Laser‑Induced and MOF‑Derived Metal Oxide/Carbon Composite for Synergistically Improved Ethanol Sensing at Room temperature

Advancements in sensor technology have significantly enhanced atmospheric monitoring.Notably,metal oxide and carbon(MO_(x)/C)hybrids have gained attention for their exceptional sensitivity and room-temperature sensing performance.However,previous methods of synthesizing MO_(x)/C composites suffer from problems,including inhomogeneity,aggregation,and challenges in micropatterning.Herein,we introduce a refined method that employs a metal–organic framework(MOF)as a precursor combined with direct laser writing.The inherent structure of MOFs ensures a uniform distribution of metal ions and organic linkers,yielding homogeneous MO_(x)/C structures.The laser processing facilitates precise micropatterning(<2μm,comparable to typical photolithography)of the MO_(x)/C crystals.The optimized MOF-derived MO_(x)/C sensor rapidly detected ethanol gas even at room temperature(105 and 18 s for response and recovery,respectively),with a broad range of sensing performance from 170 to 3,400 ppm and a high response value of up to 3,500%.Additionally,this sensor exhibited enhanced stability and thermal resilience compared to previous MOF-based counterparts.This research opens up promising avenues for practical applications in MOF-derived sensing devices.

Porous metal oxides in the role of electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction

The global energy-related CO_(2) emissions have rapidly increased as the world economy heavily relied on fossil fuels.This paper explores the pressing challenge of CO_(2) emissions and highlights the role of porous metal oxide materials in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO_(2)(CO_(2)RR).The focus is on the development of robust and selective catalysts,particularly metal and metal-oxide-based materials.Porous metal oxides offer high surface area,enhancing the accessibility to active sites and improving reaction kinetics.The tunability of these materials allows for tailored catalytic behavior,targeting optimized reaction mechanisms for CO_(2)RR.The work also discusses the various synthesis strategies and identifies key structural and compositional features,addressing challenges like high overpotential,poor selectivity,and low stability.Based on these insights,we suggest avenues for future research on porous metal oxide materials for electrochemical CO_(2) reduction.

An effective strategy of constructing multi-metallic oxides of ZnO/ CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C microflowers for improved supercapacitive performance

In this work,a new ZnO/CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C metal oxides composite is prepared by cost-effective hydrothermal method coupled with annealing process under N_(2) atmosphere.Notably,the oxidation-defect annealing environment is conducive to both morphology and component of the composite,which flower-like ZnO/CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C is obtained.Benefited from good chemical stability of ZnO,high energy capacity of CoNiO_(2) and CoO and good conductivity of C,the as-prepared sample shows promising electrochemical behavior,including the specific capacity of 1435 C·g^(-1) at 1 A·g^(-1),capacity retention of 87.3%at 20 A·g^(-1),and cycling stability of 90.5%for 3000 cycles at 5 A·g^(-1),respectively.Furthermore,the prepared ZnO/CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C/NF//AC aqueous hybrid supercapacitors device delivers the best specific energy of 55.9 W·h·kg^(-1) at 850 W·kg^(-1).The results reflect that the as-prepared ZnO/CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C microflowers are considered as high performance electrode materials for supercapacitor,and the strategy mentioned in this paper is benefit to prepare mixed metal oxides composite for energy conversion and storage.

Rational Design of Cost-Effective Metal-Doped ZrO_(2)for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The design of cost-effective electrocatalysts is an open challenging for oxygen evolution reaction(OER)due to the“stable-oractive”dilemma.Zirconium dioxide(ZrO_(2)),a versatile and low-cost material that can be stable under OER operating conditions,exhibits inherently poor OER activity from experimental observations.Herein,we doped a series of metal elements to regulate the ZrO_(2)catalytic activity in OER via spin-polarized density functional theory calculations with van der Waals interactions.Microkinetic modeling as a function of the OER activity descriptor(G_(O*)-G_(HO*))displays that 16 metal dopants enable to enhance OER activities over a thermodynamically stable ZrO_(2)surface,among which Fe and Rh(in the form of single-atom dopant)reach the volcano peak(i.e.the optimal activity of OER under the potential of interest),indicating excellent OER performance.Free energy diagram calculations,density of states,and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations further showed that Fe and Rh are the effective dopants for ZrO_(2),leading to low OER overpotential,high conductivity,and good stability.Considering cost-effectiveness,single-atom Fe doped ZrO_(2)emerged as the most promising catalyst for OER.This finding offers a valuable perspective and reference for experimental researchers to design cost-effective catalysts for the industrial-scale OER production.

