Highly Efficient and Stable Water-Oxidation Electrocatalysis with a Very Low Overpotential using FeNiP Substitutional-Solid-Solution Nanoplate Arrays

The development of efficient water-oxidation electrocatalysts based on inexpensive and earth-abundant materials is significant to enable water splitting as a future renewable energy source. Herein, the synthesis of novel FeNiP solid-solution nanoplate (FeNiP-NP) arrays and their use as an active catalyst for high-performance water-oxidation catalysis are reported. The as-prepared FeNiP-NP catalyst on a 3D nickel foam substrate exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with a very low overpotential of only 180 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 and an onset overpotential of 120 mV in 1.0 m KOH for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The slope of the Tafel plot is as low as 76.0 mV dec^-1 . Furthermore, the long-term electrochemical stability of the FeNiP-NP electrode is investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) at 1.10-1.55 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), demonstrating very stable performance with negligible loss in activity after 1000 CV cycles. This present FeNiP-NP solid solution is thought to represent the best OER catalytic activity among the non-noble metal catalysts reported so far.

The Application of Modeling and Prediction to the Formation and Stability of Amorphous Solid Dispersions

Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) formulation development is frequently difficult owing to the inherent physical instability of the amorphous form, and limited understanding of the physical and chemical interactions that translate to initial dispersion formation and long-term physical stability. Formulation development for ASDs has been historically accomplished through trial and error or experience with extant systems; however, rational selection of appropriate excipients is preferred to reduce time to market and decrease costs associated with development. Current efforts to develop thermodynamic and computational models attempt to rationally direct formulation and show promise. This review compiles and evaluates important methods used to predict ASD formation and physical stability. Recent literature in which these methods are applied is also reviewed, and limitations of each method are discussed.

Probing the Nanodomain Origin and Phase Transition Mechanisms in (Un)Poled PMN-PT Single Crystals and Textured Ceramics

Outstanding electrical properties of solids are often due to the composition heterogeneity and/or the competition between two or more sublattices. This is true for superionic and superprotonic conductors and supraconductors, as well as for many ferroelectric materials. As in PLZT ferroelectric materials, the exceptional ferro- and piezoelectric properties of the PMN-PT ((1-x)PbMg1/3Nb2/3O₃-xPbTiO₃) solid solutions arise from the coexistence of different symmetries with long and short scales in the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) region. This complex physical behavior requires the use of experimental techniques able to probe the local structure at the nanoregion scale. Since both Raman signature and thermal expansion behavior depend on the chemical bond anharmonicity, these techniques are very efficient to detect and then to analyze the subtitle structural modifications with an efficiency comparable to neutron scattering. Using the example of poled (field cooling or room temperature) and unpoled PMN-PT single crystal and textured ceramic, we show how the competition between the different sublattices with competing degrees of freedom, namely the Pb-Pb dominated by the Coulombian interactions and those built of covalent bonded entities (NbO₆ and TiO₆), determine the short range arrangement and the outstanding ferro- and piezoelectric properties.

High-Performance Li-SeSx All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries

All-solid-state Li-S batteries are promising candidates for next-generation energy-storage systems considering their high energy density and high safety. However, their development is hindered by the sluggish electrochemical kinetics and low S utilization due to high interfacial resistance and the electronic insulating nature of S. Herein, Se is introduced into S cathodes by forming SeS_x solid solutions to modify the electronic and ionic conductivities and ultimately enhance cathode utilization in all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). Theoretical calculations confirm the redistribution of electron densities after introducing Se. The interfacial ionic conductivities of all achieved SeS_x -Li₃ PS₄ (x = 3, 2, 1, and 0.33) composites are 10^-6 S cm^-1 . Stable and highly reversible SeS_x cathodes for sulfide-based ASSLBs can be developed. Surprisingly, the SeS₂ /Li₁₀ GeP₂ S₁₂ -Li₃ PS₄ /Li solid-state cells exhibit excellent performance and deliver a high capacity over 1100 mAh g^-1 (98.5% of its theoretical capacity) at 50 mA g^-1 and remained highly stable for 100 cycles. Moreover, high loading cells can achieve high areal capacities up to 12.6 mAh cm^-2 . This research deepens the understanding of Se-S solid solution chemistry in ASSLB systems and offers a new strategy to achieve high-performance S-based cathodes for application in ASSLBs.

