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Li LJ, Mu WL, Tian YQ, Yu WD, Li LY, Yan J, Liu C. Ag 1+ incorporation via a Zr 4+-anchored metalloligand: fine-tuning catalytic Ag sites in Zr/Ag bimetallic clusters for enhanced eCO 2RR-to-CO activity. Chem Sci 2024; 15:7643-7650. [PMID: 38784741 PMCID: PMC11110141 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc07005k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Attaining meticulous dominion over the binding milieu of catalytic metal sites remains an indispensable pursuit to tailor product selectivity and elevate catalytic activity. By harnessing the distinctive attributes of a Zr4+-anchored thiacalix[4]arene (TC4A) metalloligand, we have pioneered a methodology for incorporating catalytic Ag1+ sites, resulting in the first Zr-Ag bimetallic cluster, Zr2Ag7, which unveils a dualistic configuration embodying twin {ZrAg3(TC4A)2} substructures linked by an {AgSal} moiety. This cluster unveils a trinity of discrete Ag sites: a pair ensconced within {ZrAg3(TC4A)2} subunits and one located between two units. Expanding the purview, we have also crafted ZrAg3 and Zr2Ag2 clusters, meticulously mimicking the two Ag site environment inherent in the {ZrAg3(TC4A)2} monomer. The distinct structural profiles of Zr2Ag7, ZrAg3, and Zr2Ag provide an exquisite foundation for a precise comparative appraisal of catalytic prowess across three Ag sites intrinsic to Zr2Ag7. Remarkably, Zr2Ag7 eclipses its counterparts in the electroreduction of CO2, culminating in a CO faradaic efficiency (FECO) of 90.23% at -0.9 V. This achievement markedly surpasses the performance metrics of ZrAg3 (FECO: 55.45% at -1.0 V) and Zr2Ag2 (FECO: 13.09% at -1.0 V). Utilizing in situ ATR-FTIR, we can observe reaction intermediates on the Ag sites. To unveil underlying mechanisms, we employ density functional theory (DFT) calculations to determine changes in free energy accompanying each elementary step throughout the conversion of CO2 to CO. Our findings reveal the exceptional proficiency of the bridged-Ag site that interconnects paired {ZrAg3(TC4A)2} units, skillfully stabilizing *COOH intermediates, surpassing the stabilization efficacy of the other Ag sites located elsewhere. The invaluable insights gleaned from this pioneering endeavor lay a novel course for the design of exceptionally efficient catalysts tailored for CO2 reduction reactions, emphatically underscoring novel vistas this research unshrouds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Jun Li
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Wei-Dong Yu
- China College of Science, Hunan University of Technology and Business Changsh 410000 P. R. China
| | - Lan-Yan Li
- China College of Science, Hunan University of Technology and Business Changsh 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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2
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Fang JJ, Liu Z, Wang ZY, Xie YP, Lu X. Chiral Canoe-Like Pd 0 or Pt 0 Alloyed Copper Alkynyl Nanoclusters Display Near-Infrared Luminescence. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202401206. [PMID: 38469979 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Alloying nanoclusters (NCs) has emerged as a widely explored and versatile strategy for tailoring tunable properties, facilitating in-depth atomic-level investigations of structure-property correlations. In this study, we have successfully synthesized six atomically precise copper NCs alloyed with Group 10 metals (Pd or Pt). Notably, the Pd0 or Pt0 atom situated at the center of the distorted hexagonal antiprism Pd0/Pt0@Cu12 cage, coordinated with twelve Cu+ and two tBuC≡C- ligands. Moreover, ligand exchange strategies demonstrated the potential for Cl- and Br- to replace one or two alkynyl ligands positioned at the top or side of the NCs. The chirality exhibited by these racemic NCs is primarily attributed to the involvement of halogens and a chiral (Pd/Pt)@Cu18 skeleton. Furthermore, all the NCs exhibit near-infrared (NIR) luminescence, characterized by emission peaks at 705-755 nm, lifetimes ranging from 6.630 to 9.662 μs, and absolute photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of 1.75 %-2.52 % in their crystalline state. The experimental optical properties of these NCs are found to be in excellent agreement with the results of theoretical calculations. These alloy NCs not only offer valuable insights into the synthesis of Pd0/Pt0-Cu alloy NCs, but also bridge the gap in understanding the structure-luminescence relationships of Pd0/Pt0-Cu molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jie Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yun-Peng Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
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3
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Pan X, Yao Y, Zhang M, Yuan X, Yao Q, Hu W. Enzyme-mimic catalytic activities and biomedical applications of noble metal nanoclusters. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:8196-8215. [PMID: 38572762 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00282b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Noble metal (e.g., Au and Ag) nanoclusters (NCs), which exhibit structural complexity and hierarchy comparable to those of natural proteins, have been increasingly pursued in artificial enzyme research. The protein-like structure of metal NCs not only ensures enzyme-mimic catalytic activity, including peroxidase-, catalase-, and superoxide dismutase-mimic activities, but also affords an unprecedented opportunity to correlate the catalytic performance with the cluster structure at the molecular or atomic levels. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent progress in programming and demystify the enzyme-mimic catalytic activity of metal NCs, presenting the state-of-the-art understandings of the structure-property relationship of metal NC-based artificial enzymes. By leveraging on a concise anatomy of the hierarchical structure of noble metal NCs, we manage to unravel the structural origin of the catalytic performance of metal NCs. Noteworthily, it has been proven that the surface ligands and metal-ligand interface of metal NCs are instrumental in influencing enzyme-mimic catalytic activities. In addition to the structure-property correlation, we also discuss the synthetic methodologies feasible to tailoring the cluster structure at the atomic level. Prior to the closure of this review with our perspectives in noble metal NC-based artificial enzymes, we also exemplify the biomedical applications based on the enzyme-mimic catalysis of metal NCs with the theranostics of kidney injury, brain inflammation, and tumors. The fundamental and methodological advancements delineated in this review would be conducive to further development of metal NCs as an alternative family of artificial enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Pan
