkaline HER process. The optimized catalyst, Ni4W/WOx-2, with a quasi-metallic state of W coordinated by a low oxygen content in amorphous WOx, demonstrates exceptional catalytic performance (22 mV@10 mA cm-2), outperforming commercial Pt/C (30 mV@10 mA cm-2). Furthermore, the operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis and theoretical calculations reveal that the optimized W atoms in amorphous WOx serve as active sites for water dissociation and the nearby Ni atoms in crystalline Ni4W facilitated the release of H2. These findings provide valuable insights into designing efficient heterostructured materials for energy conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Huang
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Liangliang Xu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Shouwei Zuo
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lu Song
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chen Zou
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Max García-Melchor
- School of Chemistry, CRANN and AMBER Research Centres, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yang Li
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yuafu Ren
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magnus Rueping
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huabin Zhang
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chang P, Wang T, Ding P, Guan L, Zhang S, Xing D, Tao J. Aerophobic P-MoS 2 on MOF-Derived Co,N-Codoped Carbon Nanosheets with Accelerated H 2 Bubble Release Dynamics for Efficient Alkaline Water Splitting at 1000 mA cm -2. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 39045821 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c07705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Rapid bubble release at high current densities results in the detachment of catalysts and performance degradation, posing a persistent challenge in actual alkaline water electrolysis (AWE). Here, hierarchical nanosheet structures (CoNC@P-MoS2) are constructed, with P-doped MoS2 on the surface of Co,N-codoped carbon. It exhibits low hydrogen evolution reaction overpotentials of 30 and 354 mV at 10 and 1000 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH, respectively, with a small Tafel slope of 36 mV dec-1. The constructed CoNC@P-MoS2||NiFe-DLH cell requires only 1.44 and 1.92 V to achieve overall water splitting at 10 and 1000 mA cm-2, which outperforms the traditional catalysts like Pt/C||IrO2. The introduction of P stabilizes surface hydroxyl (OH*) and increases the proton penetration depth, thereby greatly enhancing its intrinsic activity. It also makes the surface aerophobic by introducing more microfeatures, which greatly improves the geometric activity by increasing the bubble release rate (∼5.8 times). Low energy consumption of 3.92 kW h Nm-3 was achieved with an energy efficiency close to 80%. Bubble growth kinetics analysis reveals that the time and growth factors for CoNC@P-MoS2 are increased to 0.54 and 11.79 from 0.45 and 6.09 for CoNC, respectively, which highlights its fast bubble reaction dynamics. The results suggest the feasibility of CoNC@P-MoS2 as a potential high-performance catalyst in commercial AWE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pu Chang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132, China
| | - Tian Wang
- School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Pengbo Ding
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132, China
| | - Lixiu Guan
- School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132, China
| | - Dan Xing
- School of Sciences, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
| | - Junguang Tao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300132, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Levell Z, Le J, Yu S, Wang R, Ethirajan S, Rana R, Kulkarni A, Resasco J, Lu D, Cheng J, Liu Y. Emerging Atomistic Modeling Methods for Heterogeneous Electrocatalysis. Chem Rev 2024; 124:8620-8656. [PMID: 38990563 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Heterogeneous electrocatalysis lies at the center of various technologies that could help enable a sustainable future. However, its complexity makes it challenging to accurately and efficiently model at an atomic level. Here, we review emerging atomistic methods to simulate the electrocatalytic interface with special attention devoted to the components/effects that have been challenging to model, such as solvation, electrolyte ions, electrode potential, reaction kinetics, and pH. Additionally, we review relevant computational spectroscopy methods. Then, we showcase several examples of applying these methods to understand and design catalysts relevant to green hydrogen. We also offer experimental views on how to bridge the gap between theory and experiments. Finally, we provide some perspectives on opportunities to advance the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Levell
- Texas Materials Institute and Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jiabo Le
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1219 Zhongguan West Road, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Saerom Yu
- Texas Materials Institute and Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- Texas Materials Institute and Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Sudheesh Ethirajan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Rachita Rana
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Ambarish Kulkarni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Joaquin Resasco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Deyu Lu
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973, United States
| | - Jun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- Laboratory of AI for Electrochemistry (AI4EC), Tan Kah Kee Innovation Laboratory, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yuanyue Liu
- Texas Materials Institute and Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fan J, Arrazolo LK, Du J, Xu H, Fang S, Liu Y, Wu Z, Kim JH, Wu X. Effects of Ionic Interferents on Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction: Mechanistic Insight. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:12823-12845. [PMID: 38954631 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate, a prevalent water pollutant, poses substantial public health concerns and environmental risks. Electrochemical reduction of nitrate (eNO3RR) has emerged as an effective alternative to conventional biological treatments. While extensive lab work has focused on designing efficient electrocatalysts, implementation of eNO3RR in practical wastewater settings requires careful consideration of the effects of various constituents in real wastewater. In this critical review, we examine the interference of ionic species commonly encountered in electrocatalytic systems and universally present in wastewater, such as halogen ions, alkali metal cations, and other divalent/trivalent ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-/CO32-, SO42-, and PO43-). Notably, we categorize and discuss the interfering mechanisms into four groups: (1) loss of active catalytic sites caused by competitive adsorption and precipitation, (2) electrostatic interactions in the electric double layer (EDL), including ion pairs and the shielding effect, (3) effects on the selectivity of N intermediates and final products (N2 or NH3), and (4) complications by the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and localized pH on the cathode surface. Finally, we summarize the competition among different mechanisms and propose future directions for a deeper mechanistic understanding of ionic impacts on eNO3RR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Fan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Leslie K Arrazolo
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Jiaxin Du
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Xu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Fang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongbiao Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jae-Hong Kim
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Xuanhao Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cao P, Zhao X, Liu Y, Zhang H, Zhao K, Chen S, Yu H, Dong F, Nichols NN, Chen JG, Quan X. Highly Efficient Acidic Electrosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide at Industrial-Level Current Densities Promoted by Alkali Metal Cations. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202406452. [PMID: 38735843 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202406452] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Acidic H2O2 synthesis through electrocatalytic 2e- oxygen reduction presents a sustainable alternative to the energy-intensive anthraquinone oxidation technology. Nevertheless, acidic H2O2 electrosynthesis suffers from low H2O2 Faradaic efficiencies primarily due to the competing reactions of 4e- oxygen reduction to H2O and hydrogen evolution in environments with high H+ concentrations. Here, we demonstrate the significant effect of alkali metal cations, acting as competing ions with H+, in promoting acidic H2O2 electrosynthesis at industrial-level currents, resulting in an effective current densities of 50-421 mA cm-2 with 84-100 % Faradaic efficiency and a production rate of 856-7842 μmol cm-2 h-1 that far exceeds the performance observed in pure acidic electrolytes or low-current electrolysis. Finite-element simulations indicate that high interfacial pH near the electrode surface formed at high currents is crucial for activating the promotional effect of K+. In situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal the central role of alkali metal cations in stabilizing the key *OOH intermediate to suppress 4e- oxygen reduction through interacting with coordinated H2O.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peike Cao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Xueyang Zhao
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Huzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Huzhou, 313001, PR China
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
| | - Yanming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Haiguang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Kun Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, PR China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Hongtao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Fan Dong
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Huzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Huzhou, 313001, PR China
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
| | - Nathaniel N Nichols
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Jingguang G Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Xie Quan
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education, China), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jones TE, Teschner D, Piccinin S. Toward Realistic Models of the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction. Chem Rev 2024. [PMID: 39038270 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
The electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) supplies the protons and electrons needed to transform renewable electricity into chemicals and fuels. However, the OER is kinetically sluggish; it operates at significant rates only when the applied potential far exceeds the reversible voltage. The origin of this overpotential is hidden in a complex mechanism involving multiple electron transfers and chemical bond making/breaking steps. Our desire to improve catalytic performance has then made mechanistic studies of the OER an area of major scientific inquiry, though the complexity of the reaction has made understanding difficult. While historically, mechanistic studies have relied solely on experiment and phenomenological models, over the past twenty years ab initio simulation has been playing an increasingly important role in developing our understanding of the electrocatalytic OER and its reaction mechanisms. In this Review we cover advances in our mechanistic understanding of the OER, organized by increasing complexity in the way through which the OER is modeled. We begin with phenomenological models built using experimental data before reviewing early efforts to incorporate ab initio methods into mechanistic studies. We go on to cover how the assumptions in these early ab initio simulations─no electric field, electrolyte, or explicit kinetics─have been relaxed. Through comparison with experimental literature, we explore the veracity of these different assumptions. We summarize by discussing the most critical open challenges in developing models to understand the mechanisms of the OER.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Travis E Jones
- Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545, United States
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Institute of the Max-Planck-Society, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Detre Teschner
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Institute of the Max-Planck-Society, Berlin 14195, Germany
- Department of Heterogeneous Reactions, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Mülheim an der Ruhr 45470, Germany
| | - Simone Piccinin