Mechanical Alloying of Metal-Organic Frameworks

The solvent-free mechanical milling process for two distinct metal-organic framework (MOF) crystals induced the formation of a solid solution, which is not feasible by conventional solution-based syntheses. X-ray and STEM-EDX studies revealed that performing mechanical milling under an Ar atmosphere promotes the high diffusivity of each metal ion in an amorphous solid matrix; the amorphous state turns into the porous crystalline structure by vapor exposure treatment to form a new phase of a MOF solid solution.

MxOy-ZrO2 (M = Zn, Co, Cu) Solid Solutions Derived from Schiff Base-Bridged UiO-66 Composites as High-Performance Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation

Metal-organic frameworks have been exploited as excellent solid precursors and templates for the preparation integrated nanocatalysts with multicomponent and hierarchical structures. Herein, a novel synthetic protocol has been developed to fabricate versatile Zr-based solid solutions (such as ZnO-ZrO₂, Co₃O₄-ZrO₂, and CuO-ZrO₂) via pyrolysis of Schiff base-modified UiO-66 octahedrons (size <100 nm), which were then utilized as efficient catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation. The Schiff base serves as an effective bridge to dope secondary metal ions into UiO-66 frameworks with controlled amounts of 0.13-8.8 wt %, which are initially hard to achieve. Interestingly, by simply changing the loading metal ions, the selectivity of C₁ hydrogenation products can be facilely tuned. For instance, the maximum CO₂ conversion of ZnO-ZrO₂, Co₃O₄-ZrO₂, and CuO-ZrO₂ solid solutions were 5.8, 11.4, and 22.5%, with the main product selectivity of 70% CH₃OH, 92.5% CH₄, and 86.7% CO, respectively. Moreover, in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectra characterization reveals that the significant difference in C₁ product selectivity is mainly determined by the balance of *HCOO, *CH₃O, and *CO intermediate species over the Zr-based solid solutions.

Making crystals with a purpose; a journey in crystal engineering at the University of Bologna

The conceptual relationship between crystal reactivity, stability and meta-stability, solubility and morphology on the one hand and shape, charge distribution, chirality and distribution of functional groups over the molecular surfaces on the other hand is discussed, via a number of examples coming from three decades of research in the field of crystal engineering at the University of Bologna. The bottom-up preparation of mixed crystals, co-crystals and photoreactive materials starting from molecular building blocks across the borders of organic, organometallic and metalorganic chemistry is recounted.

Discrete Supertetrahedral T5 Selenide Clusters and Their Se/S Solid Solutions: Ionic-Liquid-Assisted Precursor Route Syntheses and Photocatalytic Properties

Although supertetrahedral Tn sulfide clusters (n=2-6) have been extensively explored, the synthesis of Tn selenide clusters with n>4 has not been achieved thus far. Reported here are ionic-liquid (IL)-assisted precursor route syntheses, characterizations, and the photocatalytic properties of six new M-In-Q (M=Cu or Cd; Q=Se or Se/S) chalcogenide compounds, namely [Bmmim]₁₂ Cu₅ In₃₀ Q₅₂ Cl₃ (Im) (Q=Se (T5-1), Se_48.5 S_3.5 (T5-2); Bmmim=1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium, Im=imidazole), [Bmmim]₁₁ Cd₆ In₂₈ Q₅₂ Cl₃ (MIm) (Q=Se (T5-3), Se_28.5 S_23.5 (T5-4), Se₁₆ S₃₆ (T5-5); MIm=1-methylimidazole), and [Bmmim]₉ Cd₆ In₂₈ Se₈ S₄₄ Cl(MIm)₃ (T5-6). The cluster compounds T5-1 and T5-3 represent the largest molecular supertetrahedral Tn selenide clusters to date. Under visible-light illumination, the Cu-In-Q compounds showed photocatalytic activity towards the decomposition of crystal violet, whereas the Cd-In-Q compounds exhibited good photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity. Interestingly, the experimental results show that the photocatalytic performances of the selenide/sulfide solid solutions were significantly better than those of their selenide analogues, for example, the degradation time of the organic dye with T5-2 was much shorter than that with T5-1, whereas the photocatalytic H₂ evolution efficiencies with T5-3-T5-6 improved significantly with increasing sulfur content. This work highlights the significance of IL-assisted precursor route synthesis and the tuning of photocatalytic properties through the formation of solid solutions.