Revealing the correlation between adsorption energy and activation energy to predict the catalytic activity of metal oxides for HMX using DFT

Traditional selection of combustion catalysis is time-consuming and labor-intensive.Theoretical calculation is expected to resolve this problem.The adsorption energy of HMX and O atoms on 13 metal oxides was calculated using DMol3,since HMX and O are key substances in decomposition process.And the relationship between the adsorption energy of HMX,O on metal oxides(TiO_(2),Al_(2)O_(3),PbO,CuO,Fe_(2)O_(3),Co_(3)O_(4),Bi_(2)O_(3),NiO)and experimental T30 values(time required for the decomposition depth of HMX to reach 30%)was depicted as volcano plot.Thus,the T30 values of other metal oxides was predicted based on their adsorption energy on volcano plot and validated by previous experimental data.Further,the adsorption energy of HMX on ZrO_(2)and MnO_(2)was predicted based on the linear relationship between surface energy and adsorption energy,and T30 values were estimated based on volcano plot.The apparent activation energy data of HMX/MgO,HMX/SnO_(2),HMX/ZrO_(2),and HMX/MnO_(2)obtained from DSC experiments are basically consistent with our predicted T30 values,indicating that it is feasible to predict the catalytic activity based on the adsorption calculation,and it is expected that these simple structural properties can predict adsorption energy to reduce the large quantities of computation and experiment cost.

3D printing of poly(ethyleneimine)-functionalized Mg-Al mixed metal oxide monoliths for direct air capture of CO_(2)

Direct air capture(DAC)of CO_(2)plays an indispensable role in achieving carbon-neutral goals as one of the key negative emission technologies.Since large air flows are required to capture the ultradilute CO_(2)from the air,lab-synthesized adsorbents in powder form may cause unacceptable gas pressure drops and poor heat and mass transfer efficiencies.A structured adsorbent is essential for the implementation of gas-solid contactors for cost-and energy-efficient DAC systems.In this study,efficient adsorbent poly(ethyleneimine)(PEI)-functionalized Mg-Al-CO_(3)layered double hydroxide(LDH)-derived mixed metal oxides(MMOs)are three-dimensional(3D)printed into monoliths for the first time with more than 90%adsorbent loadings.The printing process has been optimized by initially printing the LDH powder into monoliths followed by calcination into MMO monoliths.This structure exhibits a 32.7%higher specific surface area and a 46.1%higher pore volume,as compared to the direct printing of the MMO powder into a monolith.After impregnation of PEI,the monolith demonstrates a large adsorption capacity(1.82 mmol/g)and fast kinetics(0.7 mmol/g/h)using a CO_(2)feed gas at 400 ppm at 25℃,one of the highest values among the shaped DAC adsorbents.Smearing of the amino-polymers during the post-printing process affects the diffusion of CO_(2),resulting in slower adsorption kinetics of pre-impregnation monoliths compared to post-impregnation monoliths.The optimal PEI/MeOH ratio for the post-impregnation solution prevents pores clogging that would affect both adsorption capacity and kinetics.

Photoelectrochemical seawater oxidation with metal oxide materials:Challenges and opportunities

Photocatalytic water oxidation is a crucial counter-electrode reaction in the process of photoelectrochemical energy conversion.Despite its importance,challenges remain in effectively and sustainably converting water to oxygen,particularly with readily available and inexpensive electrolyte solutions such as seawater.While metal oxide materials have demonstrated their advantages in promoting efficiency by reducing overpotential and improving light utilization,stability remains limited by corrosion in multicomponent seawater.In this paper,we reviewed the relationship between four basic concepts including photoelectrochemistry,metal oxide,water oxidation and seawater to better understand the challenges and opportunities in photoelectrochemical(PEC)seawater oxidation.To overcome these challenges,the advances in material design,interfacial modification,local environment control and reactor design have been further reviewed to benefit the industrial PEC seawater oxidation.Noticeably,we demonstrate engineered layered metal oxide electrodes and cell structures that enable powerful and stable seawater oxidation.We also outline and advise on the future direction in this area.