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto Officina dei Materiali, Trieste 34136, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fernández-Vidal J, Koper MTM. Effect of a Physisorbed Tetrabutylammonium Cation Film on Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Pt Single-Crystal Electrodes. ACS Catal 2024; 14:8130-8137. [PMID: 38868101 PMCID: PMC11165451 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.4c01765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The addition of tetrabutylammonium (TBA+) to alkaline electrolytes enhances the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity on Pt single-crystal electrodes. The concentration of TBA+ significantly influences the HER on Pt(111). Concentrations of ≤1 mM yield no significant effect on HER currents or the coverage of adsorbed hydrogen (H*) but exhibit an interaction with the OHads on the surface. Conversely, concentrations of >1 mM result in an apparent site-blocking effect for underpotential-deposited H* caused by the physisorption of the organic cation, which counterintuitively leads to an increase in the HER activity. The physisorption of TBA+ is linked to its accumulation in the diffuse layer, as it can be reversibly removed by the addition of nonadsorbing cations such as sodium. Following the previous literature on the TBA+ interaction with electrode surfaces, we ascribe this effect to the formation of a two-dimensional TBA+ film in the double layer. On stepped Pt single-crystal surfaces, TBA+ enhances HER activity at all concentrations, primarily at step sites. Our findings not only highlight the complexities of TBA+ accumulation on Pt electrodes but also offer important molecular-level insights for optimizing the HER by organic film formation on various atomic-level electrode structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Fernández-Vidal
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, PO Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marc T. M. Koper
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, PO Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hu Z, Chen K, Zhu Y, Liu B, Shen J. Synergistic Effects of PtRhNiFeCu High Entropy Alloy Nanocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution and Oxygen Reduction Reactions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2309819. [PMID: 38229574 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The unique properties of high entropy alloy (HEA) catalysts, particularly their severe lattice distortion and the synergistic effect of multiple components, endow them with exceptional multifunctional catalytic performance. Herein, it is revealed for the first time, that the ultrasmall PtRhNiFeCu HEA nanoparticles catalyst shows outstanding catalytic activity for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The catalyst exhibits an impressively low overpotential of 13 mV at 10 mA cm-2, a Tafel slope of 29.6 mV dec-1, and high mass activity of 7.6 A mgPt -1 at -50 mV in alkaline media, and long-term stability of at least 20 h. Moreover, the catalyst also demonstrates effective catalytic activity for acidic ORR with a commendable performance of 1.23 A mgPt -1, much exceeding the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations unveil that the efficient electrocatalytic performance for HER and ORR can be primarily attributed to the synergistic effect between components tailors and optimizes the electronic structure of PtRhNiFeCu/C HEA, which not only enhances the HER activity through increasing water capture capability, decreasing energetic barrier for water dissociation, and optimizing hydrogen absorption but also initiates non-platinum active sites with high ORR activity, achieving the improved ORR performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Hu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Kuangyin Chen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yihua Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Bin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jianhua Shen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Centre of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tang B, Fang Y, Zhu S, Bai Q, Li X, Wei L, Li Z, Zhu C. Tuning hydrogen bond network connectivity in the electric double layer with cations. Chem Sci 2024; 15:7111-7120. [PMID: 38756806 PMCID: PMC11095383 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc06904d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen bond (H-bond) network connectivity in electric double layers (EDLs) is of paramount importance for interfacial HER/HOR electrocatalytic processes. However, it remains unclear whether the cation-specific effect on H-bond network connectivity in EDLs exists. Herein, we report simulation evidence from ab initio molecular dynamics that cations at Pt(111)/water interfaces can tune the structure and the connectivity of H-bond networks in EDLs. As the surface charge density σ becomes more negative, we show that the connectivity of the H-bond networks in EDLs of the Na+ and Ca2+ systems decreases markedly; in stark contrast, the connectivity of the H-bond networks in EDLs of the Mg2+ system increases slightly. Further analysis revealed that the interplay between the hydration of cations and the interfacial water structure plays a key role in the connectivity of H-bond networks in EDLs. These findings highlight the key roles of cations in EDLs and electrocatalysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Tang
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Yeguang Fang
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology Beijing 100190 China
| | - Shuang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Qi Bai
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Xiaojiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Laiyang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 P. R. China
| | - Chongqin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Niu HJ, Huang C, Sun T, Fang Z, Ke X, Zhang R, Ran N, Wu J, Liu J, Zhou W. Enhancing Ni/Co Activity by Neighboring Pt Atoms in NiCoP/MXene Electrocatalyst for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202401819. [PMID: 38409658 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401819] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate neighboring Pt atoms can enhance the metal activity of NiCoP for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, it remains a great challenge to link Pt and NiCoP. Herein, we introduced curvature of bowl-like structure to construct Pt/NiCoP interface by adding a minimal 1 ‰-molar-ratio Pt. The as-prepared sample only requires an overpotential of 26.5 and 181.6 mV to accordingly achieve the current density of 10 and 500 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH. The water dissociation energy barrier (Ea) has a ~43 % decrease compared with NiCoP counterpart. It also shows an ultrahigh stability with a small degradation rate of 10.6 μV h-1 at harsh conditions (500 mA cm-2 and 50 °C) after 3000 hrs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (sXAS), and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) verify the interface electron transfer lowers the valence state of Co/Ni and activates them. DFT calculations also confirm the catalytic transition step of NiCoP can change from Heyrovsky (2.71 eV) to Tafel step (0.51 eV) in the neighborhood of Pt, in accord with the result of the improved Hads at the interface disclosed by in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jie Niu
- School of Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chuanxue Huang
- School of Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tong Sun
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Instrumental Analysis Center of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zhen Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Center of Hydrogen Science, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiaoxing Ke
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Microstructure and Properties of Solids, Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Ruimin Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Nian Ran
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Jianbo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Center of Hydrogen Science, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- School of Chemistry, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hsu YS, Rathnayake ST, Waegele MM. Cation effects in hydrogen evolution and CO2-to-CO conversion: A critical perspective. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:160901. [PMID: 38651806 DOI: 10.1063/5.0201751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The rates of many electrocatalytic reactions can be strongly affected by the structure and dynamics of the electrochemical double layer, which in turn can be tuned by the concentration and identity of the supporting electrolyte's cation. The effect of cations on an electrocatalytic process depends on a complex interplay between electrolyte components, electrode material and surface structure, applied electrode potential, and reaction intermediates. Although cation effects remain insufficiently understood, the principal mechanisms underlying cation-dependent reactivity and selectivity are beginning to emerge. In this Perspective, we summarize and critically examine recent advances in this area in the context of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and CO2-to-CO conversion, which are among the most intensively studied and promising electrocatalytic reactions for the sustainable production of commodity chemicals and fuels. Improving the kinetics of the HER in base and enabling energetically efficient and selective CO2 reduction at low pH are key challenges in electrocatalysis. The physical insights from the recent literature illustrate how cation effects can be utilized to help achieve these goals and to steer other electrocatalytic processes of technological relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shen Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA
| | - Sachinthya T Rathnayake
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA
| | - Matthias M Waegele
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu W, Xia M, Zhao C, Chong B, Chen J, Li H, Ou H, Yang G. Efficient ammonia synthesis from the air using tandem non-thermal plasma and electrocatalysis at ambient conditions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3524. [PMID: 38664388 PMCID: PMC11045753 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47765-9] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
While electrochemical N2 reduction presents a sustainable approach to NH3 synthesis, addressing the emission- and energy-intensive limitations of the Haber-Bosch process, it grapples with challenges in N2 activation and competing with pronounced hydrogen evolution reaction. Here we present a tandem air-NOx-NOx--NH3 system that combines non-thermal plasma-enabled N2 oxidation with Ni(OH)x/Cu-catalyzed electrochemical NOx- reduction. It delivers a high NH3 yield rate of 3 mmol h-1 cm-2 and a corresponding Faradaic efficiency of 92% at -0.25 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in batch experiments, outperforming previously reported ones. Furthermore, in a flow mode concurrently operating the non-thermal plasma and the NOx- electrolyzer, a stable NH3 yield rate of approximately 1.25 mmol h-1 cm-2 is sustained over 100 h using pure air as the intake. Mechanistic studies indicate that amorphous Ni(OH)x on Cu interacts with hydrated K+ in the double layer through noncovalent interactions and accelerates the activation of water, enriching adsorbed hydrogen species that can readily react with N-containing intermediates. In situ spectroscopies and density functional theory (DFT) results reveal that NOx- adsorption and their hydrogenation process are optimized over the Ni(OH)x/Cu surface. This work provides new insights into electricity-driven distributed NH3 production using natural air at ambient conditions.
Collapse
Grants
- This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2020YFA0710000, G.Y.), Joint Funds of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U22A20391, G.Y.), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 22108214, 22078256, G.Y.), Innovation Capability Support Program of Shaanxi (NO. 2023-CX-TD-26, G.Y.), and the Programme of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities (B23025, G.Y.)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Mengyang Xia
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Ben Chong
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Jiahe Chen
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - He Li
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Honghui Ou
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Guidong Yang
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pan X, Yan M, Liu Q, Zhou X, Liao X, Sun C, Zhu J, McAleese C, Couture P, Sharpe MK, Smith R, Peng N, England J, Tsang SCE, Zhao Y, Mai L. Electric-field-assisted proton coupling enhanced oxygen evolution reaction. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3354. [PMID: 38637529 PMCID: PMC11026508 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47568-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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of Mn-Ca complex in photosystem II stimulates research of manganese-based catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, conventional chemical strategies face challenges in regulating the four electron-proton processes of OER. Herein, we investigate alpha-manganese dioxide (α-MnO2) with typical MnIV-O-MnIII-HxO motifs as a model for adjusting proton coupling. We reveal that pre-equilibrium proton-coupled redox transition provides an adjustable energy profile for OER, paving the way for in-situ enhancing proton coupling through a new "reagent"- external electric field. Based on the α-MnO2 single-nanowire device, gate voltage induces a 4-fold increase in OER current density at 1.7 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Moreover, the proof-of-principle external electric field-assisted flow cell for water splitting demonstrates a 34% increase in current density and a 44.7 mW/cm² increase in net output power. These findings indicate an in-depth understanding of the role of proton-incorporated redox transition and develop practical approach for high-efficiency electrocatalysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuelei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, P.R. China
- Wolfson Catalysis Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QR, UK
| | - Mengyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, P.R. China.
