Boosting oxygen reduction in acidic media through integration of Pt-Co alloy effect and strong interaction with carbon defects

Optimization of Pt atom utilization efficiency is critical for the development of proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells.Here we aim to develop an efficient oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)catalyst with a low Pt content through the concurrent modification of Pt-Co alloy catalysts and carbon substrate.In the present study,ultrafine Pt-Co alloy nanoparticles are successfully synthesized and stabilized by topological carbon defects via adopting the ammonia thermal treatment.Despite the low Pt loading,the obtained catalyst exhibits an impressive half-wave potential of 0.926 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 M HClO_(4)electrolyte.Furthermore,the durability testing using the timed-current method demonstrates a tiny loss of only 3.6%after 12 h.Both experimental results and theoretical calculations demonstrate that topological carbon defects significantly enhance the charge transfer processes at the alloy/carbon interface,contributing to the strong electronic metal-support interactions between the Pt-Co alloy nanoparticles and topological carbon defects.These interactions,along with the alloy effect,play a crucial role in promoting the ORR performance in acidic media.

High nitrogen carbon material with rich defects as a highly efficient metal-free catalyst for excellent catalytic performance of acetylene hydrochlorination

In this work,we developed a simple strategy to synthesize a carbon material with high nitrogen and rich carbon defects.Our approach polymerized diaminopyridine(DAP) and ammonium persulfate(APS).Following a range of different temperature pyrolysis approaches,the resulting rough surface was shown to exhibit edge defects due to N-doping on graphite carbon.A series of catalysts were evaluated using a variety of characterization techniques and tested for catalytic performance.The catalytic performance of the N-doped carbon material enhanced alongside an increment in carbon defects.The NC-800 catalyst exhibited outstanding catalytic activity and stability in acetylene hydrochlorination(C_(2) H_(2) GHSV=30 h^(-1),at 220℃,the acetylene conversion rate was 98%),with its stability reaching up to 450 h.Due to NC-800 having a nitrogen content of up to 13.46%,it had the largest specific surface area and a high defect amount,as well as strong C_(2) H_(2) and HCl adsorption.NC-800 has excellent catalytic activity and stability to reflect its unlimited potential as a carbon material.

A new trick on an old support: Zr in situ defects-created carbon nitride for efficient electrochemical nitrogen fixation

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction(NRR) to produce ammonia under ambient conditions is considered as a promising approach to tackle the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process,but the low Faradaic efficiency and yield of NH_3 are still a challenge.Herein,a carbon-vacancies enriched mesoporous g-C_3 N_4 is developed by an in situ Zr doping strategy.The in situ mesoporous-forming mechanism is deeply understood by TPSR to reveal the functions of Zr dopant that pulls C from the precursor of C_3 N_4,resulting the formation of homogeneous mesopores with about 57% of the one C-defective s-triazine ring in C_3 N_4.Due to the defect sites obtained in metal doping synthesis,the RuAu bimetallic supported catalyst(RuAu_3/0.3 Zr-C_3 N_4) exhibits effective NRR performance with a Faraday efficiency of 11.54% and an NH_3 yield of 5.28 μg h^(-1) mg_(cat) ^(-1).at-0.1 V(RHE),which is nearly 10 times higher than that of RuAu_3/C_3 N_4 catalyst.This work proposes a simple and template-free preparation method for the high defect density mesoporous C_3 N_4,and provides new possibilities of a wide application of mesopore g-C3 N4.

