Recent progress on transition metal oxides and carbon-supported transition metal oxides as catalysts for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

As a main oxidizer in solid composite propellants,ammonium perchlorate(AP)plays an important role because its thermal decomposition behavior has a direct influence on the characteristic of solid composite propellants.To improve the performance of solid composite propellant,it is necessary to take measures to modify the thermal decomposition behavior of AP.In recent years,transition metal oxides and carbon-supported transition metal oxides have drawn considerable attention due to their extraordinary catalytic activity.In this review,we highlight strategies to enhance the thermal decomposition of AP by tuning morphology,varying the types of metal ion,and coupling with carbon analogue.The enhanced catalytic performance can be ascribed to synergistic effect,increased surface area,more exposed active sites,and accelerated electron transportation and so on.The mechanism of AP decomposition mixed with catalyst has also been briefly summarized.Finally,a conclusive outlook and possible research directions are suggested to address challenges such as lacking practical application in actual formulation of solid composite propellant and batch manufacturing.

Role of transition metal oxides in g-C_(3)N_(4)-based heterojunctions for photocatalysis and supercapacitors

g-C_(3)N_(4) emerges as a star 2D photocatalyst due to its unique layered structure,suitable band structure and low cost.However,its photocatalytic application is limited by the fast charge recombination and low photoabsorption.Rationally designing g-C_(3)N_(4)-based heterojunction is promising for improving photocatalytic activity.Besides,g-C_(3)N_(4) exhibits great potentials in electrochemical energy storage.In view of the excellent performance of typical transition metal oxides(TMOs)in photocatalysis and energy storage,this review summarized the advances of TMOs/g-C_(3)N_(4) heterojunctions in the above two areas.Firstly,we introduce several typical TMOs based on their crystal structures and band structures.Then,we summarize different kinds of TMOs/g-C_(3)N_(4) heterojunctions,including type Ⅰ/Ⅱ heterojunction,Z-scheme,p-n junction and Schottky junction,with diverse photocatalytic applications(pollutant degradation,water splitting,CO_(2) reduction and N_(2) fixation)and supercapacitive energy storage.Finally,some promising strategies for improving the performance of TMOs/g-C_(3)N_(4) were proposed.Particularly,the exploration of photocatalysis-assisted supercapacitors was discussed.

Interior and Exterior Decoration of Transition Metal Oxide Through Cu^(0)/Cu^(+) Co-Doping Strategy for High-Performance Supercapacitor

Although CoO is a promising electrode material for supercapacitors due to its high theoretical capacitance,the practical applications still suffering from inferior electrochemical activity owing to its low electrical conductivity,poor structural stability and inefficient nanostructure.Herein,we report a novel Cu0/Cu+co-doped CoO composite with adjustable metallic Cu0 and ion Cu+via a facile strategy.Through interior(Cu+)and exterior(Cu0)decoration of CoO,the electrochemical performance of CoO electrode has been significantly improved due to both the beneficial flower-like nanostructure and the synergetic effect of Cu0/Cu+co-doping,which results in a significantly enhanced specific capacitance(695 F g^(-1) at 1 A g^(-1))and high cyclic stability(93.4%retention over 10,000 cycles)than pristine CoO.Furthermore,this co-doping strategy is also applicable to other transition metal oxide(NiO)with enhanced electrochemical performance.In addition,an asymmetric hybrid supercapacitor was assembled using the Cu0/Cu+co-doped CoO electrode and active carbon,which delivers a remarkable maximal energy density(35 Wh kg^(-1)),exceptional power density(16 kW kg^(-1))and ultralong cycle life(91.5%retention over 10,000 cycles).Theoretical calculations further verify that the co-doping of Cu^(0)/Cu^(+)can tune the electronic structure of CoO and improve the conductivity and electron transport.This study demonstrates a facile and favorable strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of transition metal oxide electrode materials.