Photocatalytic H2 Evolution Coupled with Furfuralcohol Oxidation over Pt-Modified ZnCdS Solid Solution

Coupling photocatalytic H₂ production with organic synthesis attracts immense interest in the energy and chemical engineering field for the low-cost, clean, and sustainable generation of green energy and value-added products. Nevertheless, the performance of current photocatalysts is greatly limited by grievous charge recombination and tardy H₂ evolution. To tackle these issues, a Pt nanocluster-modified ZnCdS solid solution is fabricated for photocatalytic H₂ production and selective furfuralcohol oxidation. The internal electric field inside the ZnCdS and Schottky junction between ZnCdS and Pt nanoclusters drastically ameliorate charge separation. Meanwhile, the Pt nanoclusters remarkably expedite the H₂ evolution kinetics on ZnCdS. As a result, the H₂ production rate over Pt-loaded ZnCdS reaches 1045 µmol g^-1 h^-1 , which is about 26- and 70-fold that of CdS and ZnS, respectively. Under light irradiation for 3 h, the conversion of furfuralcohol to furfural reaches 71% with 89% furfural selectivity. The photocatalytic mechanism is investigated by in situ characterizations and theoretical calculations.

Structural Evolution and Effect of the Neighboring Cation on the Photoluminescence of Sr(LiAl3 )1-x (SiMg3 )x N4 :Eu2+ Phosphors

In this study, a series of Sr(LiAl₃ )_1-x (SiMg₃ )_x N₄ :Eu²⁺ (SLA-SSM) phosphors were synthesized by a solid-solution process. The emission peak maxima of SLA-SSM range from 615 nm to 680 nm, which indicates structural differences in these materials. ⁷ Li solid-state NMR spectroscopy was utilized to distinguish between the Li(1)N₄ and Li(2)N₄ tetrahedra in SLA-SSM. Differences in the coordination environments of the two Sr sites were found which explain the unexpected luminescent properties. Three discernible morphologies were detected by scanning electron microscopy. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence and decay times were used to understand the diverse environments of europium ions in the two strontium sites Sr1 and Sr2, which also support the NMR analysis. Moreover, X-ray absorption near-edge structure studies reveal that the Eu²⁺ concentration in SLA-SSM is much higher than that in in SrLiAl₃ N₄ :Eu²⁺ and SrSiMg₃ N₄ :Eu²⁺ phosphors. Finally, an overall mechanism was proposed to explain the how the change in photoluminescence is controlled by the size of the coordinated cation.

Water clusters in amorphous pharmaceuticals

Amorphous materials, although lacking the long-range translational and rotational order of crystalline and liquid crystalline materials, possess certain local (short-range) structure. This paper reviews the distribution of one particular component present in all amorphous pharmaceuticals, that is, water. Based on the current understanding of the structure of water, water molecules can exist in either unclustered form or as aggregates (clusters) of different sizes and geometries. Water clusters are reported in a range of amorphous systems including carbohydrates and their aqueous solutions, synthetic polymers, and proteins. Evidence of water clustering is obtained by various methods that include neutron and X-ray scattering, molecular dynamics simulation, water sorption isotherm, concentration dependence of the calorimetric Tg , dielectric relaxation, and nuclear magnetic resonance. A review of the published data suggests that clustering depends on water concentration, with unclustered water molecules existing at low water contents, whereas clusters form at intermediate water contents. The transition from water clusters to unclustered water molecules can be expected to change water dependence of pharmaceutical properties, such as rates of degradation. We conclude that a mechanistic understanding of the impact of water on the stability of amorphous pharmaceuticals would require systematic studies of water distribution and clustering, while such investigations are lacking.

