Quaternary-ammonium-immobilized polystyrenes as efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalysts for synthesis of cyclic carbonate:Effects of linking chains and pendent hydroxyl group

Spherical polystyrene‐supported ammonium salts containing different linking chains between the support and ammonium groups were prepared as efficient and easily reusable heterogeneous catalysts for the cycloadditions of CO2and epoxides.The effects of the length of the linking chains and a hydroxyl group pendent on the linking chain on the catalytic performance of ionic liquid immobilized catalysts and their mechanisms were studied through experiments and density functional theory calculations.It was found that,compared with a short linking chain,a long chain can make the halogen anion more negative and provide a larger contact area of the catalysts with the reactants,thus enhancing the reaction kinetics.The hydroxyl group can stretch the C-O bonds of the epoxides,promoting the reaction thermodynamics.As a result,for the cycloaddition of propylene oxide,the yield of propylene carbonate is much higher for the catalyst with a long linking chain(yield:91.4%)compared with the yield for that with a short chain(yield:70.9%),and is further increased in the presence of pendent hydroxyl groups(yield:98.5%).The catalyst also shows a high catalytic activity even at mild temperature and good reusability(yield:≥96%for10cycles),and the selectivity is always above99%.

Structural sensitivity of heterogeneous catalysts for sustainable chemical synthesis of gluconic acid from glucose

Gluconic acid and its derivatives have been widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Conventional processes that involve the conversion of glucose into gluconic acid via fermentation present several technological shortcomings as they involve energy-intensive wastewater treatment and complex enzyme separation. Greener oxidation processes over heterogeneous metal catalysts have attracted increasing attention worldwide. Au-, Pt-and Pd-based heterogeneous catalysts have been extensively used for the chemical oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid. Bimetallic catalysts synthesized by adding either noble or inexpensive metals have also presented excellent performance for the oxidations of glucose. In particular, particle size, which has been recognized as the most important factor that affect catalytic performances, could be rationally tuned by changing the types of support and ligand as well as the synthesis conditions. In this perspective review, we summarize and critically discuss the recent advances in the structural design of mono-and bimetallic catalysts for the oxidation of glucose in aqueous media. Furthermore, the challenges of developing catalysts for the green synthesis of gluconic acid have been highlighted. This review provides alternative insights for designing effective catalytic materials for the catalytic oxidation of bio-derived oxygenates over heterogeneous catalysts.

Recent advances and perspectives in cobalt‐based heterogeneous catalysts for photocatalytic water splitting,CO_(2) reduction,and N_(2) fixation

Solar‐driven conversion of carbon dioxide,water and nitrogen into high value‐added fuels(e.g.H_(2),CO,CH_(4),CH_(3)OH,NH_(3) and so on)is regarded as an environmental‐friendly and ideal route for relieving the greenhouse gas effect and countering energy crisis,which is an attractive and challenging topic.Hence,various types of photocatalysts have been developed successively to meet the requirements of these photocatalysis.Among them,cobalt‐based heterogeneous catalysts emerge as one of the most promising photocatalysts that open up alluring vistas in the field of solar‐to‐fuels conversion,which can effectively enhance photocatalytic efficiency by extending light absorption range,promoting charge separation,providing active sites,and lowering reaction barrier.In this review,we first present the working principles of cobalt‐based heterogeneous catalysts for photocatalytic water splitting,CO_(2) reduction,and N_(2) fixation.Second,five efficient strategies including surface modification,morphology modulation,crystallinity controlling,crystal engineering and doping,are discussed for improving the photocatalytic performance with different types cobalt‐based catalysts(cobalt nanoparticles and single atom,oxides,sulfides,phosphides,MOFs,COFs,LDHs,carbide,and nitrides).Third,we outline the applications for the state‐of‐the‐art photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction and water splitting,and nitrogen fixation over cobalt‐based heterogeneous catalysts.Finally,the central challenges and possible improvements of cobalt‐based photocatalysis in the future are presented.The purpose of this review is to summarize the past experience and lessons,and provide reference for the further development of cobalt‐based photocatalysis technology.

Esterification of Free Fatty Acids in Waste Cooking Oil by Heterogeneous Catalysts

Waste cooking oil(WCO) is becoming the most promising alternative feedstock to produce biodiesel due to its low cost in China. In this study, NKC-9 ion-exchange resin and H-beta zeolite were selected as heterogeneous catalysts in the WCO esterification process and their esterification characteristics were compared by orthogonal experiments. NKC-9 resin showed higher activity and achieved a higher final conversion compared with H-beta zeolite under the same reaction conditions. Reusability experiments showed that NKC-9 resin still exhibited high activity after 5 runs. The effects of the mole ratio of alcohol to oil, reaction time, reaction temperature and the catalyst dose were investigated by multifactor orthogonal analysis. The influence of the free fatty acid(FFA) content was also investigated, and the result showed that the esterification rate could be as high as 98.4% when the FFA content was 6.3wt%.

