Active site tuning based on pseudo-binary alloys for low-temperature acetylene semihydrogenation

The development of an efficient catalytic system for low-temperature acetylene semihydrogenation using nonnoble metals is important for the cost-effective production of polymer-grade pure ethylene. However, it remains challenging owing to the intrinsic low activity. Herein, we report a flexibly tunable catalyst design concept based on a pseudo-binary alloy, which enabled a remarkable enhancement in the catalytic activity, selectivity, and durability of a Ni-based material. A series of (Ni1-xCux)3Ga/TiO2 catalysts exhibiting L12-type pseudo-binary alloy structures with various Cu contents (x = 0.2, 0.25, 0.33, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.75) were prepared for active site tuning. The optimal catalyst, (Ni0.8Cu0.2)3Ga/TiO2, exhibited outstandingly high catalytic activity among reported 3d transition metal-based systems and excellent ethylene selectivity (96%) and long-term stability (100 h) with near full conversion even at 150 °C. A mechanistic study revealed that Ni2Cu hollow sites on the (111) surface weakened the strong adsorption of acetylene and vinyl adsorbate, which significantly accelerated the hydrogenation process and inhibited undesired ethane formation.

Ligand-assisted formation of mesoporous Zn-N-C to realize superior catalytic activity in solvent-free CO2 cycloaddition reactions

Mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon-anchored single atom Zn was synthesized through etching of ZIF-8 with 1,10-phenanthroline and subsequent pyrolysis based on the Kirkendall effect. The abundant pores and increased surface area promote CO2 adsorption and mass transfer, thus significantly improving the catalytic activity in solvent-free cycloaddition of epoxides with CO2.

Recent advances in single-atom alloys: preparation methods and applications in heterogeneous catalysis

Single-atom alloys (SAAs) are a different type of alloy where a guest metal, usually a noble metal (e.g., Pt, Pd, and Ru), is atomically dispersed on a relatively more inert (e.g., Ag and Cu) host metal. As a type of atomic-scale catalyst, single-atom alloy catalysts have broad application prospects in the field of heterogeneous catalysis for hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, oxidation, and other reactions. Numerous experimental and characterization results and theoretical calculations have confirmed that the resultant electronic structure caused by charge transfer between the host metal and guest metal and the special geometric structure of the guest metal are responsible for the high selectivity and catalytic activity of SAA catalysts. In this review, the common methods for the preparation of single-atom alloys in recent years are introduced, including initial wet impregnation, physical vapor deposition, and laser ablation in liquid technique. Afterwards, the applications of single-atom alloy catalysts in selective hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, oxidation reactions, and hydrogenolysis reactions are emphatically reviewed. Finally, several challenges for the future development of SAA catalysts are proposed.

Air-Stable Ni Catalysts Prepared by Liquid-Phase Reduction Using Hydrosilanes for Reactions with Hydrogen

The liquid-phase reduction method for the preparation of metal nanoparticles (NPs) by the reduction of metal salts or metal complexes in a solvent with a reducing agent is widely used to prepare Ni NPs that exhibit high catalytic activity in various organic transformations. Intensive research has been conducted on control of the morphology and size of Ni NPs by the addition of polymers and long-chain compounds as protective agents; however, these agents typically cause a decrease in catalytic activity. Here, we report on the preparation of Ni NPs using hydrosilane (Ni-Si) as a reducing agent and a size-controlling agent. The substituents on silicon can control not only the size but also the crystal phase of the Ni NPs. The prepared Ni NPs exhibited high catalytic performance for the hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds, aromatics, and heteroaromatics to give the corresponding hydrogenated products in high yields. The unique feature of Ni catalysts prepared by the hydrosilane-assisted method is that the catalysts can be handled under air as opposed to conventional Ni catalysts such as Raney Ni. Characterization studies indicated that the surface hydroxide was reduced under the catalytic reaction conditions with H2 at around 100 °C and with the assistance of organosilicon compounds deposited on the catalyst surface. The hydrosilane-assisted method presented here could be applied to the preparation of supported Ni catalysts (Ni-Si/support). The interaction between the Ni NPs and a metal oxide support enabled the direct amination of alcohols with ammonia to afford the primary amine selectively.

