“Capture-activation-recapture” mechanism-guided design of double-atom catalysts for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction

Compared with the traditional industrial nitrogen fixation, electrocatalytic methods, especially those utilizing double-atom catalysts containing nonmetals, can give good consideration to the economy and environmental protection. However, the existing “acceptance-donation” mechanism is only applicable to bimetallic catalysts and nonmetallic double-atom catalysts containing boron atoms. Herein, a novel “capture-activation-recapture” mechanism for metal-nonmetal double-atom catalyst is proposed to solve the problem by adjusting the coordination environments of nonmetallic atoms and utilizing the activation effect of metal atoms on nitrogen. Based on this mechanism, the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) activity of 48 structures is calculated by density functional theory calculation, and four candidates are selected as outstanding electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction catalysts: Si-Fe@NG (U_(L) = –0.14 V), Si-Co@NG (U_(L)= –0.15 V), Si-Mo@BP1 (U_(L) = 0 V), and Si-Re@BP1 (U_(L) = –0.02 V). The analyses of electronic properties further confirm “capture-activation-recapture” mechanism and suggest that the difference in valence electron distribution between metal and Si atoms triggers the activation of N≡N bonds. In addition, a machine learning approach is utilized to generate an expression and an intrinsic descriptor that considers the coordination environment to predict the limiting potential. This study offers profound insight into the synergistic mechanism of TM and Si for NRR and guidance in the design of novel double-atom nitrogen fixation catalysts.

A Review of In‑Situ Techniques for Probing Active Sites and Mechanisms of Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reactions

Electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)is one of the most important reactions in electrochemical energy technologies such as fuel cells and metal–O2/air batteries,etc.However,the essential catalysts to overcome its slow reaction kinetic always undergo a complex dynamic evolution in the actual catalytic process,and the concomitant intermediates and catalytic products also occur continuous conversion and reconstruction.This makes them difficult to be accurately captured,making the identification of ORR active sites and the elucidation of ORR mechanisms difficult.Thus,it is necessary to use extensive in-situ characterization techniques to proceed the real-time monitoring of the catalyst structure and the evolution state of intermediates and products during ORR.This work reviews the major advances in the use of various in-situ techniques to characterize the catalytic processes of various catalysts.Specifically,the catalyst structure evolutions revealed directly by in-situ techniques are systematically summarized,such as phase,valence,electronic transfer,coordination,and spin states varies.In-situ revelation of intermediate adsorption/desorption behavior,and the real-time monitoring of the product nucleation,growth,and reconstruction evolution are equally emphasized in the discussion.Other interference factors,as well as in-situ signal assignment with the aid of theoretical calculations,are also covered.Finally,some major challenges and prospects of in-situ techniques for future catalysts research in the ORR process are proposed.

Ultralow Ag-assisted carbon-carbon coupling mechanism on Cu-based catalysts for electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction

Electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction to C2H4supplies an economically viable route for CO_(2) fixation with the integration of intermittent renewable energy.Cu-based catalysts are capable of catalyzing CO_(2) to C_(2)H_(4),while suffering from the high overpotential and low Faradaic efficiency.In this joint experimentalcomputational work,an Ag-assisted carbon-carbon coupling is exploited on Cu-based catalysts.A systematic characterization analysis suggests that an ultralow quantity of Ag atoms in the Cu catalysts motivates electron transfer from Cu to Ag,regulating the electronic state of highly dispersed Ag.Meanwhile,the Ag incorporation provokes the formation of more oxygen defects on the catalyst surface,improving the adsorption and activation of CO_(2) molecules.Density functional theory studies prove the improvement effect of Ag for CO_(2)to COOH^(*).^(*)CO hydrogenation is energetically more favorable than^(*)CO dimerization pathway,and two^(*)CHO dimerization produces^(*)OCHCHO^(*) key intermediates,which greatly reduces the energy barrier for C_(2)H_(4) formation.

