Density functional theory model study of size and structure effects on water dissociation by platinum nanoparticles

Sol-Gel Pt-VO2 Films as Selective Chemoresistive and Optical H2 Gas Sensors

In this work, VO2 (M1/R) thin films were exploited as H2 gas sensors. A flat film morphology, obtained by furnace annealing, was compared with a laser-induced nanostructured one. The combination of the environmentally friendly sol-gel approach with the ultrafast laser crystallization allows for significant reductions in energy consumption and related emissions during the fabrication of VO2 sensors. By decorating the sensors' surface with Pt nanoparticles (NPs), the sensor response was enhanced exploiting the hydrogen spillover effect. The Pt/VO2 sensors, tested at operating temperatures between 20 and 200 °C and for concentration of H2 from few ppm to 50000 ppm, offered a dual chemoresistive and optical sensing mode. Low operating temperatures of 150 °C were achieved, along with a detection limit as low as 2 ppm and a perfect baseline recovery. Both sensors guaranteed specific selectivity toward H2, without response to NO2 or humidity, and long-term stability over 500 h. The H2 sensing mechanism, for both the monoclinic and rutile VO2 phases, was investigated through in operando X-ray Diffraction and in situ X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy tests. The interaction was found to be based on the reversible formation of HxVO2 bronze, along with the reversible variations in the oxidation state of V.

Pt-based graphene quantum dots for water dissociation

It is widely recognized that Pt nanostructures exhibit favorable catalytic properties for several important technological reactions. Furthermore, selecting an appropriate support has the potential to enhance the catalytic activity of these materials. In this study, we investigate Pt nanoparticles deposited on quantum dots using quantum chemical calculations. We explore the utilization of low-dimensional carbonaceous support by employing graphene quantum dots (GQDs), which offer abundant active sites, such as edges, and diverse conformations. This provides excellent tuning possibilities for both chemical and physical properties. Our goal is to gather information on the alterations in electronic properties, charge redistribution and reactivity of platinum particles on GQD, also analyzing their potential role as catalysts in the water dissociation reaction. Based on thermodynamic and kinetic considerations, our calculations suggest that a Pt3nanoparticle adsorbed on the edge of the GQD exhibits favorable energetics, leading to a promising catalytic material.

Coverage-dependent adsorption and dissociation of H2O on Al surfaces

The adsorption and dissociation of H₂O on Al surfaces including crystal planes and nanoparticles (ANPs) are systematically investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. H₂O adsorption strength follows the order ANPs > Al(110) > Al(111) > Al(100). Due to the smaller cluster deformation caused by the moderate H₂O adsorption, the relative magnitude of H₂O adsorption strength on ANPs and crystal planes is opposite to the trend of adatoms like O* and/or N*. The energy barrier for the decomposition of H₂O into H* and OH* is larger on ANPs than on crystal planes, and it decreases with the increasing cluster size. Due to the competition between the hydrogen (H) bonding among water molecules and the interaction between the water molecules and the substrate, the adsorption strength of H₂O first increases and then decreases with the increase of water coverage. Moreover, each H₂O molecule can efficiently form up to two H bonds with two H₂O molecules. As a result, H₂O molecules tend to aggregate into cyclic structures rather than chains on Al surfaces. Furthermore, the dissociation energy barrier of H₂O drops with the increasing water coverage due to the presence of H bonds. Our results provide insight into interactions between water and Al, which can be extended to understand the interaction between water and other metal surfaces.

Pt38 as a promising ethanol catalyst: a first principles study

This first-principles study predicts Pt₃₈ nanoparticles as a catalyst for ethanol reactions. Starting from the adsorption properties, we shed light on the effectiveness of Pt-based nanoclusters as ethanol catalysts. First, the ethanol adsorption on Pt₃₈ shows that the most stable site positions the molecule with the oxygen anchored on top of an edge, whereas CH₃ is oriented towards the facet and the molecule remains in trans-symmetry. The ethanol-oxygen adsorbed on top of a facet Pt-atom offers the least stable configuration and the longer Pt-O distance (2.318 Å), while the shorter Pt-O distance (2.237 Å) is found when ethanol is on top of an edge site and the molecule is vertically oriented with Gauche symmetry. A shorter Pt-O distance correlates with higher radial breathing of the nanoparticle after ethanol adsorption. Atomic charge redistribution is calculated on all the considered systems and cases. In any event, we show that the Pt-anchor receives a charge, whilst oxygen-ethanol donates electrons. Orbital analysis shows that Pt-anchors and ethanol-oxygen atoms primarily exchange p-charge. Energy barriers associated with the ethanol bond cleavage show that the C-C bond break is slightly more favourable on Pt₃₈ than on an extended Pt(111). In addition, we find that the cleavage of the hydroxyl O-H ethanol bond shows a higher energy barrier while the removal of an H-atom from the CH₃ group is easier. These three facts indicate that the Pt₃₈ nanoparticle enhances ethanol catalysis and hence is a good candidate for ethanol-based fuel cells.

