1
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Wang Y, Zhu P, Wang R, Matthews KC, Xie M, Wang M, Qiu C, Liu Y, Zhou H, Warner JH, Liu Y, Wang H, Yu G. Fluorine-Tuned Carbon-Based Nickel Single-Atom Catalysts for Scalable and Highly Efficient CO 2 Electrocatalytic Reduction. ACS NANO 2024; 18:26751-26758. [PMID: 39297690 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c06923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/02/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction is garnering significant interest due to its potential applications in mitigating CO2 and producing fuel. However, the scaling up of related catalysis is still hindered by several challenges, including the cost of the catalytic materials, low selectivity, small current densities to maintain desirable selectivity. In this study, Fluorine (F) atoms were introduced into an N-doped carbon-supported single nickel (Ni) atom catalyst via facile polymer-assisted pyrolysis. This method not only maintains the high atom utilization efficiency of Ni in a cost-effective and sustainable manner but also effectively manipulates the electronic structure of the active Ni-N4 site through F doping. The catalyst has also been further optimized by controlling the F states, including convalent and semi-ionic states, by adjusting the fluorine sources involved. Consequently, this catalyst with unique structure exhibited comparable electrocatalytic performance for CO2-to-CO conversion, achieving a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of over 99% across a wide potential range and an exceptional CO evolution rate of 9.5 × 104 h-1 at -1.16 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). It also delivered a practical current of 400 mA cm-2 while maintaining more than 95% CO FE. Experimental analysis combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations have also shown that F-doping modifies the electron configuration at the central Ni-N4 sites. This modification lowers the energy barrier for CO2 activation, thereby facilitating the production of the crucial *COOH intermediate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Wang
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Kevin C Matthews
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Minghao Xie
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Maoyu Wang
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Chang Qiu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Yijin Liu
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Hua Zhou
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Jamie H Warner
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Yuanyue Liu
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Haotian Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Guihua Yu
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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2
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Yang H, Guo N, Xi S, Wu Y, Yao B, He Q, Zhang C, Wang L. Potential-driven structural distortion in cobalt phthalocyanine for electrocatalytic CO 2/CO reduction towards methanol. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7703. [PMID: 39231997 PMCID: PMC11375126 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52168-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cobalt phthalocyanine immobilized on carbon nanotube has demonstrated appreciable selectivity and activity for methanol synthesis in electrocatalytic CO2/CO reduction. However, discrepancies in methanol production selectivity and activity between CO2 and CO reduction have been observed, leading to inconclusive mechanisms for methanol production in this system. Here, we discover that the interaction between cobalt phthalocyanine molecules and defects on carbon nanotube substrate plays a key role in methanol production during CO2/CO electroreduction. Through detailed operando X-ray absorption and infrared spectroscopies, we find that upon application of cathodic potential, this interaction induces the transformation of the planar CoN4 center in cobalt phthalocyanine to an out-of-plane distorted configuration. Consequently, this potential induced structural change promotes the transformation of linearly bonded *CO at the CoN4 center to bridge *CO, thereby facilitating methanol production. Overall, these comprehensive mechanistic investigations and the outstanding performance (methanol partial current density over 150 mA cm-2) provide valuable insights in guiding the activity and selectivity of immobilized cobalt phthalocyanine for methanol production in CO2/CO reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haozhou Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Na Guo
- National University of Singapore (Chongqing) Research Institute, Building 4, Internet Industrial Park Phase 2, Chongqing Liang Jiang New Area, Chongqing, China
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shibo Xi
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemical, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yao Wu
- Department of Material Science Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bingqing Yao
- Department of Material Science Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qian He
- Department of Material Science Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chun Zhang
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Centre for Hydrogen Innovations, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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3
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Edgecomb J, Nguyen DT, Tan S, Murugesan V, Johnson GE, Prabhakaran V. Electrochemical Imaging of Precisely-Defined Redox and Reactive Interfaces. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202405846. [PMID: 38871656 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405846] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the diverse electrochemical reactions occurring at electrode-electrolyte interfaces (EEIs) is a critical challenge to developing more efficient energy conversion and storage technologies. Establishing a predictive molecular-level understanding of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) is challenging due to the presence of multiple intertwined chemical and electrochemical processes occurring at battery electrodes. Similarly, chemical conversions in reactive electrochemical systems are often influenced by the heterogeneous distribution of active sites, surface defects, and catalyst particle sizes. In this mini review, we highlight an emerging field of interfacial science that isolates the impact of specific chemical species by preparing precisely-defined EEIs and visualizing the reactivity of their individual components using single-entity characterization techniques. We highlight the broad applicability and versatility of these methods, along with current state-of-the-art instrumentation and future opportunities for these approaches to address key scientific challenges related to batteries, chemical separations, and fuel cells. We establish that controlled preparation of well-defined electrodes combined with single entity characterization will be crucial to filling key knowledge gaps and advancing the theories used to describe and predict chemical and physical processes occurring at EEIs and accelerating new materials discovery for energy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Edgecomb
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | | | - Shuai Tan
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | | | - Grant E Johnson
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
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4
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Cui Z, Wong AJW, Janik MJ, Co AC. Negative Reaction Order for CO during CO 2 Electroreduction on Au. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:23872-23880. [PMID: 39158693 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c06232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The potential-dependent negative fractional reaction orders with respect to the CO partial pressures were measured for CO2 electroreduction (CO2R) on Au under mass-transfer-controlled conditions using a rotating ring-disk electrode setup. At high overpotentials, the CO reaction order approaches -1 due to enhanced CO adsorption on Au, which is supported by kinetic analysis and density functional theory (DFT) simulations. This work illustrates that the CO site-blocking effect cannot be ignored, even on a weak CO-binding metal such as Au in the electrochemical environment. The CO site-blocking effect can greatly hamper the activity and the selectivity of the CO2R to CO. This observation enriches the current mechanistic understanding of the CO2R and could have significant implications not only in the theoretical modeling of the CO2R but also in the evaluation of intrinsic CO2R activity at practical current density and high conversion conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Cui
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Andrew Jark-Wah Wong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Michael J Janik
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Anne C Co
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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5
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Zhang W, Yu A, Mao H, Feng G, Li C, Wang G, Chang J, Halat D, Li Z, Yu W, Shi Y, Liu S, Fox DW, Zhuang H, Cai A, Wu B, Joshua F, Martinez JR, Zhai L, Gu MD, Shan X, Reimer JA, Cui Y, Yang Y. Dynamic Bubbling Balanced Proactive CO 2 Capture and Reduction on a Triple-Phase Interface Nanoporous Electrocatalyst. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:21335-21347. [PMID: 39049158 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The formation and preservation of the active phase of the catalysts at the triple-phase interface during CO2 capture and reduction is essential for improving the conversion efficiency of CO2 electroreduction toward value-added chemicals and fuels under operational conditions. Designing such ideal catalysts that can mitigate parasitic hydrogen generation and prevent active phase degradation during the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), however, remains a significant challenge. Herein, we developed an interfacial engineering strategy to build a new SnOx catalyst by invoking multiscale approaches. This catalyst features a hierarchically nanoporous structure coated with an organic F-monolayer that modifies the triple-phase interface in aqueous electrolytes, substantially reducing competing hydrogen generation (less than 5%) and enhancing CO2RR selectivity (∼90%). This rationally designed triple-phase interface overcomes the issue of limited CO2 solubility in aqueous electrolytes via proactive CO2 capture and reduction. Concurrently, we utilized pulsed square-wave potentials to dynamically recover the active phase for the CO2RR to regulate the production of C1 products such as formate and carbon monoxide (CO). This protocol ensures profoundly enhanced CO2RR selectivity (∼90%) compared with constant potential (∼70%) applied at -0.8 V (V vs RHE). We further achieved a mechanistic understanding of the CO2 capture and reduction processes under pulsed square-wave potentials via in situ Raman spectroscopy, thereby observing the potential-dependent intensity of Raman vibrational modes of the active phase and CO2RR intermediates. This work will inspire material design strategies by leveraging triple-phase interface engineering for emerging electrochemical processes, as technology moves toward electrification and decarbonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Ao Yu
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Haiyan Mao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Guangxia Feng
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Cheng Li
- Eastern Institute for Advanced Study, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315200, P.R. China
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Guanzhi Wang
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Jinfa Chang
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Faculty of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate and Reticular Material Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024. P.R. China
| | - David Halat
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Zhao Li
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Weilai Yu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Yaping Shi
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Shengwen Liu
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - David W Fox
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Hao Zhuang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Angela Cai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Bing Wu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Fnu Joshua
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - John R Martinez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - Lei Zhai
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
| | - M Danny Gu
- Eastern Institute for Advanced Study, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315200, P.R. China
| | - Xiaonan Shan
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Reimer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Yi Cui
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Yang Yang
