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Long X, Huang F, Yao Z, Li P, Zhong T, Zhao H, Tian S, Shu D, He C. Advancements in Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction: A Comprehensive Review of Single-Atom Catalysts for Sustainable Ammonia Synthesis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2400551. [PMID: 38516940 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction technology seamlessly aligns with the principles of environmentally friendly chemical production. In this paper, a comprehensive review of recent advancements in electrocatalytic NH3 synthesis utilizing single-atom catalysts (SACs) is offered. Into the research and applications of three categories of SACs: noble metals (Ru, Au, Rh, Ag), transition metals (Fe, Mo, Cr, Co, Sn, Y, Nb), and nonmetallic catalysts (B) in the context of electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis is delved. In-depth insights into the material preparation methods, single-atom coordination patterns, and the characteristics of the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) are provided. The systematic comparison of the nitrogen reduction capabilities of various SAC types offers a comprehensive research framework for their integration into electrocatalytic NRR. Additionally, the challenges, potential solutions, and future prospects of incorporating SACs into electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction endeavors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianhu Long
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Fan Huang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Zhangnan Yao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Tao Zhong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Huinan Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Shuanghong Tian
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Dong Shu
- School of Chemistry, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chun He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
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2
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Žibert T, Likozar B, Huš M. Modelling Photocatalytic N 2 Reduction to Ammonia: Where We Stand and Where We Are Going. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202301730. [PMID: 38523408 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Artificial ammonia synthesis via the Haber-Bosch process is environmentally problematic due to the high energy consumption and corresponding CO2 ${_2 }$ emissions, produced during the reaction and before hand in hydrogen production upon methane steam reforming. Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation as a greener alternative to the conventional Haber-Bosch process enables us to perform nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under mild conditions, harnessing light as the energy source. Herein, we systematically review first-principles calculations used to determine the electronic/optical properties of photocatalysts, N2 adsorption and to expound possible NRR mechanisms. The most commonly studied photocatalysts for nitrogen fixation are usually modified with dopants, defects, co-catalysts and Z-scheme heterojunctions to prevent charge carrier recombination, improve charge separation efficiency and adjust a band gap to for utilizing a broader light spectrum. Most studies at the atomistic level of modeling are grounded upon density functional theory (DFT) calculations, wholly foregoing excitation effects paramount in photocatalysis. Hence, there is a dire need to consider methods beyond DFT to study the excited state properties more accurately. Furthermore, a few studies have been examined, which include higher level kinetics and macroscale simulations. Ultimately, we show there is still ample room for improvement with regard to first principles calculations and their integration in multiscale models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taja Žibert
- National Institute of Chemistry, Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska 13, 5000, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - Blaž Likozar
- National Institute of Chemistry, Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Huš
- National Institute of Chemistry, Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska 13, 5000, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
- Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, Poljanska 40, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Association for Technical Culture (ZOTKS), Zaloška 65, SI, 1001, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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3
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Dar MA. Implications of the Pore Size of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Monolayers on the Selectivity of Dual-Boron Atom Catalysts for the Reduction of N 2 to Urea and Ammonia: A Computational Investigation. Inorg Chem 2023; 62:13672-13679. [PMID: 37555942 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c02316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The formation of urea by electrocatalytic means remains a great challenge due to the lack of a suitable catalyst that is capable of not only activating inert N2 and CO2 molecules but also circumventing the complexity associated with subsequent reaction steps leading to urea formation. Herein, by means of comprehensive density functional theory simulations, we investigate the catalytic activity of highly stable transition-metal-free dual-boron atom-doped graphitic carbon-nitride monolayers with different pore sizes toward urea production under ambient conditions. As per the results, dual boron atoms impregnated in g-C2N and g-C6N6 monolayers with large pore diameters can successfully activate the N2 molecule and lead to the spontaneous formation of the *NCO*N intermediate, which is the most crucial step for urea formation via direct coupling of N2 and CO2. Interestingly, the B2@g-C2N and B2@g-C6N6 favor urea production with low limiting potentials of -1.11 and -1.18 V compared to very high limiting potentials of -1.71 and -1.88 V, respectively, for ammonia synthesis, leading to an almost 100% Faradaic efficiency for urea formation over ammonia. The dual-boron doping in g-C3N4 with a smaller pore size depicts comparatively weaker N2 adsorption than g-C2N and g-C6N6 counterparts. Further, B2@g-C3N4 prefers ammonia formation at a very low limiting potential of -0.40 V compared to a very high limiting potential of -2.11 V for urea formation. Thus, our findings clearly highlight the critical role played by the pore size of carbon-nitride monolayers in tuning the reactivity and catalytic activity of dual-boron atom catalysts toward urea formation in a selective manner, thereby providing valuable guidance in exploring other highly efficient urea catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzoor Ahmad Dar
- Department of Chemistry, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora 192122, Kashmir, India
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4
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Zhao R, Chen Y, Xiang H, Guan Y, Yang C, Zhang Q, Li Y, Cong Y, Li X. Two-Dimensional Ordered Double-Transition Metal Carbides for the Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:6797-6806. [PMID: 36705631 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c19911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) provides a green and sustainable strategy as an alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. The development of electrocatalysts with low overpotential, high selectivity, and fast reaction kinetics remains a significant challenge. Here, density functional theory computations are carried out to systematically predict the prospect of 18 two-dimensional (2D) ordered double-transition metal carbides (MXenes) as NRR electrocatalysts. Our results revealed that the basal plane of Mo2Nb2C3 MXene exhibited the most outstanding catalytic activity while effectively suppressed the hydrogen evolution reaction with an overpotential of 0.48 V. The exposed Mo3 moiety moderately regulating the electron transfer between reaction intermediates is answerable for the high activity. Finally, our finding broadens the horizon of 2D materials as NRR electrocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430081, China