Solid Solutions of Grimm-Sommerfeld Analogous Nitride Semiconductors II-IV-N2 (II=Mg, Mn, Zn; IV=Si, Ge): Ammonothermal Synthesis and DFT Calculations

Grimm–Sommerfeld analogous II‐IV‐N₂ nitrides such as ZnSiN₂, ZnGeN₂, and MgGeN₂ are promising semiconductor materials for substitution of commonly used (Al,Ga,In)N. Herein, the ammonothermal synthesis of solid solutions of II‐IV‐N₂ compounds (II=Mg, Mn, Zn; IV=Si, Ge) having the general formula (II^a_1−xII^b_x)‐IV‐N₂ with x≈0.5 and ab initio DFT calculations of their electronic and optical properties are presented. The ammonothermal reactions were conducted in custom‐built, high‐temperature, high‐pressure autoclaves by using the corresponding elements as starting materials. NaNH₂ and KNH₂ act as ammonobasic mineralizers that increase the solubility of the reactants in supercritical ammonia. Temperatures between 870 and 1070 K and pressures up to 200 MPa were chosen as reaction conditions. All solid solutions crystallize in wurtzite‐type superstructures with space group Pna2₁ (no. 33), confirmed by powder XRD. The chemical compositions were analyzed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was used for estimation of optical bandgaps of all compounds, which ranged from 2.6 to 3.5 eV (Ge compounds) and from 3.6 to 4.4 eV (Si compounds), and thus demonstrated bandgap tunability between the respective boundary phases. Experimental findings were corroborated by DFT calculations of the electronic structure of pseudorelaxed mixed‐occupancy structures by using the KKR+CPA approach.

Perovskite Oxide-Halide Solid Solutions: A Platform for Electrocatalysts

The successful integration or hybridization of perovskite oxides with their halide cousins would enable the formation of both multi-anionic and multi-cationic solid solutions with unique metal-ion sites and synergistic properties that could potentially surpass the performance of classic perovskites. However, such solid solutions had not been produced previously owing to their distinct formation energies and different synthesis conditions. Solid solutions combining perovskite oxides with fluorides were produced in this study by mechanochemical synthesis. The obtained perovskite oxide-halide solid solutions had highly mixed elements and valences, uniform element distributions, and single-phase crystalline structures. The solid solution with an optimized combination of oxides and fluorides exhibited enhanced catalytic performance in the oxygen evolution reaction.

Probing the Crystal Structure Landscape by Doping: 4-Bromo, 4-Chloro, and 4-Methylcinnamic Acids

Accessing the data points in the crystal structure landscape of a molecule is a challenging task, either experimentally or computationally. We have charted the crystal structure landscape of 4-bromocinnamic acid (4BCA) experimentally and computationally: experimental doping is achieved with 4-methylcinnamic acid (4MCA) to obtain new crystal structures; computational doping is performed with 4-chlorocinnamic acid (4CCA) as a model system, because of the difficulties associated in parameterizing the Br atom. The landscape of 4CCA is explored experimentally in turn, also by doping it with 4MCA, and is found to bear a close resemblance to the landscape of 4BCA, justifying the ready miscibility of these two halogenated cinnamic acids to form solid solutions without any change in crystal structure. In effect, 4MCA, 4CCA and 4BCA form a commutable group of crystal structures, which may be realized experimentally or computationally, and constitute the landscape. Unlike the results obtained by Kitaigorodskii, all but two of the multiple solid solutions obtained in the methyl-doping experiments take structures that are different from the hitherto observed crystal forms of the parent compounds. Even granted that the latter might be inherently polymorphic, this unusual observation provokes the suggestion that solid solution formation may be used to probe the crystal structure landscape. The influence of π⋅⋅⋅π interactions, weak hydrogen bonds and halogen bonds in directing the formation of these new structures is also seen.