Ni -chitosan/carbon nanotube: An efficient biopolymer -inorganic catalyst for selective hydrogenation of acetylene

This work developed an efficient Ni catalyst based on chitosan for selective hydrogenation of acetylene. The Ni catalyst was prepared by the reaction of the chitosan/carbon nanotube composite with NiSO₄ solution. The synthesized Ni-chitosan/carbon nanotube catalyst was characterized by inductively coupled plasma, FTIR, SEM and XRD. The results of FTIR and XRD demonstrated that Ni²⁺ successfully coordinated with chitosan. The addition of chitosan greatly improved the catalytic performances of Ni-chitosan/carbon nanotube catalyst. Over the Ni-chitosan/carbon nanotube catalyst, both the acetylene conversion and the selectivity to ethylene all achieved 100% at 160 °C and 190 °C, respectively. The catalytic performances of 6 mg Ni-chitosan/carbon nanotube catalyst were even better than that of 400 mg Ni single atom catalyst in literature. Extending the crosslinking time of chitosan and increasing the amount of the crosslinking agent were beneficial to enhance the catalytic effect of Ni-chitosan/carbon nanotube catalyst.

Highly Dispersed Ni on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon for Stable and Selective Hydrogen Generation from Gaseous Formic Acid

Ni supported on N-doped carbon is rarely studied in traditional catalytic reactions. To fill this gap, we compared the structure of 1 and 6 wt% Ni species on porous N-free and N-doped carbon and their efficiency in hydrogen generation from gaseous formic acid. On the N-free carbon support, Ni formed nanoparticles with a mean size of 3.2 nm. N-doped carbon support contained Ni single-atoms stabilized by four pyridinic N atoms (N₄-site) and sub-nanosized Ni clusters. Density functional theory calculations confirmed the clustering of Ni when the N₄-sites were fully occupied. Kinetic studies revealed the same specific Ni mass-based reaction rate for single-atoms and clusters. The N-doped catalyst with 6 wt% of Ni showed higher selectivity in hydrogen production and did not lose activity as compared to the N-free 6 wt% Ni catalyst. The presented results can be used to develop stable Ni catalysts supported on N-doped carbon for various reactions.

An efficient NiCu@C/Al2O3 catalyst for selective hydrogenation of acetylene

The development of non-noble metal catalysts for selective hydrogenation still remains a challenge. Herein, NiCu@carbon core-shell nanoparticles supported on Al₂O₃ (NiCu@C/Al₂O₃) were prepared, which showed enhanced catalytic performance of acetylene-selective hydrogenation in comparison with NiCu/Al₂O₃ without carbon encapsulation. In detail, NiCu@C/Al₂O₃ displayed high ethylene selectivity (>86%) even at an acetylene conversion of 100% and excellent stability (>90 h). Thus, NiCu@C/Al₂O₃ exhibited great potential as an alternative to Pd-based catalysts for acetylene-selective hydrogenation.

Advanced Strategies for Stabilizing Single-Atom Catalysts for Energy Storage and Conversion

Well-defined atomically dispersed metal catalysts (or single-atom catalysts) have been widely studied to fundamentally understand their catalytic mechanisms, improve the catalytic efficiency, increase the abundance of active components, enhance the catalyst utilization, and develop cost-effective catalysts to effectively reduce the usage of noble metals. Such single-atom catalysts have relatively higher selectivity and catalytic activity with maximum atom utilization due to their unique characteristics of high metal dispersion and a low-coordination environment. However, freestanding single atoms are thermodynamically unstable, such that during synthesis and catalytic reactions, they inevitably tend to agglomerate to reduce the system energy associated with their large surface areas. Therefore, developing innovative strategies to stabilize single-atom catalysts, including mass-separated soft landing, one-pot pyrolysis, co-precipitation, impregnation, atomic layer deposition, and organometallic complexation, is critically needed. Many types of supporting materials, including polymers, have been commonly used to stabilize single atoms in these fabrication techniques. Herein, we review the stabilization strategies of single-atom catalyst, including different synthesis methods, specific metals and carriers, specific catalytic reactions, and their advantages and disadvantages. In particular, this review focuses on the application of polymers in the synthesis and stabilization of single-atom catalysts, including their functions as carriers for metal single atoms, synthetic templates, encapsulation agents, and protection agents during the fabrication process. The technical challenges that are currently faced by single-atom catalysts are summarized, and perspectives related to future research directions including catalytic mechanisms, enhancement of the catalyst loading content, and large-scale implementation are proposed to realize their practical applications.

