Electrochemical synthesis of trimetallic nickel-iron-copper nanoparticles via potential-cycling for high current density anion exchange membrane water-splitting applications

Hydrogen is known for its elevated energy density and environmental compatibility and is a promising alternative to fossil fuels.Alkaline water electrolysis utilizing renewable energy sources has emerged as a means to obtain high-purity hydrogen.Nevertheless,electrocatalysts used in the process are fabricated using conventional wet chemical synthesis methods,such as sol-gel,hydrothermal,or surfactantassisted approaches,which often necessitate intricate pretreatment procedures and are vulnerable to post-treatment contamination.Therefore,this study introduces a streamlined and environmentally conscious one-step potential-cycling approach to generate a highly efficient trimetallic nickel-iron-copper electrocatalyst in situ on nickel foam.The synthesized material exhibited remarkable performance,requiring a mere 476 mV to drive electrochemical water splitting at 100 mA cm^(-2)current density in alkaline solution.Furthermore,this material was integrated into an anion exchange membrane watersplitting device and achieved an exceptionally high current density of 1 A cm^(-2)at a low cell voltage of2.13 V,outperforming the noble-metal benchmark(2.51 V).Additionally,ex situ characterizations were employed to detect transformations in the active sites during the catalytic process,revealing the structural transformations and providing inspiration for further design of electrocatalysts.

Overview of emerging catalytic materials for electrochemical green ammonia synthesis and process

The concept of“green-ammonia-zero-carbon emission”is an emerging research topic in the global community and many countries driving toward decarbonizing a diversity of applications dependent on fossil fuels.In light of this,electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction(ENRR)received great attention at ambient conditions.The low efficiency(%)and ammonia(NH_(3))production rates are two major challenges in making a sustainable future.Besides,hydrogen evolution reaction is another crucial factor for realizing this NH_(3)synthesis to meet the large-scale commercial demand.Herein,the(i)importance of NH_(3)as an energy carrier for the next future,(ii)discussion with ENRR theory and the fundamental mechanism,(iii)device configuration and types of electrolytic systems for NH_(3)synthesis including key metrics,(iv)then moving into rising electrocatalysts for ENRR such as single-atom catalysts(SACs),MXenes,and metal–organic frameworks that were scientifically summarized,and(v)finally,the current technical contests and future perceptions are discussed.Hence,this review aims to give insightful direction and a fresh motivation toward ENRR and the development of advanced electrocatalysts in terms of cost,efficiency,and technologically large scale for the synthesis of green NH_(3).

In situ electrochemical synthesis of MOF-5 and its application in improving photocatalytic activity of BiOBr

Metal-organic frameworks（MOFs） are important functional materials. MOF-5（IL）（Zn4O（BDC）3（BDC=1,4-benzenedicarboxylate） was in situ synthesized by the electrochemical method using a tunable ionic liquid（IL）, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, as template. The crystallization of distinctly spherical MOF-5（IL） synthsized in ionic liquid by the electrochemical method is attributed to π-π stacking effect, ionic bond, and coordination bond. The analysis results show that the product MOF-5（IL） exhibits better crystallinity and higher thermal stability than MOF-5 generated using the solvothermal method. The cyclic voltammetry reveals that the electrosynthesis reaction is irreversible and controlled by the diffusion. The experiments on methylorange degradation show that the unique structure characteristics of MOF-5（IL） can enhance the photocatalytic ability of Bi OBr. Therefore, MOFs can replace noble metals to improve the photocatalytic properties of bismuth oxyhalide.

Electrochemical synthesis of catalytic materials for energy catalysis

Electrocatalysis is a process dealing with electrochemical reactions in the interconversion of chemical energy and electrical energy.Precise synthesis of catalytically active nanostructures is one of the key challenges that hinder the practical application of many important energy‐related electrocatalytic reactions.Compared with conventional wet‐chemical,solid‐state and vapor deposition synthesis,electrochemical synthesis is a simple,fast,cost‐effective and precisely controllable method for the preparation of highly efficient catalytic materials.In this review,we summarize recent progress in the electrochemical synthesis of catalytic materials such as single atoms,spherical and shaped nanoparticles,nanosheets,nanowires,core‐shell nanostructures,layered nanomaterials,dendritic nanostructures,hierarchically porous nanostructures as well as composite nanostructures.Fundamental aspects of electrochemical synthesis and several main electrochemical synthesis methods are discussed.Structure‐performance correlations between electrochemically synthesized catalysts and their unique electrocatalytic properties are exemplified using selected examples.We offer the reader with a basic guide to the synthesis of highly efficient catalysts using electrochemical methods,and we propose some research challenges and future opportunities in this field.

