Dioxygen Affinities and Biomimetic Catalytic Performance of Transition-metal Complexes with Benzoin Schiff Bases

The oxygenation constants of transition-metal complexes with benzoin Schiff bases were measured and these complexes were first employed as models for mimicking monooxygenase in catalytic epoxidation of styrene. The highest conversion and selectivity were up to 39.6% and 100% respectively at ambient temperature and pressure. The effects of structures of the bridge group R in the ligands on the dioxygen affinities and catalytic activities to epoxidize styrene were also investigated.

Dioxygen Affinities and Biomimetic Catalytic Performance of Transition-metal Complexes with Crowned Bis-Schiff Bases

The dioxygen affinities and biomimetic catalytic performance of transition-metal complexes with (15-crown-5) salophen and its substituted derivatives Mere examined. The oxygenation constants of Co(II) complexes with crowned bis-Schiff bases were measured and their Mn(III) complexes were employed as models to mimic monooxygenase in catalytic epoxidation of styrene. The highest conversion and selectivity were up to 57.2% and 100% respectively at ambient temperature and pressure. The effects of crown ether ring and substituents R on the dioxygen affinities and catalytic activities were also investigated through comparing with the uncrowned analogues.

Dioxygen Affinities and Biomimetic Catalytic Oxidation Performance of Transition-metal Complexes with Unsymmetrical Bis-Schiff Bases

The oxygenation constants and thermodynamic parameter (ΔHo, ΔSo) of Co (II) complexes with unsymmetrical bis-Schiff baeses were measured and their Mn(III) complexes as models of mimicking monooxygenase were employed to catalyze epoxidation of styrene. The effect of substituent R in a salicylidene of ML1~ML4 [ M = Co (II), Mn (III)Cl ] on the dioxygen affinities and biomimetic catalytic oxidation performance were also investigated. Among them, the MnL4Cl containing a pendant benzoaza crown ether ring showed highest conversion and selectiviy up to 54.9% and 96.9% respectively.

The Activation and Carbonylation of the C-Cl Bond Catalyzed by Transition-Metal Complexes

Diethyl malonate was synthesized by transition-metal catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of ethyl chloroacetate. The results show that the conversion of ethyl chloroacetate is greater than 92%, and the selectivity to diethyl malonate is 67.5%.

Electron Spin Resonance(ESR)Spectroscopy of the Transition-metal Complexes and Clusters I.Systematic Investigations of Real-and Complex-Orbital Methods for Calculating the d-Orbital Energies of a Low-spin(S=1/2)nd^5(t_2~5,~2T_2)(n=3

On the basis of the first paper’s theoretical derivations and concrete instance calculations of the energies of the d orbitals for a low spin ( S =1/2) nd 5(t 2 5, 2T 2)(n =3, 4, 5) system, the major results reported in this paper contain the following two respects: explicit relationships between the coefficients of the real and complex Kramers doublets have been derived by using two types of the expressions of the principal components of the g tensors in real and complex orbital representations obtained in the first paper; the use of these relationships of the real and complex orbital coefficients has carried out a series of mathematical demonstrations on the agreement of the real and complex orbital methods .

Electron Spin Resonance(ESR)Spectroscopy of the Transition-Metal Complexes and ClustersⅠ.Systematic Investigations of Real-and Complex-Orbital Methods for Calculating the d-Orbital Energies of a Low-Spin(S=1/2)nd^5(t_2~5,~2T_2

A model of electronic intersupplemental states was presented for calculating the d orbital energies of a distorted octahedral low spin ( S =1/2) n d 5(t 5 2, 2T 2)(n=3, 4, 5) multielectron system, and the 6 dimensional eigenmatrices of two new types in real and complex orbital representations were derived from this electron model forth. In comparison with real and complex orbital methods offered by the hole model, the real and complex orbital methods reported in this paper not only could give directly all the electronic structure parameters for the n d 5(t 5 2, 2T 2) multielectron system, but also showed many other new advantages such as standardization in theory, systematization in method, agreement in calculation and so on.

Combinations of electron and proton donors in transition-metal complex mediated nitrogen reduction reactions

Nitrogen fixation is a complex process involving the transfer of six electrons and protons.Diverging from the conventional Haber-Bosch process,which relies on hydrogen(H_(2))to provide both electrons and protons to reduce nitrogen(N_(2)),homogeneous transition metal complex-catalyzed N_(2)reduction reactions(NRR)employ an array of electron and proton donors or even electron donors combined with silanes.As the synthesis of diverse catalytic progress,the categories of donors have seen rapid expansion.However,existing literature only provides summaries regarding the metal,ligands,and mechanism.Despite the significance of electron and proton donor combinations in nitrogen reduction reactions,no literature has thoroughly reviewed this aspect.Therefore,we hereby compiled a comprehensive list of commonly used reagents in N_(2)reduction and classified them according to their specific donor combinations.This review presents clear and organized information about these combinations,along with a summary of their general performance trend in NRR with related catalysts.Finally,we conclude the discussion by highlighting key points for researchers to consider when selecting catalysts and donor combinations,with the ultimate goal of advancing the field of nitrogen fixation.