Enantioselective Hydrogenation of β-keto Esters Using Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysts, a Case Study for Comparison of Different Catalytic Methodologies

The asymmetric reduction of β-keto esters to their corresponding hydroxy alcohols can be performed by employing homogeneous and heterogeneous chemo- and bio-catalysis. This review covers the scope and limitations of different catalysts and methodologies that were employed for the reaction and compare between them on the basis of catalytic performance, product separation and catalyst recycling procedure. In general, heterogeneous catalytic systems are advantageous from industrial point of views as they can be easily separated by filtration and re-used. Nickel modified with tartaric acid and sodium bromide was found to be suitable heterogeneous catalyst for the enantioselective hydrogenation, yet its performance is lower than this of homogeneous chiral metal catalysts such as Ru-BINAP. Heterogenization of the chiral complex via immobilization or entrapment using organic and inorganic supports was thus tested. However, though the resulted heterogeneous analogues were highly enantioselective and could be re-used, the activity of the system is often very low compared to homogeneous system due to mass transfer limitations. Alternatively, performing liquid phase hydrogenation under homogeneous conditions, using Ru-BINAP soluble derivatives, yielded high activit5＇ and enantioselectivity. Product separation and catalysts recycling were facilitated by either extraction of the product with solvent that does not dissolve the complex or by selective filtration of the product. Alternatively, precipitation of the complex at the end of the reaction was also reported.

Cobalt-based heterogeneous catalysts for photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction

Solar light-driven CO_(2)reduction to high value-added chemicals has considered as an outstanding way to solve energy crisis and climate warming.Recently,various photocatalysts have been developed to achieve this reaction.Among them,cobaltbased heterogeneous catalysts have attracted great interest because of their promising performance,product selectivity and stability.Herein,we systematically summarize the research progress of various cobalt-based heterogeneous catalysts for the photoreduction of CO_(2),such as single-atom cobalt,and cobalt-based oxides,nitrides,sulfi des,phosphides,metal-organic frameworks and covalent-organic frameworks.Meanwhile,the advantages and structure-activity relationship of these catalysts in photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction reaction are discussed.Finally,the challenges and prospects for constructing cobaltbased heterogeneous catalysts with high effi ciency are highlighted.

Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin-Derived Vanillin via Hetero-Structured High-Entropy Alloy/Oxide Catalysts

The chemoselective hydrodeoxygenation of natural lignocellulosic materials plays a crucial role in converting biomass into value-added chemicals.Yet their complex molecular structures often require multiple active sites synergy for effective activation and achieving high chemoselectivity.Herein,it is reported that a high-entropy alloy(HEA)on high-entropy oxide(HEO)hetero-structured catalyst for highly active,chemoselective,and robust vanillin hydrodeoxygenation.The heterogenous HEA/HEO catalysts were prepared by thermal reduction of senary HEOs(NiZnCuFeAlZrO_(x)),where exsolvable metals(e.g.,Ni,Zn,Cu)in situ emerged and formed randomly dispersed HEA nanoparticles anchoring on the HEO matrix.This catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic performance:100%conversion of vanillin and 95%selectivity toward high-value 2-methyl-4 methoxy phenol at low temperature of 120℃,which were attributed to the synergistic effect among HEO matrix(with abundant oxygen vacancies),anchored HEA nanoparticles(having excellent hydrogenolysis capability),and their intimate hetero-interfaces(showing strong electron transferring effect).Therefore,our work reported the successful construction of HEA/HEO heterogeneous catalysts and their superior multifunctionality in biomass conversion,which could shed light on catalyst design for many important reactions that are complex and require multifunctional active sites.