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Renewable Energy and Chemical Transformation Cluster, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
- The Stephen W. Hawking Center for Microgravity Research and Education, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32826, United States
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6
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Fan J, Arrazolo LK, Du J, Xu H, Fang S, Liu Y, Wu Z, Kim JH, Wu X. Effects of Ionic Interferents on Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction: Mechanistic Insight. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:12823-12845. [PMID: 38954631 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate, a prevalent water pollutant, poses substantial public health concerns and environmental risks. Electrochemical reduction of nitrate (eNO3RR) has emerged as an effective alternative to conventional biological treatments. While extensive lab work has focused on designing efficient electrocatalysts, implementation of eNO3RR in practical wastewater settings requires careful consideration of the effects of various constituents in real wastewater. In this critical review, we examine the interference of ionic species commonly encountered in electrocatalytic systems and universally present in wastewater, such as halogen ions, alkali metal cations, and other divalent/trivalent ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-/CO32-, SO42-, and PO43-). Notably, we categorize and discuss the interfering mechanisms into four groups: (1) loss of active catalytic sites caused by competitive adsorption and precipitation, (2) electrostatic interactions in the electric double layer (EDL), including ion pairs and the shielding effect, (3) effects on the selectivity of N intermediates and final products (N2 or NH3), and (4) complications by the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and localized pH on the cathode surface. Finally, we summarize the competition among different mechanisms and propose future directions for a deeper mechanistic understanding of ionic impacts on eNO3RR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Fan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Leslie K Arrazolo
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Jiaxin Du
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Xu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Fang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongbiao Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jae-Hong Kim
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Xuanhao Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Industrial Boiler & Furnace Flue Gas Pollution Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
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7
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Wei Z, Ding J, Wang Z, Wang A, Zhang L, Liu Y, Guo Y, Yang X, Zhai Y, Liu B. Enhanced Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction to Formate over Phosphate-Modified In: Water Activation and Active Site Tuning. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402070. [PMID: 38664999 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402070] [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: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) offers a sustainable strategy for producing fuels and chemicals. However, it suffers from sluggish CO2 activation and slow water dissociation. In this work, we construct a (P-O)δ- modified In catalyst that exhibits high activity and selectivity in electrochemical CO2 reduction to formate. A combination of in situ characterizations and kinetic analyses indicate that (P-O)δ- has a strong interaction with K+(H2O)n, which effectively accelerates water dissociation to provide protons. In situ attenuated total reflectance surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS) measurements together with density functional theory (DFT) calculations disclose that (P-O)δ- modification leads to a higher valence state of In active site, thus promoting CO2 activation and HCOO* formation, while inhibiting competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). As a result, the (P-O)δ- modified oxide-derived In catalyst exhibits excellent formate selectivity across a broad potential window with a formate Faradaic efficiency as high as 92.1 % at a partial current density of ~200 mA cm-2 and a cathodic potential of -1.2 V vs. RHE in an alkaline electrolyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Wei
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Anyang Wang
- School of Electrical Engineering, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuhang Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuzheng Guo
- School of Electrical Engineering, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Yueming Zhai
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Institute of Clean Energy (HKICE) & Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF), City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
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8
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Ma M, Seger B. Rational Design of Local Reaction Environment for Electrocatalytic Conversion of CO 2 into Multicarbon Products. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202401185. [PMID: 38576259 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401185] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into multi-carbon (C2+) products provides an attractive route for storing intermittent renewable electricity as fuels and feedstocks with high energy densities. Although substantial progress has been made in selective electrosynthesis of C2+ products via engineering the catalyst, rational design of the local reaction environment in the vicinity of catalyst surface also acts as an effective approach for further enhancing the performance. Here, we discuss recent advances and pertinent challenges in the modulation of local reaction environment, encompassing local pH, the choice of the species and concentrations of cations and anions as well as local reactant/intermediate concentrations, for achieving high C2+ selectivity. In addition, mechanistic understanding in the effects of the local reaction environment is also discussed. Particularly, the important progress extracted from in situ and operando spectroscopy techniques provides insights into how local reaction environment affects C-C coupling and key intermediates formation that lead to reaction pathways toward a desired C2+ product. The possible future direction in understanding and engineering the local reaction environment is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Brian Seger
- Surface Physics and Catalysis (Surfcat) Section, Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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9
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Wu W, Xu L, Lu Q, Sun J, Xu Z, Song C, Yu JC, Wang Y. Addressing the Carbonate Issue: Electrocatalysts for Acidic CO 2 Reduction Reaction. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2312894. [PMID: 38722084 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) powered by renewable energy provides a promising route to CO2 conversion and utilization. However, the widely used neutral/alkaline electrolyte consumes a large amount of CO2 to produce (bi)carbonate byproducts, leading to significant challenges at the device level, thereby impeding the further deployment of this reaction. Conducting CO2RR in acidic electrolytes offers a promising solution to address the "carbonate issue"; however, it presents inherent difficulties due to the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, necessitating concerted efforts toward advanced catalyst and electrode designs to achieve high selectivity and activity. This review encompasses recent developments of acidic CO2RR, from mechanism elucidation to catalyst design and device engineering. This review begins by discussing the mechanistic understanding of the reaction pathway, laying the foundation for catalyst design in acidic CO2RR. Subsequently, an in-depth analysis of recent advancements in acidic CO2RR catalysts is provided, highlighting heterogeneous catalysts, surface immobilized molecular catalysts, and catalyst surface enhancement. Furthermore, the progress made in device-level applications is summarized, aiming to develop high-performance acidic CO2RR systems. Finally, the existing challenges and future directions in the design of acidic CO2RR catalysts are outlined, emphasizing the need for improved selectivity, activity, stability, and scalability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixing Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Liangpang Xu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Qian Lu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Jiping Sun
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Zhanyou Xu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Chunshan Song
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Jimmy C Yu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S. A. R., China
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10
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Jiang N, Darù A, Kunstelj Š, Vitillo JG, Czaikowski ME, Filatov AS, Wuttig A, Gagliardi L, Anderson JS. Catalytic, Spectroscopic, and Theoretical Studies of Fe 4S 4-Based Coordination Polymers as Heterogenous Coupled Proton-Electron Transfer Mediators for Electrocatalysis. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12243-12252. [PMID: 38651361 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Iron-sulfur clusters play essential roles in biological systems, and thus synthetic [Fe4S4] clusters have been an area of active research. Recent studies have demonstrated that soluble [Fe4S4] clusters can serve as net H atom transfer mediators, improving the activity and selectivity of a homogeneous Mn CO2 reduction catalyst. Here, we demonstrate that incorporating these [Fe4S4] clusters into a coordination polymer enables heterogeneous H atom transfer from an electrode surface to a Mn complex dissolved in solution. A previously reported solution-processable Fe4S4-based coordination polymer was successfully deposited on the surfaces of different electrodes. The coated electrodes serve as H atom transfer mediators to a soluble Mn CO2 reduction catalyst displaying good product selectivity for formic acid. Furthermore, these electrodes are recyclable with a minimal decrease in activity after multiple catalytic cycles. The heterogenization of the mediator also enables the characterization of solution-phase and electrode surface species separately. Surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) reveals spectroscopic signatures for an in situ generated active Mn-H species, providing a more complete mechanistic picture for this system. The active species, reaction mechanism, and the protonation sites on the [Fe4S4] clusters were further confirmed by density functional theory calculations. The observed H atom transfer reactivity of these coordination polymer-coated electrodes motivates additional applications of this composite material in reductive H atom transfer electrocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningxin Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago,Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Andrea Darù
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago,Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Špela Kunstelj
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago,Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Jenny G Vitillo
- Department of Science and High Technology and INSTM, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Como 22100, Italy
| | - Maia E Czaikowski
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago,Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Alexander S Filatov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago,Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Anna Wuttig
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago,Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Laura Gagliardi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago,Illinois 60637, United States
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago,Illinois 60637, United States
| | - John S Anderson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago,Illinois 60637, United States
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11
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Vos R, Koper MTM. Nickel as Electrocatalyst for CO (2) Reduction: Effect of Temperature, Potential, Partial Pressure, and Electrolyte Composition. ACS Catal 2024; 14:4432-4440. [PMID: 38601778 PMCID: PMC11002821 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.4c00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical CO2 reduction on Ni has recently been shown to have the unique ability to produce longer hydrocarbon chains in small but measurable amounts. However, the effects of the many parameters of this reaction remain to be studied in more detail. Here, we have investigated the effect of temperature, bulk CO2 concentration, potential, the reactant, cations, and anions on the formation of hydrocarbons via a chain growth mechanism on Ni. We show that temperature increases the activity but also the formation of coke, which deactivates the catalyst. The selectivity and thus the chain growth probability is mainly affected by the potential and the electrolyte composition. Remarkably, CO reduction shows lower activity but a higher chain growth probability than CO2 reduction. We conclude that hydrogenation is likely to be the rate-determining step and hypothesize that this could happen either by *CO hydrogenation or by termination of the hydrocarbon chain. These insights open the way to further development and optimization of Ni for electrochemical CO2 reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaël
E. Vos
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O.Box 9502, 2300
RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marc T. M. Koper
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O.Box 9502, 2300
RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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12
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Baidoun R, Liu G, Kim D. Recent advances in the role of interfacial liquids in electrochemical reactions. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:5903-5925. [PMID: 38440946 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06092f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
The interfacial liquid, situated in proximity to an electrode or catalyst, plays a vital role in determining the activity and selectivity of crucial electrochemical reactions, including hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution/reduction, and carbon dioxide reduction. Thus, there has been a growing interest in better understanding the behavior and the catalytic effect of its constituents. This minireview examines the impact of interfacial liquids on electrocatalysis, specifically the effects of water molecules and ionic species present at the interface. How the structure of interfacial water, distinct from the bulk, can affect charge transfer kinetics and transport of species is presented. Furthermore, how cations and anions (de)stabilize intermediates and transition states, compete for adsorption with reaction species, and act as local environment modifiers including pH and the surrounding solvent structure are described in detail. These effects can promote or inhibit reactions in various ways. This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights for tailoring interfacial liquids to optimize electrochemical reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani Baidoun
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Gexu Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dohyung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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13
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Li J, Wu D, Li J, Zhou Y, Yan Z, Liang J, Zhang QY, Xia XH. Ultrasensitive Plasmon-Enhanced Infrared Spectroelectrochemistry. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319246. [PMID: 38191762 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319246] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
IR spectroelectrochemistry (EC-IR) is a cutting-edge operando method for exploring electrochemical reaction mechanisms. However, detection of interfacial molecules is challenged by the limited sensitivity of existing EC-IR platforms due to the lack of high-enhancement substrates. Here, we propose an innovative plasmon-enhanced infrared spectroelectrochemistry (EC-PEIRS) platform to overcome this sensitivity limitation. Plasmonic antennae with ultrahigh IR signal enhancement are electrically connected via monolayer graphene while preserving optical path integrity, serving as both the electrode and IR substrate. The [Fe(CN)6 ]3- /[Fe(CN)6 ]4- redox reaction and electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR) are investigated on the EC-PEIRS platform with a remarkable signal enhancement. Notably, the enhanced IR signals enable a reconstruction of the electrochemical curve of the redox reactions and unveil the CO2 RR mechanism. This study presents a promising technique for boosting the in-depth understanding of interfacial events across diverse applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Dan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- School of Environmental Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, 210017, China
| | - Zhendong Yan
- College of Science, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Jing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qing-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xing-Hua Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
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14
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Barekati NS, Farsi H, Farrokhi A, Moghiminia S. A comparison between 2D and 3D cobalt-organic framework as catalysts for electrochemical CO 2 reduction. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26281. [PMID: 38375310 PMCID: PMC10875588 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, as an effective way to reduce the CO2 concentration, has gained attention. In this study, we prepared ZIF-67 nanoparticles and nanosheets and investigated them as electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction. It was found that ZIF-67 nanosheets, because of their two-dimensional morphologies, provide more under-coordinated cobalt nodes and have lower overpotentials for both hydrogen evolution and CO2 reduction reactions. Also, the rate-determining step for hydrogen evolution changes from Volmer for ZIF-67 nanoparticles to Hyrovsky for ZIF-67 nanosheets. Also, the presence of Mg2+ ions in solution causes more facile CO2 reduction, especially for ZIF-67 nanosheets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hossein Farsi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
- DNEP Research Lab, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
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15
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Wang YM, Yan FQ, Wang QY, Du CX, Wang LY, Li B, Wang S, Zang SQ. Single-atom tailored atomically-precise nanoclusters for enhanced electrochemical reduction of CO 2-to-CO activity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1843. [PMID: 38418496 PMCID: PMC10901820 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46098-x] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of facile tailoring approach to adjust the intrinsic activity and stability of atomically-precise metal nanoclusters catalysts is of great interest but remians challenging. Herein, the well-defined Au8 nanoclusters modified by single-atom sites are rationally synthesized via a co-eletropolymerization strategy, in which uniformly dispersed metal nanocluster and single-atom co-entrenched on the poly-carbazole matrix. Systematic characterization and theoretical modeling reveal that functionalizing single-atoms enable altering the electronic structures of Au8 clusters, which amplifies their electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO activity by ~18.07 fold compared to isolated Au8 metal clusters. The rearrangements of the electronic structure not only strengthen the adsorption of the key intermediates *COOH, but also establish a favorable reaction pathway for the CO2 reduction reaction. Moreover, this strategy fixing nanoclusters and single-atoms on cross-linked polymer networks efficiently deduce the performance deactivation caused by agglomeration during the catalytic process. This work contribute to explore the intrinsic activity and stability improvement of metal clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Man Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Crystalline Molecular Functional Materials, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Fang-Qin Yan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Crystalline Molecular Functional Materials, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Qian-You Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Crystalline Molecular Functional Materials, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chen-Xia Du
- Henan Key Laboratory of Crystalline Molecular Functional Materials, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Li-Ya Wang
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473061, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Crystalline Molecular Functional Materials, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Shuang-Quan Zang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Crystalline Molecular Functional Materials, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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16
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Duportal M, Berger LM, Maier SA, Tittl A, Krischer K. Multi-band Metasurface-Driven Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy for Improved Characterization of in-Situ Electrochemical Reactions. ACS PHOTONICS 2024; 11:714-722. [PMID: 38405393 PMCID: PMC10885203 DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.3c01592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Surface-enhanced spectroscopy techniques are the method-of-choice to characterize adsorbed intermediates occurring during electrochemical reactions, which are crucial in realizing a green and sustainable future. Characterizing species with low coverage or short lifetimes has so far been limited by low signal enhancement. Recently, single-band metasurface-driven surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) has been pioneered as a promising technology to monitor a single vibrational mode during electrochemical CO oxidation. However, electrochemical reactions are complex, and their understanding requires the simultaneous monitoring of multiple adsorbed species in situ, hampering the adoption of nanostructured electrodes in spectro-electrochemistry. Here, we develop a multi-band nanophotonic-electrochemical platform that simultaneously monitors in situ multiple adsorbed species emerging during cyclic voltammetry scans by leveraging the high resolution offered by the reproducible nanostructuring of the working electrode. Specifically, we studied the electrochemical reduction of CO2 on a Pt surface and used two separately tuned metasurface arrays to monitor two adsorption configurations of CO with vibrational bands at ∼2030 and ∼1840 cm-1. Our platform provides a ∼40-fold enhancement in the detection of characteristic absorption signals compared to conventional broadband electrochemically roughened platinum films. A straightforward methodology is outlined starting with baselining our system in a CO-saturated environment and clearly detecting both configurations of adsorption. In contrast, during the electrochemical reduction of CO2 on platinum in K2CO3, CO adsorbed in a bridged configuration could not be detected. We anticipate that our technology will guide researchers in developing similar sensing platforms to simultaneously detect multiple challenging intermediates, with low surface coverage or short lifetimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malo Duportal
- Department
of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Luca M. Berger
- Chair
in Hybrid Nanosystems, Nanoinstitute Munich, and Center for NanoScience,
Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University
Munich, Königinstraße
10, München 80539, Germany
| | - Stefan A. Maier
- Chair
in Hybrid Nanosystems, Nanoinstitute Munich, and Center for NanoScience,
Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University
Munich, Königinstraße
10, München 80539, Germany
- School
of Physics and Astronomy, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department
of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Tittl
- Chair
in Hybrid Nanosystems, Nanoinstitute Munich, and Center for NanoScience,
Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University
Munich, Königinstraße
10, München 80539, Germany
| | - Katharina Krischer
- Department
of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Garching 85748, Germany
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17
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Cooney S, Walls MRA, Schreiber E, Brennessel WW, Matson EM. Heterometal Dopant Changes the Mechanism of Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer at the Polyoxovanadate-Alkoxide Surface. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:2364-2369. [PMID: 38241170 PMCID: PMC10835708 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c14054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The transfer of two H-atom equivalents to the titanium-doped polyoxovanadate-alkoxide, [TiV5O6(OCH3)13], results in the formation of a V(III)-OH2 site at the surface of the assembly. Incorporation of the group (IV) metal ion results in a weakening of the O-H bonds of [TiV5O5(OH2)(OCH3)13] in comparison to its homometallic congener, [V6O6(OH2)(OCH3)12], resembling more closely the thermodynamics reported for the one-electron reduced derivative, [V6O6(OH2)(OCH3)12]1-. An analysis of early time points of the reaction of [TiV5O6(OCH3)13] and 5,10-dihydrophenazine reveals the formation of an oxidized substrate, suggesting that proton-coupled electron transfer proceeds via initial electron transfer from substrate to cluster prior to proton transfer. These results demonstrate the profound influence of heterometal dopants on the mechanism of PCET with respect to the surface of the assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon
E. Cooney
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - M. Rebecca A. Walls
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Eric Schreiber