Copper-based bimetallic electrocatalysts for CO_(2) reduction:From mechanism understandings to product regulations

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction(CO_(2) RR)is a promising method to solve current environment and energy issues.Copper-based catalysts have been widely studied for converting CO_(2) into value-added hy-drocarbon products.Cu monometallic catalyst has been proved to have some shortcomings,including relatively high energy barriers and diverse reaction pathways,leading to low reaction activities and poor product selec-tivity,respectively.Recently copper-based bimetallic tandem catalysts have attracted extensive attentions due to their special catalyst structure,which can be easily regulated to achieve high CO_(2) RR reactivity and product selectivity.With the development of quantum chemistry calculations and spectroscopic characterization methods,deep understandings of CO_(2) RR from the mechanism perspective provide a broad horizon for the design of effi-cient catalysts.This review offers a good summary of reaction mechanisms and product regulation strategies over copper-based bimetallic catalysts,along with a brief discussion on future directions towards their practical applications.

Precise regulation of the phase transformation for pyrolusite during the reduction roasting process

The mechanism involved in the phase transformation process of pyrolusite (MnO_(2)) during roasting in a reducing atmosphere was systematically elucidated in this study,with the aim of effectively using low-grade complex manganese ore resources.According to single-factor experiment results,the roasted product with a divalent manganese (Mn^(2+)) distribution rate of 95.30% was obtained at a roasting time of 25 min,a roasting temperature of 700℃,a CO concentration of 20at%,and a total gas volume of 500 mL·min^(-1),in which the manganese was mainly in the form of manganosite (MnO).Scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller theory demonstrated the microstructural evolution of the roasted product and the gradual reduction in the pyrolusite ore from the surface to the core Thermodynamic calculations,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,and X-ray diffractometry analyses determined that the phase transformation of pyrolusite followed the order of MnO_(2)→Mn_(2)O_(3)→Mn_(3)O_(4)→MnO phase by phase,and the reduction of manganese oxides in each valence state proceeded simultaneously.

Electrocatalysts with atomic-level site for nitrate reduction to ammonia

Ammonia(NH_(3))is an important raw material for modern agriculture and industry,being widely demanded to sustain the sustainable development of modern society.Currently,the industrial production methods of NH_(3),such as the traditional Haber-Bosch process,have drawbacks including high energy consumption and significant carbon dioxide emissions.In recent years,the electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction(NO_(3)RR)powered by intermittent renewable energy sources has gradually become a multidisciplinary research hotspot,as it allows for the efficient synthesis of NH_(3)under mild conditions.In this review,we focus on the research of electrocatalysts with atomic-level site,which have attracted attention due to their extremely high atomic utilization efficiency and unique structural characteristics in the field of NO_(3)RR.Firstly,we introduce the mechanism of nitrate reduction for ammonia synthesis and discuss the in-situ characterization techniques related to the mechanism study.Secondly,we review the progress of the electrocatalysts with atomic-level site for nitrate reduction and explore the structure-activity relationship to guide the rational design of efficient catalysts.Lastly,the conclusions of this review and the challenges and prospective of this promising field are presented.

Ligand modulation of active center to promote lead-free Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction

Metal halide perovskites(MHP)are potential candidates for the photocatalytic reduction of CO_(2)due to their long photogenerated carrier lifetime and charge diffusion length.However,the conventional long-chain ligand impedes the adsorption and activation of CO_(2)molecules in practical applications.Here,a ligand modulation technology is employed to enhance the photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction activity of lead-free Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)microcrystals(MCs).The Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)MCs passivated by Oleic acid(OLA)and Octanoic acid(OCA)are used for photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction.The results show that the surface defects and electronic properties of Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)MCs can be adjusted through ligand modulation.Compared with the OLA-Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6),the OCA-Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)catalyst demonstrated a significant improvement in the catalytic yield of CO and CH_(4).The CO and CH_(4)catalytic yields of OCA-Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)reached 171.88 and34.15μmol g^(-1)h^(-1)which were 2.03 and 12.98 times higher than those of OLA-Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6),and the total electron consumption rate of OCA-Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)was 615.2μmol g^(-1)h^(-1)which was 3.25 times higher than that of OLA-Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6).Furthermore,in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectra revealed the enhancement of photocatalytic activity in Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)MCs induced by ligand modulation.This study illustrates the potential of lead-free Cs_(2)AgInCl_(6)MCs for efficient photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction and provides a ligand modulation strategy for the active promotion of MHP photocatalysts.