- Key Laboratory of Organic Integrated Circuits, Ministry of Education & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yidan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Organic Integrated Circuits, Ministry of Education & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Manxi Zhang
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University International Campus of Tianjin University Binhai New City, Fuzhou 350207, P. R. China
| | - Xun Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Qiaofeng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Organic Integrated Circuits, Ministry of Education & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wenping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organic Integrated Circuits, Ministry of Education & Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
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4
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Wang J, Ma A, Ren Y, Shen X, Wang Y, Song C, Wang S. An Au 5Ag 12(SR) 9(dppf) 4 alloy nanocluster: structural determination and optical property and photothermal conversion investigation. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 38634772 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00312h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Photothermal conversion has garnered significant attention due to its potential for efficient energy conversion and application in targeted therapies. However, controlling photothermal properties at the atomic level remains a challenge in current materials synthesis. In this study, we report the synthesis and structural determination of a phosphine and mercaptan co-protected Au5Ag12(SR)9(dppf)4 (Au5Ag12) nanocluster with an extremely low quantum yield (∼0%). For comparative purposes, we synthesized three alloy nanoclusters of similar size. Notably, Au5Ag12 demonstrates a remarkably superior photothermal conversion performance, significantly outperforming the other clusters. We investigated this variance from both absorption and emission perspectives. This research not only opens new avenues for the application of clusters with extremely low quantum yields, but also provides experimental evidence for understanding the photothermal conversion properties of cluster materials at the atomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
| | - Along Ma
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemical Analysis, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China
| | - Yonggang Ren
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
| | - Xuekairui Shen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
| | - Yifei Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
| | - Caixia Song
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
| | - Shuxin Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemical Analysis, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P. R. China
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5
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Mu WL, Luo YT, Xia PK, Jia YL, Wang P, Pei Y, Liu C. Atomically Precise Mo 2Cu 17 Bimetallic Nanocluster: Synergistic Mo 2O 4-Coupled Copper Alkynyl Cluster for the Improved Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Performance. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:6767-6775. [PMID: 38569160 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Electrolytic hydrogen production via water splitting holds significant promise for the future of the energy revolution. The design of efficient and abundant catalysts, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) mechanism, is of paramount importance. In this study, we propose a strategy to craft an atomically precise cluster catalyst with superior HER performance by cocoupling a Mo2O4 structural unit and a Cu(I) alkynyl cluster into a structured framework. The resulting bimetallic cluster, Mo2Cu17, encapsulates a distinctive structure [Mo2O4Cu17(TC4A)4(PhC≡C)6], comprising a binuclear Mo2O4 subunit and a {Cu17(TC4A)2(PhC≡C)6} cluster, both shielded by thiacalix[4]arene (TC4A) and phenylacetylene (PhC≡CH). Expanding our exploration, we synthesized two homoleptic CuI alkynyl clusters coprotected by the TC4A and PhC≡C- ligands: Cu13 and Cu22. Remarkably, Mo2Cu17 demonstrates superior HER efficiency compared to its counterparts, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm-2 in alkaline solution with an overpotential as low as 120 mV, significantly outperforming Cu13 (178 mV) and Cu22 (214 mV) nanoclusters. DFT calculations illuminate the catalytic mechanism and indicate that the intrinsically higher activity of Mo2Cu17 may be attributed to the synergistic Mo2O4-Cu(I) coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Lei Mu
- College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Ting Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411100, P. R. China
| | - Peng-Kun Xia
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Lei Jia
- College of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
| | - Pu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411100, P. R. China
| | - Yong Pei
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411100, P. R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
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6