Effect of Elastic Strains on Adsorption Energies of C,H and O on Transition Metal Oxides

Platinum(Pt)-based noble metal catalysts(PGMs)are the most widely used commercial catalysts,but they have the problems of high cost,low reserves,and susceptibility to small-molecule toxicity.Transition metal oxides(TMOs)are regarded as potential substitutes for PGMs because of their stability in oxidizing environments and excellent catalytic performance.In this study,comprehensive investigation into the influence of elastic strains on the adsorption energies of carbon(C),hydrogen(H)and oxygen(O)on TMOs was conducted.Based on density functional theory(DFT)calculations,these effects in both tetragonal structures(PtO_(2),PdO_(2))and hexagonal structures(ZnO,CdO),along with their respective transition metals were systematically explored.It was identified that the optimal adsorption sites on metal oxides pinpointed the top of oxygen or the top of metal atom,while face-centered cubic(FCC)and hexagonal close-packed(HCP)holes were preferred for the transition metals.Furthermore,under the influence of elastic strains,the results demonstrated significant disparities in the adsorption energies of H and O between oxides and transition metals.Despite these differences,the effect of elastic strains on the adsorption energies of C,H and O on TMOs mirrored those on transition metals:adsorption energies increased under compressive strains,indicating weaker adsorption,and decreased under tension strains,indicating stronger adsorption.This behavior was rationalized based on the d-band model for adsorption atop a metallic atom or the p-band model for adsorption atop an oxygen atom.Consequently,elastic strains present a promising avenue for tailoring the catalytic properties of TMOs.

Highly dispersed MgInCe-mixed metal oxides catalyzed direct carbonylation of glycerol and CO_(2)into glycerol carbonate

Glycerol carbonate,an important glycerol value-added product,has been widely used as an active intermediate and inert solvent in the synthesis of cosmetics,detergents,chemical intermediates,polymers,and so on.The direct carbonylation from glycerol with CO_(2)is considered a promising route,but still tough work due to the thermodynamic stability and the kinetic inertness of CO_(2).In this work,highlyselective direct carbonylation of glycerol and CO_(2)into glycerol carbonate has been achieved over highly dispersed MgInCe-mixed metal oxides(MgInCe-MMO),which were prepared through the topological transformation derived from the MgInCe-layered double hydroxides(MgInCe-LDHs).By precisely modulating the surface basic-acidic properties and the oxygen vacancies,an efficient carbonylation of glycerol with CO_(2)has been achieved with a selectivity of up to>99%to glycerol carbonate.Deep investigation into the synergistic catalysis of base-acid sites and oxygen vacancies has been clarified.

A review of ^(17)O isotopic labeling techniques for solid-state NMR structural studies of metal oxides in lithium-ion batteries

Recent advances in utilizing ^(17)O isotopic labeling methods for solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)investigations of metal oxides for lithium-ion batteries have yielded extensive insights into their structural and dynamic details.Herein,we commence with a brief introduction to recent research on lithium-ion battery oxide materials studied using ^(17)O solid-state NMR spectroscopy.Then we delve into a review of ^(17)O isotopic labeling methods for tagging oxygen sites in both the bulk and surfaces of metal oxides.At last,the unresolved problems and the future research directions for advancing the ^(17)O labeling technique are discussed.

Fast and Balanced Charge Transport Enabled by Solution-Processed Metal Oxide Layers for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

Metal oxide charge transport materials are preferable for realizing long-term stable and potentially low-cost perovskite solar cells(PSCs).However,due to some technical difficulties(e.g.,intricate fabrication protocols,high-temperature heating process,incompatible solvents,etc.),it is still challenging to achieve efficient and reliable all-metal-oxide-based devices.Here,we developed efficient inverted PSCs(IPSCs)based on solution-processed nickel oxide(NiO_(x))and tin oxide(SnO_(2))nanoparticles,working as hole and electron transport materials respectively,enabling a fast and balanced charge transfer for photogenerated charge carriers.Through further understanding and optimizing the perovskite/metal oxide interfaces,we have realized an outstanding power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 23.5%(the bandgap of the perovskite is 1.62 eV),which is the highest efficiency among IPSCs based on all-metal-oxide charge transport materials.Thanks to these stable metal oxides and improved interface properties,ambient stability(retaining 95%of initial PCE after 1 month),thermal stability(retaining 80%of initial PCE after 2 weeks)and light stability(retaining 90%of initial PCE after 1000 hours aging)of resultant devices are enhanced significantly.In addition,owing to the low-temperature fabrication procedures of the entire device,we have obtained a PCE of over 21%for flexible IPSCs with enhanced operational stability.