Pulsed laser interference patterning of transition-metal carbides for stable alkaline water electrolysis kinetics

We investigated the role of metal atomization and solvent decomposition into reductive species and carbon clusters in the phase formation of transition-metal carbides(TMCs;namely,Co_(3)C,Fe_(3)C,TiC,and MoC)by pulsed laser ablation of Co,Fe,Ti,and Mo metals in acetone.The interaction between carbon s-p-orbitals and metal d-orbitals causes a redistribution of valence structure through charge transfer,leading to the formation of surface defects as observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.These defects influence the evolved TMCs,making them effective for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions(HER and OER)in an alkaline medium.Co_(3)C with more oxygen affinity promoted CoO(OH)intermediates,and the electrochemical surface oxidation to Co_(3)O_(4)was captured via in situ/operando electrochemical Raman probes,increasing the number of active sites for OER activity.MoC with more d-vacancies exhibits strong hydrogen binding,promoting HER kinetics,whereas Fe_(3)C and TiC with more defect states to trap charge carriers may hinder both OER and HER activities.The results show that the assembled membrane-less electrolyzer with Co_(3)C∥Co_(3)C and MoC∥MoC electrodes requires~2.01 and 1.99 V,respectively,to deliver a 10 mA cm−2 with excellent electrochemical and structural stability.In addition,the ascertained pulsed laser synthesis mechanism and unit-cell packing relations will open up sustainable pathways for obtaining highly stable electrocatalysts for electrolyzers.

Recent progress in immobilization of late-transition-metal complexes with diimine ligands for olefin polymerization

Late-transition-metal(LTM) catalysts are a family of very flexible ethylene polymerization catalysts because their catalytic performance can be easily adjusted by modifying the ligand structure.Their less oxyphilicity character,which may promote the production of copolymers from ethylene and polar comonomers,is another aspect that attracts much attention in both academic and industrial fields.The immobilization of LTM catalysts on spherical supports is a crucial step prior to their use in the industrial processes of gas-phase or slurry polymerizations.This paper reviews recent developments in supported LTM catalysts for olefin polymerization,and summarizes loading methods and mechanisms of the immobilization of LTM catalysts on inorganic,organic,and inorganic-organic materials,and the effects of immobilization on catalytic activity,polymerization mechanism,and polymer morphology.

Electrochemical performances of four lanthanum transition-metal complex oxides

As novel negative electrode materials for alkaline batteries, the electrochemical properties of four lanthanum transition-metal (La-TM) complex oxides LaTiO(3), LaVO(4), LaCrO(3) and LaMnO(3) were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were employed to characterize their microstructures. All the La-TM oxides were made up of single phases. Electrochemical measurements showed that the maximum discharge capacities of LaTiO(3), LaVO(4), LaCrO(3), and LaMnO(3) electrodes at 303 K were 367, 187, 318, and 278 mAh/g, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and XRD Rietveld analysis were carried out to discuss the electrochemical reaction mechanism. Electrode kinetics was studied by electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS). The results showed that the maximum discharge capacity was directly related to the charge-transfer resistance (R(ct)) of La-TM oxide electrode. The cyclic properties of the four oxides should be further improved and the discharge capacity of LaMnO(3) (about 96 mAh/g) was the highest after 10(th) charge/discharge cycles.

Dioxygen Affinities and Catalytic Epoxidation Performanceof Transition-Metal Hydroxamates

The dioxygen affinities and catalytic epoxidation performance of transition-metal hydroxamates were investigated for the first time. The effects of substituents on these properties were also discussed in the paper.

Layered transition-metal hydroxides for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

Hydrogen is a promising sustainable energy to replace fossil fuels owning to its high specific energy and environmental friendliness.Alkaline water electrolysis has been considered as one of the most prospective technologies for large scale hydrogen production.To boost the sluggish kinetics of hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)in alkaline media,abundant materials have been designed and fabricated.Herein,we summarize the key achievements in the development of layered transition-metal hydroxides[TM(OH)x]for efficient alkaline HER.Based on the structure of TM(OH)x,the mechanism of synergistic effect between TM(OH)x and HER active materials is illuminated firstly.Then,recent progress of TM(OH)x-based HER catalysts to optimize the synergistic effect are categorized as TM(OH)x and active materials,including species,structure,morphology and interaction relationship.Furthermore,TM(OH)x-based overall water splitting electrocatalysts and electrodes are summarized in the design principles for high activity and stability.Finally,some of key challenges for further developments and applications of hydrogen production are proposed.