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Raimi MA, Rajee AO, Gber TE, Arikpo TO, Pembere AMS, Louis H. Cobalt group transition metals (TM: Co, Rh, Ir) coordination of S-doped porphyrins (TM_S@PPR) as sensors for molecular SO 2 gas adsorption: a DFT and QTAIM study. J Mol Model 2024; 30:85. [PMID: 38411800 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-05879-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT The intricate challenges posed by SO2 gas underscore the imperative for meticulous monitoring and detection due to its adverse effects on health, the environment, and equipment integrity. Hence, this research endeavors to delve deeply into the intricate realm of transition-metals functionalized sulfur-doped porphyrins (S@PPR) surfaces through a comprehensive computational study. The electronic properties revealed that upon adsorption, Ir_S@PPR surface reflects the least energy gap of 0.109 eV at the O-site of adsorptions, indicating an increase in electrical conductivity which is a better adsorption trait. Owing to the negative adsorption energy observed, the adsorption behavior is described as chemisorption, with the greatest adsorption energy of - 10.306 eV for Ir_S@PPR surface at the S-site of adsorption. Based on the mechanistic attributes, iridium-functionalized S@PPR surface is a promising detecting material towards the sensing of SO2 gas. This report will provide useful insight for experimental researchers in selecting and engineering materials to be used as detectors for SO2 gas pollutant. METHOD All theoretical investigations were carried out using density functional theory (DFT), calculated at PW6B95-D3/GenECP/Def2svp/LanL2DZ computational method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monsurat Alarape Raimi
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | | | - Terkumbur E Gber
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
- Department of Research Analytics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Temple Okah Arikpo
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | | | - Hitler Louis
- Computational and Bio-Simulation Research Group, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
- Centre for Herbal Pharmacology and Environmental Sustainability, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, 603103, Tamil Nadu, India.
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7
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Feng Y, Fu F, Zeng L, Zhao M, Xin X, Liang J, Zhou M, Fang X, Lv H, Yang GY. Atomically Precise Silver Clusters Stabilized by Lacunary Polyoxometalates with Photocatalytic CO 2 Reduction Activity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317341. [PMID: 38153620 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317341] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The syntheses of atomically precise silver (Ag) clusters stabilized by multidentate lacunary polyoxometalate (POM) ligands have been emerging as a promising but challenging research direction, the combination of redox-active POM ligands and silver clusters will render them unexpected geometric structures and catalytic properties. Herein, we report the successful construction of two structurally-new lacunary POM-stabilized Ag clusters, TBA6 H14 Ag14 (DPPB)4 (CH3 CN)9 [Ag24 (Si2 W18 O66 )3 ] ⋅ 10CH3 CN ⋅ 9H2 O ({Ag24 (Si2 W18 O66 )3 }, TBA=tetra-n-butylammonium, DPPB=1,4-Bis(diphenylphosphino)butane) and TBA14 H6 Ag9 Na2 (H2 O)9 [Ag27 (Si2 W18 O66 )3 ] ⋅ 8CH3 CN ⋅ 10H2 O ({Ag27 (Si2 W18 O66 )3 }), using a facile one-pot solvothermal approach. Under otherwise identical synthetic conditions, the molecular structures of two POM-stabilized Ag clusters could be readily tuned by the addition of different organic ligands. In both compounds, the central trefoil-propeller-shaped {Ag24 }14+ and {Ag27 }17+ clusters bearing 10 delocalized valence electrons are stabilized by three C-shaped {Si2 W18 O66 } units. The femtosecond/nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed the rapid charge transfer between {Ag24 }14+ core and {Si2 W18 O66 } ligands. Both compounds have been pioneeringly investigated as catalysts for photocatalytic CO2 reduction to HCOOH with a high selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqin Feng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectroic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Fangyu Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectroic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Linlin Zeng
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Mengyun Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectroic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Xing Xin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectroic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Jiakai Liang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectroic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Xikui Fang
- MIIT Key Laboratory of Critical Materials Technology for New Energy Conversion and Storage, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hongjin Lv
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectroic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Guo-Yu Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cluster Science, Beijing Key Laboratory of Photoelectroic/Electrophotonic Conversion Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 102488, China
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8
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Iqbal A, Tripathi A, Thapa R. C 2 Product Formation over the C 1 Product and HER on the 111 Plane of Specific Cu Alloy Nanoparticles Identified through Multiparameter Optimization. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:1462-1470. [PMID: 38175274 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c03984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