Challenges of modeling nanostructured materials for photocatalytic water splitting

Understanding the water splitting mechanism in photocatalysis is a rewarding goal as it will allow producing clean fuel for a sustainable life in the future. However, identifying the photocatalytic mechanisms by modeling photoactive nanoparticles requires sophisticated computational techniques based on multiscale modeling. In this review, we will survey the strengths and drawbacks of currently available theoretical methods at different length and accuracy scales. Understanding the surface-active site through Density Functional Theory (DFT) using new, more accurate exchange-correlation functionals plays a key role for surface engineering. Larger scale dynamics of the catalyst/electrolyte interface can be treated with Molecular Dynamics albeit there is a need for more generalizations of force fields. Monte Carlo and Continuum Modeling techniques are so far not the prominent path for modeling water splitting but interest is growing due to the lower computational cost and the feasibility to compare the modeling outcome directly to experimental data. The future challenges in modeling complex nano-photocatalysts involve combining different methods in a hierarchical way so that resources are spent wisely at each length scale, as well as accounting for excited states chemistry that is important for photocatalysis, a path that will bring devices closer to the theoretical limit of photocatalytic efficiency.

Size and structure effects on platinum nanocatalysts: theoretical insights from methanol dehydrogenation

Methanol dehydrogenation on Pt nanoparticles was studied as a model reaction with the focus on size and structure effects employing the density functional theory approach. The effect of cluster morphology is manifested by the higher adsorption energy of COH_x intermediates on vertexes and edges of model nanoparticles compared to closely packed terraces. Moreover, due to the size effect, the adsorption sites of Pt₇₉ nanoparticles (1.2 nm in diameter) exhibit considerably higher adsorption activity than the same sites of Pt₂₀₁ (1.7 nm). Thus, particles with a size of about 1 nm are shown to be more active due to the superposition of two effects: (i) a higher surface fraction of low-coordinated adsorption sites and (ii) higher activity of these sites compared to particles with a size of about 2 nm.

Critical Review, Recent Updates on Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67) and Its Derivatives for Electrochemical Water Splitting

Design and construction of low-cost electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity and long-term stability is a challenging task in the field of catalysis. Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are promising candidates as precursor materials in the development of highly efficient electrocatalysts for energy conversion and storage applications. This review starts with a summary of basic concepts and key evaluation parameters involved in the electrochemical water-splitting reaction. Then, different synthesis approaches reported for the cobalt-based Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) and its derivatives are critically reviewed. Additionally, several strategies employed to enhance the electrocatalytic activity and stability of ZIF-67-based electrocatalysts are discussed in detail. The present review provides a succinct insight into the ZIF-67 and its derivatives (oxides, hydroxides, sulfides, selenides, phosphide, nitrides, telluride, heteroatom/metal-doped carbon, noble metal-supported ZIF-67 derivatives) reported for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and overall water splitting applications. Finally, this review concludes with the associated challenges and the perspectives on developing the best economic, durable electrocatalytic materials.

Nanomaterials for IoT Sensing Platforms and Point-of-Care Applications in South Korea

Herein, state-of-the-art research advances in South Korea regarding the development of chemical sensing materials and fully integrated Internet of Things (IoT) sensing platforms were comprehensively reviewed for verifying the applicability of such sensing systems in point-of-care testing (POCT). Various organic/inorganic nanomaterials were synthesized and characterized to understand their fundamental chemical sensing mechanisms upon exposure to target analytes. Moreover, the applicability of nanomaterials integrated with IoT-based signal transducers for the real-time and on-site analysis of chemical species was verified. In this review, we focused on the development of noble nanostructures and signal transduction techniques for use in IoT sensing platforms, and based on their applications, such systems were classified into gas sensors, ion sensors, and biosensors. A future perspective for the development of chemical sensors was discussed for application to next-generation POCT systems that facilitate rapid and multiplexed screening of various analytes.