Optimizing band structure of CoP nanoparticles via rich-defect carbon shell toward bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting

Transition-metal phosphides(TMPs)with high catalytic activity are widely used in the design of electrodes for water splitting.However,a major challenge is how to achieve the trade-off between activity and stability of TMPs.Herein,a novel method for synthesizing CoP nanoparticles encapsu-lated in a rich-defect carbon shell(CoP/DCS)is developed through the self-assembly of modified polycyclic aromatic molecules.The graft and removal of high-activity C-N bonds of aromatic molecules render the controllable design of crystallite defects of carbon shell.The density functional theory calculation indicates that the carbon defects with unpaired electrons could effectively tailor the band structure of CoP.Benefiting from the improved activity and corrosion resistance,the CoP/DCS delivers outstanding difunctional hydrogen evolution reaction(88 mV)and oxygen evolution reaction(251 mV)performances at 10 mA cm^(−2)current density.Furthermore,the coupled water electrolyzer with CoP/DCS as both the cathode and anode presents ultralow cell voltages of 1.49 V to achieve 10 mA cm^(−2)with long-time stability.This strategy to improve TMPs electrocatalyst with rich-DCS and heterogeneous structure will inspire the design of other transition metal compound electrocatalysts for water splitting.

Role of surface defects of carbon nanotubes on catalytic performance of barium promoted ruthenium catalyst for ammonia synthesis

Carbon nanotubes(CNTs) with abundant surface defects are prepared by a liquid oxidation and thermal annealing method. The defective CNTs-D supported Ba–Ru/CNTs-D catalysts exhibit superior catalytic performance in ammonia synthesis with a TOF be increased up to 0.30 s-1, which is 2.5 times of oxidized CNTs-O supported Ba–Ru/CNTs-O catalysts and 5 times of the Ba–Ru/CNTs. The characterizations by CO chemisorption, transmission electron microscope, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the uniformly well dispersed Ru NPs can be stabilized on the defective sites of CNTs-D. The great improvement of the catalytic performance and stability of the Ba–Ru/CNTs-D is contributed to the strong interaction between Ru NPs and surface defect of the CNTs.

Creation of surface defects on carbon nanofibers by steam treatment

A direct strategy for the creation of defects on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) has been developed by steam treatment.Nitrogen physisorption,XRD,Raman spectra,SEM and TEM analyses proved the existence of the new defects on CNFs.BET surface area of CNFs after steam treatment was enhanced from 20 to 378 m2/g.Pd catalysts supported on CNFs were also prepared by colloidal deposition method.The different activity of Pd/CNFs catalysts in the partial hydrogenation of phenylacetylene further demonstrated the diverse surfaces of CNFs could be formed by steam treatment.

Effects of doping, Stone Wales and vacancy defects on thermal conductivity of single-wall carbon nanotubes

The thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes with certain defects （doping, Stone-Wales, and vacancy） is investigated by using the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics method. The defective carbon nanotubes （CNTs） are compared with perfect tubes. The influences of type and concentration of the defect, length, diameter, and chirality of the tube, and the ambient temperature are taken into consideration. It is demonstrated that defects result in a dramatic reduction of thermal conductivity. Doping and Stone-Wales （SW） defects have greater effect on armchair tubes, while vacancy affects the zigzag ones more. Thermal conductivity of the nanotubes increases, reaches a peak, and then decreases with increasing temperature. The temperature at which the thermal conductivity peak occurs is dependent on the defect type. Different from SW or vacancy tubes, doped tubes are similar to the perfect ones with a sharp peak at the same temperature. Thermal conductivity goes up when the tube length grows or diameter declines. It seems that the length of thermal conductivity convergence for SW tubes is much shorter than perfect or vacancy ones. The SW or vacancy tubes are less sensitive to the diameter change, compared with perfect ones.

Thermal conductivity of carbon nanotube superlattices:Comparative study with defective carbon nanotubes

We use molecular dynamics simulation to calculate the thermal conductivities of（5, 5） carbon nanotube superlattices（CNTSLs） and defective carbon nanotubes（DCNTs）, where CNTSLs and DCNTs have the same size. It is found that the thermal conductivity of DCNT is lower than that of CNTSL at the same concentration of Stone–Wales（SW） defects. We perform the analysis of heat current autocorrelation functions and observe the phonon coherent resonance in CNTSLs, but do not observe the same effect in DCNTs. The phonon vibrational eigen-mode analysis reveals that all modes of phonons are strongly localized by SW defects. The degree of localization of CNTSLs is lower than that of DCNTs, because the phonon coherent resonance results in the phonon tunneling effect in the longitudinal phonon mode. The results are helpful in understanding and tuning the thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes by defect engineering.