| | - Yongting Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430081, China
| | - Hui Xiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430081, China
| | - Yunfeng Guan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430081, China
| | - Chenfan Yang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Advanced Carbon Materials and Applied Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha410082, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430081, China
| | - Yanjun Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430081, China
| | - Ye Cong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430081, China
| | - Xuanke Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan430081, China
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5
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Ghoshal S, Ghosh A, Roy P, Ball B, Pramanik A, Sarkar P. Recent Progress in Computational Design of Single-Atom/Cluster Catalysts for Electrochemical and Solar-Driven N 2 Fixation. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c04527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Ghoshal
- Department of Chemistry, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan731 235, India
| | - Atish Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan731 235, India
| | - Prodyut Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan731 235, India
| | - Biswajit Ball
- Department of Chemistry, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan731 235, India
| | - Anup Pramanik
- Department of Chemistry, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Purulia723 104, India
| | - Pranab Sarkar
- Department of Chemistry, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan731 235, India
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6
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Fang Y, Zhang Q, Zhang H, Li X, Chen W, Xu J, Shen H, Yang J, Pan C, Zhu Y, Wang J, Luo Z, Wang L, Bai X, Song F, Zhang L, Guo Y. Dual Activation of Molecular Oxygen and Surface Lattice Oxygen in Single Atom Cu
1
/TiO
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Catalyst for CO Oxidation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202212273. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202212273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yarong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Environmental and Applied Chemistry College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Environmental and Applied Chemistry College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201800 China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 China
| | - Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Environmental and Applied Chemistry College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Jue Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Environmental and Applied Chemistry College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Huan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Environmental and Applied Chemistry College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Ji Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Environmental and Applied Chemistry College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Chuanqi Pan
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Environmental and Applied Chemistry College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Yuhua Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Environmental and Applied Chemistry College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Jinlong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Environmental and Applied Chemistry College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Zhu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Environmental and Applied Chemistry College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Liming Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety Institute of High Energy Physics Department of Materials Science and Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Xuedong Bai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 China
| | - Fei Song
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201800 China
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Environmental and Applied Chemistry College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Yanbing Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education Institute of Environmental and Applied Chemistry College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
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7
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Lin X, Ng SF, Ong WJ. Coordinating single-atom catalysts on two-dimensional nanomaterials: A paradigm towards bolstered photocatalytic energy conversion. Coord Chem Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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8
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Chen Z, Liu C, Sun L, Wang T. Progress of Experimental and Computational Catalyst Design for Electrochemical Nitrogen Fixation. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c02629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Chen
- Center of Artificial Photosynthesis for Solar Fuels and Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, 38 Zheda Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310027, China
| | - Chunli Liu
- Center of Artificial Photosynthesis for Solar Fuels and Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
| | - Licheng Sun
- Center of Artificial Photosynthesis for Solar Fuels and Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Center of Artificial Photosynthesis for Solar Fuels and Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310024, China
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9
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Dutta S, Pati SK. Novel Design of Single Transition Metal Atoms Anchored on C6N6 nanosheet for Electrochemical and Photochemical N2 Reduction to Ammonia. Catal Today 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2022.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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10
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Dutta S, Pati SK. Anchoring boron on a covalent organic framework as an efficient single atom metal-free photo-electrocatalyst for nitrogen fixation: a first-principles analysis. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:10765-10774. [PMID: 35467673 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp05699a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The production of ammonia in a sustainable cost-effective manner and ambient conditions is a very challenging task. Photo-/electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction (NRR) is a convenient way to produce NH3 for industrial applications. In this work, anchoring B atoms in Tp-bpy-COF is shown to effectively reduce N2 to NH3. By employing density functional theory, we demonstrated that N2 can be efficiently activated on the B center due to the synergistic effect of B-N. Meanwhile, we found that the NRR happens predominantly by the alternating path with a small limiting potential of 0.13 V. Moreover, the suitable band edge positions and broad visible light absorption zone result in B@Tp-bpy-COF acting as a promising photocatalyst. Our proposed catalytic system exhibits favorable formation energy and excellent structural stability during AIMD simulations, which suggest the feasibility of experimental synthesis. The system turns out to be highly selective toward the NRR compared to other competitive reactions. These findings may pave a new way for designing SACs on COFs for N2 fixation with high activity, which may also apply to other reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriti Dutta
- Theoretical Sciences Unit, School of Advanced Materials, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore 560064, India.