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - William W. Brennessel
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
| | - Ellen M. Matson
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627, United States
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18
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Zhang G, Kucernak A. Time-Resolved Product Observation for CO 2 Electroreduction Using Synchronised Electrochemistry-Mass Spectrometry with Soft Ionisation (sEC-MS-SI). Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202312607. [PMID: 37801612 PMCID: PMC10952920 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202312607] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The mechanistic understanding of electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR) requires a rapid and accurate characterisation of product distribution to unravel the activity and selectivity, which is yet hampered by the lack of advanced correlative approaches. Here, we present the time-resolved identification of CO2 RR products by using the synchronised electrochemistry-mass spectrometry (sEC-MS). Transients in product formation can be readily captured in relation to electrochemical conditions. Moreover, a soft ionisation (SI) strategy is developed in MS for the direct observation of CO, immune to the interference of CO2 fragments. With the sEC-MS-SI, the kinetic information, such as Tafel slopes and onset potentials, for a myriad of CO2 RR products are revealed and we show the hysteresis seen for the evolution of some species may originate from the potential-driven changes in surface coverage of intermediates. This work provides a real-time picture of the dynamic formation of CO2 RR products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonWhite City CampusLondonW12 0BZUnited Kingdom
- State Key Laboratory of CatalysisDalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsChinese Academy of SciencesDalian116023China
| | - Anthony Kucernak
- Department of ChemistryImperial College LondonWhite City CampusLondonW12 0BZUnited Kingdom
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19
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Qin X, Hansen HA, Honkala K, Melander MM. Cation-induced changes in the inner- and outer-sphere mechanisms of electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7607. [PMID: 37993426 PMCID: PMC10665450 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanism of cation effects on CO2RR remains debated. Herein, we study cation effects by simulating both outer-sphere electron transfer (OS-ET) and inner-sphere electron transfer (IS-ET) pathways during CO2RR via constrained density functional theory molecular dynamics (cDFT-MD) and slow-growth DFT-MD (SG-DFT-MD), respectively. Our results show without any cations, only OS-ET is feasible with a barrier of 1.21 eV. In the presence of K+ (Li+), OS-ET shows a very high barrier of 2.93 eV (4.15 eV) thus being prohibited. However, cations promote CO2 activation through IS-ET with the barrier of only 0.61 eV (K+) and 0.91 eV (Li+), generating the key intermediate (adsorbed CO[Formula: see text]). Without cations, CO2-to-CO[Formula: see text](ads) conversion cannot proceed. Our findings reveal cation effects arise from short-range Coulomb interactions with reaction intermediates. These results disclose that cations modulate the inner- and outer-sphere pathways of CO2RR, offering substantial insights on the cation specificity in the initial CO2RR steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Qin
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Anker Engelunds Vej Building 301, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.
| | - Heine A Hansen
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Anker Engelunds Vej Building 301, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Karoliina Honkala
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Marko M Melander
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014, Jyväskylä, Finland.
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20
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Zhang Q, Tsai HJ, Li F, Wei Z, He Q, Ding J, Liu Y, Lin ZY, Yang X, Chen Z, Hu F, Yang X, Tang Q, Yang HB, Hung SF, Zhai Y. Boosting the Proton-coupled Electron Transfer via Fe-P Atomic Pair for Enhanced Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202311550. [PMID: 37666796 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202311550] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Single-atom catalysts exhibit superior CO2 -to-CO catalytic activity, but poor kinetics of proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) steps still limit the overall performance toward the industrial scale. Here, we constructed a Fe-P atom paired catalyst onto nitrogen doped graphitic layer (Fe1 /PNG) to accelerate PCET step. Fe1 /PNG delivers an industrial CO current of 1 A with FECO over 90 % at 2.5 V in a membrane-electrode assembly, overperforming the CO current of Fe1 /NG by more than 300 %. We also decrypted the synergistic effects of the P atom in the Fe-P atom pair using operando techniques and density functional theory, revealing that the P atom provides additional adsorption sites for accelerating water dissociation, boosting the hydrogenation of CO2 , and enhancing the activity of CO2 reduction. This atom-pair catalytic strategy can modulate multiple reactants and intermediates to break through the inherent limitations of single-atom catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Zhang
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Hsin Jung Tsai
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan
| | - Fuhua Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China
| | - Zhiming Wei
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Qinye He
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Jie Ding
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Yuhang Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, P. R. China
| | - Zih-Yi Lin
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan
| | - Xiaoju Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoyang Chen
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
| | - Fangxin Hu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Qing Tang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China
| | - Hong Bin Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, P. R. China
| | - Sung-Fu Hung
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Road, Hsinchu, 30010, Taiwan
| | - Yueming Zhai
- The Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, P. R. China
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21
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Ye C, Dattila F, Chen X, López N, Koper MTM. Influence of Cations on HCOOH and CO Formation during CO 2 Reduction on a Pd MLPt(111) Electrode. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:19601-19610. [PMID: 37651736 PMCID: PMC10510319 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c03786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the role of cations in the electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) process is of fundamental importance for practical application. In this work, we investigate how cations influence HCOOH and CO formation on PdMLPt(111) in pH 3 electrolytes. While only (a small amount of adsorbed) CO forms on PdMLPt(111) in the absence of metal cations, the onset potential of HCOOH and CO decreases with increasing cation concentrations. The cation effect is stronger on HCOOH formation than that on CO formation on PdMLPt(111). Density functional theory simulations indicate that cations facilitate both hydride formation and CO2 activation by polarizing the electronic density at the surface and stabilizing *CO2-. Although the upshift of the metal work function caused by high coverage of adsorbates limits hydride formation, the cation-induced electric field counterbalances this effect in the case of *H species, sustaining HCOOH production at mild negative potentials. Instead, at the high *CO coverages observed at very negative potentials, surface hydrides do not form, preventing the HCOOH route both in the absence and presence of cations. Our results open the way for a consistent evaluation of cationic electrolyte effects on both activity and selectivity in CO2RR on Pd-Pt catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmiao Ye
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Federico Dattila
- Institute
of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-CERCA), The Barcelona Institute
of Science and Technology (BIST), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Núria López
- Institute
of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ-CERCA), The Barcelona Institute
of Science and Technology (BIST), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Marc T. M. Koper
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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22
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Qin HG, Du YF, Bai YY, Li FZ, Yue X, Wang H, Peng JZ, Gu J. Surface-immobilized cross-linked cationic polyelectrolyte enables CO 2 reduction with metal cation-free acidic electrolyte. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5640. [PMID: 37704616 PMCID: PMC10499993 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41396-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrochemical CO2 reduction in acidic electrolytes is a promising strategy to achieve high utilization efficiency of CO2. Although alkali cations in acidic electrolytes play a vital role in suppressing hydrogen evolution and promoting CO2 reduction, they also cause precipitation of bicarbonate on the gas diffusion electrode (GDE), flooding of electrolyte through the GDE, and drift of the electrolyte pH. In this work, we realize the electroreduction of CO2 in a metal cation-free acidic electrolyte by covering the catalyst with cross-linked poly-diallyldimethylammonium chloride. This polyelectrolyte provides a high density of cationic sites immobilized on the surface of the catalyst, which suppresses the mass transport of H+ and modulates the interfacial field strength. By adopting this strategy, the Faradaic efficiency (FE) of CO reaches 95 ± 3% with the Ag catalyst and the FE of formic acid reaches 76 ± 3% with the In catalyst in a 1.0 pH electrolyte in a flow cell. More importantly, with the metal cation-free acidic electrolyte the amount of electrolyte flooding through the GDE is decreased to 2.5 ± 0.6% of that with alkali cation-containing acidic electrolyte, and the FE of CO maintains above 80% over 36 h of operation at -200 mA·cm-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Gang Qin
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun-Fan Du
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi-Yang Bai
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fu-Zhi Li
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xian Yue
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian-Zhao Peng
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Gu
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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23
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Zhou B, Zhan G, Yao Y, Zhang W, Zhao S, Quan F, Fang C, Shi Y, Huang Y, Jia F, Zhang L. Renewable energy driven electroreduction nitrate to ammonia and in-situ ammonia recovery via a flow-through coupled device. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120256. [PMID: 37354842 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Green ammonia production from wastewater via electrochemical nitrate reduction contributes substantially to the realization of carbon neutrality. Nonetheless, the current electrochemical technology is largely limited by the lack of suitable device for efficient and continuous electroreduction nitrate into ammonia and in-situ ammonia recovery. Here, we report a flow-through coupled device composed of a compact electrocatalytic cell for efficient nitrate reduction and a unit to separate the produced ammonia without any pH adjustment and additional energy-input from the circulating nitrate-containing wastewater. Using an efficient and selective Cl-modified Cu foam electrode, nearly 100% NO3- electroreduction efficiency and over 82.5% NH3 Faradaic efficiency was realized for a wide range of nitrate-containing wastewater from 50 to 200 mg NO3--N L-1. Moreover, this flow-through coupled device can continuingly operate at a large current of 800 mA over 100 h with a sustained NH3 yield rate of 420 μg h-1 cm-2 for nitrate-containing wastewater treatment (50 mg NO3--N L-1). When driven by solar energy, the flow-through coupled device can also exhibit exceptional real wastewater treatment performance, delivering great potential for practical application. This work paves a new avenue for clean energy production and environmental sustainability as well as carbon neutrality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Guangming Zhan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yancai Yao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
| | - Weixing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Shengxi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Fengjiao Quan
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Chuyang Fang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Yanbiao Shi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Falong Jia
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China.