Exploring water adsorption and reactivity in a series of doped aluminum cluster anions

We present a systematic density functional study of central- and surface-doped aluminum cluster anions Al₁₂X^- (X = Mg, B, Ga, Si, P, Sc-Zn), their interactions and reactivity with water. Adsorption of water molecules on central-doped clusters is governed by the cluster electron affinity. Doping introduces a dramatic change in the cluster electronic structure by virtue of different ordering and occupation of super-atomic shells, which leads to the creation of complementary active sites controlling the reactivity with water. Surface doping creates unequal charge distribution on the cluster surface, resulting in the adsorption and reactivity of surface-doped clusters being dominated by electrostatic effects. These results demonstrate the strong influence of the doping position on the nature of the interaction and reactivity of the cluster, and contribute to a better understanding of doping effects.

Ruthenium atomically dispersed in carbon outperforms platinum toward hydrogen evolution in alkaline media

Hydrogen evolution reaction is an important process in electrochemical energy technologies. Herein, ruthenium and nitrogen codoped carbon nanowires are prepared as effective hydrogen evolution catalysts. The catalytic performance is markedly better than that of commercial platinum catalyst, with an overpotential of only -12 mV to reach the current density of 10 mV cm-2 in 1 M KOH and -47 mV in 0.1 M KOH. Comparisons with control experiments suggest that the remarkable activity is mainly ascribed to individual ruthenium atoms embedded within the carbon matrix, with minimal contributions from ruthenium nanoparticles. Consistent results are obtained in first-principles calculations, where RuCxNy moieties are found to show a much lower hydrogen binding energy than ruthenium nanoparticles, and a lower kinetic barrier for water dissociation than platinum. Among these, RuC2N2 stands out as the most active catalytic center, where both ruthenium and adjacent carbon atoms are the possible active sites.

Implicit solvent effects in the determination of Brønsted–Evans–Polanyi relationships for heterogeneously catalyzed reactions

The Brønsted–Evans–Polanyi relationship derived for the water dissociation reaction within an implicit solvent approach is similar to that without such effects.

Surface and interface design for heterogeneous catalysis

Recent progresses in catalytic nanocrystals with uniform and well-defined structures, in situ characterization techniques, and theoretical calculations are facilitating the innovation of efficient catalysts via surface and interface designs, including crystal phase design, morphology/facet design, and size design, followed by controlled synthesis.

Nitrogen-Doped Single Graphene Fiber with Platinum Water Dissociation Catalyst for Wearable Humidity Sensor

Humidity sensors are essential components in wearable electronics for monitoring of environmental condition and physical state. In this work, a unique humidity sensing layer composed of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (nRGO) fiber on colorless polyimide film is proposed. Ultralong graphene oxide (GO) fibers are synthesized by solution assembly of large GO sheets assisted by lyotropic liquid crystal behavior. Chemical modification by nitrogen-doping is carried out under thermal annealing in H₂ (4%)/N₂ (96%) ambient to obtain highly conductive nRGO fiber. Very small (≈2 nm) Pt nanoparticles are tightly anchored on the surface of the nRGO fiber as water dissociation catalysts by an optical sintering process. As a result, nRGO fiber can effectively detect wide humidity levels in the range of 6.1-66.4% relative humidity (RH). Furthermore, a 1.36-fold higher sensitivity (4.51%) at 66.4% RH is achieved using a Pt functionalized nRGO fiber (i.e., Pt-nRGO fiber) compared with the sensitivity (3.53% at 66.4% RH) of pure nRGO fiber. Real-time and portable humidity sensing characteristics are successfully demonstrated toward exhaled breath using Pt-nRGO fiber integrated on a portable sensing module. The Pt-nRGO fiber with high sensitivity and wide range of humidity detection levels offers a new sensing platform for wearable humidity sensors.

Ethanol, O, and CO adsorption on Pt nanoparticles: effects of nanoparticle size and graphene support

DFT calculations reveal aspects of size and support effects for Pt nanoparticles on graphene interacting with O, CO and ethanol.

Prediction of metallic nanotube reactivity for H2O activation

The reactivity of metallic nanotubes toward the catalysis of water dissociation, a key step in the water gas shift reaction (WGSR), was analyzed through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Water dissociation was studied on surfaces of nanotubes based on copper, gold and platinum, and also on platinum doped copper and gold nanotubes. Gold and copper nanotubes present activities that are similar to those of their corresponding extended surfaces but, in the case of the Pt(5,3) nanotube, a significant improvement in the activity is found when compared with the extended surfaces. In fact, the calculations predict the water dissociation to be spontaneous on Pt(5,3) with a low activation energy barrier. The platinum doping of gold and copper nanotubes leads to contrasting effects, i.e., with a slight increase of activity found on gold and a slight decrease of activity in the case of copper. The consideration of a Brönsted-Evans-Polanyi (BEP) relationship to estimate the activation energy barriers for the O-H bond break leads to a satisfactory agreement between estimated and explicitly calculated values which suggests the validity of the BEP relationship for qualitative predictions of the activities of metal nanotubes towards the water dissociation reaction.