| | - Swapan K Pati
- Theoretical Sciences Unit, School of Advanced Materials, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore 560064, India.
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11
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Tetrazine Based Covalent Organic Framework as a Promising Metal-Free Photo and Electro-Catalyst for HER. Catal Letters 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10562-022-03926-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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12
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Zhang T, Pan W, Zhang Z, Qi N, Chen Z. Theoretical Study of Small Molecules Adsorption on Pristine and Transition Metal Doped GeSe Monolayer for Gas Sensing Application. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:1287-1295. [PMID: 35021624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c03232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
By using first-principles calculations, the sensing properties of pristine and transition metal (TM) atoms (Ti, V, and Co) embedded germanium selenide (GeSe) monolayer toward small gas molecules (H2, NH3, CO, O2, SO2, NO, and NO2) were investigated. The adsorption energies, electronic structure, optical properties, and recovery time of the adsorption systems were calculated and analyzed in detail. The results indicate that TM doped GeSe has stronger interaction with gas molecules compared with the pristine GeSe monolayer. Especially for Ti- and V-GeSe monolayer, the absolute value of adsorption energies are up to 2 eV for O2, NO, and NO2. The doping with TM atoms also changes the charge transfer and electronic structures of adsorption systems. Combined with the result of the calculated optical properties and recovery time, it can be concluded that Ti-GeSe monolayer has great potential for NH3 detection, while Co-GeSe monolayer can be very promising SO2 gas sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Hubei Nuclear Solid Physics Key Laboratory, Department of Physics, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wenfeng Pan
- College of Basic Sciences, Zhengzhou University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450044, China
| | - Ziye Zhang
- Hubei Nuclear Solid Physics Key Laboratory, Department of Physics, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ning Qi
- Hubei Nuclear Solid Physics Key Laboratory, Department of Physics, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhiquan Chen
- Hubei Nuclear Solid Physics Key Laboratory, Department of Physics, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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13
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Bhattacharyya K. Electrocatalysis with quantum chemistry. EPJ WEB OF CONFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/202226800007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The following article presents a brief introduction to modeling an electrochemical reaction. Two crucial concepts, oxidation-reduction and acid-base reactions, are briefly illustrated to understand the structural changes of the electro-catalyst. These two concepts are applied to compute the stability of catalysts for electrochemical reactions from the density functional theory calculations.
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14
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Rasool A, Anis I, Dixit M, Maibam A, Hassan A, Krishnamurty S, Dar MA. Tantalum based single, double, and triple atom catalysts supported on g-C2N monolayer for effective nitrogen reduction reaction: a comparative DFT investigation. Catal Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1cy01292d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Density functional theory simulations demonstrate that single and triple Ta-atom catalysts anchored to C2N monolayer act as superior catalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction via alternating and distal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjumun Rasool
- Department of Chemistry, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir-1920221, India
| | - Insha Anis
- Department of Chemistry, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir-1920221, India
| | - Mudit Dixit
- Department of Chemistry, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Ashakiran Maibam
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411 008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Postal Staff College area, Gaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Afshana Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir-1920221, India
| | - Sailaja Krishnamurty
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411 008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC) Campus, Postal Staff College area, Gaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Manzoor Ahmad Dar
- Department of Chemistry, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir-1920221, India
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15
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Mukherjee M, Dutta S, Ghosh M, Basuchowdhuri P, Datta A. Performance of Nitrogen Reduction Reaction on Metal Bound g-C6N6: Combined Approach of Machine Learning and DFT. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:17050-17058. [PMID: 35796582 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp01901a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Developing a cost-effective and environmentally benign substitute for the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process for the production of ammonia is a global challenge. Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient condition through...