Graphical Abstract

Single-atom catalysts are characterized by high metal dispersibility, weak coordination environments, high catalytic activity and selectivity, and the highest atom utilization. However, due to the free energy of the large surface area, individual atoms are usually unstable and are prone to agglomeration during synthesis and catalytic reactions. Therefore, researchers have developed innovative strategies, such as soft sedimentation, one-pot pyrolysis, coprecipitation, impregnation, step reduction, atomic layer precipitation, and organometallic complexation, to stabilize single-atom catalysts in practical applications. This article summarizes the stabilization strategies for single-atom catalysts from the aspects of their synthesis methods, metal and support types, catalytic reaction types, and its advantages and disadvantages. The focus is on the application of polymers in the preparation and stabilization of single-atom catalysts, including metal single-atom carriers, synthetic templates, encapsulation agents, and the role of polymers as protection agents in the manufacturing process. The main feature of polymers and polymer-derived materials is that they usually contain abundant heteroatoms, such as N, that possess lone-pair electrons. These lone-pair electrons can anchor the single metal atom through strong coordination interactions. The coordination environment of the lone-pair electrons can facilitate the formation of single-atom catalysts because they can enlarge the average distance of a single precursor adsorbed on the polymer matrix. Polymers with nitrogen groups are favorable candidates for dispersing active single atoms by weakening the tendency of metal aggregation and redistributing the charge densities around single atoms to enhance the catalytic performance. This review provides a summary and analysis of the current technical challenges faced by single-atom catalysts and future research directions, such as the catalytic mechanism of single-atom catalysts, sufficiently high loading, and large-scale implementation.

Homogeneity of Supported Single-Atom Active Sites Boosting the Selective Catalytic Transformations

Selective conversion of specific functional groups to desired products is highly important but still challenging in industrial catalytic processes. The adsorption state of surface species is the key factor in modulating the conversion of functional groups, which is correspondingly determined by the uniformity of active sites. However, the non-identical number of metal atoms, geometric shape, and morphology of conventional nanometer-sized metal particles/clusters normally lead to the non-uniform active sites with diverse geometric configurations and local coordination environments, which causes the distinct adsorption states of surface species. Hence, it is highly desired to modulate the homogeneity of the active sites so that the catalytic transformations can be better confined to the desired direction. In this review, the construction strategies and characterization techniques of the uniform active sites that are atomically dispersed on various supports are examined. In particular, their unique behavior in boosting the catalytic performance in various chemical transformations is discussed, including selective hydrogenation, selective oxidation, Suzuki coupling, and other catalytic reactions. In addition, the dynamic evolution of the active sites under reaction conditions and the industrial utilization of the single-atom catalysts are highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and frontiers are identified, and the perspectives on this flourishing field is provided.

Nickel-Based High-Entropy Intermetallic as a Highly Active and Selective Catalyst for Acetylene Semihydrogenation

Acetylene semihydrogenation is a key technology for producing polymer-grade ethylene from crude ethylene. Ni-based catalysts are promising alternatives to noble-metals for this process. However, achieving high catalytic activity and selectivity remains a big challenge. We report a novel catalyst design based on high-entropy intermetallics (HEI), which provide thermally stable isolated Ni without excess counterpart metals and achieve exceptionally high performance. Intermetallic NiGa was multi-metalized to a (NiFeCu)(GaGe), where the Ni and Ga sites were partially substituted with Fe/Cu and Ge, respectively, without altering the parent CsCl-type structure. The NiFeCuGaGe/SiO₂ HEI catalyst completely inhibited ethylene overhydrogenation even at complete acetylene conversion, and exhibited five-times higher activity than other 3d-transition-metal-based catalysts. The DFT study showed that the surface energy decreased by multi-metallization, which drastically weakened ethylene adsorption.