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, P. R. China
| | - Xunbiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, P.R. China
| | - Congli Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, P.R. China
| | - Jiexin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, P.R. China
| | - Callum McAleese
- UK National Ion Beam Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Pierre Couture
- UK National Ion Beam Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Matthew K Sharpe
- UK National Ion Beam Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Richard Smith
- UK National Ion Beam Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Nianhua Peng
- UK National Ion Beam Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Jonathan England
- UK National Ion Beam Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Shik Chi Edman Tsang
- Wolfson Catalysis Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QR, UK.
| | - Yunlong Zhao
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2BX, UK.
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK.
| | - Liqiang Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gao B, Cheng Q, Du X, Ding S, Xiao C, Wang J, Song Z, Jang HW. Identifying the Active Sites in MoSi 2@MoO 3 Heterojunctions for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2301542. [PMID: 38602282 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Developing Two-dimensional (2D) Mo-based heterogeneous nanomaterials is of great significance for energy conversion, especially in alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), however, it remains a challenge to identify the active sites at the interface due to the structure complexity. Herein, the real active sites are systematically explored during the HER process in varied Mo-based 2D materials by theoretical computational and magnetron sputtering approaches first to filtrate the candidates, then successfully combined the MoSi2 and MoO3 together through Oxygen doping to construct heterojunctions. Benefiting from the synergistic effects between the MoSi2 and MoO3, the obtained MoSi2@MoO3 exhibits an unprecedented overpotential of 72 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2. Density functional theory calculations uncover the different Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption (ΔGH*) values achieved at the interfaces with different sites as adsorption sites. The results can facilitate the optimization of heterojunction electrocatalyst design principles for the Mo-based 2D materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Gao
- School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, 266525, China
- Key Lab of Industrial Fluid Energy Conservation and Pollution Control (Qingdao University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Qingdao, Shandong, 266525, China
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Qiuping Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Xiaoye Du
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Shujiang Ding
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Sustainable Energy Materials Chemistry, Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Chunhui Xiao
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Sustainable Energy Materials Chemistry, Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, 266525, China
| | - Zhongxiao Song
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Ho Won Jang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Research Institute of Advanced Materials, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Shah AH, Zhang Z, Wan C, Wang S, Zhang A, Wang L, Alexandrova AN, Huang Y, Duan X. Platinum Surface Water Orientation Dictates Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Kinetics in Alkaline Media. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:9623-9630. [PMID: 38533830 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The fundamental understanding of sluggish hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) kinetics on a platinum (Pt) surface in alkaline media is a topic of considerable debate. Herein, we combine cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrical transport spectroscopy (ETS) approaches to probe the Pt surface at different pH values and develop molecular-level insights into the pH-dependent HER kinetics in alkaline media. The change in HER Tafel slope from ∼110 mV/decade in pH 7-10 to ∼53 mV/decade in pH 11-13 suggests considerably enhanced kinetics at higher pH. The ETS studies reveal a similar pH-dependent switch in the ETS conductance signal at around pH 10, suggesting a notable change of surface adsorbates. Fixed-potential calculations and chemical bonding analysis suggest that this switch is attributed to a change in interfacial water orientation, shifting from primarily an O-down configuration below pH 10 to a H-down configuration above pH 10. This reorientation weakens the O-H bond in the interfacial water molecules and modifies the reaction pathway, leading to considerably accelerated HER kinetics at higher pH. Our integrated studies provide an unprecedented molecular-level understanding of the nontrivial pH-dependent HER kinetics in alkaline media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aamir Hassan Shah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Zisheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Chengzhang Wan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Sibo Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Ao Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Laiyuan Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Anastassia N Alexandrova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Xiangfeng Duan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu H, Zhang D, Wang Y, Li H. Reversible Hydrogen Electrode (RHE) Scale Dependent Surface Pourbaix Diagram at Different pH. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:7632-7638. [PMID: 38552647 PMCID: PMC11008240 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
In the analysis of electrocatalysis mechanisms and the design of catalysts, the effect of electrochemistry-induced surface coverage is a critical consideration that should not be overlooked. The surface Pourbaix diagram emerges as a fundamental tool in this context, providing essential insights into the surface coverage of adsorbates generated via electrochemical potential-driven water activation. A classic surface Pourbaix diagram considers the pH effects by correcting the free energy of H+ ions by the concentration-dependent term: -kBT ln(10) × pH, which is independent of the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) scale. However, this is sometimes inconsistent with the experimentally observed potential-dependent surface coverage at an RHE scale, especially under high-pH conditions. Here, we derived the pH-dependent surface Pourbaix diagram at an RHE scale by considering the energetics computed by density functional theory with the Bayesian Error Estimation Functional with van der Waals corrections (BEEF-vdW), the electric field effects, the derived adsorption-induced dipole moment and polarizability, and the potential of zero-charge. Using Pt(111) as the typical example, we found that the surface coverage predicted by the proposed RHE-dependent surface Pourbaix diagram can significantly minimize the discrepancy between theory and experimental observations, especially under neutral-alkaline, moderate-potential conditions. This work provides a new methodology and establishes guidelines for the precise analysis of the surface coverage prior to the evaluation of the activity of an electrocatalyst.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Liu
- Advanced Institute for Materials
Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Di Zhang
- Advanced Institute for Materials
Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yuan Wang
- Advanced Institute for Materials
Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| | - Hao Li
- Advanced Institute for Materials
Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu Y, Shi H, Dai TY, Zeng SP, Han GF, Wang TH, Wen Z, Lang XY, Jiang Q. In Situ Engineering Multifunctional Active Sites of Ruthenium-Nickel Alloys for pH-Universal Ampere-Level Current-Density Hydrogen Evolution. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2311509. [PMID: 38587968 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Developing robust non-platinum electrocatalysts with multifunctional active sites for pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for scalable hydrogen production through electrochemical water splitting. Here ultra-small ruthenium-nickel alloy nanoparticles steadily anchored on reduced graphene oxide papers (Ru-Ni/rGOPs) as versatile electrocatalytic materials for acidic and alkaline HER are reported. These Ru-Ni alloy nanoparticles serve as pH self-adaptive electroactive species by making use of in situ surface reconstruction, where surface Ni atoms are hydroxylated to produce bifunctional active sites of Ru-Ni(OH)2 for alkaline HER, and selectively etched to form monometallic Ru active sites for acidic HER, respectively. Owing to the presence of Ru-Ni(OH)2 multi-site surface, which not only accelerates water dissociation to generate reactive hydrogen intermediates but also facilitates their recombination into hydrogen molecules, the self-supported Ru90Ni10/rGOP hybrid electrode only takes overpotential of as low as ≈106 mV to deliver current density of 1000 mA cm-2, and maintains exceptional stability for over 1000 h in 1 m KOH. While in 0.5 m H2SO4, the Ru90Ni10/rGOP hybrid electrode exhibits acidic HER catalytic behavior comparable to commercially available Pt/C catalyst due to the formation of monometallic Ru shell. These electrochemical behaviors outperform some of the best Ru-based catalysts and make it attractive alternative to Pt-based catalysts toward highly efficient HER.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Hang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Tian-Yi Dai
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Shu-Pei Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Gao-Feng Han
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Tong-Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Zi Wen
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Xing-You Lang
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials (Jilin University), Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wan C, Ling Y, Wang S, Pu H, Huang Y, Duan X. Unraveling and Resolving the Inconsistencies in Tafel Analysis for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:658-665. [PMID: 38559285 PMCID: PMC10979421 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c01439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The Tafel slope represents a critical kinetic parameter for mechanistic studies of electrochemical reactions, including the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Linear fitting of the polarization curve in a N2-saturated electrolyte is commonly used to determine Tafel slopes, which is, however, frequently plagued with inconsistencies. Our systematic studies reveal that the Tafel slopes derived from this approach are loading- and potential-dependent, and could substantially exceed the theoretical limits. Our analyses indicate that this discrepancy is largely attributed to the locally trapped HER-generated H2 in the catalyst layer. A non-negligible hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) current more prominently offsets the HER current at the smaller HER overpotential regime, resulting in an artificially smaller Tafel slope. On the other hand, at the higher overpotential where the HOR current becomes negligible, the locally trapped H2 substantially suppresses further HER current growth, leading to an artificially larger Tafel slope. The Butler-Volmer method accounts for both the HER and HOR currents in the fitting, which offers a more reliable method for pure Pt catalysts but is less applicable to transition-metal decorated Pt surfaces with distinct HER/HOR kinetics. Our studies underscore the challenges in Tafel slope analysis and the need for strict controls for reliable comparisons among different catalyst systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhang Wan
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of California, Los
Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of California, Los
Angeles, California 90095, , United States
| | - Yansong Ling
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of California, Los
Angeles, California 90095, , United States
| | - Sibo Wang
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of California, Los
Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Heting Pu
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of California, Los
Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of California, Los
Angeles, California 90095, , United States
| | - Yu Huang
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of California, Los
Angeles, California 90095, , United States
- California
NanoSystems Institute, Los
Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Xiangfeng Duan
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of California, Los
Angeles, California 90095, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Baidoun R, Liu G, Kim D. Recent advances in the role of interfacial liquids in electrochemical reactions. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:5903-5925. [PMID: 38440946 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06092f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
The interfacial liquid, situated in proximity to an electrode or catalyst, plays a vital role in determining the activity and selectivity of crucial electrochemical reactions, including hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution/reduction, and carbon dioxide reduction. Thus, there has been a growing interest in better understanding the behavior and the catalytic effect of its constituents. This minireview examines the impact of interfacial liquids on electrocatalysis, specifically the effects of water molecules and ionic species present at the interface. How the structure of interfacial water, distinct from the bulk, can affect charge transfer kinetics and transport of species is presented. Furthermore, how cations and anions (de)stabilize intermediates and transition states, compete for adsorption with reaction species, and act as local environment modifiers including pH and the surrounding solvent structure are described in detail. These effects can promote or inhibit reactions in various ways. This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights for tailoring interfacial liquids to optimize electrochemical reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rani Baidoun