Aluminum-doped ceria-zirconia solid solutions with enhanced thermal stability and high oxygen storage capacity

A facile solvothermal method to synthesize aluminum-doped ceria-zirconia (Ce0.5Zr0.5-xAlxO2-x/2, x = 0.1 to 0.4) solid solutions was carried out using Ce(NH4)2(NO3)6, Zr(NO3)3·2H2O Al(NO3)3·9H2O, and NH4OH as the starting materials at 200°C for 24 h. The obtained solid solutions from the solvothermal reaction were calcined at 1,000°C for 20 h in air atmosphere to evaluate the thermal stability. The synthesized Ce0.5Zr0.3Al0.2O1.9 particle was characterized for the oxygen storage capacity (OSC) in automotive catalysis. For the characterization, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) technique were employed. The OSC values of all samples were measured at 600°C using thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis. Ce0.5Zr0.3Al0.2O1.9 solid solutions calcined at 1,000°C for 20 h with a BET surface area of 18 m2 g-1 exhibited a considerably high OSC of 427 μmol-O g-1 and good OSC performance stability. The same synthesis route was employed for the preparation of the CeO2 and Ce0.5Zr0.5O2. The incorporation of aluminum ion in the lattice of ceria-based catalyst greatly enhanced the thermal stability and OSC.

Co-Sn Nanocrystalline Solid Solutions as Anode Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries with High Pseudocapacitive Contribution

Co-Sn solid-solution nanoparticles with Sn crystal structure and tuned metal ratios were synthesized by a facile one pot solution-based procedure involving the initial reduction of a Sn precursor followed by incorporation of Co within the Sn lattice. These nanoparticles were used as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. Among the different compositions tested, Co_0.7 Sn and Co_0.9 Sn electrodes provided the highest capacities with values above 1500 mAh g^-1 at a current density of 0.2 A g^-1 after 220 cycles, and up to 800 mAh g^-1 at 1.0 A g^-1 after 400 cycles. Up to 81 % pseudocapacitance contribution was measured for these electrodes at a sweep rate of 1.0 mV s^-1 , thereby indicating fast kinetics and long durability. The excellent performance of Co-Sn nanoparticle alloy-based electrodes was attributed to both the small size of the crystal domains and their suitable composition, which buffered volume changes of Sn and contributed to a suitable electrode restructuration.

One-step synthesis of highly efficient three-dimensional Cd1-xZnxS photocatalysts for visible light photocatalytic water splitting

Visible light accounts for about 43% of the solar spectrum, and developing highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst is of special significance. In this work, highly efficient three-dimensional (3D) Cd1-xZnxS photocatalysts for hydrogen generation under the irradiation of visible light were synthesized via one-step solvothermal pathway. Scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, Raman spectrometer, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer were utilized to characterize the morphology, crystal structure, vibrational states, and surface composition of the obtained 3D Cd1-xZnxS. UV-Vis spectra indicated that the as-synthesized Cd1-xZnxS had appropriate bandgap and position of the conduction band that is beneficial for visible light absorption and photo-generated electron-hole pair separation. Moreover, the 3D structure offers a larger surface area thus supplying more surface reaction sites and better charge transport environment, and therefore, the efficiency of water splitting was improved further.

Highly Efficient and Selective Visible-Light Driven Photoreduction of CO2 to CO by Metal-Organic Frameworks-Derived NiCoO Porous Microrods

Photocatalytic CO₂ reduction by solar energy into carbonaceous feedstock chemicals is recognized as one of the effective ways to mitigate both the energy crisis and greenhouse effect, which fundamentally relies on the development of advanced photocatalysts. Here, the exploration of porous microrod photocatalysts based on novel NiCoO solid solutions derived from bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is reported. They exhibit overall enhanced photocatalytic performance with both high activity and remarkable selectivity for reducing CO₂ into CO under visible-light irradiation, which are superior to most related photocatalysts reported. Accordingly, the Ni_0.2 -Co_0.8 -O microrod (MR-N_0.2 C_0.8 O) photocatalyst delivers high efficiency for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction into CO at a rate up to ≈277 µmol g^-1 h^-1 , which is ≈35 times to that of its NiO counterpart. Furthermore, they display a high selectivity of ≈85.12%, which is not only better than that of synthesized Co₃ O₄ (61.25%) but also superior to that of reported Co₃ O₄ -based photocatalysts. It is confirmed that the Co and Ni species are responsible for CO₂ CO conversion activity and selectivity, respectively. In addition, it is verified, by adjusting the Ni contents, that the band structure of NiCoO microrods can be tailored with favorable reduction band potentials, which thus enhance the selectivity toward CO₂ photoreduction.