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24
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Weng S, Toh WL, Surendranath Y. Weakly Coordinating Organic Cations Are Intrinsically Capable of Supporting CO 2 Reduction Catalysis. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37486158 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The rates and selectivity of electrochemical CO2 reduction are known to be strongly influenced by the identity of alkali metal cations in the medium. However, experimentally, it remains unclear whether cation effects arise predominantly from coordinative stabilization of surface intermediates or from changes in the mean-field electrostatic environment at the interface. Herein, we show that Au- and Ag-catalyzed CO2 reduction can occur in the presence of weakly coordinating (poly)tetraalkylammonium cations. Through competition experiments in which the catalytic activity of Au was monitored as a function of the ratio of the organic to metal cation, we identify regimes in which the organic cation exclusively controls CO2 reduction selectivity and activity. We observe substantial CO production in this regime, suggesting that CO2 reduction catalysis can occur in the absence of Lewis acidic cations, and thus, coordinative interactions between the electrolyte cations and surface-bound intermediates are not required for CO2 activation. For both Au and Ag, we find that tetraalkylammonium cations support catalytic activity for CO2 reduction on par with alkali metal cations but with distinct cation activity trends between Au and Ag. These findings support a revision in electrolyte design rules to include water-soluble organic cation salts as potential supporting electrolytes for CO2 electrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Weng
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Wei Lun Toh
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yogesh Surendranath
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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25
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Petit T, Lounasvuori M, Chemin A, Bärmann P. Nanointerfaces: Concepts and Strategies for Optical and X-ray Spectroscopic Characterization. ACS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY AU 2023; 3:263-278. [PMID: 37249937 PMCID: PMC10214513 DOI: 10.1021/acsphyschemau.2c00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Interfaces at the nanoscale, also called nanointerfaces, play a fundamental role in physics and chemistry. Probing the chemical and electronic environment at nanointerfaces is essential in order to elucidate chemical processes relevant for applications in a variety of fields. Many spectroscopic techniques have been applied for this purpose, although some approaches are more appropriate than others depending on the type of the nanointerface and the physical properties of the different phases. In this Perspective, we introduce the major concepts to be considered when characterizing nanointerfaces. In particular, the interplay between the characteristic length of the nanointerfaces, and the probing and information depths of different spectroscopy techniques is discussed. Differences between nano- and bulk interfaces are explained and illustrated with chosen examples from optical and X-ray spectroscopies, focusing on solid-liquid nanointerfaces. We hope that this Perspective will help to prepare spectroscopic characterization of nanointerfaces and stimulate interest in the development of new spectroscopic techniques adapted to the nanointerfaces.
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26
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Patra KK, Gopinath CS. CO 2 electrolysis towards large scale operation: rational catalyst and electrolyte design for efficient flow-cell. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023. [PMID: 37162296 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc01231j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to renewable fuels/chemicals is a potential approach towards addressing the carbon neutral economy. To date, a comprehensive analysis of key performance indicators, such as an intrinsic property of catalyst, reaction environment and technological advancement in the flow cell, is limited. In this study, we discuss how the design of catalyst material, electrolyte and engineering gas diffusion electrode (GDE) could affect the CO2RR in a gas-fed flow cell. Significant emphasis is given to scale-up requirements, such as promising catalysts with a partial current density of ≥100 mA cm-2 and high faradaic efficiency. Additional experimental hurdles and their potential solutions, as well as the best available protocols for data acquisition for catalyst activity evaluation, are listed. We believe this manuscript provides some insights into the making of catalysts and electrolytes in a rational manner along with the engineering of GDEs towards CO2RR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshirodra Kumar Patra
- Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India.
| | - Chinnakonda S Gopinath
- Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, India
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27
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Chu AT, Jung O, Toh WL, Surendranath Y. Organic Non-Nucleophilic Electrolyte Resists Carbonation during Selective CO 2 Electroreduction. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:9617-9623. [PMID: 37093640 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The spontaneous reaction of CO2 with water and hydroxide to form (bi)carbonates in alkaline aqueous electrolytes compromises the energy and carbon efficiency of CO2 electrolyzers. We hypothesized that electrolyte carbonation could be mitigated by operating the reaction in an aprotic solvent with low water content, while also employing an exogenous non-nucleophilic acid as the proton donor to prevent parasitic capture of CO2 by its conjugate base. However, it is unclear whether such an electrolyte design could simultaneously engender high CO2 reduction selectivity and low electrolyte carbonation. We herein report selective CO2 electroreduction with low carbonate formation on a polycrystalline Au catalyst using dimethyl sulfoxide as the solvent and acetic acid/acetate as the proton-donating medium. CO2 is reduced to CO with over 90% faradaic efficiency at potentials relative to the reversible hydrogen electrode that are comparable to those in neutral aqueous electrolytes. 1H and 13C NMR studies demonstrate that only millimolar concentrations of bicarbonates are reversibly formed, that the proton activity of the medium is largely unaffected by exposure to CO2, and that low carbonation is maintained upon addition of 1 M water. This work demonstrates that electrolyte carbonation can be attenuated and decoupled from efficient CO2 reduction in an aprotic solvent, offering new electrolyte design principles for low-temperature CO2 electroreduction systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- An T Chu
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Onyu Jung
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Wei Lun Toh
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yogesh Surendranath
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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28
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Tseng C, Pennathur AK, Blauth D, Salazar N, Dawlaty JM. Direct Determination of Plasmon Enhancement Factor and Penetration Depths in Surface Enhanced IR Absorption Spectroscopy. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:3179-3184. [PMID: 36812524 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Surface Enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy (SEIRAS) is a powerful tool for studying a wide range of surface and electrochemical phenomena. For most electrochemical experiments the evanescent field of an IR beam partially penetrates through a thin metal electrode deposited on top of an attenuated total reflection (ATR) crystal to interact with molecules of interest. Despite its success, a major problem that complicates quantitative interpretation of the spectra from this method is the ambiguity of the enhancement factor due to plasmon effects in metals. We developed a systematic method for measuring this, which relies upon independent determination of surface coverage by Coulometry of a surface-bound redox-active species. Following that, we measure the SEIRAS spectrum of the surface bound species, and from the knowledge of surface coverage, retrieve the effective molar absorptivity, εSEIRAS. Comparing this to the independently determined bulk molar absorptivity leads us to the enhancement factor f = εSEIRAS/εbulk. We report enhancement factors in excess of 1000 for the C-H stretches of surface bound ferrocene molecules. We additionally developed a methodical approach to measure the penetration depth of the evanescent field from the metal electrode into a thin film. Such systematic measure of the enhancement factor and penetration depth will help SEIRAS advance from a qualitative to a more quantitative method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Tseng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, California, Los Angeles 90089, United States
| | - Anuj K Pennathur
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, California, Los Angeles 90089, United States
| | - Drew Blauth
- Department of Chemistry, Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Oregon 97219, United States
| | - Noemi Salazar
- Department of Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Jahan M Dawlaty
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, California, Los Angeles 90089, United States
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29
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Tian M, Wu S, Hu Y, Mu Z, Li Z, Hou Y, Xi P, Yan CH. Doping and pretreatment optimized the adsorption of *OCHO on bismuth for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO 2 to formate. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:4477-4487. [PMID: 36752707 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr06638f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to formate is considered as a promising method to achieve carbon neutrality, and the introduction of heteroatoms is an effective strategy to improve the catalytic activity and selectivity of catalysts. However, the structural reconstruction behavior of catalysts driven by voltage is usually ignored. Therefore, we used Cu/Bi2S3 as a model to reveal the dynamic reduction process in different atmospheric environments. The catalyst showed an outstanding faradaic efficiency of 94% for formate and a long-term stability of 100 h, and exhibited a high current density of 280 mA cm-2 in a flow cell. The experimental results and theoretical calculations show that the introduction of copper enhances the adsorption of CO2, accelerates the charge transfer and reduces the formation barrier of *OCHO, thus promoting the formation of formate. This work draws attention to the effects of saturated gases in the electrolyte during structural evolution and provides a possibility for designing catalysts with high catalytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Shanshan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Yang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Zhaori Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Yichao Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Pinxian Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Chun-Hua Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Materials Chemistry and Applications, PKU-HKU Joint Laboratory in Rare Earth Materials and Bioinorganic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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30
