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Hou J, Huang C, Liu Y, Fei P, Zhang D, Qu K, Zi W, Huang X. Phenanthroline-Mediated Photoelectrical Enhancement in Calix[4]arene-Functionalized Titanium-Oxo Clusters. Molecules 2024; 29:2566. [PMID: 38893442 PMCID: PMC11173645 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Incorporating two organic ligands with different functionalities into a titanium-oxo cluster entity simultaneously can endow the material with their respective properties and provide synergistic performance enhancement, which is of great significance for enriching the structure and properties of titanium-oxo clusters (TOCs). However, the synthesis of such TOCs is highly challenging. In this work, we successfully synthesized a TBC4A-functionalized TOC, [Ti2(TBC4A)2(MeO)2] (Ti2; MeOH = methanol, TBC4A = tert-butylcalix[4]arene). By adjusting the solvent system, we successfully introduced 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) and prepared TBC4A and Phen co-protected [Ti2(TBC4A)2(Phen)2] (Ti2-Phen). Moreover, when Phen was replaced with bulky 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Bphen), [Ti2(TBC4A)2(Bphen)2] (Ti2-Bphen), which is isostructural with Ti2-Phen, was obtained, demonstrating the generality of the synthetic method. Remarkably, Ti2-Phen demonstrates good stability and stronger light absorption, as well as superior photoelectric performance compared to Ti2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that there exists ligand-to-core charge transfer (LCCT) in Ti2, while an unusual ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LLCT) is present in Ti2-Phen, accompanied by partial LCCT. Therefore, the superior light absorption and photoelectric properties of Ti2-Phen are attributed to the existence of the unusual LLCT phenomenon. This study not only deeply explores the influence of Phen on the performance of the material but also provides a reference for the preparation of materials with excellent photoelectric performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinle Hou
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Energy Storage and Novel Cell Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China; (C.H.); (Y.L.); (P.F.); (D.Z.); (K.Q.); (W.Z.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xianqiang Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Energy Storage and Novel Cell Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252000, China; (C.H.); (Y.L.); (P.F.); (D.Z.); (K.Q.); (W.Z.)
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Tian YQ, Dai LF, Mu WL, Yu WD, Yan J, Liu C. Atomically accurate site-specific ligand tailoring of highly acid- and alkali-resistant Ti(iv)-based metallamacrocycle for enhanced CO 2 photoreduction. Chem Sci 2023; 14:14280-14289. [PMID: 38098712 PMCID: PMC10718071 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc06046b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Skillfully engineering surface ligands at specific sites within robust clusters presents both a formidable challenge and a captivating opportunity. Herein we unveil an unprecedented titanium-oxo cluster: a calix[8]arene-stabilized metallamacrocycle (Ti16L4), uniquely crafted through the fusion of four "core-shell" {Ti4@(TBC[8])(L)} subunits with four oxalate moieties. Notably, this cluster showcases an exceptional level of chemical stability, retaining its crystalline integrity even when immersed in highly concentrated acid (1 M HNO3) and alkali (20 M NaOH). The macrocycle's surface unveils four specific, customizable μ2-bridging sites, primed to accommodate diverse carboxylate ligands. This adaptability is highlighted through deliberate modifications achieved by alternating crystal soaking in alkali and carboxylic acid solutions. Furthermore, Ti16L4 macrocycles autonomously self-assemble into one-dimensional nanotubes, which subsequently organize into three distinct solid phases, contingent upon the specific nature of the four μ2-bridging ligands. Notably, the Ti16L4 exhibit a remarkable capacity for photocatalytic activity in selectively reducing CO2 to CO. Exploiting the macrocycle's modifiable shell yields a significant boost in performance, achieving an exceptional maximum CO release rate of 4.047 ± 0.243 mmol g-1 h-1. This study serves as a striking testament to the latent potential of precision-guided surface ligand manipulation within robust clusters, while also underpinning a platform for producing microporous materials endowed with a myriad of surface functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Qi Tian
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 Hunan P. R. China
| | - Lin-Fang Dai
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 Hunan P. R. China
| | - Wen-Lei Mu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 Hunan P. R. China
| | - Wei-Dong Yu
- China College of Science, Hunan University of Technology and Business Changsha 410000 P. R. China
| | - Jun Yan
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 Hunan P. R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 Hunan P. R. China