Exploring single atom catalysts of transition-metal doped phosphorus carbide monolayer for HER:A first-principles study

Hydrogen has been identified as one of the most promising sustainable and clean energy. Developing hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) catalyst with high activity is essential for satisfying the future requirements. Considering novel advantages of two-dimensional materials and high catalytic activity of atomic transition metal, in this study, using density functional theory calculation, the HER on single transitionmetal(23 different TM atoms) doped phosphorus carbide monolayer(α-PC) has been investigated. The Volmer–Tafel and Volmer–Heyrovsky reaction mechanisms, and the stability of the most promising HER catalyst are also included. The results show that Ir-αPC with high physical and thermal stability has the most optimal value of Gibbs free adsorption energy for H atom. The relationship of d band center and the HER activity shows a volcano-like curve. The calculation of reaction energy barrier indicates that the Volmer-Heyrovsky step is more favorable than the Volmer-Tafel step.

Environmental Analysis with 2D Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide-Based Field-Effect Transistors

Field-effect transistors(FETs)present highly sensitive,rapid,and in situ detection capability in chemical and biological analysis.Recently,two-dimensional(2D)transition-metal dichalcogenides(TMDCs)attract significant attention as FET channel due to their unique structures and outstanding properties.With the booming of studies on TMDC FETs,we aim to give a timely review on TMDCbased FET sensors for environmental analysis in different media.First,theoretical basics on TMDC and FET sensor are introduced.Then,recent advances of TMDC FET sensor for pollutant detection in gaseous and aqueous media are,respectively,discussed.At last,future perspectives and challenges in practical application and commercialization are given for TMDC FET sensors.This article provides an overview on TMDC sensors for a wide variety of analytes with an emphasize on the increasing demand of advanced sensing technologies in environmental analysis.

Role of transition-metal electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution with Si-based photoanodes

A comprehensive understanding of the role of the electrocatalyst in photoelectrochemical(PEC)water splitting is central to improving its performance.Herein,taking the Si-based photoanodes(n^(+)p-Si/SiO_(x)/Fe/FeOx/MOOH,M=Fe,Co,Ni)as a model system,we investigate the effect of the transition-metal electrocatalysts on the oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Among the photoanodes with the three different electrocatalysts,the best OER activity,with a low-onset potential of∼1.01 VRHE,a high photocurrent density of 24.10 mA cm^(-2)at 1.23 VRHE,and a remarkable saturation photocurrent density of 38.82 mA cm^(-2),was obtained with the NiOOH overlayer under AM 1.5G simulated sunlight(100 mW cm^(-2))in 1 M KOH electrolyte.The optimal interfacial engineering for electrocatalysts plays a key role for achieving high performance because it promotes interfacial charge transport,provides a larger number of surface active sites,and results in higher OER activity,compared to other electrocatalysts.This study provides insights into how electrocatalysts function in water-splitting devices to guide future studies of solar energy conversion.

Recent advances of transition-metal metaphosphates for efficient electrocatalytic water splitting

Sustainable production of H2 through electrochemical water splitting is of great importance in the foreseeable future.Transition-metal metaphosphates(TMMPs)have a three-dimensional(3D)open-framework structure and a high content of P(which exists as PO3-),and therefore have been recognized as highly efficient catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction(OER)and the bottleneck of electrochemical water splitting.Furthermore,TMMPs can also contribute to hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)in alkaline and neutral media by facilitating water dissociation,and thus,overall water splitting can be achieved using this kind of material.In this timely review,we summarize the recent advances in the synthesis of TMMPs and their applications in OER and HER.We present a brief introduction of the structure and synthetic strategies of TMMPs in the first two parts.Then,we review the latest progress made in research on TMMPs as OER,HER,and overall water-splitting electrocatalysts.In this part,the intrinsic activity of TMMPs as well as the current strategy for improving the catalytic activity will be discussed systematically.Finally,we present the future opportunities and the remaining challenges for the application of TMMPs in the electrocatalysis field.