Mono-Vacancy and B-Doped Defects in Carbon Heterojunction Nanodevices

We present a detailed theoretical study of the behavior of mono-vacancy and B-doped defects in carbon heterojunction nanodevices. We have introduced a complete set of formation energy and surface reactivity calculations, considering a range of different diameters and chiralities of combined carbon nanotubes. We have investigated three distinct combinations of carbon heterojunctions using density functional theory (DFT) and applying B3LYP/3-21g: armchair-armchair herteojunctions, zigzag-zigzag heterojunctions, and zigzag-armchair heterojunctions. We have shown for first time a detailed study of formation energy of mono-vacancy and B-doped defects of carbon heterojunction nanodevices. Our calculations show that the highest surface reactivity is found for the B-doped zigzag-armchair heterojunctions and it is easier to remove the carbon atom from the network of heterojunction armchair-armchair CNTs than the heterojunction zigzag-armchair and zigzag-zigzag CNTs.

Stability and Electronic Properties of Hydrogenated Zigzag Carbon Nanotube Focused on Stone-Wales Defect

We present a first-principles study of the chemisorption of hydrogen on a Stone-Wales （SW） defective carbon nanotube （10,0）. The investigated configurations include four configurations covering single defects and double defects. One hydrogen dimer adsorption is energetically favored on bonds shared by carbon heptagon-heptagon for configurations with the defect parallel to the tube axis compared with the carbon pentagon-hexagon sites for ones with a slanted defect. This different behavior is also demonstrated for hydrogen dimer chain adsorption, the favored site for the former ones is through the defect, which is the nearest neighbor site to defect for the latter ones. It is found that the energy band gaps of hydrogenated configurations may be enlarged or decreased by altering the adsorption site or defect position. The semiconductor-to-metal transition may occur for configurations with the defect or defects parallel to the tube axis due to low electronic localization. Our results highlight the interest of the interaction of multi-factor system by providing a detailed bond and position picture of a hydrogenated defective carbon nanotube （10,0）.

Thermally Agitated Self Assembled Carbon Nanotubes and the Scenario of Extrinsic Defects

Employing the arc discharge method we prepared carbon nanotubes, CNTs, in open air deionized water. Their morphology was studied varying the annealing temperature and characterizing by Raman Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffractogram (XRD) and Energy Dispersion X-Ray (EDX). According to the study, the CNTs are found self-assembled where the graphene sheets and/or defects are observed sort out themselves with enhancement of temperature.

Effect of Monovacancy Defects on Adsorbing of CO, CO₂, NO and NO₂on Carbon Nanotubes: First Principle Calculations

We have applied density functional theory to investigate different types of carbon nanotubes (armchair (4,4)CNT and zig-zag (7,0)CNT) as sensors of some pollutant gas molecules, especially CO, CO2, NO and NO2. We show, for the first time, that the adsorption of pollutant gas molecules on carbon nanotubes are improved by introducing the monovacancy defects on the surfaces of (7,0)CNT. The adsorption energies, the optimal adsorption positions and the orientation of these gas molecules on the surfaces of carbon nanotubes are studied. It is found that the most adsorbed pollutant gas is NO molecule on (7,0)CNT.