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Gexu Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dohyung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Goyal A, Louisia S, Moerland P, Koper MTM. Cooperative Effect of Cations and Catalyst Structure in Tuning Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution on Pt Electrodes. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:7305-7312. [PMID: 38451209 PMCID: PMC10958517 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c11866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The kinetics of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media, a reaction central to alkaline water electrolyzers, is not accurately captured by traditional adsorption-based activity descriptors. As a result, the exact mechanism and the main driving force for the water reduction or HER rate remain hotly debated. Here, we perform extensive kinetic measurements on the pH- and cation-dependent HER rate on Pt single-crystal electrodes in alkaline conditions. We find that cations interacting with Pt step sites control the HER activity, while they interact only weakly with Pt(111) and Pt(100) terraces and, therefore, cations do not affect HER kinetics on terrace sites. This is reflected by divergent activity trends as a function of pH as well as cation concentration on stepped Pt surfaces vs Pt surfaces that do not feature steps, such as Pt(111). We show that HER activity can be optimized by rationally tuning these step-cation interactions via selective adatom deposition at the steps and by choosing an optimal electrolyte composition. Our work shows that the catalyst and the electrolyte must be tailored in conjunction to achieve the highest possible HER activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akansha Goyal
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sheena Louisia
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pricilla Moerland
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marc T. M. Koper
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ganguly A, McGlynn RJ, Boies A, Maguire P, Mariotti D, Chakrabarti S. Flexible Bifunctional Electrode for Alkaline Water Splitting with Long-Term Stability. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:12339-12352. [PMID: 38425008 PMCID: PMC10941191 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c12944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Progress in electrochemical water-splitting devices as future renewable and clean energy systems requires the development of electrodes composed of efficient and earth-abundant bifunctional electrocatalysts. This study reveals a novel flexible and bifunctional electrode (NiO@CNTR) by hybridizing macroscopically assembled carbon nanotube ribbons (CNTRs) and atmospheric plasma-synthesized NiO quantum dots (QDs) with varied loadings to demonstrate bifunctional electrocatalytic activity for stable and efficient overall water-splitting (OWS) applications. Comparative studies on the effect of different electrolytes, e.g., acid and alkaline, reveal a strong preference for alkaline electrolytes for the developed NiO@CNTR electrode, suggesting its bifunctionality for both HER and OER activities. Our proposed NiO@CNTR electrode demonstrates significantly enhanced overall catalytic performance in a two-electrode alkaline electrolyzer cell configuration by assembling the same electrode materials as both the anode and the cathode, with a remarkable long-standing stability retaining ∼100% of the initial current after a 100 h long OWS run, which is attributed to the "synergistic coupling" between NiO QD catalysts and the CNTR matrix. Interestingly, the developed electrode exhibits a cell potential (E10) of only 1.81 V with significantly low NiO QD loading (83 μg/cm2) compared to other catalyst loading values reported in the literature. This study demonstrates a potential class of carbon-based electrodes with single-metal-based bifunctional catalysts that opens up a cost-effective and large-scale pathway for further development of catalysts and their loading engineering suitable for alkaline-based OWS applications and green hydrogen generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Ganguly
- School
of Engineering, Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1AP, Northern Ireland, U.K.
| | - Ruairi J. McGlynn
- School
of Engineering, Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1AP, Northern Ireland, U.K.
| | - Adam Boies
- Department
of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, U.K.
| | - Paul Maguire
- School
of Engineering, Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1AP, Northern Ireland, U.K.
| | - Davide Mariotti
- School
of Engineering, Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1AP, Northern Ireland, U.K.
| | - Supriya Chakrabarti
- School
of Engineering, Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1AP, Northern Ireland, U.K.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Weng G, Laderer W, Alexandrova AN. Understanding the Adiabatic Evolution of Surface States in Tetradymite Topological Insulators under Electrochemical Conditions. J Phys Chem Lett 2024:2732-2739. [PMID: 38436223 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Nontrivial surface states in topological materials have emerged as exciting targets for surface chemistry research. In particular, topological insulators have been used as electrodes in electrocatalytic reactions. Herein, we investigate the robustness of the topological surface states and band topology under electrochemical conditions, specifically in the presence of an electric double layer. First-principles band structure calculations are performed on the electrified (111) surfaces of Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3, and Sb2Te3 using an implicit electrolyte model. Our results demonstrate the adiabatic evolution of the surface states upon surface charging. Under oxidizing potentials, the surface states are shifted upward in energy, preserving the Dirac point on the surface and the band inversion in the bulk. Conversely, under reduced potentials, hybridization is observed between the surface and bulk states, suggesting a likely breakdown of topological protection. The position of the Fermi level, which dictates the working states in catalytic reactions, should ideally be confined within the bulk bandgap. This requirement defines a potential window for the effective application of topological electrocatalysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guorong Weng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - William Laderer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Anastassia N Alexandrova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Center for Quantum Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Fang Y, Wei C, Bian Z, Yin X, Liu B, Liu Z, Chi P, Xiao J, Song W, Niu S, Tang C, Liu J, Ge X, Xu T, Wang G. Unveiling the nature of Pt-induced anti-deactivation of Ru for alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1614. [PMID: 38388525 PMCID: PMC10884033 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
While Ru owns superior catalytic activity toward hydrogen oxidation reaction and cost advantages, the catalyst deactivation under high anodic potential range severely limits its potential to replace the Pt benchmark catalyst. Unveiling the deactivation mechanism of Ru and correspondingly developing protection strategies remain a great challenge. Herein, we develop atomic Pt-functioned Ru nanoparticles with excellent anti-deactivation feature and meanwhile employ advanced operando characterization tools to probe the underlying roles of Pt in the anti-deactivation. Our studies reveal the introduced Pt single atoms effectively prevent Ru from oxidative passivation and consequently preserve the interfacial water network for the critical H* oxidative release during catalysis. Clearly understanding the deactivation nature of Ru and Pt-induced anti-deactivation under atomic levels could provide valuable insights for rationally designing stable Ru-based catalysts for hydrogen oxidation reaction and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Fang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Cong Wei
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Zenan Bian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Xuanwei Yin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Zhaohui Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Peng Chi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Junxin Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Wanjie Song
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Shuwen Niu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Chongyang Tang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Xiaolin Ge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Tongwen Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Gongming Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chen C, Jin H, Wang P, Sun X, Jaroniec M, Zheng Y, Qiao SZ. Local reaction environment in electrocatalysis. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:2022-2055. [PMID: 38204405 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00669g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Beyond conventional electrocatalyst engineering, recent studies have unveiled the effectiveness of manipulating the local reaction environment in enhancing the performance of electrocatalytic reactions. The general principles and strategies of local environmental engineering for different electrocatalytic processes have been extensively investigated. This review provides a critical appraisal of the recent advancements in local reaction environment engineering, aiming to comprehensively assess this emerging field. It presents the interactions among surface structure, ions distribution and local electric field in relation to the local reaction environment. Useful protocols such as the interfacial reactant concentration, mass transport rate, adsorption/desorption behaviors, and binding energy are in-depth discussed toward modifying the local reaction environment. Meanwhile, electrode physical structures and reaction cell configurations are viable optimization methods in engineering local reaction environments. In combination with operando investigation techniques, we conclude that rational modifications of the local reaction environment can significantly enhance various electrocatalytic processes by optimizing the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the reaction interface. We also outline future research directions to attain a comprehensive understanding and effective modulation of the local reaction environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Huanyu Jin
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Pengtang Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Xiaogang Sun
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Mietek Jaroniec
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry & Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Yao Zheng
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Shi-Zhang Qiao
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Liu X, Wang X, Li K, Tang J, Zhu J, Chi J, Lai J, Wang L. Diluting the Resistance of Built-in Electric Fields in Oxygen Vacancy-enriched Ru/NiMoO 4-x for Enhanced Hydrogen Spillover in Alkaline Seawater Splitting. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316319. [PMID: 38095848 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316319] [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: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Recently, hydrogen spillover based binary (HSBB) catalysts have received widespread attention due to the sufficiently utilized reaction sites. However, the specific regulation mechanism of spillover intensity is still unclear. Herein, we have fabricated oxygen vacancies enriched Ru/NiMoO4-x to investigate the internal relationship between electron supply and mechanism of hydrogen spillover enhancement. The DFT calculations cooperate with in situ Raman spectrum to uncover that the H* spillover from NiMoO4-x to Ru. Meanwhile, oxygen vacancies weakened the electron supply from Ru to NiMoO4-x , which contributes to dilute the resistance of built-in electric field (BEF) for hydrogen spillover. In addition, the higher ion concentration in electrolyte will promote the H* adsorption step obviously, which is demonstrated by in situ EIS tests. As a result, the Ru/NiMoO4-x exhibits a low overpotential of 206 mV at 3.0 A cm-2 , a small Tafel slope of 28.8 mV dec-1 , and an excellent durability of 550 h at the current density of 0.5 A cm-2 for HER in 1.0 M KOH seawater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| | - Xuanyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| | - Kun Li
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| | - Junheng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| | - Jiawei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| | - Jingqi Chi
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| | - Jianping Lai
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-chemical Engineering, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Han P, Yang X, Wu L, Jia H, Chen J, Shi W, Cheng G, Luo W. A Highly-Efficient Boron Interstitially Inserted Ru Anode Catalyst for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2304496. [PMID: 37934652 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Developing high-performance electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is crucial for the commercialization of anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Here, boron interstitially inserted ruthenium (B-Ru/C) is synthesized and used as an anode catalyst for AEMFC, achieving a peak power density of 1.37 W cm-2 , close to the state-of-the-art commercial PtRu catalyst. Unexpectedly, instead of the monotonous decline of HOR kinetics with pH as generally believed, an inflection point behavior in the pH-dependent HOR kinetics on B-Ru/C is observed, showing an anomalous behavior that the HOR activity under alkaline electrolyte surpasses acidic electrolyte. Experimental results and density functional theory calculations reveal that the upshifted d-band center of Ru after the intervention of interstitial boron can lead to enhanced adsorption ability of OH and H2 O, which together with the reduced energy barrier of water formation, contributes to the outstanding alkaline HOR performance with a mass activity of 1.716 mA µgPGM -1 , which is 13.4-fold and 5.2-fold higher than that of Ru/C and commercial Pt/C, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Han
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Yang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Liqing Wu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Hongnan Jia
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Jingchao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion, Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, P. R. China
| | - Wenwen Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion, Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, P. R. China
| | - Gongzhen Cheng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Wei Luo
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhang Z, Li J, Wang YG. Modeling Interfacial Dynamics on Single Atom Electrocatalysts: Explicit Solvation and Potential Dependence. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:198-207. [PMID: 38166366 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