The Mechanism of Drag Reduction around Bodies of Revolution Using Bionic Non-Smooth Surfaces

Bionic non-smooth surfaces （BNSS） can reduce drag. Much attention has been paid to the mechanism of shear stress reduction by riblets. The mechanism of pressure force reduction by bionic non-smooth surfaces on bodies of revolution has not been well investigated. In this work CFD simulation has revealed the mechanism of drag reduction by BNSS, which may work in three ways. First, BNSS on bodies of revolution may lower the surface velocity of the medium, which prevents the sudden speed up of air on the cross section. So the bottom pressure of the model would not be disturbed sharply, resulting in less energy loss and drag reduction. Second, the magnitude of vorticity induced by the bionic model becomes smaller because, due to the sculpturing, the growth of tiny air bubbles is avoided. Thus the large moment of inertia induced by large air bubble is reduced. The reduction of the vorticity could reduce the dissipation of the eddy. So the pressure force could also be reduced. Third, the thickness of the momentum layer on the model becomes less which, according to the relationship between the drag coefficient and the momentum thickness, reduces drag.

Electrochemical reduction characteristics and mechanism of nitrobenzene compounds in the catalyzed Fe-Cu process

The reduction of the nitrobenzene compounds （NBCs） by the catalyzed Fe-Cu process and the relationship between the electrochemical reduction characteristics of NBCs at copper electrode and reduction rate were studied in alkaline medium（pH=11）. The catalyzed Fe-Cu process was found more effective on degradation of NBCs compared to Master Builder＇s iron. The reduction rate by the catalyzed Fe-Cu process decreased in the following order： nitrobenzene 〉4-chloro-nitrobenzene ≥m-dinitrobenzene ：〉 4-nitrophenol ≥2,4-dinitrotoluene 〉2-nitrophenol. The reduction rate by Master Builder＇s iron decreased in the following order： m-dinitrobenzene ≥4-chloro-nitrobenzene 〉4-nitrophenol 〉2,4-dinitrotoluene ≈nitrobenzene 〉2-nitrophenol. NBCs were reduced directly on the surface of copper rather than by the hydrogen produced at cathode in the catalyzed Fe-Cu process. The reduction was realized by the hydrogen produced at cathode and Fe（OH）2 in Master Builder＇s iron, It is an essential difference in reaction mechanisms between these two technologies. For this reason, the reduction by the catalyzed Fe-Cu depended greatly on NBC＇s electron withdrawing ability.

Gas-based reduction of vanadium titano-magnetite concentrate:behavior and mechanisms

The reduction of vanadium titano-magnetite pellets by H_2-CO at temperatures from 850 to 1050°C was investigated in this paper. The influences of pre-oxidation treatment, reduction temperature, and V_（H_2）/（V_（H_2） ＋ VCO） on the metallization degree were studied. The results showed that pre-oxidation played a substantial role in the reduction of vanadium titano-magnetite pellets. During the reduction process, the metallization degree increased with increasing temperature and increasing V_（H_2） /（V_（H_2） ＋ VCO）. The phase transformation of pre-oxidized vanadium titano-magnetite pellets during the reduction process under an H_2 atmosphere and a CO atmosphere was discussed, and the reduced samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy（SEM） in conjunction with back scatter electron（BSE） imaging. The results show that the difference in thermodynamic reducing ability between H_2 and CO is not the only factor that leads to differences in the reduction results obtained using different atmospheres. Some of Fe_（3-x）Ti_xO_4 cannot be reduced under a CO atmosphere because of the densification of particles＇ structure and because of the enrichment of Mg in unreacted cores. By contrast, a loose structure of particles was obtained when the pellets were reduced under an H_2 atmosphere and this structure decreased the resistance to gas diffusion. Moreover, the phenomenon of Mg enrichment in unreacted cores disappeared during H_2 reduction. Both the lower resistance to gas diffusion and the lack of Mg enrichment facilitated the reduction of vanadium titano-magnetite.