Progress in metal oxide-based electrocatalysts for sustainable water splitting

Metal oxide-based electrocatalysts are promising alternatives to platinum group metals for water splitting due to their low cost,abundant raw materials,and impressive stability.This review covers recent progress in various metal oxides tailored for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions,discussing their crystal structure,composition,and surface modification influence on performance.Strategies like surface engineering,doping,and nanostructuring are evaluated for enhancing catalytic activity and stability.The key considerations for commercialization are highlighted,emphasizing ongoing research,innovation,and future scope to drive widespread adoption of water-splitting technology for a cleaner and sustainable future.

Research progress of alkaline earth metal iron-based oxides as anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Anode materials are an essential part of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),which determine the performance and safety of LIBs.Currently,graphite,as the anode material of commercial LIBs,is limited by its low theoretical capacity of 372 mA·h·g^(−1),thus hindering further development toward high-capacity and large-scale applications.Alkaline earth metal iron-based oxides are considered a promising candidate to replace graphite because of their low preparation cost,good thermal stability,superior stability,and high electrochemical performance.Nonetheless,many issues and challenges remain to be addressed.Herein,we systematically summarize the research progress of alkaline earth metal iron-based oxides as LIB anodes.Meanwhile,the material and structural properties,synthesis methods,electrochemical reaction mechanisms,and improvement strategies are introduced.Finally,existing challenges and future research directions are discussed to accelerate their practical application in commercial LIBs.

Catalytic removal of volatile organic compounds using ordered porous transition metal oxide and supported noble metal catalysts

Most of volatile organic compounds （VOCs） are harmful to the atmosphere and human health. Cata‐lytic combustion is an effective way to eliminate VOCs. The key issue is the availability of high per‐formance catalysts. Many catalysts including transition metal oxides, mixed metal oxides, and sup‐ported noble metals have been developed. Among these catalysts, the porous ones attract much attention. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the synthesis of ordered mesoporous and macroporous transition metal oxides, perovskites, and supported noble metal catalysts and their catalytic oxidation of VOCs. The porous catalysts outperformed their bulk counterparts. This excel‐lent catalytic performance was due to their high surface areas, high concentration of adsorbed oxy‐gen species, low temperature reducibility, strong interaction between noble metal and support and highly dispersed noble metal nanoparticles and unique porous structures. Catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide over typical catalysts was also discussed. We made conclusive remarks and pro‐posed future work for the removal of VOCs.

First-principles thermodynamics of metal-oxide surfaces andinterfaces:A case study review

An important step for achieving the knowledge-based design freedom on nano-and interfacial materials is attained by elucidating the related surface and interface thermodynamics from the first principles so as to allow engineering the microstructures for desired properties through smartly designing fabrication processing parameters.This is demonstrated for SnO2 nano-particle surfaces and also a technologically important Ag-SnO2 interface fabricated by in-situ internal oxidation.Based on defect thermodynamics,we first modeled and calculated the equilibrium surface and interface structures,and as well corresponding properties,as a function of the ambient temperature and oxygen partial pressure.A series of first principles energetics calculations were then performed to construct the equilibrium surface and interface phase diagrams,to describe the environment dependence of the microstructures and properties of the surfaces and interfaces during fabrication and service conditions.The use and potential application of these phase diagrams as a process design tool were suggested and discussed.

