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Chen X, Cheng Y, Zhang B, Zhou J, He S. Gradient-concentration RuCo electrocatalyst for efficient and stable electroreduction of nitrate into ammonia. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6278. [PMID: 39054325 PMCID: PMC11272931 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50670-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia holds great promise for developing green technologies for electrochemical ammonia energy conversion and storage. Considering that real nitrate resources often exhibit low concentrations, it is challenging to achieve high activity in low-concentration nitrate solutions due to the competing reaction of the hydrogen evolution reaction, let alone considering the catalyst lifetime. Herein, we present a high nitrate reduction performance electrocatalyst based on a Co nanosheet structure with a gradient dispersion of Ru, which yields a high NH3 Faraday efficiency of over 93% at an industrially relevant NH3 current density of 1.0 A/cm2 in 2000 ppm NO3- electrolyte, while maintaining good stability for 720 h under -300 mA/cm2. The electrocatalyst maintains high activity even in 62 ppm NO3- electrolyte. Electrochemical studies, density functional theory, electrochemical in situ Raman, and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy confirm that the gradient concentration design of the catalyst reduces the reaction energy barrier to improve its activity and suppresses the catalyst evolution caused by the expansion of the Co lattice to enhance its stability. The gradient-driven design in this work provides a direction for improving the performance of electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yumeng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China.
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
| | - Sisi He
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China.
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
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2
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Garg A, Saha A, Dutta S, Pati SK, Eswaramoorthy M, Rao C. High Ammonia Yield Rate from Dilute Nitrate Solutions Using a Cu(100)-Rich Foil: A Step Closer to Large-Scale Production. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:36392-36400. [PMID: 38963227 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c05818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO3-) ions to ammonia (NH3) provides an alternative method to eliminate harmful NO3- pollutants in water as well as to produce highly valuable NH3 chemicals. The NH3 yield rate however is still limited to the μmol h-1 cm-2 range when dealing with dilute NO3- concentrations found in waste streams. Copper (Cu) has attracted much attention because of its unique ability to effectively convert NO3- to NH3. We have reported a simple and scalable electrochemical method to produce a Cu foil having its surface covered with a porous Cu nanostructure enriched with (100) facets, which efficiently catalyzes NO3- to NH3. The Cu(100)-rich electrocatalyst showed a very high NH3 production rate of 1.1 mmol h-1 cm-2 in NO3- concentration as low as 14 mM NO3-, which is 4-5 times higher than the best-reported values. Increasing the NO3- concentration (140 mM) resulted in an NH3 production yield rate of 3.34 mmol h-1 cm-2. The durability test conducted for this catalyst foil in a flow cell system showed greater than 100 h stability with a Faradaic efficiency greater than 98%, demonstrating its potential to be used on an industrially relevant scale. Further, density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to understand the better catalytic activity of Cu(100) compared to Cu(111) facets toward NO3-RR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Garg
- Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit, School of Advanced Materials (SAMat), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Arunava Saha
- Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit, School of Advanced Materials (SAMat), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Supriti Dutta
- Theoretical Sciences Unit, School of Advanced Materials, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Swapan K Pati
- Theoretical Sciences Unit, School of Advanced Materials, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Muthusamy Eswaramoorthy
- Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit, School of Advanced Materials (SAMat), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
- International Centre for Materials Science, JNCASR, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Cnr Rao
- Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit, School of Advanced Materials (SAMat), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
- International Centre for Materials Science, JNCASR, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
- New Chemistry Unit, Sheikh Saqr Laboratory, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
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3
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Bu Y, Yu W, Yang Q, Zhang W, Sun Q, Wu W, Cui P, Wang C, Gao G. Membraneless Electrochemical Synthesis Strategy toward Nitrate-to-Ammonia Conversion. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:12708-12718. [PMID: 38953681 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02445] [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
Electroreduction of nitrate (NO3RR) to ammonia in membraneless electrolyzers is of great significance for reducing the cost and saving energy consumption. However, severe chemical crossover with side reactions makes it challenging to achieve ideal electrolysis. Herein, we propose a general strategy for efficient membraneless ammonia synthesis by screening NO3RR catalysts with inferior oxygen reduction activity and matching the counter electrode (CE) with good oxygen evolution activity while blocking anodic ammonia oxidation. Consequently, screening the available Co-Co system, the membraneless NO3--to-NH3 conversion performance was significantly higher than H-type cells using costly proton-exchange membranes. At 200 mA cm-2, the full-cell voltage of the membraneless system (∼2.5 V) is 4 V lower than that of the membrane system (∼6.5 V), and the savings are 61.4 kW h (or 56.9%) per 1 kg NH3 produced. A well-designed pulse process, inducing reversible surface reconstruction that in situ generates and restores the active Co(III) species at the working electrode and forms favorable Co3O4/CoOOH at the CE, further significantly improves NO3--to-NH3 conversion and blocks side reactions. A maximum NH3 yield rate of 1500.9 μmol cm-2 h-1 was achieved at -0.9 V (Faraday efficiency 92.6%). This pulse-coupled membraneless strategy provides new insights into design complex electrochemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguang Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenjing Yu
- Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Wenkai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qingyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wensu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Peixin Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Guandao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Chongqing Innovation Research Institute of Nanjing University, Chongqing 401121, China
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4
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Yang K, Han SH, Cheng C, Guo C, Li T, Yu Y. Unveiling the Reaction Mechanism of Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia Over Cobalt-Based Electrocatalysts. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12976-12983. [PMID: 38567925 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NRA) has emerged as an alternative strategy for sewage treatment and ammonia generation. Despite excellent performances having been achieved over cobalt-based electrocatalysts, the reaction mechanism as well as veritable active species across a wide potential range are still full of controversy. Here, we adopt CoP, Co, and Co3O4 as model materials to solve these issues. CoP evolves into a core@shell structured CoP@Co before NRA. For CoP@Co and Co catalysts, a three-step relay mechanism is carried out over superficial dynamical Coδ+ active species under low overpotential, while a continuous hydrogenation mechanism from nitrate to ammonia is unveiled over superficial Co species under high overpotential. In comparison, Co3O4 species are stable and steadily catalyze nitrate hydrogenation to ammonia across a wide potential range. As a result, CoP@Co and Co exhibit much higher NRA activity than Co3O4 especially under a low overpotential. Moreover, the NRA performance of CoP@Co is higher than Co although they experience the same reaction mechanism. A series of characterizations clarify the reason for performance enhancement highlighting that CoP core donates abundant electrons to superficial active species, leading to the generation of more active hydrogen for the reduction of nitrogen-containing intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Yang
- Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Shu-He Han
- Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chuanqi Cheng
- Institute of New Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chengying Guo
- Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Asia Silicon Joint Research Center of Ammonia-Hydrogen New Energy, Tianjin University, Xining 810000, China
| | - Tieliang Li
- Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yifu Yu
- Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Asia Silicon Joint Research Center of Ammonia-Hydrogen New Energy, Tianjin University, Xining 810000, China
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5
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Meese AF, Napier C, Kim DJ, Rigby K, Hedtke T, Leshchev D, Stavitski E, Parent LR, Kim JH. Underpotential Deposition of 3D Transition Metals: Versatile Electrosynthesis of Single-Atom Catalysts on Oxidized Carbon Supports. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2311341. [PMID: 38332453 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Use of single-atom catalysts (SACs) has become a popular strategy for tuning activity and selectivity toward specific pathways. However, conventional SAC synthesis methods require high temperatures and pressures, complicated procedures, and expensive equipment. Recently, underpotential deposition (UPD) has been investigated as a promising alternative, yielding high-loading SAC electrodes under ambient conditions and within minutes. Yet only few studies have employed UPD to synthesize SACs, and all have been limited to UPD of Cu. In this work, a flexible UPD approach for synthesis of mono- and bi-metallic Cu, Fe, Co, and Ni SACs directly on oxidized, commercially available carbon electrodes is reported. The UPD mechanism is investigated using in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and, finally, the catalytic performance of a UPD-synthesized Co SAC is assessed for electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia. The findings expand upon the usefulness and versatility of UPD for SAC synthesis, with hopes of enabling future research toward realization of fast, reliable, and fully electrified SAC synthesis processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Francis Meese
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Cade Napier
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - David J Kim
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Kali Rigby
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Tayler Hedtke
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Denis Leshchev
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Eli Stavitski
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Lucas R Parent
- Innovation Partnership Building, University of Connecticut, 159 Discovery Dr., Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Jae-Hong Kim
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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6
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Sun L, Dai C, Wang T, Jin X, Xu ZJ, Wang X. Modulating the Electronic Structure of Cobalt in Molecular Catalysts via Coordination Environment Regulation for Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Nitrate Reduction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202320027. [PMID: 38317616 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202320027] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) is pivotal in modern industry and represents a promising next-generation carbon-free energy carrier. Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (eNO3RR) presents viable solutions for NH3 production and removal of ambient nitrate pollutants. However, the development of eNO3RR is hindered by lacking the efficient electrocatalysts. To address this challenge, we synthesized a series of macrocyclic molecular catalysts for the heterogeneous eNO3RR. These materials possess different coordination environments around metal centers by surrounding subunits. Consequently, electronic structures of the active centers can be altered, enabling tunable activity towards eNO3RR. Our investigation reveals that metal center with an N2(pyrrole)-N2(pyridine) configuration demonstrates superior activity over the others and achieves a high NH3 Faradaic efficiency (FE) of over 90 % within the tested range, where the highest FE of approximately 94 % is obtained. Furthermore, it achieves a production rate of 11.28 mg mgcat -1 h-1, and a turnover frequency of up to 3.28 s-1. Further tests disclose that these molecular catalysts with diverse coordination environments showed different magnetic moments. Theoretical calculation results indicate that variated coordination environments can result in a d-band center variation which eventually affects rate-determining step energy and calculated magnetic moments, thus establishing a correlation between electronic structure, experimental activity, and computational parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Sun