Driving Torque Reduction in Linkage Mechanisms Using Joint Compliance for Robot Head

The conventional linkage mechanisms with compliant joint have been widely studied and implemented for increasing the adaptability of the mechanism to external contacts. However, the analysis of how compliant joints in linkage mechanism can reduce the energy consumption isn＇t still studied deeply. In a mobile service robot head, the actions of blinking the eyes and moving the eyeballs are realized by the planar linkage mechanism respectively. Therefore, minimizing the driving torques through motion trajectories for the linkage mechanism, which will be beneficial to extend the working time for mobile service robots. The dynamic modeling of the linkage mechanism with springs-loaded compliant joint is established. An optimization procedure for obtaining the optimal parameters of springs is proposed for minimizing the max value of driving torques within a range of desired operating conditions. The Simulations prove that the linkage mechanism with compliant joints can effectively reduce the driving torques, and reduce the energy consumption consequently. The framework can also be applied in other similar applications to reduce the driving torque and save energy. Compared with previous efforts, this is the first attempt that the linkage mechanism with complaint joint is applied in the robot head for reducing the driving torque.

Mechanism of NO reduction with non-thermal plasma

Non-thermal plasma has been proved to be an effective and competitive technology for removing NO in flue gas since 1970. In this paper, the NO reduction mechanism of the non-thermal plasma reaction in NO/N_2/O_2 system was investigated using the method of spectral analysis and quantum chemistry. By the establishment of NO reduction and gas discharge plasma emission spectrum measuring system, the NO reduction results, gas discharge emission spectra of NO/N_2/O_2 and pure N_2 were obtained, and then the model of molecular orbit of N_2 either in ground state or its excited state was worked out using the method of molecular orbit Ab initio in Self-Consistent Field(SCF). It was found that NO reduction in NO/N_2 gas discharge plasma was achieved mainly through a series of fast elementary reactions and the N(E6) at excited state was the base for NO reduction.

Catalytic Mechanism of KCl during Carbothermic Reduction of Pre-Oxidized Ilmenite

As alkali additive,KC1 catalyzes effectively the carbothermic reduction of pre-oxidized ilmenite,and the catalytic effect becomes more remarkable as the amount of KC1 increases.During the carbothermic reduction,the gaseous product consists mainly of CO,and the partial pressure of which increases with reaction temperature.The EPMA and XPS of the partially reduced ilmenite ore and that of the used graphite as reductant showed that the potassium ions enter both ilmenite particles and graphite powders during reduction.The above-mentioned phenomena result in the distortion of ilmenite and carbon structure by potassium ions and reaction activity of carbon and ilmenite was enhanced.As a result,the overall carbothermic reduction was catalyzed by KC1.

Reduction mechanism of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite pellets by H_2–CO–CO_2 gas mixtures

The reduction of high-chromium vanadium–titanium magnetite as a typical titanomagnetite containing 0.95wt% V2O5 and 0.61wt% Cr2O3 by H2–CO–CO2 gas mixtures was investigated from 1223 to 1373 K. Both the reduction degree and reduction rate increase with increasing temperature and increasing hydrogen content. At a temperature of 1373 K, an H2/CO ratio of 5/2 by volume, and a reduction time of 40 min, the degree of reduction reaches 95%. The phase transformation during reduction is hypothesized to proceed as follows： Fe2O3 → Fe3O4 → FeO → Fe; Fe9 TiO 15 ＋ Fe2Ti3O9 → Fe2.75Ti0.25O4 → FeT iO 3 → TiO 2;（Cr0.15V0.85）2O3 → Fe2VO4; and Cr1.3Fe0.7O3 → FeC r2O4. The reduction is controlled by the mixed internal diffusion and interfacial reaction at the initial stage; however, the interfacial reaction is dominant. As the reduction proceeds, the internal diffusion becomes the controlling step.