Photo-thermo semi-hydrogenation of acetylene on Pd1/TiO2 single-atom catalyst

Semi-hydrogenation of acetylene in excess ethylene is a key industrial process for ethylene purification. Supported Pd catalysts have attracted most attention due to their superior intrinsic activity but often suffer from low selectivity. Pd single-atom catalysts (SACs) are promising to significantly improve the selectivity, but the activity needs to be improved and the feasible preparation of Pd SACs remains a grand challenge. Here, we report a simple strategy to construct Pd₁/TiO₂ SACs by selectively encapsulating the co-existed small amount of Pd nanoclusters/nanoparticles based on their different strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) occurrence conditions. In addition, photo-thermo catalysis has been applied to this process where a much-improved catalytic activity was obtained. Detailed characterization combined with DFT calculation suggests that photo-induced electrons transferred from TiO₂ to the adjacent Pd atoms facilitate the activation of acetylene. This work offers an opportunity to develop highly stable Pd SACs for efficient catalytic semi-hydrogenation process.

Semi-hydrogenation of acetylene in excess ethylene is a key industrial process for ethylene purification. Here the authors develop highly stable Pd1/TiO2 single-atom catalyst for photo-thermo semi-hydrogenation of acetylene.

Synergizing metal-support interactions and spatial confinement boosts dynamics of atomic nickel for hydrogenations

Atomically dispersed metal catalysts maximize atom efficiency and display unique catalytic properties compared with regular metal nanoparticles. However, achieving high reactivity while preserving high stability at appreciable loadings remains challenging. Here we solve the challenge by synergizing metal-support interactions and spatial confinement, which enables the fabrication of highly loaded atomic nickel (3.1 wt%) along with dense atomic copper grippers (8.1 wt%) on a graphitic carbon nitride support. For the semi-hydrogenation of acetylene in excess ethylene, the fabricated catalyst shows extraordinary catalytic performance in terms of activity, selectivity and stability-far superior to supported atomic nickel alone in the absence of a synergizing effect. Comprehensive characterization and theoretical calculations reveal that the active nickel site confined in two stable hydroxylated copper grippers dynamically changes by breaking the interfacial nickel-support bonds on reactant adsorption and making these bonds on product desorption. Such a dynamic effect confers high catalytic performance, providing an avenue to rationally design efficient, stable and highly loaded, yet atomically dispersed, catalysts.

Metal-Organic Frameworks-Derived Self-Supported Carbon-Based Composites for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting

Electrocatalytic water splitting has been considered as a promising strategy for the sustainable evolution of hydrogen energy and storage of intermittent electric energy. Efficient catalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting are urgently demanded to decrease the overpotentials and promote the sluggish reaction kinetics. Carbon-based composites, including heteroatom-doped carbon materials, metals/alloys@carbon composites, metal compounds@carbon composites, and atomically dispersed metal sites@carbon composites have been widely used as the catalysts due to their fascinating properties. However, these electrocatalysts are almost powdery form, and should be cast on the current collector by using the polymeric binder, which would result in the unsatisfied electrocatalytic performance. In comparison, a self-supported electrode architecture is highly attractive. Recently, self-supported metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed by coordination of metal centers and organic ligands have been considered as suitable templates/precursors to construct free-standing carbon-based composites grown on conductive substrate. MOFs-derived carbon-based composites have various merits, such as the well-aligned array architecture and evenly distributed active sites, and easy functionalization with other species, which make them suitable alternatives to non-noble metal-included electrocatalysts. In this review, we intend to show the research progresses by employment of MOFs as precursors to prepare self-supported carbon-based composites. Focusing on these MOFs-derived carbon-based nanomaterials, the latest advances in their controllable synthesis, composition regulation, electrocatalytic performances in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and overall water splitting (OWS) are presented. Finally, the challenges and perspectives are showed for the further developments of MOFs-derived self-supported carbon-based nanomaterials in electrocatalytic reactions.

Hydroxyl improving the activity, selectivity and stability of supported Ni single atoms for selective semi-hydrogenation