Effect of Crystallinity on Electrochemical Insertion/Extraction of Li in Transition Metal Oxides Part I: LiMn_2O_4 and LiCo_(0.5)Ni_(0.5)O_2

Electrochemical insertion/extraction of Li on cathode materials of spinel type LiMn2O4 and ordered rock-salt type LiCo0.5 Ni0.5O2 was measured on samples of which structures were well characterized. On the basis of experimental results on structure, morphology and charge-discharge characteristics, the effect of crystallinity of the cathode materiaIs on electrochemical Li insertion/extraction performance was discussed. These two transition metal oxides belong to onegroup that the crystallinity of these oxides affects to the performance.

Effect of Crystallinity on Electrochemical Insertion/Extraction of Li in Transition Metal Oxides Part Ⅱ: TiO_2, V_2O_5 and MoO_3

Electrochemical insertion/extraction of Li on cathode materials of anatase type TiO2, quasilayered structure V2O5 and layered structure MoO3 was measured on samples of which structures were well characterized and showed a wide range of crystallinity. On the basis of experimental results on structure, morphology and charge-discharge characteristics, the effect of crystallinity of the cathode materials on electrochemical Li insertion/extraction pedermance was discussed. These three transition metal oxides were classified as one group on the basis of whether the crystallinity of these oxides affects to the performance or not; LiMn2O4 and LiCo0.5O2 belongs to the former group and TiO2, V2O5 and MoO3 to the latter.

Protonated and layered transition metal oxides as solid acids for dehydration of biomass-based fructose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

A serial of protonated and layered transition metal oxides, including layered HTa WO_6, HNbMoO_6 as well as HNb WO_6, were synthesized by solid-state reaction and ion-exchange. The layered HTa WO_6 has been systematically studied as a solid acid to realize the dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(HMF). The transition metal oxide samples were characterized with ICP-OES, EDS, XRD, XPS, SEM, TGA,FT-IR, N2adsorption–desorption and NH3-TPD. The influential factors such as reaction temperature, reaction time, solvent, catalyst amount and substrate concentration were deeply investigated. The optimized fructose conversion rate of 99% with HMF yield of 67% were achieved after 30 min at 140 °C in dimethylsulfoxide.

Catalysis of Active Carbon Supporting Transition Metal Oxides for Pyrotechnical Reagent with Potassium Perchlorate

In order to improve the pyrotechnical reagent with potassium perchlorate,composite catalyst of active carbon supporting transition metal oxides (TMO),Fe2O3 and CuO,were prepared and added into pyrotechnical reagent with potassium perchlorate.Accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC) was used to study the catalysis of pyrotechnical reagent which is consisted of potassium perchlorate and composite catalyst.Composite catalyst of both Fe2O3 and CuO supported by active carbon can catalyze pyrotechnical reagent with potassium perchlorate.Furthermore,it can lower the apparent activation energy and accelerate the reaction with a smaller quantity than that with Fe2O3 and CuO.The maximal reaction rate of pyrotechnical reagent with potassium perchlorate mixed with Fe2O3/active carbon and CuO/active carbon is 8.31 min-1 and 9.13 min-1,which is 1.74 times and 1.91 times of pyrotechnical reagent mixed with no catalyst;time to maximal rate was 18.99 min and 1.96 min respectively,which is lower than pyrotechnical reagent mixed with no catalyst by 86.46% and 98.67% ;the apparent activation energy is 368.10 kJ·mol-1 and 325.29 kJ·mol-1,which is lower than pyrotechnical reagent mixed with no catalyst by 31.89% and 39.81% respectively.

A review on transition metal oxides based photocatalysts for degradation of synthetic organic pollutants

This review provides insight into the current research trend in transition metal oxides(TMOs)-based photocatalysis in removing the organic colouring matters from water.For easy understanding,the research progress has been presented in four generations according to the catalyst composition and mode of application,viz:single component TMOs(the firstgeneration),doped TMOs/binary TMOs/doped binary TMOs(the second-generation),inactive/active support-immobilized TMOs(the third-generation),and ternary/quaternary compositions(the fourth-generation).The first two generations represent suspended catalysts,the third generation is supported catalysts,and the fourth generation can be suspended or supported.The review provides an elaborated comparison between suspended and supported catalysts,their general/specific requirements,key factors controlling degradation,and the methodologies for performance evaluation.All the plausible fundamental and advanced dye degradation mechanisms involved in each generation of catalysts were demonstrated.The existing challenges in TMOs-based photocatalysis and how the researchers approach the hitch to resolve it effectively are discussed.Future research trends are also presented.