Rare-Earth Orthophosphates From Atomistic Simulations

Lanthanide phosphates (LnPO₄) are considered as a potential nuclear waste form for immobilization of Pu and minor actinides (Np, Am, and Cm). In that respect, in the recent years we have applied advanced atomistic simulation methods to investigate various properties of these materials on the atomic scale. In particular, we computed several structural, thermochemical, thermodynamic and radiation damage related parameters. From a theoretical point of view, these materials turn out to be excellent systems for testing quantum mechanics-based computational methods for strongly correlated electronic systems. On the other hand, by conducting joint atomistic modeling and experimental research, we have been able to obtain enhanced understanding of the properties of lanthanide phosphates. Here we discuss joint initiatives directed at understanding the thermodynamically driven long-term performance of these materials, including long-term stability of solid solutions with actinides and studies of structural incorporation of f elements into these materials. In particular, we discuss the maximum load of Pu into the lanthanide-phosphate monazites. We also address the importance of our results for applications of lanthanide-phosphates beyond nuclear waste applications, in particular the monazite-xenotime systems in geothermometry. For this we have derived a state-of-the-art model of monazite-xenotime solubilities. Last but not least, we discuss the advantage of usage of atomistic simulations and the modern computational facilities for understanding of behavior of nuclear waste-related materials.

Effectiveness of spray congealing to obtain physically stabilized amorphous dispersions of a poorly soluble thermosensitive API

An amorphous phase produced by micronization up to the molecular or colloidal level of a poorly soluble drug having low lipophilicity can distinctly enhance its solubility characteristics. However, though dispersing the molten mass of a poorly water-soluble drug within polymeric matrix has been found to be most effective in formation of molecular dispersions, the drug molecules which melt at high temperature also accompanied by decomposition, such as acetazolamide, are difficult to formulate as molecular dispersions. Hence, a method is proposed to obtain molecular dispersions of acetazolamide with poloxamer-237 by spray congealing under optimal heat treatment. Uniform molecular and/or colloidal dispersions of the drug were achieved with instantaneous solvent evaporation by mixing a drug solution with molten mass of the plasticizer matrix. Immobilization of dispersed drug molecules was effected subsequently through rapid solidification by spray congealing. Initial characterization of 1:1, 1:1.5, and 1:2 ratios of solid dispersions and devitrification study of an optimized (1:2) ratio ensured efficacy of the proposed method in formation of physically stabilized amorphous systems without thermal degradation and hence resulted in more than ninefold rise in solubility and more than 90% dissolution within initial 10 min. With 1:2 ratio, molecular dispersions could be achieved by initial solvent evaporation stage, which when subjected to spray congealing produced physically stable amorphous systems, without signs of thermal degradation. This study also proposes an opportunity for selection of those polymers with which the drug is immiscible in their fluid state, yet obtaining molecular dispersions.

Insights into the Performance of CoxNi1-xTiO3 Solid Solutions as Photocatalysts for Sun-Driven Water Oxidation

Co_xNi_1-xTiO₃ systems evaluated as photo- and electrocatalytic materials for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) from water have been studied. These materials have shown promising properties for this half-reaction both under (unbiased) visible-light photocatalytic approach in the presence of an electron scavenger and as electrocatalysts in dark conditions in basic media. In both situations, Co_0.8Ni_0.2TiO₃ exhibits the best performance and is proved to display high faradaic efficiency. A synergetic effect between Co and Ni is established, improving the physicochemical properties such as surface area and pore size distribution, besides affecting the donor density and the charge carrier separation. At higher Ni content, the materials exhibit behavior more similar to that of NiTiO₃, which is a less suitable material for OER than CoTiO₃.

Across the Board: Sheng Dai on Catalyst Design by Entropic Factors

In this series of articles, the board members of ChemSusChem discuss recent research articles that they consider of exceptional quality and importance for sustainability. This entry features Dr. S. Dai, who discusses high-entropy materials (HEMs) as new materials in catalysis. In this viewpoint, two types of HEMs (alloy and non-alloy HEMs), their synthesis, and their application in various catalytic reactions are presented.