Electronic structure and magnetic properties of substitutional transition-metal atoms in GaN nanotubes

The electronic structure and magnetic properties of the transition-metal （TM） atoms （Sc-Zn, Pt and Au） doped zigzag GaN single-walled nanotubes （NTs） are investigated using first-principles spin-polarized density functional calculations. Our results show that the bindings of all TM atoms are stable with the binding energy in the range of 6-16 eV. The Sc- and V-doped GaN NTs exhibit a nonmagnetic behavior. The GaN NTs doped with Ti, Mn, Ni, Cu and Pt are antiferromagnetic. On the contrary, the Cr-, Fe-, Co-, Zn- and Au-doped GaN NTs show the ferromagnetic characteristics. The Mn- and Co- doped GaN NTs induce the largest local moment of 4#B among these TM atoms. The local magnetic moment is dominated by the contribution from the substitutional TM atom and the N atoms bonded with it.

NMR and NQR studies on transition-metal arsenide superconductors LaRu2As2,KCa2Fe4As4F2,and A2Cr3As3

We report 75As-nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)and nuclear quadrupole resonance(NQR)measurements on transition-metal arsenides LaRu2As2,KCa2Fe4As4F2,and A2Cr3As3.In the superconducting state of LaRu2As2,a Hebel–Slichter coherence peak is found in the temperature dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation rate 1/T1 just below Tc,which indicates that LaRu2As2 is a full-gap superperconducor.For KCa2Fe4As4F2,antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations are observed in the normal state.We further find that the anisotropy rate RAF=Tc 1/Tab 1 is small and temperature independent,implying that the low energy spin fluctuations are isotropic in spin space.Our results indicate that KCa2Fe4As4F2 is a moderately overdoped iron-arsenide high-temperature superconductor with a stoichiometric composition.For A2Cr3As3(A=Na,K,Rb,Cs),we calculate the electric field gradient by first-principle method and assign the 75As-NQR peaks to two crystallographically different As sites,paving the way for further NMR investigation.

Interfacial engineering of transition-metal sulfides heterostructures with built-in electric-field effects for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction

Developing highly efficient,durable,and non-noble electrocatalysts for the sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction(OER)is the pivotal for meeting the practical demand in water splitting.However,the current transition-metal electrocatalysts still suffer from low activity and durability on account of poor interfacial reaction kinetics.In this work,a facile solid-state synthesis strategy is developed to construct transition-metal sulfides heterostructures(denoted as MS_(2)/NiS_(2),M=Mo or W)for boosting OER electrocatalysis.As a result,MoS2/NiS2 and WS2/NiS2 show lower overpotentials of 300 mV and 320 mV to achieve the current density of 10 mA·cm^(-2),and smaller Tafel slopes of 60 mV.dec^(-1) and 83 mV.dec^(-1)in 1 mol·L^(-1) KOH,respectively,in comparison with the single MoS2,WS2,NiS2,as well as even the benchmark RuO2.The experiments reveal that the designed heterostructures have strong electronic interactions and spontaneously develop a built-in electric field at the heterointerface with uneven charge distribution based on the difference of band structures,which promote interfacial charge transfer,improve absorptivity of OH-,and modulate the energy level more comparable to the OER.Thus,the designed transition-metal sulfides heterostructures exhibit a remarkably high electrocatalytic activity for OER.This study provides a simple strategy to manipulate the heterostructure interface via an energy level engineering method for OER and can be extended to fabricate other heterostructures for various energy-related applications.

Structural and electronic properties of transition-metal chalcogenides Mo5S4 nanowires

Transition-metal chalcogenide nanowires(TMCN) as a viable candidate for nanoscale applications have been attracting much attention for the last few decades. Starting from the rigid building block of M6 octahedra(M = transition metal),depending on the way of connection between M6 and decoration by chalcogenide atoms, multiple types of extended TMCN nanowires can be constructed based on some basic rules of backbone construction proposed here. Note that the well-known Chevrel-phase based M6X6 and M6X9(X = chalcogenide atom) nanowires, which are among our proposed structures, have been successfully synthesized by experiment and well studied. More interestingly, based on the construction principles, we predict three new structural phases(the cap, edge, and C&E phases) of Mo5S4, one of which(the edge phase) has been obtained by top-down electron beam lithography on two-dimensional MoS2, and the C&E phase is yet to be synthesized but appears more stable than the edge phase. The stability of the new phases of Mo5S4 is further substantiated by crystal orbital overlapping population(COOP), phonon dispersion relation, and thermodynamic calculation. The barrier of the structural transition between different phases of Mo5S4 shows that it is very likely to realize an conversion from the experimentally achieved structure to the most stable C&E phase. The calculated electronic structure shows an interesting band nesting between valence and conduction bands of the C&E Mo5S4 phase, suggesting that such a nanowire structure can be well suitable for optoelectronic sensor applications.