Effects of alkaline cations (M^+= Li^+, Na^+, K^+, Cs^+) on the electrochemical synthesis of polyaniline in nitric acid electrolyte

The effects of alkaline cations （M^＋ = Li^＋, Na^＋, K^＋, Cs^＋）on the electrochemical synthesis of polyaniline were carfled out under cyclovoltammetric conditions using nitrates of Li^＋, Na^＋, K^＋, and Cs^＋ as the supporting electrolytes. The results show that the oxidation potentials of aniline in the electrolytes decrease as the protonation extent of aniline decreases from the fast scan, which is caused by the decrease of the ionic radius of alkaline metal ions at the same concentration of alkaline cations. With the scan number increasing, the deposit charge Q as the characteristic growth function also depends on the protonation of aniline, and it increases with the ionic radius of alkaline cations increasing. SEM images show the effect of alkaline cations on the morphology of polyaniline. It is clear that the ionic mobility of alkaline cations is further lower than that of W. Alkaline cations and counter-ions were the species responsible for the enhancement of Pani electrosynthesis. Therefore, this is exactly what SEM images show： a relatively rough fibrous structure in the case of Pani-H^＋ suggesting a sponge-like structure and a highly orderly fiber-like structure in the case of Pani-M^＋.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Polythiophene in an Ionic Liquid

Polythiophene (PTh) was prepared by the direct electrochemical synthesis in an ionic liquid ([BMIM]PF6) containing 0.1 mol/L thiophene by cyclic voltammetry, constant potential and constant current techniques. It is found that smooth and bluegreen PTh films can be obtained at a potential of ca. +1.75 V ( vs. Ag/AgCl ) or a current of ca. 1.5 mA cm-2 in the ionic liquid.

Defect engineering of single-walled carbon nanohorns for stable electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide with high selectivity in neutral electrolytes

Hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))is one of the most important chemicals,which are commonly used in the paper and pulp industry,water purification and environmental protection[1-3].Most of the commercial available H_(2)O_(2) is produced by the anthraquinone oxidation process,which is environment unfriendly.

Electrochemical synthesis of alkali-intercalated iron selenide superconductors

Electrochemical method has been used to insert K/Na into FeSe lattice to prepare alkali-intercalated iron selenides at room temperature. Magnetization measurement reveals that KxFe2Se2 and NaxFe2Se2 are superconductive at 31 K and 46 K, respectively. This is the first successful report of obtaining metal-intercalated FeSe-based high-temperature superconductors using electrochemical method. It provides an effective route to synthesize metal-intercalated layered compounds for new superconductor exploration.

Electrochemical synthesis, characterization and thermal properties of niobium ethoxide

Niobium(V) ethoxide(Nb(OEt)5) was synthesized by electrochemical reaction of ethanol with niobium plate as the sacrificial anode,stainless steel as the cathode and tetraethylammonium chloride(TEAC) as the conductive additive.The condensates were isolated by vacuum distillation under 5 kPa.The product was characterized by Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectra,Raman spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectra.The results indicate that the product is niobium ethoxide.Thermal properties of niobium ethoxide were analysed by TG/DTG.Vapour pressure was calculated from the Langmuir equation and the enthalpy of vaporization was calculated from the vapour pressure-temperature data using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.The concentrations of impurity metallic elements in the sample were detected by ICP-MS.It is shown that the purity can reach 99.997%.The volatility and purity of the niobium ethoxide ensure that it could be a good precursor for chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition of niobium oxide layers.

Hydrothermal Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Spectrum and Electrochemical Analysis of the Copper(Ⅱ) Coordination Polymer

The three-dimensional framework copper（Ⅱ） coordination polymer with basic copper carbonate and 3-（pyridin-2-yl）-1,2,4-triazole has been hydrothermally synthesized. It crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/c, with a = 1.20860（3）, b = 1.29581（2）, c = 1.67863（3） nm, β = 116.0280（2）°, C21H12Cu3N12, Mr = 623.05, V = 2.36230（9） nm3, Dc = 1.752 g/cm3, Z = 4, F（000） = 1236, GOOF = 1.037, the final R = 0.0408 and wR = 0.1141. Every unit cell contains three copper atoms and three 3-（pyridin-2-yl）-1,2,4-triazole ligands. Every central Cu（Ⅱ） ion is coordinated by four nitrogen atoms of the 3-（pyridin-2-yl）-1,2,4-triazole ligands, forming a distorted tetrahedron. The title complex exhibits an intense photoluminescence at room temperature with the maximum emission at 392 nm. The cyclic voltametric behavior of the complex shows that the electron transfer in electrolysis reaction is irreversible.