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Mukherjee
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
| | - Sayan Dutta
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
| | - Madhusudan Ghosh
- School of Mathematical and Computational Science, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
| | - Partha Basuchowdhuri
- School of Mathematical and Computational Science, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
| | - Ayan Datta
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
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16
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Cheng M, Xiao C, Xie Y. Shedding Light on the Role of Chemical Bond in Catalysis of Nitrogen Fixation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2007891. [PMID: 34476865 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202007891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3 ) and nitrates are essential for human society because of their widespread utilization for producing medicines, fibers, fertilizers, etc. In recent years, the development on nitrogen fixation under mild reaction conditions has attracted much attention. However, the very low conversion efficiency and ambiguous catalytic mechanism remain the major hurdles for the research of nitrogen fixation. This review aims to clarify the role of chemical bond in catalytic nitrogen fixation by summarizing and analyzing the recent development of nitrogen fixation research. In detail, the atomic-scale mechanism of nitrogen fixation reaction, the various methods to improve the nitrogen fixation performance, and the computational investigation of nitrogen fixation are discussed, all from a chemical bond perspective. It is hoped that this review could trigger more profound pondering and deeper exploration in the field of catalytic nitrogen fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Cheng
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Centre for Excellence in Nanoscience, iCHEM, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Chong Xiao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Centre for Excellence in Nanoscience, iCHEM, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yi Xie
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Centre for Excellence in Nanoscience, iCHEM, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
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17
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Fedoseev IV, Vasekin VV, Shevelkov AV. Potential of Molecular Nitrogen Fixation by Carbonyl Clusters of Platinum Metals in Lower Oxidation States: A Review. RUSS J INORG CHEM+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0036023621090023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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Fu C, Li Y, Wei H. Double boron atom-doped graphdiynes as efficient metal-free electrocatalysts for nitrogen reduction into ammonia: a first-principles study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:17683-17692. [PMID: 34373884 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp02391h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The electroreduction of dinitrogen (N2) is an attractive method for ambient ammonia (NH3) synthesis. In this work, double boron atom-anchored two-dimensional (2D) graphdiyne (GDY-2B) electrocatalysts have been designed and examined for the N2 reduction reaction (NRR) by density functional theory computations. Our calculations revealed that double boron atoms can be strongly embedded in a graphdiyne monolayer. In particular, configuration GDY-2B(S2S2') with two boron atoms substituting two equivalent sp-carbon atoms of diacetylene linkages exhibits excellent catalytic performance for reducing N2, with an extremely low overpotential of 0.12 V. The "pull-pull" mechanism imposed by doped double boron atoms is responsible for the magnificent effect of N2 activation. Besides, the competitive reaction of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is suppressed owing to a large ΔGH* value of -1.25 eV. Based on these results, our study provides useful guidelines for designing effective double atomic catalysts (DACs) based on nonmetal 2D nanosheets for effective electrochemical reduction reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biofunctional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Key Lab for NSLSCS, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210097, China.
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19
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Photocatalytic Fixation of Molecular Nitrogen in Systems Based on Graphite-Like Carbon Nitride: a Review. THEOR EXP CHEM+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11237-021-09678-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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20
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Rich B active centers in Penta-B2C as high-performance photocatalyst for nitrogen reduction. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2021.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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21
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Li P, Gao S, Liu Q, Ding P, Wu Y, Wang C, Yu S, Liu W, Wang Q, Chen S. Recent Progress of the Design and Engineering of Bismuth Oxyhalides for Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation. ADVANCED ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/aesr.202000097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peishen Li
- Laboratory for Micro-sized Functional Materials College of Elementary Education Department of Chemistry Capital Normal University Beijing 100048 China
- Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced Technology (BIC-ESAT) Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences (Ministry of Education) College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering Peking University Beijing 100871 China
| | - Shuai Gao
- Laboratory for Micro-sized Functional Materials College of Elementary Education Department of Chemistry Capital Normal University Beijing 100048 China
| | - Qiming Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California 1156 High Street Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
| | - Peiren Ding
- Laboratory for Micro-sized Functional Materials College of Elementary Education Department of Chemistry Capital Normal University Beijing 100048 China
| | - Yunyun Wu
- Laboratory for Micro-sized Functional Materials College of Elementary Education Department of Chemistry Capital Normal University Beijing 100048 China
| | - Changzheng Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Materials for Building Structure and Environmental Remediation Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture Beijing 100044 China
| | - Shaobin Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Functional Materials for Building Structure and Environmental Remediation Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture Beijing 100044 China
| | - Wen Liu