ConspectusSingle atom electrocatalysts, with noble metal-free composition, maximal atom efficiency, and exceptional reactivity toward various energy and environmental applications, have become a research hot spot in the recent decade. Their simplicity and the isolated nature of the atomic structure of their active site have also made them an ideal model catalyst system for studying reaction mechanisms and activity trends. However, the state of the single atom active sites during electrochemical reactions may not be as simple as is usually assumed. To the contrary, the single atom electrocatalysts have been reported to be under greater influence from interfacial dynamics, with solvent and electrolyte ions perpetually interacting with the electrified active center under an applied electrode potential. These complexities render the activity trends and reaction mechanisms derived from simplistic models dubious.In this Account, with a few popular single atom electrocatalysis systems, we show how the change in electrochemical potential induces nontrivial variation in the free energy profile of elemental electrochemical reaction steps, demonstrate how the active centers with different electronic structure features can induce different solvation structures at the interface even for the same reaction intermediate of the simplest electrochemical reaction, and discuss the implication of the complexities on the kinetics and thermodynamics of the reaction system to better address the activity and selectivity trends. We also venture into more intriguing interfacial phenomena, such as alternative reaction pathways and intermediates that are favored and stabilized by solvation and polarization effects, long-range interfacial dynamics across the region far beyond the contact layer, and the dynamic activation or deactivation of single atom sites under operation conditions. We show the necessity of including realistic aspects (explicit solvent, electrolyte, and electrode potential) into the model to correctly capture the physics and chemistry at the electrochemical interface and to understand the reaction mechanisms and reactivity trends. We also demonstrate how the popular simplistic design principles fail and how they can be revised by including the kinetics and interfacial factors in the model. All of these rich dynamics and chemistry would remain hidden or overlooked otherwise. We believe that the complexity at an electrochemical interface is not a curse but a blessing in that it enables deeper understanding and finer control of the potential-dependent free energy landscape of electrochemical reactions, which opens up new dimensions for further design and optimization of single atom electrocatalysts and beyond. Limitations of current methods and challenges faced by the theoretical and experimental communities are discussed, along with the possible solutions awaiting development in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zisheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jia H, Yao N, Yu C, Cong H, Luo W. Unveiling the Electrolyte Cations Dependent Kinetics on CoOOH-Catalyzed Oxygen Evolution Reaction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202313886. [PMID: 37864480 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202313886] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
The electrolyte cations-dependent kinetics have been widely observed in many fields of electrocatalysis, however, the exact mechanism of the influence on catalytic performance is still a controversial topic of considerable discussion. Herein, combined with operando X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), we verify that the electrolyte cations could intercalate into the layer of pristine CoOOH catalyst during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process, while the bigger cations lead to enlarged interlayer spacing and increased OER activity, following the order Cs+ >K+ >Na+ >Li+ . X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in situ Raman, in situ Ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy, in situ XAS spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and theoretical calculations reveal that the intercalation of electrolyte cations efficiently modify the oxidation states of Co by enlarging the Co-O bonds, which in turn enhance the d-band center of Co, optimize the adsorption strength of oxygen intermediates, facilitate the formation of OER active Co(IV) species, and reduce the energy barrier of the rate-determing step (RDS), thereby enhancing the OER activity. This work not only provides an informative picture to understand the complicated dependence of OER kinetics on electrolyte cations, but also sheds light on understanding the mechanism of other electrolyte cation-targeted electrocatalysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongnan Jia
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University Hubei, 430072, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Na Yao
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University Hubei, 430073, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Can Yu
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Hengjiang Cong
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University Hubei, 430072, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Wei Luo
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University Hubei, 430072, Wuhan, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gao G, Zhu G, Chen X, Sun Z, Cabot A. Optimizing Pt-Based Alloy Electrocatalysts for Improved Hydrogen Evolution Performance in Alkaline Electrolytes: A Comprehensive Review. ACS NANO 2023; 17:20804-20824. [PMID: 37922197 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c05810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
The splitting of water through electrocatalysis offers a sustainable method for the production of hydrogen. In alkaline electrolytes, the lack of protons forces water dissociation to occur before the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). While pure Pt is the gold standard electrocatalyst in acidic electrolytes, since the 5d orbital in Pt is nearly fully occupied, when it overlaps with the molecular orbital of water, it generates a Pauli repulsion. As a result, the formation of a Pt-H* bond in an alkaline environment is difficult, which slows the HER and negates the benefits of using a pure Pt catalyst. To overcome this limitation, Pt can be alloyed with transition metals, such as Fe, Co, and Ni. This approach has the potential not only to enhance the performance but also to increase the Pt dispersion and decrease its usage, thus overall improving the catalyst's cost-effectiveness. The excellent water adsorption and dissociation ability of transition metals contributes to the generation of a proton-rich local environment near the Pt-based alloy that promotes HER. Significant progress has been achieved in comprehending the alkaline HER mechanism through the manipulation of the structure and composition of electrocatalysts based on the Pt alloy. The objective of this review is to analyze and condense the latest developments in the production of Pt-based alloy electrocatalysts for alkaline HER. It focuses on the modified performance of Pt-based alloys and clarifies the design principles and catalytic mechanism of the catalysts from both an experimental and theoretical perspective. This review also highlights some of the difficulties encountered during the HER and the opportunities for increasing the HER performance. Finally, guidance for the development of more efficient Pt-based alloy electrocatalysts is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Suzhou University, Suzhou 234000, China
- i-lab, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Guang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Suzhou University, Suzhou 234000, China
| | - Xueli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Suzhou University, Suzhou 234000, China
| | - Zixu Sun
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High Efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Nano Functional Materials and Applications, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Andreu Cabot
- Catalonia Institute for Energy Research - IREC, Sant Adrià de Besòs, Barcelona 08930, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies - ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhao H, Lv X, Wang Y. Realistic Modeling of the Electrocatalytic Process at Complex Solid-Liquid Interface. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303677. [PMID: 37749877 PMCID: PMC10646274 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The rational design of electrocatalysis has emerged as one of the most thriving means for mitigating energy and environmental crises. The key to this effort is the understanding of the complex electrochemical interface, wherein the electrode potential as well as various internal factors such as H-bond network, adsorbate coverage, and dynamic behavior of the interface collectively contribute to the electrocatalytic activity and selectivity. In this context, the authors have reviewed recent theoretical advances, and especially, the contributions to modeling the realistic electrocatalytic processes at complex electrochemical interfaces, and illustrated the challenges and fundamental problems in this field. Specifically, the significance of the inclusion of explicit solvation and electrode potential as well as the strategies toward the design of highly efficient electrocatalysts are discussed. The structure-activity relationships and their dynamic responses to the environment and catalytic functionality under working conditions are illustrated to be crucial factors for understanding the complexed interface and the electrocatalytic activities. It is hoped that this review can help spark new research passion and ultimately bring a step closer to a realistic and systematic modeling method for electrocatalysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of CatalysisSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdong518055China
| | - Xinmao Lv
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of CatalysisSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdong518055China
| | - Yang‐Gang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of CatalysisSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenGuangdong518055China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Qian C, Zhou K. Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Investigation of the Solvation States of Hydrated Ions in Confined Water. Inorg Chem 2023; 62:17756-17765. [PMID: 37855150 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c02443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Ionic transport in nanoscale channels with a critical size comparable to that of ions and solutes exhibits exceptional performance in water desalination, ion separation, electrocatalysts, and supercapacitors. However, the solvation states (SSs), i.e., the hydration structures and probability distribution, of hydrated ions in nanochannels differ from those in the bulk and the perspective of continuum theory. In this work, we conduct ab initio enhanced-sampling atomistic simulations to investigate the ion-specific SSs of monovalent ions (including Li+, Na+, K+, F-, Cl-, and I-) in the graphene channel with a width of 1 nm. Our findings highlight that the SSs of those ions are primarily determined by ion-water hydration, where ion-wall interactions play a minor role. The distribution of ions in layered confined water is a result of ion-specific hydration, which arises from the synergy of entropy and enthalpy. The free energy barriers for transitions between SSs are on the order of 1kBT, allowing for modulation through applying external fields or modifying surface properties. As the ion-wall interaction strengthens, as observed in vermiculite and carbides and nitrides of transition metal channels, the probability of near-wall SSs increases. These results help to improve the performance of nanofluidic devices and provide crucial insights for developing accurate force fields of molecular simulations or advanced theoretical approaches for ion dynamics in confined channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Qian
- College of Energy, Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials InnovationS (SIEMIS), Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Carbon Materials and Wearable Energy Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ke Zhou
- College of Energy, Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials InnovationS (SIEMIS), Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Carbon Materials and Wearable Energy Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Xia H, Sang X, Shu Z, Shi Z, Li Z, Guo S, An X, Gao C, Liu F, Duan H, Liu Z, He Y. The practice of reaction window in an electrocatalytic on-chip microcell. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6838. [PMID: 37891203 PMCID: PMC10611802 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42645-0] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To enhance the efficiency of catalysis, it is crucial to comprehend the behavior of individual nanowires/nanosheets. A developed on-chip microcell facilitates this study by creating a reaction window that exposes the catalyst region of interest. However, this technology's potential application is limited due to frequently-observed variations in data between different cells. In this study, we identify a conductance problem in the reaction windows of non-metallic catalysts as the cause of this issue. We investigate this problem using in-situ electronic/electrochemical measurements and atom-thin nanosheets as model catalysts. Our findings show that a full-open window, which exposes the entire catalyst channel, allows for efficient modulation of conductance, which is ten times higher than a half-open window. This often-overlooked factor has the potential to significantly improve the conductivity of non-metallic catalysts during the reaction process. After examining tens of cells, we develop a vertical microcell strategy to eliminate the conductance issue and enhance measurement reproducibility. Our study offers guidelines for conducting reliable microcell measurements on non-metallic single nanowire/nanosheet catalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoru Sang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Zhiwen Shu
- College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, National Engineering Research Centre for High Efficiency Grinding, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Zude Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Zefen Li
- School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Shasha Guo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Xiuyun An
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Caitian Gao
- School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China.