Screening of transition metal oxides for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia at large currents

Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction(NO_(3)RR)towards ammonia,as an emerging and appealing technology alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process and inefficient nitrogen reduction reaction,has recently aroused wide concern and research.However,the current research of the NO_(3)RR towards ammonia lacks the overall performance comparison of various electrocatalysts.Given this,we here make a comparison of 12 common transition metal oxide catalysts for the NO_(3)RR under a high cathodic current density of 0.25 A·cm^(-2),wherein Co_(3)O_(4) catalyst displays the highest ammonia Faradaic efficiency(85.15%)and moderate activity(ca.-0.25 V vs.reversible hydrogen electrode).Other external factors,such as nitrate concentrations in the electrolyte and applied potential ranges,have also been specifically investigated for the NO_(3)RR.

Activation of Transition Metal(Fe,Co and Ni)-Oxide Nanoclusters by Nitrogen Defects in Carbon Nanotube for Selective CO_(2) Reduction Reaction

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR),which can produce value-added chemical feedstocks,is a proton-coupled-electron process with sluggish kinetics.Thus,highly efficient,cheap catalysts are urgently required.Transition metal oxides such as CoO_(x),FeO_(x),and NiO_(x)are low-cost,low toxicity,and abundant materials for a wide range of electrochemical reactions,but are almost inert for CO_(2)RR.Here,we report for the first time that nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes(N-CNT)have a surprising activation effect on the activity and selectivity of transition metal-oxide(MO_(x)where M=Fe,Ni,and Co)nanoclusters for CO_(2)RR.MO_(x)supported on N-CNT,MO_(x)/N-CNT,achieves a CO yield of 2.6–2.8 mmol cm−2 min−1 at an overpotential of−0.55 V,which is two orders of magnitude higher than MO_(x)supported on acid treated CNTs(MO_(x)/O-CNT)and four times higher than pristine N-CNT.The faraday efficiency for electrochemical CO_(2)-to-CO conversion is as high as 90.3%at overpotential of 0.44 V.Both in-situ XAS measurements and DFT calculations disclose that MO_(x)nanoclusters can be hydrated in CO_(2)saturated KHCO_(3),and the N defects of N-CNT effectively stabilize these metal hydroxyl species under carbon dioxide reduction reaction conditions,which can split the water molecules and provide local protons to inhibit the poisoning of active sites under carbon dioxide reduction reaction conditions.

Understanding voltage hysteresis and decay during anionic redox reaction in layered transition metal oxide cathodes:A critical review

The emergence of anionic redox reactions in layered transition metal oxide cathodes provides practical opportunity to boost the energy density of rechargeable batteries.However,the activation of anionic redox reaction in layered oxides has significant voltage hysteresis and decay that reduce battery performance and limit commercialization.Here,we critically review the up-todate development of anionic redox reaction in layered oxide cathodes,summarize the proposed reaction mechanism,and unveil their connection to voltage hysteresis and decay based on the state-of-the-art progress.In addition,advances associated with various modification approaches to mitigate the voltage hysteresis/decay in layered transition metal oxide cathodes are also included.Finally,we conclude with an appraisal of further research directions including rational design of high-performance layered oxide cathodes with reversible anionic redox reactions and suppressed voltage hysteresis/decay.Findings will be of immediate benefit to the development of layered oxide cathodes for high performance rechargeable batteries.

Advances in catalytic elimination of atmospheric pollutants by two-dimensional transition metal oxides

Atmospheric pollutants can deteriorate air quality and put human health at risk.There is a growing need for green,economical,and efficient technologies,among which catalytic elimination technology is the most promising,to remove atmospheric pollutants.Two-dimensional transition metal oxides(2D TMOs)have recently become attractive catalysts due to their highly exposed active sites,excellent reactant transport properties,and extraordinary catalytic performance.This review systematically summarizes the topdown and bottom-up preparation methods of 2D TMOs and focuses on the specific applications of 2D TMOs in the catalytic elimination of atmospheric inorganic pollutants and volatile organic pollutants.The development of 2D TMOs in the catalytic elimination of atmospheric pollutants is prospected.This review is expected to provide design insights into efficient 2D TMOs to remove atmospheric pollutants.