- Beijing Innovation Center for Engineering Science and Advanced Technology (BIC-ESAT) Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences (Ministry of Education) College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering Peking University Beijing 100871 China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Laboratory for Micro-sized Functional Materials College of Elementary Education Department of Chemistry Capital Normal University Beijing 100048 China
| | - Shaowei Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of California 1156 High Street Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
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22
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Pan W, Zhao B, Qi N, Chen Z. Pt-embedded bismuthene as a promising single-atom catalyst for CO oxidation: A first-principles investigation. MOLECULAR CATALYSIS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2020.111379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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23
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Yang L, Peng Y, Luo X, Dan Y, Ye J, Zhou Y, Zou Z. Beyond C 3N 4 π-conjugated metal-free polymeric semiconductors for photocatalytic chemical transformations. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:2147-2172. [PMID: 33331365 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00445f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Photocatalysis with stable, efficient and inexpensive metal-free catalysts is one of the most promising options for non-polluting energy production. This review article covers the state-of-the-art development of various effective metal-free polymeric photocatalysts with large π-conjugated units for chemical transformations including water splitting, CO2 and N2 reduction, organic synthesis and monomer polymerisation. The article starts with the catalytic mechanisms of metal-free photocatalysts. Then a particular focus is on the rational manipulation of π-conjugation enlargement, charge separation, electronic structures and band structures in the design of metal-free polymeric photocatalysts. Following the design principles, the selection and construction of functional units are discussed, as well as the connecting bonds and dimensions of π-conjugated polymeric photocatalysts. Finally the hot and emerging applications of metal-free polymeric photocatalysts for photocatalytic chemical transformations are summarized. The strategies provide potential avenues to address the challenges of catalyst activity, selectivity and stability in the further development of highly effective metal-free polymeric photocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, P. R. China.
| | - Yuting Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, P. R. China.
| | - Xuedan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, P. R. China.
| | - Yi Dan
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering of China (Sichuan University), Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China.
| | - Jinhua Ye
- Environmental Remediation Materials Unit National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan and TU-NIMS Joint Reseach Center School of Material Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Yong Zhou
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China. and The School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Zou
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, P. R. China. and The School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, P. R. China
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24
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Patil SB, Wang DY. Exploration and Investigation of Periodic Elements for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2002885. [PMID: 32945097 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202002885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
High demand for green ecosystems has urged the human community to reconsider and revamp the traditional way of synthesis of several compounds. Ammonia (NH3 ) is one such compound whose applications have been extended from fertilizers to explosives and is still being synthesized using the high energy inhaling Haber-Bosch process. Carbon free electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is considered as a potential replacement for the Haber-Bosch method. However, it has few limitations such as low N2 adsorption, selectivity (competitive HER reactions), low yield rate etc. Since it is at the early stage, tremendous efforts have been devoted in understanding the reaction mechanism and screening of the electrocatalysts and electrolytes. In this review, the electrocatalysts are classified based on the periodic table with heat maps of Faraday efficiency and yield rate of NH3 in NRR and their electrocatalytic properties toward NRR are discussed. Also, the activity of each element is discussed and short tables and concise graphs are provided to enable the researchers to understand recent progress on each element. At the end, a perspective is provided on countering the current challenges in NRR. This review may act as handbook for basic NRR understandings, recent progress in NRR, and the design and development of advanced electrocatalysts and systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivaraj B Patil
- Department of Chemistry, Tunghai University, Taichung, 40704, Taiwan
| | - Di-Yan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Tunghai University, Taichung, 40704, Taiwan
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25
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Kaiser SK, Chen Z, Faust Akl D, Mitchell S, Pérez-Ramírez J. Single-Atom Catalysts across the Periodic Table. Chem Rev 2020; 120:11703-11809. [PMID: 33085890 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Isolated atoms featuring unique reactivity are at the heart of enzymatic and homogeneous catalysts. In contrast, although the concept has long existed, single-atom heterogeneous catalysts (SACs) have only recently gained prominence. Host materials have similar functions to ligands in homogeneous catalysts, determining the stability, local environment, and electronic properties of isolated atoms and thus providing a platform for tailoring heterogeneous catalysts for targeted applications. Within just a decade, we have witnessed many examples of SACs both disrupting diverse fields of heterogeneous catalysis with their distinctive reactivity and substantially enriching our understanding of molecular processes on surfaces. To date, the term SAC mostly refers to late transition metal-based systems, but numerous examples exist in which isolated atoms of other elements play key catalytic roles. This review provides a compositional encyclopedia of SACs, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the introduction of this term. By defining single-atom catalysis in the broadest sense, we explore the full elemental diversity, joining different areas across the whole periodic table, and discussing historical milestones and recent developments. In particular, we examine the coordination structures and associated properties accessed through distinct single-atom-host combinations and relate them to their main applications in thermo-, electro-, and photocatalysis, revealing trends in element-specific evolution, host design, and uses. Finally, we highlight frontiers in the field, including multimetallic SACs, atom proximity control, and possible applications for multistep and cascade reactions, identifying challenges, and propose directions for future development in this flourishing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina K Kaiser