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Yuan LJ, Sui XL, Liu C, Zhuo YL, Li Q, Pan H, Wang ZB. Electrocatalysis Mechanism and Structure-Activity Relationship of Atomically Dispersed Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Reactions. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2201524. [PMID: 36642792 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202201524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen-carbon catalysts (M-N-C) have been widely used in the field of energy conversion, which has already attracted a huge amount of attention. Due to their unsaturated d-band electronic structure of the center atoms, M-N-C catalysts can be applied in different electrocatalytic reactions by adjusting their own microscopic electronic structures to achieve the optimization of the structure-activity relationship. Consequently, it is of great significance for the revelation of electrocatalytic mechanism and structure-activity relationship of M-N-C catalysts. Thus, this review first introduces the relative research methods, including in situ/operando characterization techniques and theoretical calculation methods. Furthermore, clarifying the electrocatalytic mechanism and structure-activity relationship of M-N-C catalysts in different electrochemical energy conversion reactions is focused. Moreover, the future research directions are pointed out based on the discussion. This review will provide good guidance to systematically study the catalytic mechanism of single-atom catalysts and reasonably design the single-atom catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Ji Yuan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Advance Technology of Ceramics, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Xu-Lei Sui
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Advance Technology of Ceramics, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Chang Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Advance Technology of Ceramics, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Ling Zhuo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Advance Technology of Ceramics, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Qi Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Advance Technology of Ceramics, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Hui Pan
- Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Macao, SAR, 999078, China
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macao, SAR, 999078, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Advance Technology of Ceramics, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
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31
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Chen S, Li X, Li H, Chen K, Luo T, Fu J, Liu K, Wang Q, Zhu M, Liu M. Proton Transfer Dynamics-Mediated CO 2 Electroreduction. CHEMSUSCHEM 2023:e202202251. [PMID: 36820747 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202202251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR) is crucial to addressing environmental crises and producing chemicals. Proton activation and transfer are essential in CO2 RR. To date, few research reviews have focused on this process and its effect on catalytic performance. Recent studies have demonstrated ways to improve CO2 RR by regulating proton transfer dynamics. This Concept highlights the use of regulating proton transfer dynamics to enhance CO2 RR for the target product and discusses modulation strategies for proton transfer dynamics and operative mechanisms in typical systems, including single-atom catalysts, molecular catalysts, metal heterointerfaces, and organic-ligand modified metal catalysts. Characterization methods for proton transfer dynamics during CO2 RR are also discussed, providing powerful tools for the hydrogen-involving electrochemical study. This Concept offers new insights into the CO2 RR mechanism and guides the design of efficient CO2 RR systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanyong Chen
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physical and Electronics, Central South University, 410083, Changsha, P. R. China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, 511443, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Materials Interface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, 410083, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physical and Electronics, Central South University, 410083, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physical and Electronics, Central South University, 410083, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Kejun Chen
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physical and Electronics, Central South University, 410083, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Tao Luo
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physical and Electronics, Central South University, 410083, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Junwei Fu
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physical and Electronics, Central South University, 410083, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Kang Liu
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physical and Electronics, Central South University, 410083, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Qiyou Wang
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physical and Electronics, Central South University, 410083, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Mingshan Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, 511443, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Min Liu
- Hunan Joint International Research Center for Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization, State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, School of Physical and Electronics, Central South University, 410083, Changsha, P. R. China
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32
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Smith MR, Martin CB, Arumuganainar S, Gilman A, Koel BE, Sarazen ML. Mechanistic Elucidations of Highly Dispersed Metalloporphyrin Metal-Organic Framework Catalysts for CO 2 Electroreduction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202218208. [PMID: 36584349 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202218208] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Immobilization of porphyrin complexes into crystalline metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) enables high exposure of porphyrin active sites for CO2 electroreduction. Herein, well-dispersed iron-porphyrin-based MOF (PCN-222(Fe)) on carbon-based electrodes revealed optimal turnover frequencies for CO2 electroreduction to CO at 1 wt.% catalyst loading, beyond which the intrinsic catalyst activity declined due to CO2 mass transport limitations. In situ Raman suggested that PCN-222(Fe) maintained its structure under electrochemical bias, permitting mechanistic investigations. These revealed a stepwise electron transfer-proton transfer mechanism for CO2 electroreduction on PCN-222(Fe) electrodes, which followed a shift from a rate-limiting electron transfer to CO2 mass transfer as the potential increased from -0.6 V to -1.0 V vs. RHE. Our results demonstrate how intrinsic catalytic investigations and in situ spectroscopy are needed to elucidate CO2 electroreduction mechanisms on PCN-222(Fe) MOFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Smith
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Clare B Martin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Sonia Arumuganainar
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Ari Gilman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Bruce E Koel
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Michele L Sarazen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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33
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Seong H, Jo Y, Efremov V, Kim Y, Park S, Han SM, Chang K, Park J, Choi W, Kim W, Choi CH, Yoo JS, Lee D. Transplanting Gold Active Sites into Non-Precious-Metal Nanoclusters for Efficient CO 2-to-CO Electroreduction. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:2152-2160. [PMID: 36657026 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c09170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is greatly facilitated by Au surfaces. However, large fractions of underlying Au atoms are generally unused during the catalytic reaction, which limits mass activity. Herein, we report a strategy for preparing efficient electrocatalysts with high mass activities by the atomic-level transplantation of Au active sites into a Ni4 nanocluster (NC). While the Ni4 NC exclusively produces H2, the Au-transplanted NC selectively produces CO over H2. The origin of the contrasting selectivity observed for this NC is investigated by combining operando and theoretical studies, which reveal that while the Ni sites are almost completely blocked by the CO intermediate in both NCs, the Au sites act as active sites for CO2-to-CO electroreduction. The Au-transplanted NC exhibits a remarkable turnover frequency and mass activity for CO production (206 molCO/molNC/s and 25,228 A/gAu, respectively, at an overpotential of 0.32 V) and high durability toward the CO2RR over 25 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoeun Seong
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongsung Jo
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Vladimir Efremov
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sojung Park
- Department of Energy Engineering/KENTECH Institute for Environmental and Climate Technology, Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), Naju 58330, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Myeong Han
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiyoung Chang
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwoo Park
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Woojun Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Medical Chemistry, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwon 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooyul Kim
- Department of Energy Engineering/KENTECH Institute for Environmental and Climate Technology, Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), Naju 58330, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hyuck Choi
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Suk Yoo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongil Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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34
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Liang Y, Zhao J, Yang Y, Hung SF, Li J, Zhang S, Zhao Y, Zhang A, Wang C, Appadoo D, Zhang L, Geng Z, Li F, Zeng J. Stabilizing copper sites in coordination polymers toward efficient electrochemical C-C coupling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:474. [PMID: 36710270 PMCID: PMC9884666 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35993-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroreduction of carbon dioxide with renewable electricity holds promise for achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Single-site catalysts have been reported to catalyze carbon-carbon (C-C) coupling-the indispensable step for more valuable multi-carbon (C2+) products-but were proven to be transformed in situ to metallic agglomerations under working conditions. Here, we report a stable single-site copper coordination polymer (Cu(OH)BTA) with periodic neighboring coppers and it exhibits 1.5 times increase of C2H4 selectivity compared to its metallic counterpart at 500 mA cm-2. In-situ/operando X-ray absorption, Raman, and infrared spectroscopies reveal that the catalyst remains structurally stable and does not undergo a dynamic transformation during reaction. Electrochemical and kinetic isotope effect analyses together with computational calculations show that neighboring Cu in the polymer provides suitably-distanced dual sites that enable the energetically favorable formation of an *OCCHO intermediate post a rate-determining step of CO hydrogenation. Accommodation of this intermediate imposes little changes of conformational energy to the catalyst structure during the C-C coupling. We stably operate full-device CO2 electrolysis at an industry-relevant current of one ampere for 67 h in a membrane electrode assembly. The coordination polymers provide a perspective on designing molecularly stable, single-site catalysts for electrochemical CO2 conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiang Liang
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026 P. R. China
| | - Jiankang Zhao