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation, Hunan University, Guangzhou, 511300, P. R. China.
| | - Fucai Liu
- School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Huigao Duan
- College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, National Engineering Research Centre for High Efficiency Grinding, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation, Hunan University, Guangzhou, 511300, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
| | - Yongmin He
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China.
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation, Hunan University, Guangzhou, 511300, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Khani H, Puente Santiago AR, He T. An Interfacial View of Cation Effects on Electrocatalysis Systems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202306103. [PMID: 37490318 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202306103] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The identity of alkali metal cations in the electrolyte of electrocatalysis systems has been recently introduced as a crucial factor to tailor the kinetics and Faradaic efficiency of many electrocatalytic reactions. In this Minireview, we have summarized the recent advances in the molecular-level understanding of cation effects on relevant electrocatalytic processes such as hydrogen evolution (HER), oxygen evolution (OER), and CO2 electroreduction (CO2 RR) reactions. The discussion covers the effects of electrolyte cations on interfacial electric fields, structural organization of interfacial water molecules, blocking the catalytic active sites, stabilization or destabilization of intermediates, and interfacial pHs. These cation-induced interfacial phenomena have been reported to impact the performance (activity, selectivity, and stability) of electrochemical reactions collaboratively or independently. We describe that although there is almost a general agreement on the relationship between the size of alkali cations and the activities of HER, OER, and CO2 RR, however, the mechanism by which the performance of these electrocatalytic reactions is influenced by alkali metal cations is still in debate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Khani
- Texas Materials Institute and Materials Science and Engineering Program, The, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Alain R Puente Santiago
- Texas Materials Institute and Materials Science and Engineering Program, The, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Tianwei He
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Materials & Technology, National Center for International Research on Photoelectric and Energy Materials, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang W, Qi Y, Zhao Y, Ge W, Dong L, Shen J, Jiang H, Li C. Rh-dispersed Cu nanowire catalyst for boosting electrocatalytic hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:2190-2199. [PMID: 37580202 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic conversion of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) presents a compelling strategy for the production of premium chemicals via the utilization of renewable energy sources. Exploring efficient catalytic systems to obtain highly selective BHMF has remained a giant challenge. A design strategy is proposed here to regulate active hydrogen (Hads) production in rhodium (Rh) nanoparticles grown on Cu nanowires (RhCu NWs) catalyst, which achieves a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 92.6% in the electrocatalytic reduction of HMF to BHMF at -20 mA cm-2 with no degradation in performance after 8 cycles. Kinetic investigations and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy reveal that the incorporation of Rh accelerates the water dissociation and facilitates the generation of Hads. In situ attenuated total reflection surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS) further demonstrates that the Rh component boosts the proportion of ordered weakly hydrogen-bonded water molecules on the catalyst surface, which is much easier to dissociate. The construction of an interfacial Hads-rich environment promotes the HMF intermediates binding with Hads to BMHF, thereby suppressing the formation of undesired dimers. This work demonstrates the promise of altering the interfacial water environment as a strategy to boost the electrosynthetic properties of biomass-derived products toward value-added outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenfei Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yanbin Qi
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Wangxin Ge
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Lei Dong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Jianhua Shen
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Hongliang Jiang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Chunzhong Li
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Hierarchical Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chen L, Jiang LW, Wang JJ. Investigating the Structural Evolution and Catalytic Activity of c-Co/Co 3Mo Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction. Molecules 2023; 28:6986. [PMID: 37836829 PMCID: PMC10574280 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196986] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Transition metal alloys have emerged as promising electrocatalysts due to their ability to modulate key parameters, such as d-band electron filling, Fermi level energy, and interatomic spacing, thereby influencing their affinity towards reaction intermediates. However, the structural stability of alloy electrocatalysts during the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) remains a subject of debate. In this study, we systematically investigated the structural evolution and catalytic activity of the c-Co/Co3Mo electrocatalyst under alkaline HER conditions. Our findings reveal that the Co3Mo alloy and H0.9MoO3 exhibit instability during alkaline HER, leading to the breakdown of the crystal structure. As a result, the cubic phase c-Co undergoes a conversion to the hexagonal phase h-Co, which exhibits strong catalytic activity. Additionally, we identified hexagonal phase Co(OH)2 as an intermediate product of this conversion process. Furthermore, we explored the readsorption and surface coordination of the Mo element, which contribute to the enhanced catalytic activity of the c-Co/Co3Mo catalyst in alkaline HER. This work provides valuable insights into the dynamic behavior of alloy-based electrocatalysts, shedding light on their structural stability and catalytic activity during electrochemical reduction processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (L.C.); (L.-W.J.)
| | - Li-Wen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (L.C.); (L.-W.J.)
| | - Jian-Jun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China; (L.C.); (L.-W.J.)
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Shandong University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wang W, Qi J, Wu Z, Zhai W, Pan Y, Bao K, Zhai L, Wu J, Ke C, Wang L, Ding M, He Q. On-chip electrocatalytic microdevices. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:2891-2926. [PMID: 37596356 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00866-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
On-chip electrocatalytic microdevices (OCEMs) are an emerging electrochemical platform specialized for investigating nanocatalysts at the microscopic level. The OCEM platform allows high-precision electrochemical measurements at the individual nanomaterial level and, more importantly, offers unique perspectives inaccessible with conventional electrochemical methods. This protocol describes the critical concepts, experimental standardization, operational principles and data analysis of OCEMs. Specifically, standard protocols for the measurement of the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction of individual 2D nanosheets are introduced with data validation, interpretation and benchmarking. A series of factors (e.g., the exposed area of material, the choice of passivation layer and current leakage) that could have effects on the accuracy and reliability of measurement are discussed. In addition, as an example of the high adaptability of OCEMs, the protocol for in situ electrical transport measurement is detailed. We believe that this protocol will promote the general adoption of the OCEM platform and inspire further development in the near future. This protocol requires essential knowledge in chemical synthesis, device fabrication and electrochemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Junlei Qi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zongxiao Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Zhai
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yanghang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Bao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Zhai
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jingkun Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chengxuan Ke
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mengning Ding
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qiyuan He
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Cao X, Gao L, Qu J, Li L, Xie Y, Zhao Y, Wang G, Liu H. Modulating Electronic Structure of PtCo-Pt rich Nanowires with Ru atoms for Boosted Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2302639. [PMID: 37309285 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202302639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rational design and development of highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts is of great significance for the development of green water electrolysis hydrogen production technology. Ru-engineered 1D PtCo-Ptrich nanowires (Ru-Ptrich Co NWs) are fabricated by a facile electrodeposition method. The rich Pt surface on 1D Pt3 Co contributes to the fully exposed active sites and enhanced intrinsic catalytic activity (co-engineered by Ru and Co atoms) for HER. The incorporation of Ru atoms can not only accelerate the water dissociation in alkaline condition to provide sufficient H* but also modulate the electronic structure of Pt to achieve optimized H* adsorption energy. As a result, Ru-Ptrich Co NWs have exhibited ultralow HER overpotentials (η) of 8 and 112 mV to achieve current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm-2 in 1 m KOH, respectively, which far exceed those of commercial Pt/C catalyst (η10 = 29 mV, η100 = 206 mV). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further demonstrate that the incorporated Ru atoms possess strong water adsorption capacity (-0.52 vs -0.12 eV for Pt), facilitating water dissociation. The Pt atoms in the outermost Pt-rich skin of Ru-Ptrich Co NWs achieve optimized H* adsorption free energy (ΔGH* ) of -0.08 eV, boosting hydrogen generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianjun Cao
- Joint International Laboratory on Environmental and Energy Frontier Materials, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Li Gao
- Joint International Laboratory on Environmental and Energy Frontier Materials, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Junpeng Qu
- Joint International Laboratory on Environmental and Energy Frontier Materials, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Lu Li
- Joint International Laboratory on Environmental and Energy Frontier Materials, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Yuhan Xie
- Centre for Clean Energy Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Yufei Zhao
- Joint International Laboratory on Environmental and Energy Frontier Materials, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Guoxiu Wang
- Centre for Clean Energy Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Hao Liu
- Centre for Clean Energy Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Chen X, Wang XT, Le JB, Li SM, Wang X, Zhang YJ, Radjenovic P, Zhao Y, Wang YH, Lin XM, Dong JC, Li JF. Revealing the role of interfacial water and key intermediates at ruthenium surfaces in the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5289. [PMID: 37648700 PMCID: PMC10468501 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41030-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruthenium exhibits comparable or even better alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction activity than platinum, however, the mechanistic aspects are yet to be settled, which are elucidated by combining in situ Raman spectroscopy and theoretical calculations herein. We simultaneously capture dynamic spectral evidence of Ru surfaces, interfacial water, *H and *OH intermediates. Ru surfaces exist in different valence states in the reaction potential range, dissociating interfacial water differently and generating two distinct *H, resulting in different activities. The local cation tuning effect of hydrated Na+ ion water and the large work function of high-valence Ru(n+) surfaces promote interfacial water dissociation. Moreover, compared to low-valence Ru(0) surfaces, high-valence Ru(n+) surfaces have more moderate adsorption energies for interfacial water, *H, and *OH. They, therefore, facilitate the activity. Our findings demonstrate the regulation of valence state on interfacial water, intermediates, and finally the catalytic activity, which provide guidelines for the rational design of high-efficiency catalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Wang
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jia-Bo Le
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
| | - Shu-Min Li
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
| | - Yu-Jin Zhang
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Petar Radjenovic
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yao-Hui Wang
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xiu-Mei Lin
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
- Department of Chemistry and Environment Science, Fujian Province University Key Laboratory of Analytical Science, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou, 363000, China.