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zupeng Chen
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Faust Akl
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sharon Mitchell
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Javier Pérez-Ramírez
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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26
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Feng Z, Su G, Ding H, Ma Y, Li Y, Tang Y, Dai X. Atomic alkali metal anchoring on graphdiyne as single-atom catalysts for capture and conversion of CO2 to HCOOH. MOLECULAR CATALYSIS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2020.111142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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27
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Yang X, Shang C, Zhou S, Zhao J. MBenes: emerging 2D materials as efficient electrocatalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2020; 5:1106-1115. [PMID: 32432627 DOI: 10.1039/d0nh00242a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
MBenes, an emerging family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal borides, have recently been synthesized in experiment and hold great promise for 2D ferromagnets and metal ion batteries. With a well-defined layered structure and outstanding electrical conductivity, MBenes provide an ideal platform for exploring the catalytic behavior of boride surfaces at the atomic level. Herein, we exploit ten kinds of MBenes for electrocatalysis of the N2 reduction reaction (NRR). By comprehensive first-principles calculations, we show that MBenes have high stability in aqueous environments and excellent selectivity toward the NRR against the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Intriguingly, both the surface boron and metal atoms of MBenes can serve as the active sites owing to the co-existence of occupied and unoccupied p (d) states for the boron (metal) atoms, while the boron reaction centers provide even superior activity compared to the metal atoms. Moreover, the activity of these 2D borides can be tuned by engineering their work function. Our theoretical results shine light on utilizing metal borides as a new category of non-precious catalysts for nitrogen fixation, and illuminate the fundamental principles for controlling their catalytic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Dalian 116024, China.
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28
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Feng Z, Tang Y, Chen W, Li Y, Li R, Ma Y, Dai X. Graphdiyne coordinated transition metals as single-atom catalysts for nitrogen fixation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:9216-9224. [PMID: 32285896 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp00722f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The reduction of N2 molecules to NH3 is a very challenging task in chemistry. The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a promising technology for NH3 synthesis. By using first-principles calculation, a new class of single-atom catalysts (SACs), graphdiyne coordinated single transition metal atoms (TM@GDY, TM = Sc-Zn, Y-Cd, and La-Hg) were designed, and the NRR catalytic character of TM@GDY was systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that some TM@GDY (TM = Ti, V, Fe, Co, Zr, Rh, and Hf) monolayers exhibit better NRR activities than a Ru(0001) stepped surface. There is an obvious linear correlation between the limiting potential and the atomic N adsorption energy, which confirms that the N adsorption energy may be a descriptor for evaluation of the NRR catalytic performance. The V@GDY monolayer possesses the best NRR catalytic character with the lowest limiting potential of -0.67 V and the potential-limiting step (PLS) of *N2→ *NNH for both alternating and distal mechanisms. Our results highlight a new family of efficient and stable TM@GDY catalysts and provide useful guidelines for SAC development and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Institute of Technology, Xinxiang, Henan 453000, China
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29
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Hou J, Yang M, Zhang J. Recent advances in catalysts, electrolytes and electrode engineering for the nitrogen reduction reaction under ambient conditions. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:6900-6920. [PMID: 32195530 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr00412j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
With the conventional Haber-Bosch NH3 synthesis in industry requiring harsh pressures and high temperatures, artificial N2 fixation has been long sought after. The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) could offer a solution by allowing NH3 production under ambient conditions. In this review, important recent findings on theoretical calculations and experimental exploration on the NRR at room temperature are systematically reviewed. Firstly, we discuss the mechanism of electrochemical heterogeneous catalysis for the NRR. The NRR is a multi-proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) process which implies that in addition to catalyst surface size effects, ligand and strain effects will also significantly influence the binding energy of the adsorbed N atoms, reaction intermediates and product species. Electrocatalysts including metals, metal nitrides, metal oxides and carbon-based materials will also be discussed at length. A linear scaling relationship seems to limit the NRR activity on most metals and metal oxides. Metal nitrides, however, follow the Mars-van Krevelen (MvK) mechanism which usually shows a lower potential energy barrier compared to the associative mechanism. Carbon-based materials and some single atom catalysts exhibit improved activity and selectivity due to ligand effects. Thus, electrolytes containing a proton donor might play a crucial role in the NRR. The limiting concentration of proton donors and the rate of proton transport to the active sites might be effective factors in boosting the selectivity of the NRR. Specifically, ionic liquids with high N2 solubility demonstrate much larger faradaic efficiency and would be promising candidates for use in NRR processes. Inspired by the characteristics of PCET, four strategies of electrode engineering were introduced including limiting protons, tuning the electron transport, modifying the electrode structure facilitating mass transport, and completely changing the NRR mechanism inspired by bio-nitrogenase and Li mediated N2 fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbo Hou
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, PR China.