C2 products are more desirable than C1 products during CO2 electroreduction (CO2ER) because the former possess higher energy density and greater industrial value. For CO2ER, Cu is a well-known catalyst, but the selectivity toward C2 products is still a big challenge for researchers due to complex intermediates, different final products, and large space of the catalyst due to its morphology, plane, size, host surface etc. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we find that alloying of Cu nanoparticles can help to enhance the selectivity toward C2 products during CO2ER with a low overpotential. By a systematic investigation of 111 planes (which prefer the C1 product in the case of bulk Cu), the alloys show the generation of C2 products via *CO-*CO dimerization (* indicates adsorbed state). It also suppresses the counter-pathway of hydrogenation of *CO to *CHO, which leads to C1 products. Further, we find that *CH2CHO is the bifurcating intermediate to distinguish between ethanol and ethylene as the final product. We have used simple graphical construction to identify the catalyst for CO2ER over HER, and vice versa. We have also defined the case of hydrogen poisoning and projected a parity plot to recognize the catalyst for C2 product evolution over the C1 product. Our study reveals that Cu-Ag and Cu-Zn catalysts selectively promote ethanol production on 111 planes. Moreover, an edge-doped 2SO2 graphene nanoribbon as the host layer further lowers the barrier and selectively promotes ethanol on Cu38- and Cu79-based alloys. This work provides new theoretical insights into designing Cu-based nanoalloy catalysts for C2 product formation on the 111 plane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asif Iqbal
- Department of Physics, SRM University-AP, Amaravati 522 240, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Anjana Tripathi
- Department of Physics, SRM University-AP, Amaravati 522 240, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Ranjit Thapa
- Department of Physics, SRM University-AP, Amaravati 522 240, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Centre for Computational and Integrative Sciences, SRM University-AP, Amaravati 522 240, Andhra Pradesh, India
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9
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Deng G, Yun H, Bootharaju MS, Sun F, Lee K, Liu X, Yoo S, Tang Q, Hwang YJ, Hyeon T. Copper Doping Boosts Electrocatalytic CO 2 Reduction of Atomically Precise Gold Nanoclusters. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:27407-27414. [PMID: 38055351 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Unraveling the atomistic synergistic effects of nanoalloys on the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR), especially in the presence of copper, is of paramount importance. However, this endeavor encounters significant challenges due to the lack of the crystallographically determined atomic-level structure of appropriate monometallic and bimetallic analogues. Herein, we report a one-pot synthesis and structure characterization of a AuCu nanoalloy cluster catalyst, [Au15Cu4(DPPM)6Cl4(C≡CR)1]2+ (denoted as Au15Cu4). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that Au15Cu4 comprises two interpenetrating incomplete, centered icosahedra (Au9Cu2 and Au8Cu3) and is protected by six DPPM, four halide, and one alkynyl ligand. The Au15Cu4 cluster and its closest monometal structural analogue, [Au18(DPPM)6Br4]2+ (denoted as Au18), as model systems, enable the elucidation of the atomistic synergistic effects of Au and Cu on eCO2RR. The results reveal that Au15Cu4 is an excellent eCO2RR catalyst in a gas diffusion electrode-based membrane electrode assembly (MEA) cell, exhibiting a high CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO) of >90%, and this efficiency is substantially higher than that of the undoped Au18 (FECO: 60% at -3.75 V). Au15Cu4 exhibits an industrial-level CO partial current density of up to -413 mA/cm2 at -3.75 V with the gas CO2-fed MEA, which is 2-fold higher than that of Au18. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the synergistic effects are induced by Cu doping, where the exposed pair of AuCu dual sites was suggested for launching the eCO2RR process. Besides, DFT simulations reveal that these special dual sites synergistically coordinate a moderate shift in the d-state, thus enhancing its overall catalytic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guocheng Deng
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewon Yun
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Megalamane S Bootharaju
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Fang Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Kangjae Lee
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungwoo Yoo
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Qing Tang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yun Jeong Hwang
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeghwan Hyeon
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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10
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Shen Q, Cong X, Chen L, Wang L, Liu Y, Wang L, Tang Z. Synthesis, structure anatomy, and catalytic properties of Ag 14Cu 2 nanoclusters co-protected by alkynyl and phosphine ligands. Dalton Trans 2023; 52:16812-16818. [PMID: 37905669 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt02838k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
We report the synthesis, structure anatomy, and catalytic properties of Ag14Cu2(CCArF)14(PPh3)4 (CCArF: 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetylene) nanoclusters, denoted as Ag14Cu2. Ag14Cu2 has a robust electronic structure with two free valence electrons, and it has a distinctive absorbance feature. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) disclosed that Ag14Cu2 possesses an octahedral Ag6 metal kernel capped by two Ag4Cu1(CCArF)7(PPh3)2 metal-ligand units. Remarkably, it exhibits excellent bifunctional catalytic performance for 4-nitrophenol reduction and the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR). In 4-nitrophenol reduction, it adopts first-order reaction kinetics with a rate constant of 0.137 min-1, while in the eCO2RR, it shows a CO faradaic efficiency (FECO) of 83.71% and a high current density of 92.65 mA cm-2 at -1.6 V vs. RHE. Moreover, Ag14Cu2 showed robust long-term stability with no significant decay in current density and FECO over 10 h of continuous operation in the eCO2RR. This study not only enriches the potpourri of alkynyl-protected bimetallic AgCu nanoclusters, but also demonstrates the great potential of employing metal nanoclusters for bifunctional catalytic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanli Shen
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xuzi Cong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, China.
