The influence of intimacy on the ’iterative reactions’ during OX-ZEO process for aromatic production

The oxide-zeolite process provides a promising way for one-step production of aromatics from syngas,whereas the reasons for the dramatic effect of intimacy between oxide and zeolite in the composite catalyst on the product selectivity are still unclear. In order to explore the optimal intimacy and the essential influence factors, ZnCrOxcombined with ZSM-5 are employed to prepare the composite catalysts with different distances between the two components by changing the mixing methods. An aromatic selectivity of 74%(with CO conversion to be 16%) is achieved by the composite catalyst when the intimacy is in the range of nanometer. A so-called ‘iterative reactions’ mechanism of intermediates over oxides is then proposed and studied: the intermediate chemical can undergo a hydrogenation reaction on oxide.So the shorter the intermediates stay on oxide, the more of chance for C-C coupling takes place on zeolite to form aromatics. Moreover, the aero-environments of reaction is found to impact on the extent of iterative reaction as well. Therefore, when the intimacy between the two components changes, the extent of iterative reactions vary, resulting in alteration of product distribution. This work provides new insight in understanding the mechanisms during the complex process of OX-ZEO composite catalysis and sheds light to the design of a high-yield catalyst for synthetization of aromatics from syngas.

Rational design and precise manipulation of nano‐catalysts

Nano‐catalysis plays a vital role in the chemical transformations and significantly impacts the booming modern chemical industry.The rapid technological enhancements have resulted in serious energy and environmental issues,which are currently spurring the exploration of the novel nano‐catalysts in diverse fields.In order to develop the efficient nano‐catalysts,it is essential to understand their fundamental physicochemical properties,including the coordination structures of the active centers and substrate‐adsorbate interactions.Subsequently,the nano‐catalyst design with precise manipulation at the atomic level can be attained.In this account,we have summarized our extensive investigation of the factors impacting nano‐catalysis,along with the synthetic strategies developed to prepare the nano‐catalysts for applications in electrocatalysis,photocatalysis and thermocatalysis.Finally,a brief conclusion and future research directions on nano‐catalysis have also been presented.

Construction of bifunctional single-atom catalysts on the optimized β-Mo_(2)C surface for highly selective hydrogenation of CO_(2) into ethanol

Green and economical CO_(2)utilization is significant for CO_(2)emission reduction and energy development.Here,the 1D Mo_(2)C nanowires with dominant(101)crystal surfaces were modified by the deposition of atomic functional components Rh and K.While unmodifiedβMo_(2)C could only convert CO_(2)to methanol,the designed catalyst of K_(0.2)Rh_(0.2)/β-Mo_(2)C exhibited up to 72.1%of ethanol selectivity at 150℃.It was observed that the atomically dispersed Rh could form the bifunctional active centres with the active carrierβMo_(2)C with the synergistic effects to achieve highly specific controlled C–C coupling.By promoting the CO_(2)adsorption and activation,the introduction of an alkali metal(K)mainly regulated the balanced performance of the two active centres,which in turn improved the hydrogenation selectivity.Overall,the controlled modification ofβMo_(2)C provides a new design strategy for the highly efficient,lowtemperature hydrogenation of CO_(2)to ethanol with single-atom catalysts,which provides an excellent example for the rational design of the complex catalysts.