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026 P. R. China
| | - Yu Yang
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Sung-Fu Hung
- grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan
| | - Jun Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China
| | - Shuzhen Zhang
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Yong Zhao
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - An Zhang
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026 P. R. China
| | - Cheng Wang
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026 P. R. China
| | - Dominique Appadoo
- grid.248753.f0000 0004 0562 0567Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Lei Zhang
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026 P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Geng
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026 P. R. China
| | - Fengwang Li
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSchool of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Jie Zeng
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026 P. R. China
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35
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Qin X, Vegge T, Hansen HA. Cation-Coordinated Inner-Sphere CO 2 Electroreduction at Au-Water Interfaces. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:1897-1905. [PMID: 36630567 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c11643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a promising technology for the clean energy economy. Numerous efforts have been devoted to enhancing the mechanistic understanding of CO2RR from both experimental and theoretical studies. Electrolyte ions are critical for the CO2RR; however, the role of alkali metal cations is highly controversial, and a complete free energy diagram of CO2RR at Au-water interfaces is still missing. Here, we provide a systematic mechanism study toward CO2RR via ab initio molecular dynamics simulations integrated with the slow-growth sampling (SG-AIMD) method. By using the SG-AIMD approach, we demonstrate that CO2RR is facile at the inner-sphere interface in the presence of K cations, which promote the CO2 activation with the free energy barrier of only 0.66 eV. Furthermore, the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is inhibited by the interfacial cations with the induced kinetic blockage effect, where the rate-limiting Volmer step shows a much higher energy barrier (1.27 eV). Eventually, a comprehensive free energy diagram including both kinetics and thermodynamics of the CO2RR to CO and the HER at the electrochemical interface is derived, which illustrates the critical role of cations on the overall performance of CO2 electroreduction by facilitating CO2 adsorption while suppressing the hydrogen evolution at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Qin
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby2800, Denmark
| | - Tejs Vegge
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby2800, Denmark
| | - Heine Anton Hansen
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby2800, Denmark
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36
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Zu X, Zhao Y, Li X, Chen R, Shao W, Li L, Qiao P, Yan W, Pan Y, Xu Q, Zhu J, Sun Y, Xie Y. Reversible Switching Cu II /Cu I Single Sites Catalyze High-rate and Selective CO 2 Photoreduction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215247. [PMID: 36347791 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215247] [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: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we first design a model of reversible redox-switching metal-organic framework single-unit-cell sheets, where the abundant metal single sites benefit for highly selective CO2 reduction, while the reversible redox-switching metal sites can effectively activate CO2 molecules. Taking the synthetic Cu-MOF single-unit-cell sheets as an example, synchrotron-radiation quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron spectra unravel the reversible switching CuII /CuI single sites initially accept photoexcited electrons and then donate them to CO2 molecules, which favors the rate-liming activation into CO2 δ- , verified by in situ FTIR spectra and Gibbs free energy calculations. As an outcome, Cu-MOF single-unit-cell sheets achieve near 100 % selectivity for CO2 photoreduction to CO with a high rate of 860 μmol g-1 h-1 without any sacrifice reagent or photosensitizer, where both the activity and selectivity outperform previously reported photocatalysts evaluated under similar conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Zu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at Microscale, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at Microscale, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at Microscale, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Runhua Chen
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at Microscale, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Weiwei Shao
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at Microscale, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Li Li
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at Microscale, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Panzhe Qiao
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201204, P. R. China
| | - Wensheng Yan
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at Microscale, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yang Pan
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at Microscale, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Qian Xu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at Microscale, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Junfa Zhu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at Microscale, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Yongfu Sun
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at Microscale, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China.,Institute of Energy, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Science at Microscale, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China.,Institute of Energy, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, 230031, China
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37
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Qin HG, Li FZ, Du YF, Yang LF, Wang H, Bai YY, Lin M, Gu J. Quantitative Understanding of Cation Effects on the Electrochemical Reduction of CO 2 and H + in Acidic Solution. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c04875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Gang Qin
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China
| | - Fu-Zhi Li
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China
| | - Yun-Fan Du
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China
| | - Lin-Feng Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China
| | - Yi-Yang Bai
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China
| | - Meng Lin
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China
| | - Jun Gu
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong518055, China
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38
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Ren W, Xu A, Chan K, Hu X. A Cation Concentration Gradient Approach to Tune the Selectivity and Activity of CO
2
Electroreduction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202214173. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202214173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Ren
- Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Catalysis Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), ISIC-LSCI 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Aoni Xu
- Catalysis Theory Center Department of Physics Technical University of Denmark 2800 Kgs. Lyngby Denmark
| | - Karen Chan
- Catalysis Theory Center Department of Physics Technical University of Denmark 2800 Kgs. Lyngby Denmark
| | - Xile Hu
- Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Catalysis Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), ISIC-LSCI 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
- National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) Catalysis, EPFL 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
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39
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Fundamental aspects in CO2 electroreduction reaction and solutions from in situ vibrational spectroscopies. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2067(22)64095-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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40
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Neyrizi S, Kiewiet J, Hempenius MA, Mul G. What It Takes for Imidazolium Cations to Promote Electrochemical Reduction of CO 2. ACS ENERGY LETTERS 2022; 7:3439-3446. [PMID: 36277133 PMCID: PMC9578038 DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.2c01372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Imidazolium cations enhance the performance of several electrodes in converting CO2 to CO in non-aqueous media. In this publication, we elucidate the origin of the function of imidazolium cations when exposed to Au electrodes in anhydrous acetonitrile in CO2 atmosphere. We demonstrate that imidazolium cations lead to unprecedentedly low overpotentials for CO2 reduction to CO on Au, with ∼100% Faradaic efficiency. By modification of the N1 and N3 functionality of the imidazolium cation, we show a direct correlation between the performance in CO2 reduction and the C2-H acidity of the cation. Based on NMR analyses, DFT calculations, and isotopic labeling, showing an inverse kinetic isotope effect, we demonstrate that the mechanism involves a concerted proton-electron transfer to the electrode-adsorbed CO2 intermediate. The demonstrated mechanism provides guidelines for improvement in the energy efficiency of non-aqueous electrochemical CO2 reduction, by a tailored design of electrolyte cations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobhan Neyrizi
- Photocatalytic
Synthesis Group, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The
Netherlands
- Sustainable
Polymer Chemistry, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Joep Kiewiet
- Photocatalytic
Synthesis Group, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The
Netherlands
| | - Mark A. Hempenius
- Sustainable
Polymer Chemistry, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Guido Mul
- Photocatalytic
Synthesis Group, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The
Netherlands
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41
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Ye C, Raaijman SJ, Chen X, Koper MTM. Enhanced Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction to Formate on Poly(4-vinylpyridine)-Modified Copper and Gold Electrodes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:45263-45271. [PMID: 36166505 PMCID: PMC9562278 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c10452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Developing active and selective catalysts that convert CO2 into valuable products remains a critical challenge for further application of the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Catalytic tuning with organic additives/films has emerged as a promising strategy to tune CO2RR activity and selectivity. Herein, we report a facile method to significantly change CO2RR selectivity and activity of copper and gold electrodes. We found improved selectivity toward HCOOH at low overpotentials on both polycrystalline Cu and Au electrodes after chemical modification with a poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) layer. In situ attenuated total reflection surface-enhanced infrared reflection-adsorption spectroscopy and contact angle measurements indicate that the hydrophobic nature of the P4VP layer limits mass transport of HCO3- and H2O, whereas it has little influence on CO2 mass transport. Moreover, the early onset of HCOOH formation and the enhanced formation of HCOOH over CO suggest that P4VP modification promotes a surface hydride mechanism for HCOOH formation on both electrodes.