Radial collapse and physical mechanism of carbon nanotube with divacancy and 5-8-5 defects

By employing molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the radial collapses and elasticities of different chiral single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWCNTs） with divacancy, and 5-8-5 defects. It is found that divacancy and 5-8-5 defect can reduce the collapse pressure （Pc） of SWCNT （10, 10） while 5-8-5 defect can greatly increase Pc of SWCNT （17, 0）. For example, 5-8-5 defect can make Pc of SWCNT （17, 0） increase by 500%. A model is established to understand the effects of chirality, divacancy, and 5-8-5 defect on radial collapse of SWCNTs. The results are particularly of value for understanding the mechanical behavior of SWCNT with divacancy, and the 5-8-5 defect that may be considered as a filler of high loading composites.

Investigation of Mechanical Behavior of Defective Carbon Nanotubes Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Carbon nanotubes （CNTs） having pristine structure （i.e., structure without any defect） hold very high mechanical properties. However, CNTs suffer from defects ＇which can appear at production stage, purification stage or be deliberately introduced by irradiation with energetic particles or by chemical treatment. In this article, mechanical properties of single-walled nanotubes with defects are studied under both compressive and tensile loads using molecular dynamics （MD） simulations. Two types of defectStone-Wales and vacancy defects with different defect densities are considered for present investigation. Molecular simulations are carried out using the classical MD method. The Brenner potential is used for carbon-carbon interaction in the CNT. Temperature of the system is controlled by velocity scaling. Simulation results show that the defects have negligible effect on the modulus of elasticity of nanotubes. However, they have significant effect on the failure stress and strain of the nanotubes.

Sustainable Lignin-Derived Carbon as Capacity-Kinetics Matched Cathode and Anode towards 4.5 V High-Performance Lithium-Ion Capacitors

The Li-ion capacitors(LICs)develop rapidly due to their double-high features of high-energy density and high-power density.However,the relative low capacity of cathode and sluggish kinetics of anode seriously impede the development of LICs.Herein,the precisely pore-engineered and heteroatomtailored defective hierarchical porous carbons(DHPCs)as large-capacity cathode and high-rate anode to construct high-performance dual-carbon LICs have been developed.The DHPCs are prepared based on triple-activation mechanisms by direct pyrolysis of sustainable lignin with urea to generate the interconnected hierarchical porous structure and plentiful heteroatominduced defects.Benefiting from these advanced merits,DHPCs show the well-matched high capacity and fast kinetics of both cathode and anode,exhibiting large capacities,superior rate capability and long-term lifespan.Both experimental and computational results demonstrate the strong synergistic effect of pore and dopants for Li storage.Consequently,the assembled dual-carbon LIC exhibits high voltage of 4.5 V,high-energy density of 208 Wh kg^(−1),ultrahigh power density of 53.4 kW kg^(−1)and almost zerodecrement cycling lifetime.Impressively,the full device with high mass loading of 9.4 mg cm^(−2)on cathode still outputs high-energy density of 187 Wh kg^(−1),demonstrative of their potential as electrode materials for high-performance electrochemical devices.

Electron paramagnetic resonance characterization of aluminum ion implantation-induced defects in 4H-SiC

Deep-level defects in silicon carbide(SiC)are critical to the control of the performance of SiC electron devices.In this paper,deep-level defects in aluminumion-implanted 4H-SiC after high-temperature annealingwere studied using electron paramagnetic resonance(EPR)spectroscopy at temperatures of 77 K and 123 K under different illumination conditions.Results showed that the main defect in aluminum ion-implanted 4H-SiC was the positively charged carbon vacancy(VC+),and the higher the doping concentration was,the higher was the concentration of VC+.Itwas found that the type of material defectwas independent of the doping concentration,although more VC+defects were detected during photoexcitation and at lower temperatures.These results should be helpful in the fundamental research of p-type 4H-SiC fabrication in accordance with functional device development.