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore Ltd (Cambridge CARES), CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Chencheng Dai
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore Ltd (Cambridge CARES), CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Tianjiao Wang
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore Ltd (Cambridge CARES), CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Xindie Jin
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore Ltd (Cambridge CARES), CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Zhichuan J Xu
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore Ltd (Cambridge CARES), CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
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7
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Xiong Y, Wang Y, Zhou J, Liu F, Hao F, Fan Z. Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction: Ammonia Synthesis and the Beyond. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2304021. [PMID: 37294062 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural nitrogen cycle has been severely disrupted by anthropogenic activities. The overuse of N-containing fertilizers induces the increase of nitrate level in surface and ground waters, and substantial emission of nitrogen oxides causes heavy air pollution. Nitrogen gas, as the main component of air, has been used for mass ammonia production for over a century, providing enough nutrition for agriculture to support world population increase. In the last decade, researchers have made great efforts to develop ammonia processes under ambient conditions to combat the intensive energy consumption and high carbon emission associated with the Haber-Bosch process. Among different techniques, electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) can achieve nitrate removal and ammonia generation simultaneously using renewable electricity as the power, and there is an exponential growth of studies in this research direction. Here, a timely and comprehensive review on the important progresses of electrochemical NO3RR, covering the rational design of electrocatalysts, emerging CN coupling reactions, and advanced energy conversion and storage systems is provided. Moreover, future perspectives are proposed to accelerate the industrialized NH3 production and green synthesis of chemicals, leading to a sustainable nitrogen cycle via prosperous N-based electrochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuecheng Xiong
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center (NPMM), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yunhao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center (NPMM), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Fu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Fengkun Hao
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Zhanxi Fan
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center (NPMM), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, P. R. China
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8
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Qian S, Xu F, Fan Y, Cheng N, Xue H, Yuan Y, Gautier R, Jiang T, Tian J. Tailoring coordination environments of single-atom electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution by topological heteroatom transfer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2774. [PMID: 38555288 PMCID: PMC10981667 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47061-6] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The rational design of carbon-supported transition-metal single-atom catalysts requires the precise arrangement of heteroatoms within the single-atom catalysts. However, achieving this design is challenging due to the collapse of the structure during the pyrolysis. Here, we introduce a topological heteroatom-transfer strategy to prevent the collapse and accurately control the P coordination in carbon-supported single-atom catalysts. As an illustration, we have prepared self-assembled helical fibers with encapsulated cavities. Within these cavities, adjustable functional groups can chelate metal ions (Nx···Mn+···Oy), facilitating the preservation of the structure during the pyrolysis based phosphidation. This process allows for the transfer of heteroatoms from the assembly into single-atom catalysts, resulting in the precise coordination tailoring. Notably, the Co-P2N2-C catalyst exhibits electrocatalytic performance as a non-noble metal single-atom catalyst for alkaline hydrogen evolution, attaining a current density of 100 mA cm-2 with an overpotential of only 131 mV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Qian
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Si-Wang-Ting Road, Yangzhou, 225002, P. R. China
| | - Feng Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Si-Wang-Ting Road, Yangzhou, 225002, P. R. China
| | - Yu Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Si-Wang-Ting Road, Yangzhou, 225002, P. R. China
| | - Ningyan Cheng
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Huaiguo Xue
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Si-Wang-Ting Road, Yangzhou, 225002, P. R. China
| | - Ye Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Polyoxometalate and Reticular Material Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, P. R. China
| | - Romain Gautier
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Institut des Matériaux de Nantes Jean Rouxel, IMN, F-44000, Nantes, France.
| | - Tengfei Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Si-Wang-Ting Road, Yangzhou, 225002, P. R. China.
| | - Jingqi Tian
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, 180 Si-Wang-Ting Road, Yangzhou, 225002, P. R. China.