Promotional effect of spherical alumina loading with manganese-based bimetallic oxides on nitric-oxide deep oxidation by ozone

Nitric oxide （NO） deep oxidation to dinitrogen pentoxide （N2O5） by ozone together with wet scrub-bing has become a promising technology for nitrogen-oxide （NOx） removal in industrial boilers. Catalysts were introduced to enhance the N2O5 formation rate with less ozone injection and leakage. A series of monometallic catalysts （manganese, cobalt, cerium, iron, copper, and chromium） as pre-pared by the sol-gel method were tested. The manganese oxides achieved an almost 80% conver-sion efficiency at an ozone （O3）/NO molar ratio of 2.0 in 0.12 s. The crystalline structure and porous parameters were determined. The thermodynamic reaction threshold of NO conversion to N2O5 is oxidation with an O3/NO molar ratio of 1.5. Spherical alumina was selected as the support to achieve the threshold, which was believed to improve the catalytic activity by increasing the surface area and the gas-solid contact time. Based on the manganese oxides, cerium, iron, chromium, cop-per, and cobalt were introduced as promoters. Cerium and iron improved the deep-oxidation effi-ciency compared with manganese/spherical alumina, with less than 50 mg/m3 of outlet NO ＋ nitro-gen oxide, and less than 25 mg/m3 of residual ozone at an O3/NO molar ratio of 1.5. The other three metal oxides inhibited catalytic activity. X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, hydrogen tempera-ture-programmed reduction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate that the cata-lytic activity is affected by the synergistic action of NOx oxidation and ozone decomposition.

Carbon dioxide-expanded ethanol-assisted synthesis of carbon-based metal composites and their catalytic and electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries

Highly dispersed metals,metal oxides and their composites on substrates have received considerable interest in catalysis and lithium-ion batteries,because of their superior properties compared with their single-component counterparts.In this review,we introduce the properties of supercritical carbon dioxide（scCO2） expanded ethanol,such as low viscosity,near-zero surface tension and high diffusivity.We discuss the deposition procedure and formation mechanism of carbon-based composites in scCO2-expanded ethanol.This method has been used to fabricate several carbon-based composites,such as metal and metal oxide composites deposited on zero-dimensional colloidal carbon,one-dimensional carbon nanotubes,two-dimensional graphene,and three-dimensional hierarchical porous carbon.These materials and their performance as anodic materials for lithium-ion batteries will also be reviewed.

Application of ionic liquids in hydrometallurgy of nonferrous metals

Ionic liquids as green solvents have shown important application in the extraction and separation of nonferrous metals.The new application perspective,the important fundamental and the applied studies of the extraction and separation of nonferrous metals in ionic liquids,including the dissolution and corrosion of metal and metal oxide,hydrometallurgy of chalcopyrite and metallic oxidized ore,and extraction and separation of metal ions,are introduced.

Recent advance on VOCs oxidation over layered double hydroxides derived mixed metal oxides

Catalytic oxidation is regarded as one of the most promising strategies for volatile organic compounds(VOCs)purification.Mixed metal oxides(MMOs),after topological transformation using layered double hydroxides(LDHs)as precursors,are extensively used as catalysts for VOCs oxidation due to their uniformity advantage.This review summarizes the developments in the LDH-derived VOCs heterogeneous catalytic oxidation over the last 10 years.Particularly,it addresses the VOCs abatement performance over MMO,noble metal/MMO,core-shell structured MMO,and integral MMO film catalysts originating from LDHs.Moreover,it highlights the water vapor effect and oxidation mechanism.This review indicates that LDH-based catalysts are a category of important VOCs oxidation materials.

Room-Temperature Gas Sensors Under Photoactivation:From Metal Oxides to 2D Materials

Room-temperature gas sensors have aroused great attention in current gas sensor technology because of deemed demand of cheap,low power consumption and portable sensors for rapidly growing Internet of things applications.As an important approach,light illumination has been exploited for room-temperature operation with improving gas sensor's attributes including sensitivity,speed and selectivity.This review provides an overview of the utilization of photoactivated nanomaterials in gas sensing field.First,recent advances in gas sensing of some exciting different nanostructures and hybrids of metal oxide semiconductors under light illumination are highlighted.Later,excellent gas sensing performance of emerging two-dimensional materialsbased sensors under light illumination is discussed in details with proposed gas sensing mechanism.Originated impressive features from the interaction of photons with sensing materials are elucidated in the context of modulating sensing characteristics.Finally,the review concludes with key and constructive insights into current and future perspectives in the light-activated nanomaterials for optoelectronic gas sensor applications.