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30
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Li M, Cui Y, Sun L, Zhang X, Peng L, Huang Y. Boosting Electrocatalytic N2 Reduction to NH3 over Two-Dimensional Gallium Selenide by Defect-Size Engineering. Inorg Chem 2020; 59:4858-4867. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Li
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Clean Energy of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, The Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Laboratory of Molecule-Based Materials, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Cui
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Clean Energy of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, The Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Laboratory of Molecule-Based Materials, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liping Sun
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Clean Energy of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, The Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Laboratory of Molecule-Based Materials, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Clean Energy of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, The Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Laboratory of Molecule-Based Materials, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Peng
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Clean Energy of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, The Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Laboratory of Molecule-Based Materials, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yucheng Huang
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Clean Energy of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, The Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, Anhui Laboratory of Molecule-Based Materials, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, People’s Republic of China
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31
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Li L, Wu Z, Zhu H, Robinson GH, Xie Y, Schaefer HF. Reduction of Dinitrogen via 2,3′-Bipyridine-Mediated Tetraboration. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:6244-6250. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c00409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Li
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeyu Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei People’s Republic of China
| | - Huajie Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, Hebei People’s Republic of China
| | - Gregory H. Robinson
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Yaoming Xie
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Henry F. Schaefer
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
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Feng Z, Tang Y, Chen W, Wei D, Ma Y, Dai X. O-doped graphdiyne as metal-free catalysts for nitrogen reduction reaction. MOLECULAR CATALYSIS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2019.110705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Ma Z, Cui Z, Xiao C, Dai W, Lv Y, Li Q, Sa R. Theoretical screening of efficient single-atom catalysts for nitrogen fixation based on a defective BN monolayer. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:1541-1550. [PMID: 31854412 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr08969a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The electrocatalytic reduction of naturally abundant N2 to NH3 is an attractive approach to replace the Haber-Bosch nitrogen-fixation process that causes enormous energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, designing high-performance catalysts toward the electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (eNRR) remains one of the greatest challenges in this area. Herein, high-throughput screening of catalysts for the NRR among a series of transition metal atoms supported on a defective hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheet is performed through spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) computations. Strikingly, among the 18 candidates, the V/Tc atom anchored on a defective h-BN monolayer (V@BN and Tc@BN) showed good NRR activity with relatively low onset potentials. Particularly, V@BN was found to exhibit outstanding catalytic activity for the NRR via an enzymatic pathway with an extremely low overpotential of 0.25 V. The value is significantly lower than that on the Ru (0001) stepped surface that has the best NRR catalytic performance among bulk metal catalysts. The novel NRR activity of V@BN is attributed to the enhanced electrical conductivity due to V-doping, the "donation-backdonation" process for N2 activation, and the highly centralized spin-polarization on the V atom. This work not only provides a quite promising catalyst for the NRR but also provides new insights for the rational design of single-atom NRR catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuju Ma
- Key Laboratory of Green Fabrication and Surface Technology of Advanced Metal Materials (Ministry of Education), Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, 243002, China.