A facile electrochemical synthesis of caffeic acid derivatives in the presence of acetylacetone or methyl acetoacetate in aqueous medium

The anodic oxidation of caffeic acid in the presence of acetylacetone or methyl acetoacetate in aqueous solution has been studied by cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential electrolysis techniques. The result showed that caffeic acid was oxidized to the corresponding o-benzoquinone, which underwent further Michael-addition with acetylacetone or methyl acetoacetate to produce caffeic acid derivative 3,4-dihydroxy-6-(1-acetylacetone)-yl cinnamic acid 4a or 3,4-dihydroxy-6-(1-acetyl-methylacetate)-yl cinnamic acid 4b.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Chromium Silicides from Molten Salts

Electrochemical synthesis of chromium silicides from NaCl-KCl-K2SiF6-CrF3 system has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and DC （direct current） electrolysis at 850℃. The process of Cr and Si joint electroreduction in chloride-fluoride melt proceeds in one stage in a kinetic mode. The cathode product was analyzed using XRD （X-ray diffraction） method. XRD data have confirmed that CraSi is the dominant phase. SEM （scanning electron microscopy） results have shown that Cr3Si powder samples consist of 50-150 lain particles and that tungsten silicide was formed at the surface of tungsten cathode after chrome-free system electrolysis.

Preparation of nanometer γ-Fe_2O_3 by electrochemical oxidation in non-aqueous medium

The preparation of nanometer γ-Fe2O3 through an electrochemical process was studied at room temperature, using a metal iron plate as sacrificing anode and a sheet of stainless steel as cathode, in non-aqueous mediate containing （Bu）4 NBr as support electrolyre and 2% （vol%） water. The powdery particles obtained were then calcined at 300 ℃. The products were characterized by IR, XRD, SEM, TEM and laser particle size analyser, indicating the fine particle is a pure nanometer γ-Fe2O3. The morphology is like coneshaped and their average size is 22.0 nm. Furthermore the VSM spectrum shows that the particle＇s coercivity （3.9 × 10^3 A/m） is rather small, presenting the excellent super-paramagnetism.

Optimization of parameters, characterization and thermal property analysis of hafnium ethoxide synthesized by electrochemical method

Hafnium ethoxide was synthesized using electrochemical method.Optimization experiments were used to optimizevarious parameters namely Et4NBr concentration(c):0.01?0.06mol/L,solution temperature(t):30?78°C,polar distance(D):2.0?4.0cm and current density(J):100?400A/m2.The electrolytic products obtained under optimum conditions of c=0.04mol/L,t=78°C,D=2.0cm and J=100A/m2were further isolated by vacuum distillation under5kPa.The product was characterized byFourier transform infrared(FT-IR)spectra,nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectra.The results indicated that the product washafnium ethoxide.ICP analysis suggested that the content of hafnium ethoxide in the final product exceeded99.997%.Thermalproperties of the product were analyzed by TG/DTG.The vaporization enthalpy of hafnium ethoxide was found to be79.1kJ/mol.The result confirmed that hafnium ethoxide was suitable for the preparation of hafnium oxide by atomic layer deposition.

Strategies for Sustainable Production of Hydrogen Peroxide via Oxygen Reduction Reaction:From Catalyst Design to Device Setup

An environmentally benign,sustainable,and cost-effective supply of H_(2)O_(2)as a rapidly expanding consumption raw material is highly desired for chemical industries,medical treatment,and household disinfection.The electrocatalytic production route via electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)offers a sustainable avenue for the onsite production of H_(2)O_(2)from O2 and H2O.The most crucial and innovative part of such technology lies in the availability of suitable electrocatalysts that promote two-electron(2e^(–))ORR.In recent years,tremendous progress has been achieved in designing efficient,robust,and cost-effective catalyst materials,including noble metals and their alloys,metalfree carbon-based materials,single-atom catalysts,and molecular catalysts.Meanwhile,innovative cell designs have significantly advanced electrochemical applications at the industrial level.This review summarizes fundamental basics and recent advances in H_(2)O_(2)production via 2e^(–)-ORR,including catalyst design,mechanistic explorations,theoretical computations,experimental evaluations,and electrochemical cell designs.Perspectives on addressing remaining challenges are also presented with an emphasis on the large-scale synthesis of H_(2)O_(2)via the electrochemical route.