Carbon-Supported Silver Catalysts for CO Selective Oxidation in Excess Hydrogen

Carbon materials were used as supports for Ag catalysts that are prepared using the conventional wet impregnation method, and their catalytic properties for CO selective oxidation in excess hydrogen at temperatures below 483 K were tested. A variety of techniques, e.g. N2 adsorption, XPS, TPD, UV-Vis DRS, TEM and SEM, were used to determine the influence of physical and chemical properties of the carbon on the properties of Ag catalyst. It was found that defects on the carbon surface served as nucleation sites for silver ions, while functional groups on carbon surface induced their reduction to the metallic form. The formation of silver particles on carbon was governed by homogeneous and/or heterogeneous nucleation during the impregnation and subsequent activation processes. The best catalytic performance was obtained with a Ag/carbon black catalyst with a uniform size distribution of silver nanoparticles （about 12 nm）, moderate BET surface area （with a mesoporous structure）, and a limited amount of carbon-oxygen groups. The research indicates that carbon materials are potentially good supports for silver catalysts for preferential oxidation of CO in excess hydrogen.

Reduction of Deep Level Defects in Unintentionally Doped 4H-SiC Homo-epilayers by Ion Implantation

In order to reduce deep level defects, the theory and process design of 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layer implanted by carbon ion are studied. With the Monte Carlo simulator TRIM, the ion implantation range, location of peak concentration and longitudinal straggling of carbon are calculated. The process for improving deep energy level in undoped 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layer by three times carbon ion-implantation is proposed, including implantation energy, dose, the SiO2 resist mask, annealing temperature, annealing time and annealing protection. The deep energy level in 4H-SiC material can be significantly improved by implantation of carbon atoms into a shallow surface layer. The damage of crystal lattice can be repaired well, and the carbon ions are effectively activated after 1 600 ℃ annealing, meanwhile, deep level defects are decreased.

Application of X-ray Computed Tomography in Characterization Microstructure Changes of Cement Pastes in Carbonation Process

The microstructure characteristics and meso-defect volume changes of hardened cement paste before and after carbonation were investigated by three-dimensional （3D） X-ray computed tomograpby （XCT）, where three types water-to-cement ratio of 0.53, 0.35 and 0.23 were considered. The high-resolution 3D images of microstructure and filtered defects were reconstructed by an XCT VG Studio MAX 2.0 software, The meso- defect volume fractions and size distribution were analyzed based on 3D images through add-on modules of 3D defect analysis. The 3D meso-defects volume fractions before carbonation were 0.79%, 0.38% and 0.05% corresponding to w/c ratio=0.53, 0.35 and 0.23, respectively. The 3D meso-defects volume fractions after carbonation were 2.44%, 0.91% and 0.14% corresponding to w/c ratio=0.53, 0.35 and 0.23, respectively. The experimental results suggest that 3D meso-defects volume fractions after carbonation for above three w/c ratio increased significantly. At the same time, meso-cracks distribution of the carbonation shrinkage and gray values changes of the different w/c ratio and carbonation reactions were also investigated.

Defects and electrical properties in Al-implanted 4H-SiC after activation annealing

The defects and electrical properties in Al-implanted 4 H-SiC after activation annealing(1600℃-1800℃) are investigated. High temperature annealing can reduce the ion implantation-induced damage effectively, but it may induce extended defects as well, which are investigated by using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy(RBS/C), secondary ion mass spectroscopy(SIMS), and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) analyses. According to the ratio of the channeled intensity to the random intensity in the region just below the surface scattering peak(Xmin) and RBS/C analysis results, the ion implantation-induced surface damages can be effectively reduced by annealing at temperatures higher than 1700℃,while the defects near the bottom of the ion-implanted layer cannot be completely annealed out by high temperature and long time annealing process, which is also demonstrated by SIMS and TEM analyses. Referring to the defect model and TEM analyses, an optimized annealing condition can be achieved through balancing the generation and elimination of carbon vacancies in the ion implanted layers. Furthermore, the electrical and surface properties are also analyzed, and the hole concentration, mobility, and resistivity are obtained through the Hall effect. The optimized activation annealing conditions of 1800℃/5 min are achieved, under which the lower defects and acceptable electrical properties are obtained.