| | - Jin-Chao Dong
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Jian-Feng Li
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, 361005, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Li FS, Fang YW, Wu YT, Wu SW, Ho SZ, Chen CY, Chiang CY, Chen YC, Liu HJ. Self-Enhancement of Water Electrolysis by Electrolyte-Poled Ferroelectric Catalyst. ACS NANO 2023; 17:16274-16286. [PMID: 37530418 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Efficient and durable electrocatalysts with superior activity are needed for the production of green hydrogen with a high yield and low energy consumption. Electrocatalysts based on transition metal oxides hold dominance due to their abundant natural resources, regulable physical properties, and good adaptation to a solution. In numerous oxide catalyst materials, ferroelectrics, possessing semiconducting characteristics and switchable spontaneous polarization, have been considered promising photoelectrodes for solar water splitting. However, few investigations noted their potential as electrocatalysts. In this study, we report an efficient electrocatalytic electrode made of a BiFeO3/nickel foam heterostructure, which displays a smaller overpotential and higher current density than the blank nickel foam electrode. Moreover, when in contact with an alkaline solution, the bond between hydroxyls and the BiFeO3 surface induces a large area of upward self-polarization, lowering the adsorption energy of subsequent adsorbates and facilitating oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction. Our work demonstrates an infrequent pathway of using functional semiconducting materials for exploiting highly efficient electrocatalytic electrodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Shuo Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 40227, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Wen Fang
- Fisika Aplikatua Saila, Gipuzkoako Ingeniaritza Eskola, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Europa Plaza 1, 20018 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC-UPV/EHU), Manuel de Lardizabal Pasealekua 5, 20018 Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Yi-Ting Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 40227, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wei Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 40227, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Zhu Ho
- Department of Physics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yen Chen
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yu Chiang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu, 30076, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- Department of Physics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Jui Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 40227, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wan C, Zhang Z, Dong J, Xu M, Pu H, Baumann D, Lin Z, Wang S, Huang J, Shah AH, Pan X, Hu T, Alexandrova AN, Huang Y, Duan X. Amorphous nickel hydroxide shell tailors local chemical environment on platinum surface for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction. NATURE MATERIALS 2023; 22:1022-1029. [PMID: 37349398 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01584-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
In analogy to natural enzymes, an elaborated design of catalytic systems with a specifically tailored local chemical environment could substantially improve reaction kinetics, effectively combat catalyst poisoning effect and boost catalyst lifetime under unfavourable reaction conditions. Here we report a unique design of 'Ni(OH)2-clothed Pt-tetrapods' with an amorphous Ni(OH)2 shell as a water dissociation catalyst and a proton conductive encapsulation layer to isolate the Pt core from bulk alkaline electrolyte while ensuring efficient proton supply to the active Pt sites. This design creates a favourable local chemical environment to result in acidic-like hydrogen evolution reaction kinetics with a lowest Tafel slope of 27 mV per decade and a record-high specific activity and mass activity in alkaline electrolyte. The proton conductive Ni(OH)2 shell can also effectively reject impurity ions and retard the Oswald ripening, endowing a high tolerance to solution impurities and exceptional long-term durability that is difficult to achieve in the naked Pt catalysts. The markedly improved hydrogen evolution reaction activity and durability in an alkaline medium promise an attractive catalyst material for alkaline water electrolysers and renewable chemical fuel generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhang Wan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zisheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Juncai Dong
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingjie Xu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Irvine Materials Research Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Heting Pu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Baumann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhaoyang Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sibo Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aamir Hassan Shah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Pan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Irvine Materials Research Institute, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tiandou Hu
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Anastassia N Alexandrova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Xiangfeng Duan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Jiang Y, Leng J, Zhang S, Zhou T, Liu M, Liu S, Gao Y, Zhao J, Yang L, Li L, Zhao W. Modulating Water Splitting Kinetics via Charge Transfer and Interfacial Hydrogen Spillover Effect for Robust Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis in Alkaline Media. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302358. [PMID: 37350571 PMCID: PMC10460870 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Designing and synthesizing advanced electrocatalysts with superior intrinsic activity toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media is critical for the hydrogen economy. Herein, a novel Ir@Rhene heterojunction electrocatalyst is synthesized via epitaxially confining ultrasmall and low-coordinate Ir nanoclusters on the ultrathin Rh metallene accompanying the formation of Ir/IrO2 Janus nanoparticles. The as-prepared heterojunctions display outstanding alkaline HER activity, with an overpotential of only 17 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and an ultralow Tafel slope of 14.7 mV dec-1 . Both structural characterizations and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the Ir@Rhene heterointerfaces induce charge density redistribution, resulting in the increment of the electron density around the O atoms in the IrO2 site and thus delivering much lower water dissociation energy. In addition, the dual-site synergetic effects between IrO2 and Ir/Rh interface trigger and improve the interfacial hydrogen spillover, thereby subtly avoiding the steric blocking of the active site and eventually accelerating the alkaline HER kinetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and ResourcesSchool of Food Science and TechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsu214122P. R. China
| | - Juncai Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and ResourcesSchool of Food Science and TechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsu214122P. R. China
| | - Shiqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and ResourcesSchool of Food Science and TechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsu214122P. R. China
| | - Tingyi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and ResourcesSchool of Food Science and TechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsu214122P. R. China
| | - Mingxuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and ResourcesSchool of Food Science and TechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsu214122P. R. China
| | - Shuoming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and ResourcesSchool of Food Science and TechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsu214122P. R. China
| | - Yahui Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and ResourcesSchool of Food Science and TechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsu214122P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Zhao
- Shenzhen HUASUAN Technology Co. Ltd.Shenzhen518055P. R. China
| | - Lei Yang
- Shenzhen HUASUAN Technology Co. Ltd.Shenzhen518055P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and ResourcesSchool of Food Science and TechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsu214122P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and ResourcesSchool of Food Science and TechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxiJiangsu214122P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen ZJ, Dong J, Wu J, Shao Q, Luo N, Xu M, Sun Y, Tang Y, Peng J, Cheng HM. Acidic enol electrooxidation-coupled hydrogen production with ampere-level current density. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4210. [PMID: 37452034 PMCID: PMC10349090 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39848-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen production coupled with biomass upgrading is vital for future sustainable energy developments. However, most biomass electrooxidation reactions suffer from high working voltage and low current density, which substantially hinder large-scale industrial applications. Herein, we report an acidic hydrogen production system that combined anodic ascorbic acid electrooxidation with cathodic hydrogen evolution. Unlike C-H and O-H bonds cleavage with slow kinetics in conventional organic oxidation, the highly active enol structure in ascorbic acid allows for an ultralow overpotential of only 12 mV@10 mA/cm2 using Fe single-atom catalysts, and reaches 1 A/cm2 at only 0.75 V (versus reversible hydrogen electrode) with approximately 100% Faraday efficiency for hydrogen production. Furthermore, the fabricated two-electrode membrane-free electrolyser delivers an industrial current density of 2 A/cm2@1.1 V at 60 °C (2.63 kWh/Nm3 H2), which requires half of the electricity consumption in conventional water electrolysis (~5 kWh/Nm3 H2). This work provides a new avenue for achieving industrial-scale hydrogen production from biomass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Jie Chen
- Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering/Institute of Technology for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiuyi Dong
- Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering/Institute of Technology for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiajing Wu
- Institute of Information Technology, Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Qiting Shao
- Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering/Institute of Technology for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Na Luo
- Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering/Institute of Technology for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Minwei Xu
- Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering/Institute of Technology for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuanmiao Sun
- Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering/Institute of Technology for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yongbing Tang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering/Institute of Technology for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Energy Materials for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering/Institute of Technology for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Energy Materials for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Hui-Ming Cheng
- Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering/Institute of Technology for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Energy Materials for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wang Y, Gong N, Liu H, Ma W, Hippalgaonkar K, Liu Z, Huang Y. Ordering-Dependent Hydrogen Evolution and Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis of High-Entropy Intermetallic Pt 4 FeCoCuNi. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2302067. [PMID: 37165532 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Disordered solid-solution high-entropy alloys have attracted wide research attention as robust electrocatalysts. In comparison, ordered high-entropy intermetallics have been hardly explored and the effects of the degree of chemical ordering on catalytic activity remain unknown. In this study, a series of multicomponent intermetallic Pt4 FeCoCuNi nanoparticles with tunable ordering degrees is fabricated. The transformation mechanism of the multicomponent nanoparticles from disordered structure into ordered structure is revealed at the single-particle level, and it agrees with macroscopic analysis by selected-area electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction. The electrocatalytic performance of Pt4 FeCoCuNi nanoparticles correlates well with their crystal structure and electronic structure. It is found that increasing the degree of ordering promotes electrocatalytic performance. The highly ordered Pt4 FeCoCuNi achieves the highest mass activities toward both acidic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) which are 18.9-fold and 5.6-fold higher than those of commercial Pt/C, respectively. The experiment also shows that this catalyst demonstrates better long-term stability than both partially ordered and disordered Pt4 FeCoCuNi as well as Pt/C when subject to both HER and ORR. This ordering-dependent structure-property relationship provides insight into the rational design of catalysts and stimulates the exploration of many other multicomponent intermetallic alloys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Na Gong