| | - Leyi Chen
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yonggang Liu
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Likai Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, China.
| | - Zhenghua Tang
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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11
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Fang JJ, Liu Z, Shen YL, Xie YP, Lu X. Template-assisted synthesis of isomeric copper(i) clusters with tunable structures showing photophysical and electrochemical properties. Chem Sci 2023; 14:12637-12644. [PMID: 38020372 PMCID: PMC10646952 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04682f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A comparative study of structure-property relationships in isomeric and isostructural atomically precise clusters is an ideal approach to unravel their fundamental properties. Herein, seven high-nuclearity copper(i) alkynyl clusters utilizing template-assisted strategies were synthesized. Spherical Cu36 and Cu56 clusters are formed with a [M@(V/PO4)6] (M: Cu2+, Na+, K+) skeleton motif, while peanut-shaped Cu56 clusters feature four separate PO4 templates. Experiments and theoretical calculations suggested that the photophysical properties of these clusters are dependent on both the inner templates and outer phosphonate ligands. Phenyl and 1-naphthyl phosphate-protected clusters exhibited enhanced emission features attributed to numerous well-arranged intermolecular C-H⋯π interactions between the ligands. Moreover, the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction properties suggested that internal PO4 templates and external naphthyl groups could promote an increase in C2 products (C2H4 and C2H5OH). Our research provides new insight into the design and synthesis of multifunctional copper(i) clusters, and highlights the significance of atomic-level comparative studies of structure-property relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jie Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430074 China
| | - Zheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430074 China
| | - Yang-Lin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430074 China
| | - Yun-Peng Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430074 China
| | - Xing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430074 China
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12
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Li LJ, Luo YT, Tian YQ, Wang P, Yi XY, Yan J, Pei Y, Liu C. Unveiling the Remarkable Stability and Catalytic Activity of a 6-Electron Superatomic Ag 30 Nanocluster for CO 2 Electroreduction. Inorg Chem 2023; 62:14377-14384. [PMID: 37620296 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c02083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Nanocluster catalysts face a significant challenge in striking the right balance between stability and catalytic activity. Here, we present a thiacalix[4]arene-protected 6-electron [Ag30(TC4A)4(iPrS)8] nanocluster that demonstrates both high stability and catalytic activity. The Ag30 nanocluster features a metallic core, Ag104+, consisting of two Ag3 triangles and one Ag4 square, shielded by four {Ag5@(TC4A)4} staple motifs. Based on DFT calculations, the Ag104+ metallic kernel can be viewed as a trimer comprising 2-electron superatomic units, exhibiting a valence electron structure similar to that of the Be3 molecule. Notably, this is the first crystallographic evidence of the trimerization of 2-electron superatomic units. Ag30 can reduce CO2 into CO with a Faraday efficiency of 93.4% at -0.9 V versus RHE along with excellent long-term stability. Its catalytic activity is far superior to that of the chain-like AgI polymer ∞1{[H2Ag5(TC4A)(iPrS)3]} (∞1Agn), with the composition similar to Ag30. DFT calculations elucidated the catalytic mechanism to clarify the contrasting catalytic performances of the Ag30 and ∞1Agn polymers and disclosed that the intrinsically higher activity of Ag30 may be due to the greater stability of the dual adsorption mode of the *COOH intermediate on the metallic core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Jun Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Ting Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411100, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Qi Tian
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Pu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411100, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Yi Yi
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Jun Yan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
| | - Yong Pei
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Applications of Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411100, P. R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, P. R. China
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13
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Cao Y, Xu Y, Shen H, Pan P, Zou X, Kang X, Zhu M. Probing the surface-active sites of metal nanoclusters with atomic precision: a case study of Au 5Ag 11. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:13784-13789. [PMID: 37578144 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr03288d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The determination of surface-active sites in metal nanoclusters is of great significance for the in-depth understanding of structural evolutions and physicochemical property mechanisms. In this work, the surface-active sites of the Au5Ag11(DMBT)8(DPPOE)2 cluster template towards metal-/ligand-exchange reactions were unambiguously identified at the atomic level. The active-site tailoring of this nanocluster gave rise to three derivative nanoclusters, Au5Ag9Cu2(DMBT)8(DPPOE)2, Au5Ag11(DMBT)6(DCBT)2(DPPOE)2, and Au5Ag11(DCBT)8(DPPOE)2. The single-crystal structural analysis revealed that all these M16 (M = Au/Ag/Cu) clusters exhibited almost the same framework. Besides, the surface-active site tailoring contributed to significant changes in optical absorptions and emissions of these metal nanoclusters. The findings in this work not only provide an in-depth understanding of the active-site tailoring of cluster surface structures but also develop an intriguing template that enables us to grasp the structure-property correlations at the atomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Cao
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
| | - Honglei Shen