Enabling heterogeneous catalysis to achieve carbon neutrality: Directional catalytic conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids

The increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide(CO_(2))emissions has exacerbated the deterioration of the global environment,which should be controlled to achieve carbon neutrality.Central to the core goal of achieving carbon neutrality is the utilization of CO_(2) under economic and sustainable conditions.Recently,the strong need for carbon neutrality has led to a proliferation of studies on the direct conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids,which can effectively alleviate CO_(2) emissions and create high-value chemicals.The purpose of this review is to present the application prospects of carboxylic acids and the basic principles of CO_(2) conversion into carboxylic acids through photo-,electric-,and thermal catalysis.Special attention is focused on the regulation strategy of the activity of abundant catalysts at the molecular level,inspiring the preparation of high-performance catalysts.In addition,theoretical calculations,advanced technologies,and numerous typical examples are introduced to elaborate on the corresponding process and influencing factors of catalytic activity.Finally,challenges and prospects are provided for the future development of this field.It is hoped that this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of the conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids and inspire more innovative breakthroughs.

Catalytic effect in lithium metal batteries: From heterogeneous catalyst to homogenous catalyst

Lithium metal batteries are regarded as prominent contenders to address the pressing needs owing to the high theoretical capacity.Toward the broader implementation,the primary obstacle lies in the intricate multi-electron,multi-step redox reaction associated with sluggish conversion kinetics,subsequently giving rise to a cascade of parasitic issues.In order to smooth reaction kinetics,catalysts are widely introduced to accelerate reaction rate via modulating the energy barrier.Over past decades,a large amount of research has been devoted to the catalyst design and catalytic mechanism exploration,and thus the great progress in electrochemical performance has been realized.Therefore,it is necessary to make a comprehensive review toward key progress in catalyst design and future development pathway.In this review,the basic mechanism of lithium metal batteries is provided along with corresponding advantages and existing challenges detailly described.The main catalysts employed to accelerate cathode reaction with emphasis on their catalytic mechanism are summarized as well.Finally,the rational design and innovative direction toward efficient catalysts are suggested for future application in metal-sulfur/gas battery and beyond.This review is expected to drive and benefit future research on rational catalyst design with multi-parameter synergistic impacts on the activity and stability of next-generation metal battery,thus opening new avenue for sustainable solution to climate change,energy and environmental issues,and the potential industrial economy.

Highly reactive and reusable heterogeneous activated carbons-based palladium catalysts for Suzuki-Miyaura reaction

Suzuki-Miyaura reaction of aryl halides with phenylboronic acid using a heterogeneous palladium catalyst based on activated carbons(AC) was systematically investigated in this work. Two different reaction modes(batch procedure and continuous-flow procedure) were used to study the variations of reaction processing. The heterogeneous catalysts presented excellent reactivity and recyclability for iodobenzene and bromobenzene substrates in batch mode, which can be attributed to stabilization of Pd nanoparticles by the thiol and amino groups on the AC supports. However, significant dehalogenation in the reaction mixture and Pd leaching from the heterogeneous catalysts were observed in continuous-flow mode.This unique phenomenon in continuous-flow mode resulted in a dramatic decline in reaction selectivity and durability of heterogeneous catalysts comparing with that of batch mode. In addition, the heterogeneous Pd catalysts with thiol-and amino-modified AC supports exhibited different reactivity and durability in batch and continuous-flow mode owing to the difference of interaction between Pd species and AC supports.

Nanoparticles@nanoscale metal-organic framework composites as highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts for size-and shape-selective reactions

Composites incorporating nanoparticles （NPs） within metal-organic frameworks （MOFs） find applications in many different fields.In particular,using MOF layers as molecular sieves built on the NPs could enable selectivity in heterogeneous catalysis.However,such composites typically exhibit low catalytic efficiency,due to the slow diffusion of the reactants in the long and narrow channels of the MOF shell.In order to improve the catalytic efficiency of these systems,here we report the fabrication of NPs incorporated in nanosized MOFs （NPs@nano-MOFs）,obtained by reducing the size of the MOF crystals grown around the NPs.The crystal size of the composites was controlled by modulating the nucleation rate of the MOFs during the encapsulation of pre-synthesized and catalytically active NPs;in this way,NPs@MOF crystals smaller than 50 nm were synthesized and subsequently used as highly efficient catalysts.Due to the shorter path from the MOF surface to the active sites,the obtained Pt@nano-MOFs composites showed a higher conversion rate than their larger-sized counterparts in the synthesis of imines via cascade reaction of nitrobenzene and in the hydrogenation of olefins,while retaining the excellent size and shape selectivity associated with the molecular sieving effect of the MOF layer.The present strategy can also be applied to prepare other encapsulated nanostructures combining various types of NPs and nano-MOFs,thus highlighting the broad potential of this approach for developing optimized catalysts with high reactivity and selectivity.