Application of high energy X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement in layered lithium transition metal oxide cathode materials

Layered lithium transition metal oxide(LTMO)cathode materials have attracted much attention for lithium-ion batteries and are shining in the current market.Establishing a clear structure-performance relationship is necessary for the performance improvement of LTMO cathode materials.The combination of synchrotron X-ray diffraction(XRD)with high intensity and XRD Rietveld refinement is powerful for revealing the structural characteristics of LTMO cathode materials.This review summarizes the application of high energy XRD and Rietveld refinement in LTMO cathode materials,including the brief introduction of synchrotron XRD and Rietveld refinement and their applications in understanding the structural evolution related to the synthetic,thermal runaway,cycling,and high-rate charge/discharge process of LTMO cathode materials.Synchrotron XRD can provide insights into the intermediates and reaction paths in the synthesis process,the origin of thermal runaway,the mechanism of structural decay during cycles,and the structural evolution during high-rate charging/discharging.Future works should focus on the development of higher intensity X-rays to gain more in-depth insights into the intrinsic relationship between their structural characteristics and properties.

Research progress on transition metal oxide based electrode materials for asymmetric hybrid capacitors

In the past few years,the increasing energy consumption of traditional fossil fuels has posed a huge threat to human health.It is very imperious to develop the sustainable and renewable energy storage and conversion devices with low cost and environment friendly features.Hybrid supercapacitors are eme rging as one of the promising energy devices with high power density,fast charge-discharge process and excellent cycle stability.However,morphology and structure of the electrode materials exert serious effect on their electrochemical performances.In this review,we summarized recent progresses in transition metal oxide based electrode materials for supercapacitors.Different synthesis routes and electrochemical performances of electrode materials and storage mechanisms of supercapacitor devices have been presented in details.The future developing trends of supercapacitor based on metal oxide electrode materials are also proposed.

Progress on multiphase layered transition metal oxide cathodes of sodium ion batteries

As one of the most promising secondary batteries in large-scale energy storage,sodium ion batteries(SIBs) have attracted wide attention due to the abundant raw materials and low cost.Layered transition metal oxides are one kind of popular cathode material candidates because of its easy synthesis and large theoretical specific capacity.Yet,the most common P2 and O3 phases show distinct structural characteristics respectively.O3 phase can serve as a sodium reservoir,but it usually suffers from serious phase transition and sluggish kinetics.For the P2 phase,it allows the fast sodium ion migration in the bulk and the structure can maintain stable,but it is lack of sodium,showing a great negative effect on Coulombic efficiency in full cell.Thus,single phase structure almost cannot achieve satisfied comprehensive sodium storage performances.Under these circumstances,exploiting novel multiphase cathodes showing synergetic effect may give solution to these problems.In this review,we summarize the recent development of multiphase layered transition metal oxide cathodes of SIBs,analyze the mechanism and prospect the future potential research directions.

Basic deep eutectic solvents as reactant, template and solvents for ultra-fast preparation of transition metal oxide nanomaterials

Developing a new type of deep eutectic solvents(DESs)is indispensable for expanding their application in various fields.Here,we report a series of new highly basic DESs.FT-IR,quantitative 1 H NMR,MD simulation and physical properties show that these basic liquids are made up of hydroxide acceptor of alkali metal hydroxides in which the hydrogen bonding interactions coordinate the donor.These DESs can be played three roles as new solvents,template and reactant for facile and ultra-fast preparation of transition metal oxide nanomaterials such as NiCo2 O4,MnCo2 O4,NiMn2 O4,CoCu2 O4 and Co3 O4 under mild condition.This work shows one of the low energy-intensive methods for nanomaterial preparation.These initial findings of basic deep eutectic solvents provide a potential applicability around the systematic development of transition metal oxide nanosheets.