Selenite and Selenate Sequestration during Coprecipitation with Barite: Insights from Mineralization Processes of Adsorption, Nucleation, and Growth

Coprecipitation of selenium oxyanions with barite is a facile way to sequester Se in the environments. However, the chemical composition of Se-barite coprecipitates usually deviates from that predicted from thermodynamic calculations. This discrepancy was resolved by considering variations in nucleation and growth rates controlled by ion-mineral interactions, solubility, and interfacial energy. For homogeneous precipitation, ∼10% of sulfate, higher than thermodynamic predictions (<0.3%), was substituted by Se(IV) or Se(VI) oxyanion, which was attributed to adsorption-induced entrapment during crystal growth. For heterogeneous precipitation, thiol- and carboxylic-based organic films, utilized as model interfaces to mimic the natural organic-abundant environments, further enhanced the sequestration of Se(VI) oxyanions (up to 41-92%) with barite. Such enhancement was kinetically driven by increased nucleation rates of selenate-rich barite having a lower interfacial energy than pure barite. In contrast, only small amounts of Se(IV) oxyanions (∼1%) were detected in heterogeneous coprecipitates mainly due to a lower saturation index of BaSeO₃ and deprotonation degree of Se(IV) oxyanion at pH 5.6. These roles of nanoscale mineralization mechanisms observed during composition selection of Se-barite could mark important steps toward the remediation of contaminants through coprecipitation.

Facile Synthesis of Highly Dispersed and Well-Alloyed Bimetallic Nanoparticles on Oxide Support

Supported alloy catalysts play a pivotal role in many heterogeneous catalytic processes of socioeconomic and environmental importance. But the controlled synthesis of supported alloy nanoparticles with consistent composition and tight size distribution remains a challenging issue. Herein, a simple yet effective method for preparation of highly dispersed, homogeneously alloyed bimetallic nanoparticles on oxide supports is reported. This method is based on solid solution of metal cations in parent oxide and strong electrostatic adsorption of a secondary metal species onto the oxide surface. In the reductive annealing process, hydrogen spillover occurs from the surface metal with a higher reduction potential to the solute metal in solid solution, leading to metal exsolution and homogenous alloying of the metals on the oxide surface. The ceria-supported Ni-Pt alloy is chosen as a model catalyst and hydrazine monohydrate decomposition is chosen as a probe reaction to demonstrate this method, and particularly its advantages over the conventional impregnation and galvanic replacement methods. A systematic application of this method using different oxides and base-noble metal pairs further elucidates its applicability and generality.

Comparative Study of the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution over Cd1-xMnxS and CdS-β-Mn3O4-MnOOH Photocatalysts under Visible Light

A series of solid solutions of cadmium and manganese sulfides, Cd_1−xMn_xS (x = 0–0.35), and composite photocatalysts, CdS-β-Mn₃O₄-MnOOH, were synthesized by precipitation with sodium sulfide from soluble cadmium and manganese salts with further hydrothermal treatment at 120 °C. The obtained photocatalysts were studied by the X-ray diffraction method (XRD), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N₂ low temperature adsorption. The photocatalysts were tested in hydrogen production using a Na₂S/Na₂SO₃ aqueous solution under visible light (λ = 450 nm). It was shown for the first time that both kinds of photocatalysts possess high activity in hydrogen evolution under visible light. The solid solution Cd_0.65Mn_0.35S has an enhanced photocatalytic activity due to its valence and conduction band position tuning, whereas the CdS-β-Mn₃O₄-MnOOH (40–60 at% Mn) samples were active due to ternary heterojunction formation. Further, the composite CdS-β-Mn₃O₄-MnOOH photocatalyst had much higher stability in comparison to the Cd_0.65Mn_0.35S solid solution. The highest activity was 600 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, and apparent quantum efficiency of 2.9% (λ = 450 nm) was possessed by the sample of CdS-β-Mn₃O₄-MnOOH (40 at% Mn).