Stabilization of heterogeneous hydrogenation catalysts for the aqueous-phase reactions of renewable feedstocks

The conversion of biomass-derived products to fine chemicals and fuels is extremely important for the utilization of renewable energy sources.Water is not only a by-product formed during the hydrogenation of biomass-derived oxygenated chemicals,but also an inexpensive and nontoxic solvent.The instability of solid catalysts for aqueous-phase reactions caused by metal leaching and the collapse of a catalyst support represents a significant challenge.In this work,various catalyst stabilization strategies including the nanospace and interfacial confinements that prevent sintering and leaching of metal nanoparticles as well as modification methods for increasing the support stability are summarized and systemically discussed.In addition,feasible approaches to designing stable and efficient heterogeneous catalysts for aqueous-phase reactions are proposed.

Mechanically Strong Heterogeneous Catalysts via Immobilization of Powderous Catalysts to Porous Plastic Tablets

Main observation and conclusion We describe a practical and general protocol for immobilization of heterogeneous catalysts to mechanically robust porous ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene tablets using inter-facial Lifshitz-van der Waals Interactions.Diverse types of powderous catalysts,including Cu,Pd/C,Pd/Al2O3,Pt/C,and Rh/C have been immobilized successfully.The immobilized catalysts are mechanistically robust towards stirring in solutions,and they worked well in diverse synthetic reactions.The immobilized catalyst tablets are easy to handle and reused.Moreover,the metal leaching of immobilized catalysts was reduced significantly.

Wet-milling synthesis of immobilized Pt/Ir nanoclusters as promising heterogeneous catalysts

Being a typical state of the art heterogeneous catalyst,supported noble metal catalyst often demonstrates enhanced catalytic properties.However,a facile synthetic method for realizing large-scale and low-cost supported noble metal catalyst is strictly indispensable.To this end,by making use of the strong metal-support interaction(SMSI)and mechanochemical reaction,we introduce an efficient synthetic route to obtain ultrafine Pt and Ir nanoclusters immobilized on diverse substrates by wet chemical milling.We further demonstrate the scaling-up effect of our approach by large-scale ball-milling production of Pt nanoclusters immobilized on TiO_(2)substrate.The synthesized Pt/Ir@Co_(3)O_(4)catalysts exhibit superior oxygen evolution reaction(OER)performance with only 230 and 290 mV overpotential to achieve current density of 10 and 100 mA·cm^(-2),beating the catalytic performance of Co_(3)O_(4)supported Pt or Ir clusters and commercial Ir/C.It is envisioned that the present work strategically directs facile ways for fabricating supported noble metal heterogeneous catalysts.

Computational design of heterogeneous catalysts and gas separation materials for advanced chemical processing

Functional materials are widely used in chemical industry in order to reduce the process cost while simultaneously increase the product quality.Considering their significant effects,systematic methods for the optimal selection and design of materials are essential.The conventional synthesis-and-test method for materials development is inefficient and costly.Additionally,the performance of the resulting materials is usually limited by the designer’s expertise.During the past few decades,computational methods have been significantly developed and they now become a very important tool for the optimal design of functional materials for various chemical processes.This article selectively focuses on two important process functional materials,namely heterogeneous catalyst and gas separation agent.Theoretical methods and representative works for computational screening and design of these materials are reviewed.

Nanocarbon-based TEMPO as stable heterogeneous catalysts for partial oxidation of alcohols

Polymerized fullerene hollow spheres bonded with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-l-oxyl （TEMPO） have been successfully synthesized via amination of C6o with 4-amino-TEMPO in the presence of H202, and then cross- linked by 1,6-hexanediamine. The hollow spheres were analyzed by fourier transform infrared spectrometer, electron spin resonance and X-ray photoelectron spec- troscopy analysis, which indicated the presence of N-O free radicals in the products. When used as a typical heterogeneous catalyst for selective oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones, it exhibited excellent activities, selectivity and recyclability. This synthesis route is convenient and effective, and may provide a new approach to developing immobilized full- erene based heterogeneous catalysts with high activity and recyclability.