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9
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Bu Y, Yu W, Zhang W, Wang C, Ding J, Gao G. Engineering the Co(II)/Co(III) Redox Cycle and Co δ+ Species Shuttle for Nitrate-to-Ammonia Conversion. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:2812-2820. [PMID: 38396345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Electroreduction of waste nitrate to valuable ammonia offers a green solution for environmental restoration and energy storage. However, the electrochemical self-reconstruction of catalysts remains a huge challenge in terms of maintaining their stability, achieving the desired active sites, and managing metal leaching. Herein, we present an electrical pulse-driven Co surface reconstruction-coupled Coδ+ shuttle strategy for the precise in situ regulation of the Co(II)/Co(III) redox cycle on the Co-based working electrode and guiding the dissolution and redeposition of Co-based particles on the counter electrode. As result, the ammonia synthesis performance and stability are significantly promoted while cathodic hydrogen evolution and anodic ammonia oxidation in a membrane-free configuration are effectively blocked. A high rate of ammonia production of 1.4 ± 0.03 mmol cm-2 h-1 is achieved at -0.8 V in a pulsed system, and the corresponding nitrate-to-ammonia Faraday efficiency is 91.7 ± 1.0%. This work holds promise for the regulation of catalyst reactivity and selectivity by engineering in situ controllable structural and chemical transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguang Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenjing Yu
- Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenkai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225002, China
| | - Jie Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Guandao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Chongqing Innovation Research Institute of Nanjing University, Chongqing 401121, China
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10
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Wang Z, Zeng Y, Deng J, Wang Z, Guo Z, Yang Y, Xu X, Song B, Zeng G, Zhou C. Preparation and Application of Single-Atom Cobalt Catalysts in Organic Synthesis and Environmental Remediation. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301363. [PMID: 38010986 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The development of high-performance catalysts plays a crucial role in facilitating chemical production and reducing environmental contamination. Single-atom catalysts (SACs), a class of catalysts that bridge the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, have garnered increasing attention because of their unique activity, selectivity, and stability in many pivotal reactions. Meanwhile, the scarcity of precious metal SACs calls for the arrival of cost-effective SACs. Cobalt, as a common non-noble metal, possesses tremendous potential in the field of single-atom catalysis. Despite their potential, reviews about single-atom Co catalysts (Co-SACs) are lacking. Accordingly, this review thoroughly summarized various preparation methodologies of Co-SACs, particularly pyrolysis; its application in the specific domain of organic synthesis and environmental remediation is discussed as well. The structure-activity relationship and potential catalytic mechanism of Co-SACs are elucidated through some representative reactions. The imminent challenges and development prospects of Co-SACs are discussed in detail. The findings and insights provided herein can guide further exploration and development in this charming area of catalyst design, leading to the realization of efficient and sustainable catalytic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
| | - Yuxi Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
| | - Jie Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
| | - Zicong Guo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Xing Xu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, P. R. China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
| | - Chengyun Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330013, P. R. China
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11
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Zheng X, Hao J, Zhuang Z, Kang Q, Wang X, Lu S, Duan F, Du M, Zhu H. Emerging electrospinning platform toward nanoparticle to single atom transformation for steering selectivity in ammonia synthesis. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:4047-4055. [PMID: 38354061 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05331h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The rising top-down synthetic methodologies for transition metal single-atom catalysts (SACs) require controlled movement of metal atoms through the substrates; however, their direct transportation towards the ideal carrier remains a huge challenge. Herein, we showed a "top down" strategy for Co nanoparticles (NPs) to Co SA transformation by employing electrospun carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as atom carriers. Under high-temperature conditions, the Co atoms migrate from the surfaces of Co NPs and are then anchored by the surrounding carbon to form a Co-C3O1 coordination structure. The synthesized Co SAs/CNF electrocatalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) activity with an NH3 yield of 0.79 mmol h-1 cm-2 and Faraday efficiency (FE) of 91.3% at -0.7 V vs. RHE in 0.1 M KNO3 and 0.1 M K2SO4 electrolytes. The in situ electrochemical characterization suggests that the NOH pathway is preferred by Co SAs/CNFs, and *NO hydrogenation and deoxygenation easily occur on Co SAs due to the small adsorption energy between Co SAs and *NO, as calculated by theoretical calculations. It is revealed that a small energy barrier (0.45 eV) for the rate determining step (RDS) ranges from *NO to *NOH and a strong capability for inhibiting hydrogen evolution (HER) significantly promotes the NH3 selectivity and activity of Co SAs/CNFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Jiace Hao
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Zechao Zhuang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Qi Kang
- Institute of New Energy for Vehicles, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Xiaofan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Shuanglong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Fang Duan
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Mingliang Du
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Han Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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12