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
| | - Peiyao Pan
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
| | - Xuejuan Zou
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
| | - Xi Kang
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
| | - Manzhou Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
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14
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Xin J, Xu J, Zhu C, Tian Y, Zhang Q, Kang X, Zhu M. Restriction of intramolecular rotation for functionalizing metal nanoclusters. Chem Sci 2023; 14:8474-8482. [PMID: 37592984 PMCID: PMC10430645 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc01698f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The restriction of intramolecular rotation has been extensively exploited to trigger the property enhancement of nanocluster-based materials. However, such a restriction is induced mainly by intermolecular aggregation. The direct restriction of intramolecular rotation of metal nanoclusters, which could boost their properties at the single molecular level, remains rarely explored. Here, ligand engineering was applied to activate intramolecular interactions at the interface between peripheral ligands and metallic kernels of metal nanoclusters. For the newly reported Au4Ag13(SPhCl2)9(DPPM)3 nanocluster, the molecule-level interactions between the Cl terminals on thiol ligands and the Ag atoms on the cluster kernel remarkably restricted the intramolecular rotation, endowing this robust nanocluster with superior thermal stability, emission intensity, and non-linear optical properties over its cluster analogue. This work presents a novel case of the restriction of intramolecular rotation (i.e., intramolecular interaction-induced property enhancement) for functionalizing metal clusters at the single molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsheng Xin
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University Hefei Anhui 230601 China
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University Hefei Anhui 230601 China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University Hefei Anhui 230601 China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University Hefei Anhui 230601 China
| | - Yupeng Tian
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University Hefei Anhui 230601 China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University Hefei Anhui 230601 China
| | - Xi Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University Hefei Anhui 230601 China
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University Hefei Anhui 230601 China
| | - Manzhou Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University Hefei Anhui 230601 China
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University Hefei Anhui 230601 China
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15
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Qin L, Sun F, Gong Z, Ma G, Chen Y, Tang Q, Qiao L, Wang R, Liu ZQ, Tang Z. Electrochemical NO 3- Reduction Catalyzed by Atomically Precise Ag 30Pd 4 Bimetallic Nanocluster: Synergistic Catalysis or Tandem Catalysis? ACS NANO 2023. [PMID: 37377221 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemically converting NO3- compounds into ammonia represents a sustainable route to remove industrial pollutants in wastewater and produce valuable chemicals. Bimetallic nanomaterials usually exhibit better catalytic performance than the monometallic counterparts, yet unveiling the reaction mechanism is extremely challenging. Herein, we report an atomically precise [Ag30Pd4 (C6H9)26](BPh4)2 (Ag30Pd4) nanocluster as a model catalyst toward the electrochemical NO3- reduction reaction (eNO3-RR) to elucidate the different role of the Ag and Pd site and unveil the comprehensive catalytic mechanism. Ag30Pd4 is the homoleptic alkynyl-protected superatom with 2 free electrons, and it has a Ag30Pd4 metal core where 4 Pd atoms are located at the subcenter of the metal core. Furthermore, Ag30Pd4 exhibits excellent performance toward eNO3-RR and robust stability for prolonged operation, and it can achieve the highest Faradaic efficiency of NH3 over 90%. In situ Fourier-transform infrared study revealed that a Ag site plays a more critical role in converting NO3- into NO2-, while the Pd site makes a major contribution to catalyze NO2- into NH3. The bimetallic nanocluster adopts a tandem catalytic mechanism rather than a synergistic catalytic effect in eNO3-RR. Such finding was further confirmed by density functional theory calculations, as they disclosed that Ag is the most preferable binding site for NO3-, which then binds a water molecule to release NO2-. Subsequently, NO2- can transfer to the vicinal exposed Pd site to promote NH3 formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubing Qin
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Fang Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Zhiheng Gong
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guanyu Ma
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yan Chen
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qing Tang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- China Petrochemical Research Institute, PetroChina Company Limited, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Renheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhao-Qing Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clean Energy and Materials/Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, No. 230 Wai Huan Xi Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhenghua Tang
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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16
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Chen L, Sun F, Shen Q, Wang L, Liu Y, Fan H, Tang Q, Tang Z. Structure, optical properties, and catalytic applications of alkynyl-protected M 4Rh 2 (M = Ag/Au) nanoclusters with atomic precision: a comparative study. Dalton Trans 2023. [PMID: 37365965 DOI: 10.1039/d3dt01326j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