Atomically dispersed metal catalysts with high atomic utilization and selectivity have been widely studied for acetylene semi-hydrogenation in excess ethylene among others. Further improvements of activity and selectivity, in addition to stability and loading, remain elusive due to competitive adsorption and desorption between reactants and products, hydrogen activation, partial hydrogenation etc. on limited site available. Herein, comprehensive density functional theory calculations have been used to explore the new strategy by introducing an appropriate ligand to stabilize the active single atom, improving the activity and selectivity on oxide supports. We find that the hydroxyl group can stabilize Ni single atoms significantly by forming Ni1(OH)2 complexes on anatase TiO2(101), whose unique electronic and geometric properties enable high performance in acetylene semi-hydrogenation. Specifically, Ni1(OH)2/TiO2(101) shows favorable acetylene adsorption and promotes the heterolytic dissociation of H2 achieving high catalytic activity, and it simultaneously weakens the ethylene bonding to facilitate subsequent desorption showing high ethylene selectivity. Hydroxyl stabilization of single metal atoms on oxide supports and promotion of the catalytic activity are sensitive to transition metal and the oxide supports. Compared to Co, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag and Au, and anatase ZrO2, IrO2 and NbO2 surfaces, the optimum interactions between Ni, O and Ti and resulted high activity, selectivity and stability make Ni1(OH)2/TiO2(101) a promising catalyst in acetylene hydrogenation. Our work provides valuable guidelines for utilization of ligands in the rational design of stable and efficient atomically dispersed catalysts.

Hydroconversion of Kraft lignin for biofuels production using bifunctional rhenium-molybdenum supported zeolitic imidazolate framework nanocatalyst

Non-noble bimetallic nanoparticles anchored on Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks, bifunctional ReMo@ZNB catalyst, has been demonstrated to promote Kraft lignin depolymerization. In this study, the catalytic activities under different heat treatment conditions are ranked as follows: ReMo@ZNB-700 (Air) > ReMo@ZNB-500 (Air) > ReMo@ZNB-700 (N₂). Particularly, bimetallic ReMo nanocatalyst with Re/Mo atomic ratio of 1/3 shows superior performance. Excellent yields of Ethyl acetate soluble products (92.18%) and Petroleum ether extracted biofuels (78%) are obtained at 300℃ and 24 h, and the calorific value is 32.33 MJ/kg. The ReMo@ZNB catalyst exhibits superior recyclability and regeneration after cycle experiment. Structural characterization results reveal that the incorporation of ReMo can engender the transformation of lattice morphology, the strength of hydrogenation and acid adsorption. The possible mechanism is based on the synergism of adsorption coupling and hydrogenation over ReMo@ZNB catalyst. The synergic action initiates potential perspectives for improving lignin hydroconversion.

Preparation of MCM-41 supported nickel NPs for the high-efficiency semi-hydrogenation of acetylene

High-efficiency nonnoble-metal catalysts for acetylene hydrogenation.

Highly Efficient Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes by N-Doped Carbon-Supported Cobalt Single-Atom Catalyst in Ethanol/Water Mixed Solvent

The cobalt single atoms supported on N-doped carbon (Co SAs/NC) were prepared by the direct pyrolysis of metal-organic framework (MOF) precursor. Compared with Co nanoparticle (NP) catalysts prepared by impregnation, the Co SAs/NC catalyst showed a much better performance in the selective hydrogenation of nitrobenzene, giving a specific activity 5.4 and 32.0 times higher than those of Co NPs supported on N-doped carbon and active carbon, respectively. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterizations revealed that the atomically dispersed Co species and doped nitrogen atoms in carbon support contributed to the high activity of Co SAs/NC. The reaction rate and aniline selectivity were further remarkably enhanced by introducing water into the reaction system. By adding 30% water to the solvent of ethanol, the activity was increased from 43.2 to 76.8 h^-1 and the aniline selectivity was increased from 62.8 to 99.1%. Combining experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations evidenced that the promoting effect of water addition was attributed to its differentiating ability in the competitive adsorption between nitrobenzene and aniline in the hydrogenation reaction. This catalytic system was highly efficient for the selective hydrogenation of various nitroarenes.

Dopamine polymer derived isolated single-atom site metals/N-doped porous carbon for benzene oxidation

Isolated single-atom site metals/nitrogen-doped porous carbon (ISAS M/NPC, M = Fe, Co, Ni) catalysts are successfully prepared by a top-down polymerization-pyrolysis-etching-activation (PPEA) strategy, which uses dopamine as the precursor. Due to the isolated single atom Fe active sites and porous structure, the ISAS Fe/NPC catalyst displays a high benzene conversion up to 42.6% and nearly 100% phenol selectivity.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Catalysts with Single Metal Sites

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of distinctive porous crystalline materials constructed by metal ions/clusters and organic linkers. Owing to their structural diversity, functional adjustability, and high surface area, different types of MOF-based single metal sites are well exploited, including coordinately unsaturated metal sites from metal nodes and metallolinkers, as well as active metal species immobilized to MOFs. Furthermore, controllable thermal transformation of MOFs can upgrade them to nanomaterials functionalized with active single-atom catalysts (SACs). These unique features of MOFs and their derivatives enable them to serve as a highly versatile platform for catalysis, which has actually been becoming a rapidly developing interdisciplinary research area. In this review, we overview the recent developments of catalysis at single metal sites in MOF-based materials with emphasis on their structures and applications for thermocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis. We also compare the results and summarize the major insights gained from the works in this review, providing the challenges and prospects in this emerging field.