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Tian YQ, Mu WL, Wu LL, Yi XY, Yan J, Liu C. Stepwise assembly of thiacalix[4]arene-protected Ag/Ti bimetallic nanoclusters: accurate identification of catalytic Ag sites in CO 2 electroreduction. Chem Sci 2023; 14:10212-10218. [PMID: 37772117 PMCID: PMC10530961 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc02793g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The accurate identification of catalytic sites in heterogeneous catalysts poses a significant challenge due to the intricate nature of controlling interfacial chemistry at the molecular level. In this study, we introduce a novel strategy to address this issue by utilizing a thiacalix[4]arene (TC4A)-protected Ti-oxo core as a template for loading Ag1+ ions, leading to the successful synthesis of a unique Ag/Ti bimetallic nanocluster denoted as Ti8Ag8. This nanocluster exhibits multiple surface-exposed Ag sites and possesses a distinctive "core-shell" structure, consisting of a {Ti4@Ag8(TC4A)4} core housing a {Ti2O2@Ag4(TC4A)2} motif and two {Ti@Ag2(TC4A)} motifs. To enable a comprehensive analysis, we also prepared a Ti2Ag4 cluster with the same {Ti2O2@Ag4(TC4A)2} structure found within Ti8Ag8. The structural disparities between Ti8Ag8 and Ti2Ag4 provide an excellent platform for a comparison of catalytic activity at different Ag sites. Remarkably, Ti8Ag8 exhibits exceptional performance in the electroreduction of CO2 (eCO2RR), showcasing a CO faradaic efficiency (FECO) of 92.33% at -0.9 V vs. RHE, surpassing the FECO of Ti2Ag4 (69.87% at -0.9 V vs. RHE) by a significant margin. Through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we unveil the catalytic mechanism and further discover that Ag active sites located at {Ti@Ag2(TC4A)} possess a higher εd value compared to those at {Ti2O2@Ag4(TC4A)2}, enhancing the stabilization of the *COOH intermediate during the eCO2RR. This study provides valuable insights into the accurate identification of catalytic sites in bimetallic nanoclusters and opens up promising avenues for efficient CO2 reduction catalyst design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Qi Tian
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 Hunan P. R. China
| | - Wen-Lei Mu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 Hunan P. R. China
| | - Lin-Lin Wu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 Hunan P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Yi Yi
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 Hunan P. R. China
| | - Jun Yan
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 Hunan P. R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University Changsha 410083 Hunan P. R. China
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Han EM, Meng RX, Tian YQ, Yan J, Liu KY, Liu C. Al12Co4: a pioneering heterometallic aluminum oxo cluster with surface-exposed Co sites for the oxygen evolution reaction. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:11097-11100. [PMID: 37642513 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03672c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
We report an unprecedented heterometallic aluminum oxo cluster (AlOC) containing four surface-exposed CoII sites, designated as Al12Co4, protected by four t-butylcalix[4]arene (TBC[4]) molecules. The Al12Co4 nanocluster represents a significant advancement on multiple innovative fronts. First, it stands as an pioneering example of an AlIII-based metallocalixarene nanocluster. It is also the first instance of heterometallic AlOCs shielded by macrocyclic ligands. Notably, this cluster also holds the distinction of being the highest nuclearity Al-Co bimetallic nanocluster known to date. Additionally, by depositing Al12Co4 on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a supported catalyst, we investigated its electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media. To reach a 10 mA cm-2 current density in alkaline solution, the Al12Co4@CNT electrode needs overpotential as low as 320 mV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Er-Meng Han
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, P. R. China.
| | - Ru-Xin Meng
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, P. R. China.
| | - Yi-Qi Tian
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Yan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, P. R. China.
| | - Kai-Yu Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, P. R. China.
| | - Chao Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, P. R. China.
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Li SQ, Dai LF, Tian YQ, Yi YX, Yan J, Liu C. Polymolybdate-guided assembly of a thiacalix[4]arene-protected Ag nanocluster for electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:575-578. [PMID: 36515143 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc05692e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A large polymolybdate-templated {Ag49Mo16} cluster protected by six thiacalix[4]arene (TC4A) molecules was synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal reaction. Structural analysis shows that the {Ag49Mo16} is assembled by inserting a [Mo6O22]8- cluster into a [Ag49Mo10@(TC4A)6] cage, representing the first polyoxometalate-templated Ag cluster protected by calixarene macrocyclic ligands. The solution stability and photoelectric properties of {Ag49Mo16} are discussed. Furthermore, this POM-templated Ag nanocluster realized electrocatalytic CO2 reduction applications, and 44.75% CO faradaic efficiency (FE) was obtained at a voltage of -0.8 V (vs. RHE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Qian Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China.
| | - Lin-Fang Dai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China.
| | - Yi-Qi Tian
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China.
| | - Yi-Xiao Yi
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Yan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China.
| | - Chao Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, P. R. China.
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