We report two atomically precise alloy nanoclusters of Ag4Rh2(CCArF)8(PPh3)2 and Au4Rh2(CCArF)8(PPh3)2 (Ar = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3, abbreviated as Ag4Rh2 and Au4Rh2, respectively) co-protected by alkynyl and phosphine ligands. Both clusters have identical octahedral metal core configurations and can be termed superatoms with two free electrons. However, they possess different optical features, manifested by totally different absorbance peaks, and drastically different emission peaks, and also, Ag4Rh2 has a much higher fluorescence quantum yield (18.43%) than Au4Rh2 (4.98%). Moreover, Au4Rh2 exhibited markedly superior catalytic performance in the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), manifested by a much lower overpotential at 10 mA cm-2 and better stability. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the free energy change of Au4Rh2 for the adsorption of two H* (0.64 eV) is lower than that of Ag4Rh2 for the adsorption of one H* (-0.90 eV) after stripping a single alkynyl ligand from the cluster. In contrast, Ag4Rh2 demonstrated much stronger catalytic capability for catalyzing 4-nitrophenol reduction. The present study provides an exquisite example to understand the structure-property relationship of atomically precise alloy nanoclusters, and emphasizes the importance of fine-tuning of the physicochemical properties and catalytic performance of the metal nanoclusters through modulating the metal core and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyi Chen
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Fang Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Quanli Shen
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yonggang Liu
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Hao Fan
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Qing Tang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Zhenghua Tang
- New Energy Research Institute, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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17
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Liu L, Corma A. Bimetallic Sites for Catalysis: From Binuclear Metal Sites to Bimetallic Nanoclusters and Nanoparticles. Chem Rev 2023; 123:4855-4933. [PMID: 36971499 PMCID: PMC10141355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Heterogeneous bimetallic catalysts have broad applications in industrial processes, but achieving a fundamental understanding on the nature of the active sites in bimetallic catalysts at the atomic and molecular level is very challenging due to the structural complexity of the bimetallic catalysts. Comparing the structural features and the catalytic performances of different bimetallic entities will favor the formation of a unified understanding of the structure-reactivity relationships in heterogeneous bimetallic catalysts and thereby facilitate the upgrading of the current bimetallic catalysts. In this review, we will discuss the geometric and electronic structures of three representative types of bimetallic catalysts (bimetallic binuclear sites, bimetallic nanoclusters, and nanoparticles) and then summarize the synthesis methodologies and characterization techniques for different bimetallic entities, with emphasis on the recent progress made in the past decade. The catalytic applications of supported bimetallic binuclear sites, bimetallic nanoclusters, and nanoparticles for a series of important reactions are discussed. Finally, we will discuss the future research directions of catalysis based on supported bimetallic catalysts and, more generally, the prospective developments of heterogeneous catalysis in both fundamental research and practical applications.
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18
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Deng G, Kim J, Bootharaju MS, Sun F, Lee K, Tang Q, Hwang YJ, Hyeon T. Body-Centered-Cubic-Kernelled Ag 15Cu 6 Nanocluster with Alkynyl Protection: Synthesis, Total Structure, and CO 2 Electroreduction. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:3401-3407. [PMID: 36541445 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c10338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
While atomically monodisperse nanostructured materials are highly desirable to unravel the size- and structure-catalysis relationships, their controlled synthesis and the atomic-level structure determination pose challenges. Particularly, copper-containing atomically precise alloy nanoclusters are potential catalyst candidates for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) due to high abundance and tunable catalytic activity of copper. Herein, we report the synthesis and total structure of an alkynyl-protected 21-atom AgCu alloy nanocluster [Ag15Cu6(C≡CR)18(DPPE)2]-, denoted as Ag15Cu6 (HC≡CR: 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetylene; DPPE: 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane). The single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that Ag15Cu6 consists of an Ag11Cu4 metal core exhibiting a body-centered cubic (bcc) structure, which is capped by 2 Cu atoms, 2 Ag2DPPE motifs, and 18 alkynyl ligands. Interestingly, the Ag15Cu6 cluster exhibits excellent catalytic activity for eCO2RR with a CO faradaic efficiency (FECO) of 91.3% at -0.81 V (vs the reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE), which is much higher than that (FECO: 48.5% at -0.89 V vs RHE) of Ag9Cu6 with bcc structure. Furthermore, Ag15Cu6 shows superior stability with no significant decay in the current density and FECO during a long-term operation of 145 h. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the de-ligated Ag15Cu6 cluster can expose more space at the pair of AgCu dual metals as the efficient active sites for CO formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guocheng Deng
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.,School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jimin Kim
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Megalamane S Bootharaju
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.,School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Fang Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Kangjae Lee
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.,School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Qing Tang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yun Jeong Hwang
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeghwan Hyeon
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.,School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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19