Mechanism study of reduction of CO_2 into formic acid by in-situ hydrogen produced from water splitting with Zn: Zn/ZnO interface autocatalytic role

We have previously developed a new process of highly efficient conversion of COand water into formic acid with metallic Zn without the addition of catalyst, however, its mechanism is not clear, particularly in the catalytic role of Zn/ZnO interface. Herein, the autocatalytic role of Zn/ZnO interface formed in situ during the reduction of COinto formic acid with Zn in water was studied by combining high resolution transmission electron microscopy（HRTEM）, X-ray diffraction（XRD） and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS） techniques and experimental data. The electron microscope results show that possible defects or dislocations formed on Zn/ZnO interface, in which plays a key role for Zn H-formation. Further XPS analyses indicate that oxygen vacancies on Zn/ZnO interface increased at short reaction times（less than 10 min）. These analyses and experimental results suggest that a highly efficient and rapid conversion of COand water into formic acid should involve an autocatalytic role of the Zn/ZnO interface formed in situ, particularly at the beginning of the reaction.

Effects and mechanisms of fluorite on the co-reduction of blast furnace dust and seaside titanomagnetite

The co-reduction roasting and grinding-magnetic separation of seaside titanomagnetite and blast furnace dust was investigated with and without fluorite addition at a reduction roasting temperature of 1250°C for 60 min, a grinding fineness of-43 μm accounting for 69.02 wt% of the total, and a low-intensity magnetic field strength of 151 kA/m. The mineral composition, microstructure, and state of the roasted products were analyzed, and the concentrations of CO and CO_2 were analyzed in the co-reduction roasting. Better results were achieved with a small fluorite dosage(≤4 wt%) in the process of co-reduction. In addition, F^- was found to reduce the melting point and viscosity of the slag phase because of the high content of aluminate and silicate minerals in the blast furnace dust. The low moisture content of the blast furnace dust and calcic minerals inhibited the hydrolysis of CaF_2 and the loss of F^-. Compared with the blast furnace dust from Chengdeng, the blast furnace dusts from Jiugang and Jinxin inhibited the diffusion of F-when used as reducing agents, leading to weaker effects of fluorite.

Reduction Mechanism of Scandium Ion in Fluoride Salt Melt

The electrochemical behavior of Sc^(3+) in LiF-NaF system was investigated. The cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry were used to investigate the reduction mechanism of the electrochemical deposition of Sc^(3+) to Sc on Ag electrode in LiF-NaF system at 1043 K. Experimental results indicate that the electroreduction of Sc^(3+) to Sc is a reversible process with simple 3-electron transfer in one step controlled by diffusion.

Experiment and mechanism of dynamic drag reduction in pipeline transportation

Based on the analysis of the disadvantages of traditional methods in reducing pipeline resistance, the new conception of dynamic drag reduction in pipeline transportation has been proposed. The experimental results and mechanism of dynamic reduction of pipeline resistance were also discussed in detail. The main conclusion is that the dynamic reduction of resistance exerts forces on the moving materials along both the radial direction and the axial direction. The radial force throws the materials upwards to depart from the pipe wall to reduce the frictional force, while the axial force directly reduces the resistance by providing the force to overcome the drag.

Reduction Mechanism of Chromite Ore in Blast Furnace

The structural changes and reduction degree of chromite ore in blast furnace were studied by optical micrograph analysis,scanning electron microscope(SEM)and energy dispersive X-ray analysis(EDXA).The smelting reduction mechanism of chromite in blast furnace was primarily discussed.

Mechanism of Reduction Action of Unsaturated Polyester Resin

The reduction action mechanism of the unsatrurated polyester resinreducer is analysed by the free space volume theory. Throughmeasuring the reduction magnitude in each phase of solidification,the authors predicted the rate of reduction is in concordance withthe results from experiments. From this we presented corre- spondingsolutions to different causes of the reduction action of theunsaturated polyester resin.