Metal-organic layers as reusable solid fluorination reagents and heterogeneous catalysts for aromatic fluorination

Reusable solid fluorination reagents and heterogeneous catalysts are ideally suited for late-stage fluorination with fast and clean conversion and simplified work-up.Here we report Pd-functionalized two-dimensional metal-organic layers(MOLs)as solid reagents and heterogeneous catalysts to efficiently fluorinate a broad scope of aromatic compounds.Site isolation in the MOLs provides a unique opportunity to stabilize highly active F-containing species for the chemical conversion.A terpyridine(TPY)-based ligand on the MOL,together with a 2-chloro-1,10-phenanthroline(phenCl)as a co-ligand,chelates Pd^(Ⅱ)toform a reactive center.After treatment with Selectfluor/H_(2)0,an(N-fluoroxy)-(2-chloro)-phenanthrolinium[N-(FO)-phenCl^(+)]moiety is produced from the co-ligand on the Pd center.This active species serves as a stochiometric solid fluorination reagent,which shows different regioselectivities and reactivities as compared to homogeneous catalysts that involves Pd^(Ⅲ/Ⅳ)-F intermediates in catalytic cycles.The MOLs can also be used as heterogeneous catalysts for fluorination using Selectfluor.This work highlights opportunities in using MOLs to stabilize unique active sites for late-stage fluorination.

Transesterification Reaction of Dimethyl Terephthalate by 2-Ethylhexanol in the Presence of Heterogeneous Catalysts under Solvent-free Condition

In this study, the synthesis of bis-（2-ethylhexyl） terephthalate, via the transesterification reaction of dimethyl terephthalate （DMT） by 2-ethylhexanol in the presence of different heterogeneous catalysts, such as Pb（OAc）2·3H2O, Cd（OAc）2·2H2O, Zn（OAc）2·2H2O, Hg（OAc）2·Ca（OAc）2·H2O, Cu（OAc）2·H2O, NaOAc, CaCO3, CaO, ZnSO4·7H2O, and sulfated zirconia, has been investigated. The reactivity of the catalysts in the reaction progress has been studied and compared. It was found that, hydrated cadmium acetate and sulfated zirconia were reactive catalysts to this reaction. The extent of transesterification of methyl ester groups reached up to 93% and 85.6% using these catalysts, respectively.

Interfacial engineering of heterogeneous molecular electrocatalysts using ionic liquids towards efficient hydrogen peroxide production

Efficient and selective oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)electrocatalysts are critical to realizing decentralized H_(2)O_(2)production and utilization.Here we demonstrate a facile interfacial engineering strategy using a hydrophobic ionic liquid(IL,i.e.,[BMIM][NTF2])to boost the performance of a nitrogen coordinated single atom cobalt catalyst(i.e.),cobalt phthalocyanine(CoPc)supported on carbon nanotubes(CNTs).We find a strong correlation between the ORR performance of CoPc/CNT and the thickness of its IL coatings.Detailed characterization revealed that a higher O_(2)solubility(2.12×10^(−3)mol/L)in the IL compared to aqueous electrolytes provides a local O2 enriched surface layer near active catalytic sites,enhancing the ORR thermodynamics.Further,the hydrophobic IL can efficiently repel the as‐synthesized H_(2)O_(2)molecules from the catalyst surface,preventing their fast decomposition to H_(2)O,resulting in improved H_(2)O_(2)selectivity.Compared to CoPc/CNT without IL coatings,the catalyst with an optimal~8 nm IL coating can deliver a nearly 4 times higher mass specific kinetic current density and 12.5%higher H2O2 selectivity up to 92%.In a two‐electrode electrolyzer test,the optimal catalyst exhibits an enhanced productivity of 3.71 molH2O2 gcat^(–1)h^(–1),and robust stability.This IL‐based interfacial engineering strategy may also be extended to many other electrochemical reactions by carefully tailoring the thickness and hydrophobicity of IL coatings.

Preparation of sodium alginate gel microspheres catalysts and its high catalytic performance for treatment of ciprofloxacin wastewater

The discharge of the antibiotic wastewater has increased dramatically in our country with the development of medical science and wide application of antibiotic,resulting in serious harm to human body and ecological environment.In this work,ciprofloxacin(CIP)was selected as one of typical antibiotics and heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts were prepared for the treatment of ciprofloxacin wastewater.The sodium alginate(SA)gel microspheres catalysts were prepared by polymerization method using double metal ions of Fe^(3+)and Mn^(2+)as cross-linking agents.Preparation conditions such as metal ions concentration,mass fraction of SA,polymerization temperature and dual-metal ions as crosslinking agent were optimized.Moreover,the effects of operating conditions such as initial concentration of CIP,pH value and catalyst dosage on CIP removal were studied.The kinetic equation showed that the effect of the initial concentration of CIP on the degradation rate was in line with second-order kinetics,and the effects of catalyst dosage and pH value on the degradation rate of CIP were in line with first-order kinetics.The SA gel microspheres catalysts prepared by dual-metal ions exhibited a high CIP removal and showed a good reusability after six recycles.The SA gel microspheres catalysts with an easy recovery performance provided an economical and efficient method for the removal of antibiotics in the future.