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Wang X, Zhu X, Shi X, Zhou Y, Chai Y, Yuan R. Electrostatic Interaction-Induced Aggregation-Induced Emission-Type AgAu Bimetallic Nanoclusters as a Highly Efficient Electrochemiluminescence Emitter for Ultrasensitive Detection of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein. Anal Chem 2023; 95:3452-3459. [PMID: 36719845 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Herein, the aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-type carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)@6-aza-2-thiothymine (ATT) templated AgAu bimetallic nanoclusters (CMCS@ATT-AgAu BMNCs) with superior electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emission were first synthesized to construct a biosensor for the ultrasensitive detection of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Impressively, unlike the traditional AIE-type bimetallic nanoclusters (BMNCs) obtained by complicated multi-step synthesis, the AIE-type CMCS@ATT-AgAu BMNCs were prepared by the electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged ATT and positively charged CMCS, in which the molecule ATT was served as a capping and reducing agent of bimetal ions. In addition, a rapidly moving cholesterol labeled DNA walker was constructed to move freely on the lipid bilayer to increase its moving efficiency, and the well-regulated DNA was intelligently designed to further improve its walking efficiency for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of GFAP with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 73 ag/mL. This strategy proposed an avenue to synthesize highly efficient BMNCs-based ECL emitters, which have great potential in ultrasensitive biosensing for early diagnosis of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing400715, P. R China
| | - Xiaochun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing400715, P. R China
| | - Xiaoyu Shi
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing400715, P. R China
| | - Ying Zhou
- College of Food Science, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Speciality Food Co-Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Southwest University, Chongqing400715, P. R. China
| | - Yaqin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing400715, P. R China
| | - Ruo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing400715, P. R China
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20
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Luo XM, Li YK, Dong XY, Zang SQ. Platonic and Archimedean solids in discrete metal-containing clusters. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:383-444. [PMID: 36533405 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00582d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Metal-containing clusters have attracted increasing attention over the past 2-3 decades. This intense interest can be attributed to the fact that these discrete metal aggregates, whose atomically precise structures are resolved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), often possess intriguing geometrical features (high symmetry, aesthetically pleasing shapes and architectures) and fascinating physical properties, providing invaluable opportunities for the intersection of different disciplines including chemistry, physics, mathematical geometry and materials science. In this review, we attempt to reinterpret and connect these fascinating clusters from the perspective of Platonic and Archimedean solid characteristics, focusing on highly symmetrical and complex metal-containing (metal = Al, Ti, V, Mo, W, U, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, lanthanoids (Ln), and actinoids) high-nuclearity clusters, including metal-oxo/hydroxide/chalcogenide clusters and metal clusters (with metal-metal binding) protected by surface organic ligands, such as thiolate, phosphine, alkynyl, carbonyl and nitrogen/oxygen donor ligands. Furthermore, we present the symmetrical beauty of metal cluster structures and the geometrical similarity of different types of clusters and provide a large number of examples to show how to accurately describe the metal clusters from the perspective of highly symmetrical polyhedra. Finally, knowledge and further insights into the design and synthesis of unknown metal clusters are put forward by summarizing these "star" molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Ming Luo
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Ya-Ke Li
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Xi-Yan Dong
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China. .,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China
| | - Shuang-Quan Zang
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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21
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Effects of ligand tuning and core doping of atomically precise copper nanoclusters on CO 2 electroreduction selectivity. Commun Chem 2022; 5:172. [PMID: 36697701 PMCID: PMC9814636 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-022-00779-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Atomically precise nanoclusters (NCs) provide opportunities for correlating the structure and electrocatalytic properties at atomic level. Herein, we report the single-atom doping effect and ligand effect on CO2 electroreduction (eCO2RR) by comparing monogold-doped Au1Cu24 and homocopper Cu25 NCs protected by triphenylphosphine or/and tris(4-fluorophenyl)phosphine. Catalytic results revealed that the electronic distribution of Cu25 NCs is enormously contracted by doping Au atoms, entitling it to exhibit the unique inhibition of hydrogen evolution reaction. And the inductive effect of ligand strongly favors the formation of formate in eCO2RR. Overall, this work will provide guidance for the rational design of the copper-based catalysts in the eCO2RR.
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22
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Wang S, Tan Y, Li T, Zhou Q, Li P, Yang S, Yu H, Zhu M. Insight into the Role of Copper in the Transformation of a [Ag 25(2,5-DMBT) 16(DPPF) 3] + Nanocluster: Doping or Oxidation. Inorg Chem 2022; 61:18450-18457. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c02655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silan Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Yesen Tan
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Tianrong Li
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Sha Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Haizhu Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Manzhou Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
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