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Zhang J, Zhao Y, Wang Z, Yang G, Tian J, Ma D, Wang Y. Boron-decorated C9N4 monolayers as promising metal-free catalysts for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction: a first-principles study. NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/c9nj04792a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
B decoration enables C9N4 monolayer, a novel nodal-line semimetal with high electron mobility, to efficiently catalyze electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction under ambient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- School of Physics
- Anyang Normal University
- Anyang 455000
- China
| | - Yameng Zhao
- School of Physics
- Anyang Normal University
- Anyang 455000
- China
- Institute for Computational Materials Science
| | - Zhi Wang
- School of Physics
- Anyang Normal University
- Anyang 455000
- China
| | - Gui Yang
- School of Physics
- Anyang Normal University
- Anyang 455000
- China
| | - Junlong Tian
- School of Physics
- Anyang Normal University
- Anyang 455000
- China
| | - Dongwei Ma
- School of Physics
- Anyang Normal University
- Anyang 455000
- China
| | - Yuanxu Wang
- Institute for Computational Materials Science
- School of Physics and Electronics
- Henan University
- Kaifeng 475004
- China
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Huang H, Wu HH, Chi C, Zhu J, Huang B, Zhang TY. Out-of-plane ion transport makes nitrogenated holey graphite a promising high-rate anode for both Li and Na ion batteries. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:18758-18768. [PMID: 31591618 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr06011a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The search for suitable anodes with good performance is a key challenge for rechargeable Li- and Na-ion batteries (LIBs and NIBs). In this work, we adopt first-principles calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the ion transport mechanism and potential of C2N stoichiometric nitrogenated holey graphite (C2N-NHG) as a promising anode material for LIBs and NIBs. Although huge in-plane diffusion barriers for both Li and Na ions restrict the application of the C2N-NHG monolayer as an effective anode, Li and Na ions are found to exhibit facile out-of-plane ion transport in the most stable layered AD stacking C2N-NHG. The fully lithiated and sodiated cases of LiC2N and Na0.67C2N show reversible specific capacities up to 587 mA h g-1 and 353 mA h g-1, low chemical potentials of 0.12 V and 0.25 V, and small volume expansions of 7.16% and 13.54%, respectively. Meanwhile, the out-of-plane collective diffusion reduces Li/Na collective migration barriers to 0.23 eV and 0.18 eV. These findings suggest that AD stacking C2N-NHG, with metallic properties after lithiation and sodiation processes, high specific capacity, low open circuit voltage, small volume expansion, and low collective migration barriers, has the potential to serve as a promising high-rate anode material for LIBs and NIBs with large energy density and power density. The calculations reveal that the novel out-of-plane diffusion behaviour plays a crucial role in Li/Na ion transport in holey layered materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Hong-Hui Wu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Cheng Chi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jiaming Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Baoling Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Tong-Yi Zhang
- Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, 333 Nanchen Road, Shanghai 200444, China.
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Tang Y, Chen W, Wu B, Zhao G, Liu Z, Li Y, Dai X. Formation Mechanism, Geometric Stability and Catalytic Activity of a Single Iron Atom Supported on N‐Doped Graphene. Chemphyschem 2019; 20:2506-2517. [DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201900666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Tang
- Quantum Materials Research Center College of physics and Electronic Engineering Zhengzhou Normal University Zhengzhou 450044 China
| | - Weiguang Chen
- Quantum Materials Research Center College of physics and Electronic Engineering Zhengzhou Normal University Zhengzhou 450044 China
| | - Bingjie Wu
- Quantum Materials Research Center College of physics and Electronic Engineering Zhengzhou Normal University Zhengzhou 450044 China
| | - Gao Zhao
- Quantum Materials Research Center College of physics and Electronic Engineering Zhengzhou Normal University Zhengzhou 450044 China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- College of Physics and Materials Science Henan Normal University Xinxiang Henan 453007 China
| | - Yi Li
- College of Physics and Materials Science Henan Normal University Xinxiang Henan 453007 China
| | - Xianqi Dai
- Quantum Materials Research Center College of physics and Electronic Engineering Zhengzhou Normal University Zhengzhou 450044 China
- College of Physics and Materials Science Henan Normal University Xinxiang Henan 453007 China
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Esrafili MD, Heydari S. An effective approach for tuning catalytic activity of C 3N nanosheets: Chemical-doping with the Si atom. J Mol Graph Model 2019; 92:320-328. [PMID: 31445488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2019.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
It is well-known that the catalytic oxidation of CO molecule into CO2 is one of the most important strategies for the removing of this toxic gas from the atmosphere. In the present study, we investigate the reaction pathways and energy barriers for the oxidation of CO by O2 molecule over the Si-doped C3N nanosheet. According to our results, doping of C3N nanosheet with a Si atom could greatly modify its surface reactivity and electronic structure. Due to the large positive charge on the Si, this atom acts as the most active site to adsorb CO and O2 molecules. Three possible reaction mechanisms are studied for the CO oxidation, namely the Eley-Rideal (ER), Langmuir-Hinshelwood (LH) and new Eley-Rideal (NER). Comparing the activation energies indicates that the CO oxidation reaction proceeds via the LH mechanism over the title surface. The energy barrier needed to remove the activated oxygen atom (O*) from the Si atom is only 0.22 eV, which is most likely to overcome at room temperature. The results of this study may be useful to fabricate noble-metal free catalysts to remove toxic CO molecules from the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi D Esrafili
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Maragheh, P.O. Box 55136-553, Maragheh, Iran.
| | - Safa Heydari
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Maragheh, P.O. Box 55136-553, Maragheh, Iran
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