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Liao Y, Zhao J, Bian J, Zhang Z, Xu S, Qin Y, Miao S, Li R, Liu R, Zhang M, Zhu W, Liu H, Qu J. From mechanism to application: Decrypting light-regulated denitrifying microbiome through geometric deep learning. IMETA 2024; 3:e162. [PMID: 38868512 PMCID: PMC10989148 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.162] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Regulation on denitrifying microbiomes is crucial for sustainable industrial biotechnology and ecological nitrogen cycling. The holistic genetic profiles of microbiomes can be provided by meta-omics. However, precise decryption and further applications of highly complex microbiomes and corresponding meta-omics data sets remain great challenges. Here, we combined optogenetics and geometric deep learning to form a discover-model-learn-advance (DMLA) cycle for denitrification microbiome encryption and regulation. Graph neural networks (GNNs) exhibited superior performance in integrating biological knowledge and identifying coexpression gene panels, which could be utilized to predict unknown phenotypes, elucidate molecular biology mechanisms, and advance biotechnologies. Through the DMLA cycle, we discovered the wavelength-divergent secretion system and nitrate-superoxide coregulation, realizing increasing extracellular protein production by 83.8% and facilitating nitrate removal with 99.9% enhancement. Our study showcased the potential of GNNs-empowered optogenetic approaches for regulating denitrification and accelerating the mechanistic discovery of microbiomes for in-depth research and versatile applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liao
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of EnvironmentTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jing Zhao
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of EnvironmentTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jiyong Bian
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of EnvironmentTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- Department of Computer Science and TechnologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Siqi Xu
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of EnvironmentTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yijian Qin
- Department of Computer Science and TechnologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shiyu Miao
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of EnvironmentTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Rui Li
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of EnvironmentTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Ruiping Liu
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of EnvironmentTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Meng Zhang
- School of Electronic and Information EngineeringBeihang UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wenwu Zhu
- Department of Computer Science and TechnologyTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of EnvironmentTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jiuhui Qu
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of EnvironmentTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
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13
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Ren Y, You S, Wang Y, Yang J, Liu Y. Bioinspired Tandem Electrode for Selective Electrocatalytic Synthesis of Ammonia from Aqueous Nitrate. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2144-2152. [PMID: 38234209 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09759] [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: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) has recently emerged as a promising technique for readily converting aqueous nitrate (NO3-) pollutants into valuable ammonia (NH3). It is vital to thoroughly understand the mechanism of the reaction to rationally design and construct advanced electrocatalytic systems that can effectively and selectively drive the NO3RR. There are several natural enzymes that incorporate molybdenum (Mo) and that can activate NO3-. Based on this, a cadmium (Cd) single-atom anchored Mo2TiC2Tx electrocatalyst (referred to as CdSA-Mo2TiC2Tx) through the NO3RR to generate NH3 was rationally designed and demonstrated. In an H-type electrolysis cell and at a current density of 42.5 mA cm-2, the electrocatalyst had a Faradaic efficiency of >95% and an impressive NH3 yield rate of 48.5 mg h-1 cm-2. Moreover, the conversion of NO3- to NH3 on the CdSA-Mo2TiC2Tx surface was further revealed by operando attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and an electrochemical differential mass spectrometer. The electrocatalyst significantly outperformed Mo2TiC2Tx as well as reported state-of-the-art catalysts. Density functional theory calculations revealed that CdSA-Mo2TiC2Tx decreased the ability of the d-p orbital to hybridize with NH3* intermediates, thereby decreasing the activation energy of the potential-determining step. This work not only highlights the application prospects of heavy metal single-atom catalysts in the NO3RR but also provides examples of bio-inspired electrocatalysts for the synthesis of NH3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Ren
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Shijie You
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jianping Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yanbiao Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
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14
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Liu DX, Meng Z, Zhu YF, Sun XF, Deng X, Shi MM, Hao Q, Kang X, Dai TY, Zhong HX, Yan JM, Jiang Q. Gram-level NH 3 Electrosynthesis via NO x reduction on a Cu Activated Co Electrode. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202315238. [PMID: 37953400 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Ambient electrochemical ammonia (NH3 ) synthesis is one promising alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch route. However, the industrial requirement for the electrochemical NH3 production with amperes current densities or gram-level NH3 yield remains a grand challenge. Herein, we report the high-rate NH3 production via NO2 - reduction using the Cu activated Co electrode in a bipolar membrane (BPM) assemble electrolyser, wherein BPM maintains the ion balance and the liquid level of electrolyte. Benefited from the abundant Co sites and optimal structure, the target modified Co foam electrode delivers a current density of 2.64 A cm-2 with the Faradaic efficiency of 96.45 % and the high NH3 yield rate of 279.44 mg h-1 cm-2 in H-type cell using alkaline electrolyte. Combined with in situ experiments and theoretical calculations, we found that Cu optimizes the adsorption behavior of NO2 - and facilitates the hydrogenation steps on Co sites toward a rapid NO2 - reduction process. Importantly, this activated Co electrode affords a large NH3 production up to 4.11 g h-1 in a homemade reactor, highlighting its large-scale practical feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Xue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Zhe Meng
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Yong-Fu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Xue-Feng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Miao-Miao Shi
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Qi Hao
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China
| | - Xia Kang
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Tian-Yi Dai
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Hai-Xia Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Min Yan
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China
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15
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Li R, Zhao J, Liu B, Wang D. Atomic Distance Engineering in Metal Catalysts to Regulate Catalytic Performance. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308653. [PMID: 37779465 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