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Hongfei Liu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Wei Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Kedar Hippalgaonkar
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Zheng Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yizhong Huang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ning M, Wang Y, Wu L, Yang L, Chen Z, Song S, Yao Y, Bao J, Chen S, Ren Z. Hierarchical Interconnected NiMoN with Large Specific Surface Area and High Mechanical Strength for Efficient and Stable Alkaline Water/Seawater Hydrogen Evolution. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2023; 15:157. [PMID: 37336833 PMCID: PMC10279610 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01129-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
NiMo-based nanostructures are among the most active hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts under an alkaline environment due to their strong water dissociation ability. However, these nanostructures are vulnerable to the destructive effects of H2 production, especially at industry-standard current densities. Therefore, developing a strategy to improve their mechanical strength while maintaining or even further increasing the activity of these nanocatalysts is of great interest to both the research and industrial communities. Here, a hierarchical interconnected NiMoN (HW-NiMoN-2h) with a nanorod-nanowire morphology was synthesized based on a rational combination of hydrothermal and water bath processes. HW-NiMoN-2h is found to exhibit excellent HER activity due to the accomodation of abundant active sites on its hierarchical morphology, in which nanowires connect free-standing nanorods, concurrently strengthening its structural stability to withstand H2 production at 1 A cm-2. Seawater is an attractive feedstock for water electrolysis since H2 generation and water desalination can be addressed simultaneously in a single process. The HER performance of HW-NiMoN-2h in alkaline seawater suggests that the presence of Na+ ions interferes with the reation kinetics, thus lowering its activity slightly. However, benefiting from its hierarchical and interconnected characteristics, HW-NiMoN-2h is found to deliver outstanding HER activity of 1 A cm-2 at 130 mV overpotential and to exhibit excellent stability at 1 A cm-2 over 70 h in 1 M KOH seawater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Ning
- Department of Physics and Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston (TcSUH), University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Cullen College of Engineering and TcSUH, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Libo Wu
- Cullen College of Engineering and TcSUH, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Lun Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, 435002, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoyang Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and TcSUH, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Shaowei Song
- Department of Physics and Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston (TcSUH), University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Yan Yao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and TcSUH, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Jiming Bao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and TcSUH, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Shuo Chen
- Department of Physics and Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston (TcSUH), University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
| | - Zhifeng Ren
- Department of Physics and Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston (TcSUH), University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Yang C, Li Y, Yue J, Cong H, Luo W. Promoting water formation in sulphate-functionalized Ru for efficient hydrogen oxidation reaction under alkaline electrolytes. Chem Sci 2023; 14:6289-6294. [PMID: 37325155 PMCID: PMC10266470 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc02144k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving the sluggish kinetics of the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) under alkaline electrolytes plays a significant role in the practical application of alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (APEFCs). Here we report a sulphate functionalized Ru catalyst (Ru-SO4) that exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic performance and stability toward alkaline HOR, with a mass activity of 1182.2 mA mgPGM-1, which is four-times higher than that of the pristine Ru catalyst. Theoretical calculations and experimental studies including in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and in situ Raman spectroscopy demonstrate that the charge redistribution on the interface of Ru through sulphate functionalization could lead to optimized adsorption energies of hydrogen and hydroxide, together with facilitated H2 transfer through the inter Helmholtz plane and precisely tailored interfacial water molecules, contributing to a decreased energy barrier of the water formation step and enhanced HOR performance under alkaline electrolytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyi Yang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan Hubei 430072 P. R. China
| | - Yunbo Li
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan Hubei 430072 P. R. China
| | - Jianchao Yue
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan Hubei 430072 P. R. China
| | - Hengjiang Cong
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan Hubei 430072 P. R. China
| | - Wei Luo
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University Wuhan Hubei 430072 P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Guo K, Lu X, Jia J, Zhou Z, Huang J, Wang S, Li S, Wu H, Xu C. Selenite-Decorated Polycrystalline NiO Nanosheets Generated from Cathodic Reconstruction for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production. Inorg Chem 2023. [PMID: 37256938 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c01212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Precatalyst reconstruction in alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) usually leads to changes in the morphology, composition, and structure, thus improving the catalytic activity, which recently receives intensive attention. However, the design strategies of cathodic reconstruction and the structural features of reconstruction products have not achieved a profound understanding. Here, from the point of thermodynamic stability, metastable nickel selenite dihydrate (NiSeO3·2H2O) is deliberately fabricated as a precatalyst to comprehensively study the reconstruction dynamics in alkaline HER. Multiple in/ex situ techniques capture the geometric, component, and phase evolutions, proving that NiSeO3·2H2O can be transformed into SeO32--decorated polycrystalline NiO nanosheets with rich active sites and good conductivity under alkaline HER conditions, which act as a real catalytic active species. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the adsorption of SeO32- can further promote the HER activity of NiO due to the optimized free energy of water activation and hydrogen adsorption. As a result, the SeO32--NiO catalyst exhibits a low overpotential at -10 mA cm-2 (90 mV) and long-term stability (>100 h). This work highlights the targeted design of precatalyst to trigger and utilize cathodic reconstruction and provides an available method for the development of adsorption-modulated efficient electrocatalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kailu Guo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Function-Oriented Porous Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Function-Oriented Porous Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, China
| | - Jinzhi Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Laboratory of Special Function Materials and Structure Design of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhan Zhou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Function-Oriented Porous Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, China
| | - Junfeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Laboratory of Special Function Materials and Structure Design of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Function-Oriented Porous Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, China
| | - Shihui Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Function-Oriented Porous Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, China
| | - Haixia Wu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Function-Oriented Porous Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, China
| | - Cailing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Laboratory of Special Function Materials and Structure Design of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Wu L, Su L, Liang Q, Zhang W, Men Y, Luo W. Boosting Hydrogen Oxidation Kinetics by Promoting Interfacial Water Adsorption on d-p Hybridized Ru Catalysts. ACS Catal 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c05547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Wu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Lixin Su
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Qing Liang
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials MOE, and School of Materials Science & Engineering, and Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Clean Energy Materials, and Electron Microscopy Center, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials MOE, and School of Materials Science & Engineering, and Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Clean Energy Materials, and Electron Microscopy Center, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P. R. China
| | - Yana Men
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Wei Luo
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Liu D, Wu Z, Liu J, Gu H, Li Y, Li X, Liu S, Liu S, Zhang J. Heteroatom Doped Amorphous/Crystalline Ruthenium Oxide Nanocages as a Remarkable Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2207235. [PMID: 36650994 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Developing robust and highly active bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting is critical for efficient sustainable energy conversion. Herein, heteroatom-doped amorphous/crystalline ruthenium oxide-based hollow nanocages (M-ZnRuOx (MCo, Ni, Fe)) through delicate control of composition and structure is reported. Among as-synthesized M-ZnRuOx nanocages, Co-ZnRuOx nanocages deliver an ultralow overpotential of 17 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a small Tafel slope of 21.61 mV dec-1 for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), surpassing the commercial Pt/C catalyst, which benefits from the synergistic coupling effect between electron regulation induced by Co doping and amorphous/crystalline heterophase structure. Moreover, the incorporation of Co prevents Ru from over-oxidation under oxygen evolution reaction (OER) operation, realizing the leap from a monofunctional to multifunctional electrocatalyst and then Co-ZnRuOx nanocages exhibit remarkable OER catalytic activity as well as overall water splitting performance. Combining theory calculations with spectroscopy analysis reveal that Co is not only the optimal active site, increasing the number of exposed active sites while also boosting the long-term durability of catalyst by modulating the electronic structure of Ru atoms. This work opens a considerable avenue to design highly active and durable Ru-based electrocatalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction-Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, School of Materials Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Zeyi Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction-Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, School of Materials Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Jiajia Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction-Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, School of Materials Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Hongfei Gu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction-Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, School of Materials Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - You Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction-Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, School of Materials Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Xueyan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction-Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, School of Materials Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Shan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction-Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, School of Materials Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Shange Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction-Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, School of Materials Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Jiatao Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction-Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, School of Materials Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|