Effect of transition metal oxides doping on Ce_(0.9)Sm_(0.05)Nd_(0.05)O_(1.95) solid electrolyte materials

The effect of transition metal oxides(TMOs)Co_(O1.5),Fe_(O1.5)and MnO_(2)addition on Ce_(0.9)Sm_(0.05)Nd_(0.05)O_(1.95)was studied.The crystal structures,microstructures,thermal expansion and electrical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),dilatometer and AC impedance spectroscopy,respectively.The results show that the TMOs addition remarkably promotes the densification of Ce_(0.9)Sm_(0.05)Nd_(0.05)O_(1.95)and reduces the sintering temperature by~150℃.The samples with TMOs addition sintered at 1450℃exhibit higher conductivities than those sintered at 1500℃.The maximum conductivity of 0.040 s.cm^(-1)at 700℃was achieved with 1 mol%FeO1.5 doping when sintered at 1450℃.In addition,the thermal expansion was linear for all the samples.The doping of TMOs does not appreciably change thermal expansion coefficient.

How Do Polymer Binders Assist Transition Metal Oxide Cathodes to Address the Challenge of High‑Voltage Lithium Battery Applications?

Research on the chemistry of high-energy-density transition metal oxide cathodes(TMOCs)is at the forefront in the pursuit of lithium-ion batteries with increased energy density.As a critical component of these cathodes,binders not only glue cathode active material particles and conducting carbons together and to current collectors but also play pivotal roles in building multiscale compatible interphases between electrolytes and cathodes.In this review,we outline several vital design considerations of high-voltage binders,several of which are already present in traditional binder design that need to be highlighted,and systematically reveal the chemistry and mechanisms underpinning such binders for in-depth understanding.Further optimization of the design of polymer binders to improve battery performance is also discussed.Finally,perspec-tives regarding the future rational design and promising research opportunities of state-of-the-art binders for high-voltage TMOCs are presented.

Self-supported transition metal oxide electrodes for electrochemical energy storage

Electrode materials are of decisive importance in determining the performance of electrochemical energy storage(EES)devices.Typically,the electrode materials are physically mixed with polymer binders and conductive additives,which are then loaded on the current collectors to function in real devices.Such a configuration inevitably reduces the content of active species and introduces quite some undesired interfaces that bring down the energy densities and power capabilities.One viable solution to address this issue is to construct self-supported electrodes where the active species,for example transition metal oxides(TMOs),are directly integrated with conductive substrates without polymer binders and conductive additives.In this review,the recent progress of self-supported TMO-based electrodes for EES devices including lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),sodium-ion batteries(SIBs),aluminum-ion batteries(AIBs),metal-air batteries,and supercapacitors(SCs),is discussed in great detail.The focused attention is firstly concentrated on their structural design and controllable synthesis.Then,the mechanism understanding of the enhanced electrochemical performance is presented.Finally,the challenges and prospects of self-supported TMO-based electrodes are summarized to end this review.

Layered Potassium Titanium Niobate/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as a Potassium‑Ion Battery Anode

With graphite currently leading as the most viable anode for potassium-ion batteries(KIBs),other materials have been left relatively underexamined.Transition metal oxides are among these,with many positive attributes such as synthetic maturity,longterm cycling stability and fast redox kinetics.Therefore,to address this research deficiency we report herein a layered potassium titanium niobate KTiNbO5(KTNO)and its rGO nanocomposite(KTNO/rGO)synthesised via solvothermal methods as a high-performance anode for KIBs.Through effective distribution across the electrically conductive rGO,the electrochemical performance of the KTNO nanoparticles was enhanced.The potassium storage performance of the KTNO/rGO was demonstrated by its first charge capacity of 128.1 mAh g^(−1) and reversible capacity of 97.5 mAh g^(−1) after 500 cycles at 20 mA g^(−1),retaining 76.1%of the initial capacity,with an exceptional rate performance of 54.2 mAh g^(−1)at 1 A g^(−1).Furthermore,to investigate the attributes of KTNO in-situ XRD was performed,indicating a low-strain material.Ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectra further investigated the mechanism of charge storage,with the titanium showing greater redox reversibility than the niobium.This work suggests this lowstrain nature is a highly advantageous property and well worth regarding KTNO as a promising anode for future high-performance KIBs.