It is very important to understand the structure-performance relationship of metal catalysts by adjusting the microstructure of catalysts at the atomic scale. The atomic distance has an essential influence on the composition of the environment of active metal atom, which is a key factor for the design of targeted catalysts with desired function. In this review, we discuss and summarize strategies for changing the atomic distance from three aspects and relate their effects on the reactivity of catalysts. First, the effects of regulating bond length between metal and coordination atom at one single-atom site on the catalytic performance are introduced. The bond lengths are affected by the strain effect of the support and high-shell doping and can evolve during the reaction. Next, the influence of the distance between single-atom sites on the catalytic performance is discussed. Due to the space matching of adsorption and electron transport, the catalytic performance can be adjusted with the shortening of site distance. In addition, the effect of the arrangement spacing of the surface metal active atoms on the catalytic performance of metal nanocatalysts is studied. Finally, a comprehensive summary and outlook of the relationship between atomic distance and catalytic performance is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runze Li
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Baozhong Liu
- Henan Polytechnic University, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 2001 Century Ave, Jiaozuo, Henan, 454000, China
| | - Dingsheng Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, Department of Chemistry Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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16
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Cui L, Hao J, Zhang Y, Kang X, Zhang J, Fu XZ, Luo JL. N and S dual-coordinated Fe single-atoms in hierarchically porous hollow nanocarbon for efficient oxygen reduction. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 650:603-612. [PMID: 37437440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.06.153] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Fe-, and N-co-doped carbon (FeNC) electrocatalysts are promising alternatives to Pt-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR); however, simultaneously enhancing their intrinsic activity and exposure of Fe active sites remains challenging. Herein, we report S-modified Fe single-atom catalysts (SACs) anchored on N,S-co-doped hollow porous nanocarbon (Fe/NS-C) for ORR. The unique hollow structure and large surface area of the SACs are favorable for mass/electron transport and exposure of Fe single-atom active sites. The as-prepared Fe/NS-C electrocatalysts display a high-efficiency ORR activity with a half-wave potential of 0.893 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode and exceed that of the benchmark commercial Pt/C catalyst as well as most reported transition-metal based SACs. Impressively, the Fe/NS-C-based Al-air battery (AAB) displays a high open circuit voltage of 1.48 V, a maximum power density of 140.16 mW cm-2, and satisfactory durability, outperforming commercial Pt/C-based AAB. Furthermore, Fe/NS-C exhibits considerable potential as a cathode catalyst for application in direct methanol fuel cells. Experimental and theoretical calculation results reveal that the excellent ORR performance of Fe/NS-C can be contributed to the highly active FeN3S sites and the unique hollow structure. This work provides new insights into the rational design and synthesis high-performance ORR electrocatalysts for energy conversion and storage devices. of employing ZIF-8 as precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfang Cui
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Energy Electrocatalytic Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jie Hao
- Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing 100068, PR China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Pingshan Translational Medicine Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Xiaomin Kang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Jiujun Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, PR China; Institute for Sustainable Energy, College of Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Xian-Zhu Fu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Energy Electrocatalytic Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Jing-Li Luo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Energy Electrocatalytic Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
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17
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Zhang S, Zha Y, Ye Y, Li K, Lin Y, Zheng L, Wang G, Zhang Y, Yin H, Shi T, Zhang H. Oxygen-Coordinated Single Mn Sites for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2023; 16:9. [PMID: 37932531 PMCID: PMC10628069 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01217-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction has attracted increasing attention due to its goal of low carbon emission and environmental protection. Here, we report an efficient NitRR catalyst composed of single Mn sites with atomically dispersed oxygen (O) coordination on bacterial cellulose-converted graphitic carbon (Mn-O-C). Evidence of the atomically dispersed Mn-(O-C2)4 moieties embedding in the exposed basal plane of carbon surface is confirmed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. As a result, the as-synthesized Mn-O-C catalyst exhibits superior NitRR activity with an NH3 yield rate (RNH3) of 1476.9 ± 62.6 μg h-1 cm-2 at - 0.7 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) and a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 89.0 ± 3.8% at - 0.5 V (vs. RHE) under ambient conditions. Further, when evaluated with a practical flow cell, Mn-O-C shows a high RNH3 of 3706.7 ± 552.0 μg h-1 cm-2 at a current density of 100 mA cm-2, 2.5 times of that in the H cell. The in situ FT-IR and Raman spectroscopic studies combined with theoretical calculations indicate that the Mn-(O-C2)4 sites not only effectively inhibit the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, but also greatly promote the adsorption and activation of nitrate (NO3-), thus boosting both the FE and selectivity of NH3 over Mn-(O-C2)4 sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengbo Zhang
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuankang Zha
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixing Ye
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Sensors, Ministry of Agriculture, School of Information and Computer, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yue Lin
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Lirong Zheng
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19B Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Guozhong Wang
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxia Zhang
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajie Yin
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongfei Shi
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China.
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haimin Zhang
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China.