Chemical Synthesis of Single Atomic Site Catalysts

Manipulating metal atoms in a controllable way for the synthesis of materials with the desired structure and properties is the holy grail of chemical synthesis. The recent emergence of single atomic site catalysts (SASC) demonstrates that we are moving toward this goal. Owing to the maximum efficiency of atom-utilization and unique structures and properties, SASC have attracted extensive research attention and interest. The prerequisite for the scientific research and practical applications of SASC is to fabricate highly reactive and stable metal single atoms on appropriate supports. In this review, various synthetic strategies for the synthesis of SASC are summarized with concrete examples highlighting the key issues of the synthesis methods to stabilize single metal atoms on supports and to suppress their migration and agglomeration. Next, we discuss how synthesis conditions affect the structure and catalytic properties of SASC before ending this review by highlighting the prospects and challenges for the synthesis as well as further scientific researches and practical applications of SASC.

Ultrasmall 2 D Cox Zn2-x (Benzimidazole)4 Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets and their Derived Co Nanodots@Co,N-Codoped Graphene for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction

The development of nonprecious metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) materials with efficient metal utilization and abundant active sites for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of great significance for fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Ultrasmall 2 D Co_x Zn_2-x (benzimidazole)₄ [Co_x Zn_2-x (bim)₄ ] bimetallic metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets (≈2 nm thick) are synthesized by a novel bottom-up strategy and then thermally converted into a core-shell structure of sub-5 nm Co nanodots (NDs) wrapped with 2 to 5 layers of Co,N-codoped graphene (Co@FLG). The size of the Co NDs in Co@FLG could be precisely controlled by the Co/Zn ratio in the Co_x Zn_2-x (bim)₄ nanosheet. As an ORR electrocatalyst, the optimized Co@FLG exhibits an excellent half-wave potential of 0.841 V (vs. RHE), a high limiting current density of 6.42 mA cm^-2 , and great stability in alkaline electrolyte. Co@FLG also has great ORR performance in neutral electrolyte, as well as in Mg-air batteries. The experimental studies and DFT calculations reveal that the high performance of Co@FLG is mainly attributed to its great O₂ absorptivity, which is endowed by the abundant Co-N_x and pyridinic-N in the FLG shell and the strong electron-donating ability from the Co ND core to the FLG shell. This elevates the e_g orbital energy of Co^II and lowers the activation energy for breaking the O=O/O-O bonds. This work sheds light on the design and fabrication of 2 D MOFs and MOF-derived M-N-C materials for energy storage and conversion applications.

Single-Atom Catalysts for Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Hydrogen, a renewable and outstanding energy carrier with zero carbon dioxide emission, is regarded as the best alternative to fossil fuels. The most preferred route to large-scale production of hydrogen is by water electrolysis from the intermittent sources (e.g., wind, solar, hydro, and tidal energy). However, the efficiency of water electrolysis is very much dependent on the activity of electrocatalysts. Thus, designing high-effective, stable, and cheap materials for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) could have a substantial impact on renewable energy technologies. Recently, single-atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as a new frontier in catalysis science, because SACs have maximum atom-utilization efficiency and excellent catalytic reaction activity. Various synthesis methods and analytical techniques have been adopted to prepare and characterize these SACs. In this review, we discuss recent progress on SACs synthesis, characterization methods, and their catalytic applications. Particularly, we highlight their unique electrochemical characteristics toward HER. Finally, the current key challenges in SACs for HER are pointed out and some potential directions are proposed as well.