Capturing Solvation Effects at a Liquid/Nanoparticle Interface by Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics: Pt201 Immersed in Water

Solvation can substantially modify the adsorption properties of heterogeneous catalysts. Although essential for achieving realistic theoretical models, assessing such solvent effects over nanoparticles is challenging from a computational standpoint due to the complexity of those liquid/metal interfaces. This effect is investigated by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations at 350 K of a large platinum nanoparticle immersed in liquid water. The first solvation layer contains twice as much physisorbed water molecules above the terraces, than chemisorbed ones located only at edges and corners. The solvent stabilizes the binding energy of chemisorbates: 66% of the total gain comes from interactions with physisorbed molecules and 34% from the influence of bulk liquid.

Effect of the Exchange-Correlation Potential on the Transferability of Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi Relationships in Heterogeneous Catalysis

As more and more accurate density functional methods emerge, the transferability of Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi (BEP) relationships obtained with previous models is an open question. In this work, BEP relationships derived from different density functional theory based calculations are analyzed to answer this question. In particular, BEP relationships linking the activation energy of O-H bond breaking reactions taking place on metallic surfaces with the adsorption energy of the reaction products are chosen as a case study. These relationships are obtained with the widely used Perdew-Wang (PW91) generalized gradient approximation (GGA) exchange-correlation functional and with the more accurate meta-GGA Tao-Perdew-Staroverov-Scuseria (TPSS) one. We provide compelling evidence that BEP relationships derived from PW91 and TPSS functionals are essentially coincidental. This finding validates previously published BEP relationships and indicates that the reaction activation energy barrier can be obtained by the determination of the energy reaction descriptor value at the less computationally demanding GGA level; an important aspect to consider in future studies aimed at the computational design of catalysts with improved characteristics.

Non-covalent adsorption of amino acid analogues on noble-metal nanoparticles: influence of edges and vertices

First-principles calculations on nanoscale-sized noble metal nanoparticles demonstrate that planes, edges and vertices show different noncovalent adsorption propensities depending on the adsorbate functional group.

Synergy between Pd and Au in a Pd–Au(100) bimetallic surface for the water gas shift reaction: a DFT study

Density functional theory calculations were performed to model a reaction relevant bimetallic surface and study the water gas shift reaction.

Understanding the reactivity of metallic nanoparticles: beyond the extended surface model for catalysis

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) constitute a new class of chemical objects which are used in different fields as diverse as plasmonics, optics, catalysis, or biochemistry.

First-principles study of borohydride adsorption properties on osmium nanoparticles and surfaces: understanding the effects of facets, size and local sites

The first DFT study of borohydride interaction with Os nanoparticles/surfaces, elucidating the effects of facets, size and local sites, is presented.

Ligand-field theory-based analysis of the adsorption properties of ruthenium nanoparticles

The experimental design of improved nanocatalysts is usually based on shape control and is surface-ligand dependent. First-principle calculations can guide their design, both in terms of activity and selectivity, provided that theoretical descriptors can be defined and used in a prescreening process. As a consequence of the Sabatier principle and of the Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi relationship, an important prerequisite before optimizing the catalytic properties of nanoparticles is the knowledge of the selective adsorption strengths of reactants at their surface. We report here adsorption energies of X (H, CH3) and L (PH3, CO) ligands at the surface of bare ruthenium nanoclusters Run (n = 55 and 147) calculated at the DFT level. Their dependence on the topology of the adsorption sites as well as on the size and shape of the nanoparticles (NPs) is rationalized with local descriptors derived from the so-called d-band center model. Defining the descriptors involves the determination of the energy of effective d atomic orbitals for each surface atom. Such a ligand field theory-like model is in close relation with frontier molecular orbital theory, a cornerstone of rational chemical synthesis. The descriptors are depicted as color maps which straightforwardly yield possible reactivity spots. The adsorption map of a large spherical hcp cluster (Ru288) nicely confirms the remarkable activity of steps, the so-called B5 sites. The predictive character of this conceptual DFT approach should apply to other transition metal NPs and it could be a useful guide to the design of efficient nanocatalysts bearing sites with a specific activity.