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Gong F, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Liu W, Zeng G, Wang G, Zhang Y, Gong L, Liu J. Universal Sub-Nanoreactor Strategy for Synthesis of Yolk-Shell MoS 2 Supported Single Atom Electrocatalysts toward Robust Hydrogen Evolution Reaction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202308091. [PMID: 37340794 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
The coordination structure determines the electrocatalytic performances of single atom catalysts (SACs), while it remains a challenge to precisely regulate their spatial location and coordination environment. Herein, we report a universal sub-nanoreactor strategy for synthesis of yolk-shell MoS2 supported single atom electrocatalysts with dual-anchored microenvironment of vacancy-enriched MoS2 and intercalation carbon toward robust hydrogen-evolution reaction. Theoretical calculations reveal that the "E-Lock" and "E-Channel" are conducive to stabilize and activate metal single atoms. A group of SACs is subsequently produced with the assistance of sulfur vacancy and intercalation carbon in the yolk-shell sub-nanoreactor. The optimized C-Co-MoS2 yields the lowest overpotential (η10 =17 mV) compared with previously reported MoS2 -based electrocatalysts to date, and also affords a 5-9 fold improvement in activity even comparing with those as-prepared single-anchored analogues. Theoretical results and in situ characterizations unveil its active center and durability. This work provides a universal pathway to design efficient catalysts for electro-refinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feilong Gong
- Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science and Technology of Henan Province, College of Material and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Yuheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science and Technology of Henan Province, College of Material and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Guang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science and Technology of Henan Province, College of Material and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Yonghui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science and Technology of Henan Province, College of Material and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Lihua Gong
- Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science and Technology of Henan Province, College of Material and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Jian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, P. R. China
- DICP-Surrey Joint Centre for Future Materials, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering and Advanced Technology Institute of University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010021, P. R. China
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19
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Xiang T, Liang Y, Zeng Y, Deng J, Yuan J, Xiong W, Song B, Zhou C, Yang Y. Transition Metal Single-Atom Catalysts for the Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction: Mechanism, Synthesis, Characterization, Application, and Prospects. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303732. [PMID: 37300329 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Excessive accumulation of nitrate in the environment will affect human health. To combat nitrate pollution, chemical, biological, and physical technologies have been developed recently. The researcher favors electrocatalytic reduction nitrate reaction (NO3 RR) because of the low post-treatment cost and simple treatment conditions. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) offer great activity, exceptional selectivity, and enhanced stability in the field of NO3 RR because of their high atomic usage and distinctive structural characteristics. Recently, efficient transition metal-based SACs (TM-SACs) have emerged as promising candidates for NO3 RR. However, the real active sites of TM-SACs applied to NO3 RR and the key factors controlling catalytic performance in the reaction process remain ambiguous. Further understanding of the catalytic mechanism of TM-SACs applied to NO3 RR is of practical significance for exploring the design of stable and efficient SACs. In this review, from experimental and theoretical studies, the reaction mechanism, rate-determining steps, and essential variables affecting activity and selectivity are examined. The performance of SACs in terms of NO3 RR, characterization, and synthesis is then discussed. In order to promote and comprehend NO3 RR on TM-SACs, the design of TM-SACs is finally highlighted, together with the current problems, their remedies, and the way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Xiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yuntao Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yuxi Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jie Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jili Yuan
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Weiping Xiong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Chengyun Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330013, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
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20
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Xu J, Zhang S, Liu H, Liu S, Yuan Y, Meng Y, Wang M, Shen C, Peng Q, Chen J, Wang X, Song L, Li K, Chen W. Breaking Local Charge Symmetry of Iron Single Atoms for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202308044. [PMID: 37483078 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical conversion of nitrate pollutants into value-added ammonia is a feasible way to achieve artificial nitrogen cycle. However, the development of electrocatalytic nitrate-to-ammonia reduction reaction (NO3 - RR) has been hampered by high overpotential and low Faradaic efficiency. Here we develop an iron single-atom catalyst coordinated with nitrogen and phosphorus on hollow carbon polyhedron (denoted as Fe-N/P-C) as a NO3 - RR electrocatalyst. Owing to the tuning effect of phosphorus atoms on breaking local charge symmetry of the single-Fe-atom catalyst, it facilitates the adsorption of nitrate ions and enrichment of some key reaction intermediates during the NO3 - RR process. The Fe-N/P-C catalyst exhibits 90.3 % ammonia Faradaic efficiency with a yield rate of 17980 μg h-1 mgcat -1 , greatly outperforming the reported Fe-based catalysts. Furthermore, operando SR-FTIR spectroscopy measurements reveal the reaction pathway based on key intermediates observed under different applied potentials and reaction durations. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the optimized free energy of NO3 - RR intermediates is ascribed to the asymmetric atomic interface configuration, which achieves the optimal electron density distribution. This work demonstrates the critical role of atomic-level precision modulation by heteroatom doping for the NO3 - RR, providing an effective strategy for improving the catalytic performance of single atom catalysts in different electrochemical reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Xu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shengbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Center for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 230031, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hengjie Liu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, University of Science and Technology of China, 230029, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yahan Meng
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingming Wang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chunyue Shen
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qia Peng
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jinghao Chen
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Li Song
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, University of Science and Technology of China, 230029, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Sensors, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Smart Agricultural Technology and Equipment, School of Information and Computer, Anhui Agricultural University, 230036, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, Anhui, China