Catalytic performance and deactivation of Ni/MCM-41 catalyst in the hydrogenation of pure acetylene to ethylene

Ni/MCM-41 catalysts were prepared by an impregnation method for acetylene hydrogenation to ethylene based on the calcium carbide acetylene route. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy indicated that Ni was uniformly dispersed on the support. Temperature-programmed reduction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated a strong interaction between Ni and MCM-41, and Ni(0) and Ni(ii) coexisted in the catalyst. We optimized the catalytic activity by optimizing the Ni loading and reaction conditions including temperature, space velocity, and hydrogen/acetylene ratio. The acetylene conversion reached 100%, the ethylene selectivity reached 47%. Additionally, we tested the catalyst stability; the acetylene conversion was maintained at 100% for 25.73 h and was then rapidly reduced. ICP, TEM, FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis and BET were used to investigate the reasons for catalyst deactivation; it was found that green oil deposition on the catalyst surface was the main reason for the catalyst deactivation.

Ni/MCM-41 catalysts were prepared by an impregnation method for acetylene hydrogenation to ethylene based on the calcium carbide acetylene route.

Atomically dispersed Fe atoms anchored on COF-derived N-doped carbon nanospheres as efficient multi-functional catalysts

Non-noble metal isolated single atom site (ISAS) catalysts have attracted much attention due to their low cost, ultimate atom efficiency and outstanding catalytic performance. Herein, atomically dispersed Fe atoms are prepared by a covalent organic framework (COF)-absorption-pyrolysis strategy. The obtained Fe ISASs anchored on COF-derived N-doped carbon nanospheres (Fe-ISAS/CN) served as a multi-functional catalyst in electro-catalysis and organic catalysis, exhibiting better catalytic performance than commercial Pt/C for the ORR with good stability and methanol tolerance. Besides electro-catalysis, the Fe-ISAS/CN also showed outstanding catalytic performance in organic reactions, such as the selective oxidation of ethylbenzene to acetophenone and dehydrogenation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline with excellent reactivity, selectivity, stability and recyclability. Co and Ni ISAS materials can also be prepared by this method, suggesting that it is a general strategy to obtain metal ISAS catalysts. This work will provide new insight into the design of COF-derived metal ISAS multi-functional catalysts for electro-catalysis and organic reactions using rationally designed synthetic routes and the optimized structure of substrates.

Efficient Transfer Hydrogenation of Nitro Compounds to Amines Enabled by Mesoporous N-Stabilized Co-Zn/C

N-doped metal materials with enhanced stability and abundant porosity have attracted tremendous attention in catalytic reactions. Herein, a simple solvothermal approach was demonstrated to significantly enlarge the pore dimension of conventional microporous zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) incorporated with two kinds of central metals (Co, Zn), while maintaining the original ZIF crystal morphology. Upon further pyrolysis, the resulting mesoporous Co-Zn/N-C material could possess the highly dispersed metal particle on the N-doped carbon, with satisfactory pore volume and surface area. The partial vaporization of Zn and the stabilizing effect of N, illustrated by XRD, HRTEM, HAADF-STEM with mapping, SEM, Raman Spectrum, BET, and TGA, were able to remarkably increase the accessibility of substrate toward active sites and prevent the aggregation of metal particles, respectively. Under mild reaction conditions, the N-stabilized Co-Zn/N-C exhibited good activity and selectivity in transfer hydrogenation of various nitro compounds to corresponding amines, where a synergistic role among Co, Zn, and N was responsible for its superior performance to other tested catalysts. In addition, the N-doped non-noble metal/carbon heterogeneous catalyst was fairly stable and could be reused several times without obvious deactivation.

Highlights of Major Progress on Single-Atom Catalysis in 2017

Single-atom catalysis has rapidly progressed during the last few years. In 2017, single-atom catalysts (SACs) were fabricated with higher metal loadings and designed into more delicate structures. SACs also found wide applications in C1 chemical conversion, such as selective oxidation of methane and conversion of carbon dioxide. Both experimental characterizations and computational modeling revealed the presence of tunable interactions between single atom species and their surrounding chemical environment, and thus SACs may be more effective and more stable than their nanoparticle counterparts. In this mini-review, we summarize the major achievements of SACs into three main aspects: a) the advanced synthetic methodologies, b) catalytic performance in C1 chemistry, and c) strong metal-support interaction induced unexpected durability. These accomplishments will shed new light on the recognition of single-atom catalysis and encourage more efforts to explore potential applications of SACs.