Recent Advances of Electrocatalyst and Cell Design for Hydrogen Peroxide Production

Electrochemical synthesis of H_(2)O_(2) via a selective two-electron oxygen reduction reaction has emerged as an attractive alternative to the current energy-consuming anthraquinone process. Herein, the progress on electrocatalysts for H_(2)O_(2) generation, including noble metal, transition metalbased, and carbon-based materials, is summarized. At first, the design strategies employed to obtain electrocatalysts with high electroactivity and high selectivity are highlighted. Then, the critical roles of the geometry of the electrodes and the type of reactor in striking a balance to boost the H_(2)O_(2) selectivity and reaction rate are systematically discussed. After that, a potential strategy to combine the complementary properties of the catalysts and the reactor for optimal selectivity and overall yield is illustrated. Finally, the remaining challenges and promising opportunities for highefficient H_(2)O_(2) electrochemical production are highlighted for future studies.

Electrochemical conversion of organic compounds and inorganic small molecules

Electrochemical synthesis presents a facile and sustainable strategy to produce valuable molecules.This review summarizes the most recent advances in electrosynthesizing value-added compounds with inorganic small molecules.While“small molecules”refers to a broad spectrum of chemicals,we mainly focus on the electrochemical conversion of CO_(2),H_(2)O/D_(2)O,NH_(3)and SO_(2)until March 2024.This review intends to compare the results and display general trends throughout the field,with an emphasis on the substrate scope and mechanical aspect.Furthermore,we propose several techniques and protocols that can enable a more fundamental understanding of the electrochemical reaction involving inorganic small molecules and help drive this methodology toward commercialization.

Recent advances and challenges of nitrogen/nitrate electro catalytic reduction to ammonia synthesis

The Haber-Bosch process is the most widely used synthetic ammonia technology at present.Since its invention,it has provided an important guarantee for global food security.However,the traditional Haber-Bosch ammonia synthesis process consumes a lot of energy and causes serious environmental pollution.Under the serious pressure of energy and environment,a green,clean,and sustainable ammonia synthesis route is urgently needed.Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia is a green and mild new method for preparing ammonia,which can directly convert nitrogen or nitrate into ammonia using electricity driven by solar,wind,or water energy,without greenhouse gas and toxic gas emissions.Herein,the basic mechanism of the nitrogen reduction reaction(NRR)to ammonia and nitrate reduction reaction(NO_(3)^(-))to ammonia were discussed.The representative approaches and major technologies,such as lithium mediated electrolysis and solid oxide electrolysis cell(SOEC)electrolysis for NRR,high activity catalyst and advanced electrochemical device fabrication for(NO_(3)^(-))RR and electrochemical ammonia synthesis were summarized.Based on the above discussion and analysis,the main challenges and development directions for electrochemical ammonia synthesis were further proposed.

Tuning the growth of Cu-MOFs for efficient catalytic hydrolysis of carbonyl sulfide

Development of the high activity,promoter‐free catalysts for carbonyl sulfide(COS)hydrolysis is important for the efficient utilization of various feedstocks.In this study,the Cu‐based metal‐organic framework HKUST‐1is synthesized by a simple and mild anodic‐dissolution electrochemical method.The physical and chemical properties of the samples are characterized by several techniques,including scanning electron microscopy,X‐ray diffraction,Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller analysis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.The results reveal that the synthesis voltage plays a crucial role in controlling the morphology of the resulting HKUST‐1.The obtained samples function as novel catalysts for the hydrolysis of COS.A high efficiency,approaching100%,can be achieved for the conversion of COS at150oC over the optimal HKUST‐1synthesized at25V.This is significantly higher than that of the sample prepared by the traditional hydrothermal method.Additionally,the effects of the water temperature and the flow velocity on the hydrolysis of COS are also investigated in detail.Finally,a possible reaction pathway of COS hydrolysis over HKUST‐1is also proposed.This work represents the first example of MOFs applied to the catalytic hydrolysis of COS.The results presented in this study can be anticipated to give a feasible impetus to design novel catalysts for removing the sulfur‐containing compounds.

A facile and one-pot electrochemical method for the synthesis of a new anthraquinonethioether

The reaction of electrochemically generated anthradiquinone as a Michael acceptor with 2-mercaptobenzothiazole and 2- mercaptobenzoxazole,as nucleophiles in ethanol/water mixtures has been studied by means of cyclic voltammetry.Our voltammetric data indicate that produced anthradiquinone participates in Michael addition reaction with nucleophiles and via an ECEC mechanism converts to the new anthraquinonethioether derivatives.Based on an EC mechanism,the observed homogeneous rate constant of the Michael reaction of anthradiquinone with nucleophiles were estimated by comparing the experimental cyclic voltammograms with the digital simulated results.