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21
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Liu H, Qin J, Mu J, Liu B. In situ interface engineered Co/NC derived from ZIF-67 as an efficient electrocatalyst for nitrate reduction to ammonia. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 636:134-140. [PMID: 36623366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.01.014] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO3-) reduction to ammonia (NH3) is a promising alternative approach for simultaneous NH3 green synthesis and NO3- contaminants removal. However, the complex eight-electron reaction requires catalysts with superb performance due to the low NH3 selectivity and yield. In this work, the Co nanoparticles decorated N-doped carbon (NC) by in situ interface engineering were prepared by deriving ZIF-67 at 800 ℃ (Co/NC-800) for the selective NH3 synthesis. This catalyst exhibits a remarkable performance and excellent cycle stability, achieving a great NH3 yield of 1352.5 μg h-1 mgcat-1 at -1.7 V vs Ag/AgCl, with a high NH3 selectivity of up to 98.2 %, and a maximum Faradic efficiency of 81.2 % at -1.2 V vs Ag/AgCl. Moreover, DFT calculation results indicate that the interfacial effect between Co nanoparticle and NC could enhance electron transfer, and the composite Co/NC-800 shows a lower adsorption and conversion free energy, which promotes the production of ammonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfei Liu
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jiangzhou Qin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Peking University, The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jincheng Mu
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Baojun Liu
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
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22
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Li Z, Ji S, Wang C, Liu H, Leng L, Du L, Gao J, Qiao M, Horton JH, Wang Y. Geometric and Electronic Engineering of Atomically Dispersed Copper-Cobalt Diatomic Sites for Synergistic Promotion of Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis in Zinc-Air Batteries. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2300905. [PMID: 37040668 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The development of rechargeable zinc-air batteries is heavily dependent on bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts to offer exceptional oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) activities. However, the design of such electrocatalysts with high activity and durability is challenging. Herein, a strategy is proposed to create an electrocatalyst comprised of copper-cobalt diatomic sites on a highly porous nitrogen-doped carbon matrix (Cu-Co/NC) with abundantly accessible metal sites and optimal geometric and electronic structures. Experimental findings and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the synergistic effect of Cu-Co dual-metal sites with metal-N4 coordination induce asymmetric charge distributions with moderate adsorption/desorption behavior with oxygen intermediates. This electrocatalyst exhibits extraordinary bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic activities in alkaline media, with a half-wave potential of 0.92 V for ORR and a low overpotential of 335 mV at 10 mA cm-2 for OER. In addition, it demonstrates exceptional ORR activity in acidic (0.85 V) and neutral (0.74 V) media. When applied to a zinc-air battery, it achieves extraordinary operational performance and outstanding durability (510 h), ranking it as one of the most efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts reported to date. This work demonstrates the importance of geometric and electronic engineering of isolated dual-metal sites for boosting bifunctional electrocatalytic activity in electrochemical energy devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Advanced Chemical Catalytic Materials & Surface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, 163318, P. R. China
| | - Siqi Ji
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Advanced Chemical Catalytic Materials & Surface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, 163318, P. R. China
| | - Chun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Hongxue Liu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Advanced Chemical Catalytic Materials & Surface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, 163318, P. R. China
| | - Leipeng Leng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Advanced Chemical Catalytic Materials & Surface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, 163318, P. R. China
| | - Lei Du
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation Centre, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Jincheng Gao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Advanced Chemical Catalytic Materials & Surface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, 163318, P. R. China
| | - Man Qiao
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, P. R. China
| | - J Hugh Horton
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Advanced Chemical Catalytic Materials & Surface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, 163318, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Yu Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Power Batteries, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
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23
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Zhang Y, Zheng H, Zhou K, Ye J, Chu K, Zhou Z, Zhang L, Liu T. Conjugated Coordination Polymer as a New Platform for Efficient and Selective Electroreduction of Nitrate into Ammonia. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2209855. [PMID: 36651132 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Electroreduction of nitrate into ammonia (NRA) provides a sustainable route to convert the widespread nitrate pollutants into high-value-added products under ambient conditions, which unfortunately suffers from unsatisfactory selectivity due to the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Previous strategies of modifying the metal sites of catalysts often met a dilemma for simultaneously promoting activity and selectivity toward NRA. Here, a general strategy is reported to enable an efficient and selective NRA process through coordination modulation of single-atom catalysts to tailor the local proton concentration at the catalyst surface. By contrast, two analogous Ni-single-atom enriched conjugated coordination polymers (NiO4 -CCP and NiN4 -CCP) with different coordination motifs are investigated for the proof-of-concept study. The NiO4 -CCP catalyst exhibits an ammonia yield rate as high as 1.83 mmol h-1 mg-1 with a Faradaic efficiency of 94.7% under a current density of 125 mA cm-2 , outperforming the NiN4 -CCP catalyst. These experimental and theoretical studies both suggest that the strategy of coordination modulation can not only accelerate the NRA by adjusting the adsorption energies of NRA intermediates on the metal sites but also inhibit the HER through regulating the proton migration with contributions from the metal-hydrated cations adsorbed at the catalyst surface, thus achieving simultaneous enhancement of NRA selectivity and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Kangjie Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Jinyu Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Kaibin Chu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Zhiyou Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Longsheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Tianxi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
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24
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Qu W, Chen C, Tang Z, Wen H, Hu L, Xia D, Tian S, Zhao H, He C, Shu D. Progress in metal-organic-framework-based single-atom catalysts for environmental remediation. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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