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42
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Shin SJ, Choi H, Ringe S, Won DH, Oh HS, Kim DH, Lee T, Nam DH, Kim H, Choi CH. A unifying mechanism for cation effect modulating C1 and C2 productions from CO 2 electroreduction. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5482. [PMID: 36123326 PMCID: PMC9485141 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33199-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrocatalysis, whose reaction venue locates at the catalyst-electrolyte interface, is controlled by the electron transfer across the electric double layer, envisaging a mechanistic link between the electron transfer rate and the electric double layer structure. A fine example is in the CO2 reduction reaction, of which rate shows a strong dependence on the alkali metal cation (M+) identity, but there is yet to be a unified molecular picture for that. Using quantum-mechanics-based atom-scale simulation, we herein scrutinize the M+-coupling capability to possible intermediates, and establish H+- and M+-associated ET mechanisms for CH4 and CO/C2H4 formations, respectively. These theoretical scenarios are successfully underpinned by Nernstian shifts of polarization curves with the H+ or M+ concentrations and the first-order kinetics of CO/C2H4 formation on the electrode surface charge density. Our finding further rationalizes the merit of using Nafion-coated electrode for enhanced C2 production in terms of enhanced surface charge density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Jae Shin
- grid.37172.300000 0001 2292 0500Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Hansol Choi
- grid.61221.360000 0001 1033 9831School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005 Republic of Korea
| | - Stefan Ringe
- grid.222754.40000 0001 0840 2678Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841 Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hye Won
- grid.35541.360000000121053345Clean Energy Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Suk Oh
- grid.35541.360000000121053345Clean Energy Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792 Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Taemin Lee
- grid.417736.00000 0004 0438 6721Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, 42988 Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hyun Nam
- grid.417736.00000 0004 0438 6721Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, 42988 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungjun Kim
- grid.37172.300000 0001 2292 0500Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hyuck Choi
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 Republic of Korea
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43
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Zhao H, Cao H, Zhang Z, Wang YG. Modeling the Potential-Dependent Kinetics of CO 2 Electroreduction on Single-Nickel Atom Catalysts with Explicit Solvation. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c02383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Energy Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Energy Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Zisheng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 607 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yang-Gang Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Energy Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Department of Chemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China
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44
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Shan W, Liu R, Zhao H, Liu J. Bicarbonate Rebalances the *COOH/*OCO - Dual Pathways in CO 2 Electrocatalytic Reduction: In Situ Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopic Evidence. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:7296-7305. [PMID: 35916783 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the reactive site/CO2/electrolyte interfacial behaviors is very crucial for the design of an advantageous CO2 electrocatalytic reduction (CO2ER) system. One important but unrevealed question is how the CO2ER process is influenced by the high concentration of HCO3-, which is deliberately added as electrolyte or from the inevitable reaction between dissolved CO2 and OH-. Here, we provide unambiguous in situ spectroscopic evidence that on Ag-based catalysts, HCO3- is apt to facilitate *OCO- generation and therefore rebalances CO2ER pathways. By employing an alternative acid electrolyte to restrict the exchange between CO2 and HCO3- and eliminating the effect of solution pH, we reveal that HCO3- can decrease the onset potential of *OCO- and promote further formate production. Theoretical calculations indicate HCO3- can stabilize the adsorption of *OCO- instead of *COOH. The renewed understanding of the role of HCO3- could facilitate the judicious selection of electrolytes to regulate the CO2ER pathway and product distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyu Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute of Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Huachao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jingfu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute of Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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45
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Cao B, Li FZ, Gu J. Designing Cu-Based Tandem Catalysts for CO 2 Electroreduction Based on Mass Transport of CO Intermediate. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c02579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cao
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Fu-Zhi Li
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jun Gu
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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46
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Jeong S, Choi MH, Jagdale GS, Zhong Y, Siepser NP, Wang Y, Zhan X, Baker LA, Ye X. Unraveling the Structural Sensitivity of CO 2 Electroreduction at Facet-Defined Nanocrystals via Correlative Single-Entity and Macroelectrode Measurements. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:12673-12680. [PMID: 35793438 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c02001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The conversion of CO2 into value-added products is a compelling way of storing energy derived from intermittent renewable sources and can bring us closer to a closed-loop anthropogenic carbon cycle. The ability to synthesize nanocrystals of well-defined structure and composition has invigorated catalysis science with the promise of nanocrystals that selectively express the most favorable sites for efficient catalysis. The performance of nanocrystal catalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is typically evaluated with nanocrystal ensembles, which returns an averaged system-level response of complex catalyst-modified electrodes with each nanocrystal likely contributing a different (unknown) amount. Measurements at single nanocrystals, taken in the context of statistical analysis of a population, and comparison to macroscale measurements are necessary to untangle the complexity of the ever-present heterogeneity in nanocrystal catalysts, achieve true structure-property correlation, and potentially identify nanocrystals with outlier performance. Here, we employ environment-controlled scanning electrochemical cell microscopy to isolate and investigate the electrocatalytic CO2RR response of individual facet-defined gold nanocrystals. Using correlative microscopy approaches, we conclusively demonstrate that {110}-terminated gold rhombohedra possess superior activity and selectivity for CO2RR compared with {111}-terminated octahedra and high-index {310}-terminated truncated ditetragonal prisms, especially at low overpotentials where electrode kinetics is anticipated to dominate the current response. The methodology framework described here could inform future studies of complex electrocatalytic processes through correlative single-entity and macroscale measurement techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soojin Jeong
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Myung-Hoon Choi
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, 580 Ross St, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Gargi S Jagdale
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Yaxu Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Natasha P Siepser
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Xun Zhan
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Lane A Baker
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, 580 Ross St, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Xingchen Ye
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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Ovalle VJ, Hsu YS, Agrawal N, Janik MJ, Waegele MM. Correlating hydration free energy and specific adsorption of alkali metal cations during CO2 electroreduction on Au. Nat Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1038/s41929-022-00816-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Marcandalli G, Monteiro MCO, Goyal A, Koper MTM. Electrolyte Effects on CO 2 Electrochemical Reduction to CO. Acc Chem Res 2022; 55:1900-1911. [PMID: 35772054 PMCID: PMC9301915 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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The electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) constitutes
an alternative to fossil fuel-based technologies for the production
of fuels and commodity chemicals. Yet the application of CO2RR electrolyzers
is hampered by low energy and Faradaic efficiencies. Concomitant electrochemical
reactions, like hydrogen evolution (HER), lower the selectivity, while
the conversion of CO2 into (bi)carbonate through solution
acid–base reactions induces an additional concentration overpotential.
During CO2RR in aqueous media, the local pH becomes more alkaline
than the bulk causing an additional consumption of CO2 by
the homogeneous reactions. The latter effect, in combination with
the low solubility of CO2 in aqueous electrolytes (33 mM),
leads to a significant depletion in CO2 concentration at
the electrode surface. The nature of the electrolyte, in terms
of pH and cation identity,
has recently emerged as an important factor to tune both the energy
and Faradaic efficiency. In this Account, we summarize the recent
advances in understanding electrolyte effects on CO2RR to CO in aqueous
solutions, which is the first, and crucial, step to further reduced
products. To compare literature findings in a meaningful way, we focus
on results reported under well-defined mass transport conditions and
using online analytical techniques. The discussion covers the molecular-level
understanding of the effects of the proton donor, in terms of the
suppression of the CO2 gradient vs enhancement of HER at
a given mass transport rate and of the cation, which is crucial in
enabling both CO2RR and HER. These mechanistic insights are then translated
into possible implications for industrially relevant cell geometries
and current densities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Marcandalli
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mariana C O Monteiro
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Akansha Goyal
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marc T M Koper
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Rebstock JA, Zhu Q, Baker LR. Comparing interfacial cation hydration at catalytic active sites and spectator sites on gold electrodes: understanding structure sensitive CO 2 reduction kinetics. Chem Sci 2022; 13:7634-7643. [PMID: 35872825 PMCID: PMC9242014 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc01878k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrated cations present in the electrochemical double layer (EDL) are known to play a crucial role in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (CO2R), and numerous studies have attempted to explain how the cation effect contributes to the complex CO2R mechanism. CO2R is a structure sensitive reaction, indicating that a small fraction of total surface sites may account for the majority of catalytic turnover. Despite intense interest in specific cation effects, probing site-specific, cation-dependent solvation structures remains a significant challenge. In this work, CO adsorbed on Au is used as a vibrational Stark reporter to indirectly probe solvation structure using vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy. Two modes corresponding to atop adsorption of CO are observed with unique frequency shifts and potential-dependent intensity profiles, corresponding to direct adsorption of CO to inactive surface sites, and in situ generated CO produced at catalytic active sites. Analysis of the cation-dependent Stark tuning slopes for each of these species provides estimates of the hydrated cation radius upon adsorption to active and inactive sites on the Au electrode. While cations are found to retain their bulk hydration shell upon adsorption at inactive sites, catalytic active sites are characterized by a single layer of water between the Au surface and the electrolyte cation. We propose that the drastic increase in catalytic performance at active sites stems from this unique solvation structure at the Au/electrolyte interface. Building on this evidence of a site-specific EDL structure will be critical to understand the connection between cation-dependent interfacial solvation and CO2R performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn A Rebstock
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio 43210 USA
| | - Quansong Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio 43210 USA
| | - L Robert Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio 43210 USA
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Vos RE, Koper MTM. The Effect of Temperature on the Cation‐Promoted Electrochemical CO
2
Reduction on Gold. ChemElectroChem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202200239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rafaël E. Vos
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry Leiden University 2300 RA Leiden
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