Achieving asymmetric redox chemistry for oxygen evolution reaction through strong metal-support interactions

Water electrolysis poses a significant challenge for balancing catalytic activity and stability of oxygen evolution reaction(OER)electrocatalysts.In this study,we address this challenge by constructing asymmetric redox chemistry through elaborate surface OO–Ru–OH and bulk Ru–O–Ni/Fe coordination moieties within single-atom Ru-decorated defective NiFe LDH nanosheets(Ru@d-NiFe LDH)in conjunction with strong metal-support interactions(SMSI).Rigorous spectroscopic characterization and theoretical calculations indicate that single-atom Ru can delocalize the O 2p electrons on the surface and optimize d-electron configurations of metal atoms in bulk through SMSI.The^(18)O isotope labeling experiment based on operando differential electrochemical mass spectrometry(DEMS),chemical probe experiments,and theoretical calculations confirm the encouraged surface lattice oxygen,stabilized bulk lattice oxygen,and enhanced adsorption of oxygen-containing intermediates for bulk metals in Ru@d-NiFe LDH,leading to asymmetric redox chemistry for OER.The Ru@d-NiFe LDH electrocatalyst exhibits exceptional performance with an overpotential of 230 mV to achieve 10 mA cm^(−2)and maintains high robustness under industrial current density.This approach for achieving asymmetric redox chemistry through SMSI presents a new avenue for developing high-performance electrocatalysts and instills confidence in its industrial applicability.

Confined cobalt single-atom catalysts with strong electronic metal-support interactions based on a biomimetic self-assembly strategy

Designing high-performance and low-cost electrocatalysts for oxygen evolu-tion reaction(OER)is critical for the conversion and storage of sustainable energy technologies.Inspired by the biomineralization process,we utilized the phosphorylation sites of collagen molecules to combine with cobalt-based mononuclear precursors at the molecular level and built a three-dimensional(3D)porous hierarchical material through a bottom-up biomimetic self-assembly strategy to obtain single-atom catalysts confined on carbonized biomimetic self-assembled carriers(Co SACs/cBSC)after subsequent high-temperature annealing.In this strategy,the biomolecule improved the anchoring efficiency of the metal precursor through precise functional groups;meanwhile,the binding-then-assembling strategy also effectively suppressed the nonspecific adsorption of metal ions,ultimately preventing atomic agglomeration and achieving strong electronic metal-support interactions(EMSIs).Experimental characterizations confirm that binding forms between cobalt metal and carbonized self-assembled substrate(Co–O_(4)–P).Theoretical calculations disclose that the local environment changes significantly tailored the Co d-band center,and optimized the binding energy of oxygenated intermediates and the energy barrier of oxygen release.As a result,the obtained Co SACs/cBSC catalyst can achieve remarkable OER activity and 24 h durability in 1 M KOH(η_(10) at 288 mV;Tafel slope of 44 mV dec^(-1)),better than other transition metal-based catalysts and commercial IrO_(2).Overall,we presented a self-assembly strategy to prepare transition metal SACs with strong EMSIs,providing a new avenue for the preparation of efficient catalysts with fine atomic structures.

Strong metal-support interactions between highly dispersed Cu^(+) species and ceria via mix-MOF pyrolysis toward promoted water-gas shift reaction

The modulation of metal-support interfacial interaction is significant but challenging in the design of high-efficiency and high-stability supported catalysts.Here,we report a synthetic strategy to upgrade Cu-CeO_(2)interfacial interaction by the pyrolysis of mixed metal-organic framework(MOF)structure.The obtained highly dispersed Cu/CeO_(2)-MOF catalyst via this strategy was used to catalyze water-gas shift reaction(WGSR),which exhibited high activity of 40.5μmolCOgcat^(-1).s^(-1)at 300℃and high stability of about 120 h.Based on comprehensive studies of electronic structure,pyrolysis strategy has significant effect on enhancing metal-support interaction and then stabilizing interfacial Cu^(+)species under reaction conditions.Abundant Cu^(+)species and generated oxygen vacancies over Cu/CeO_(2)-MOF catalyst played a key role in CO molecule activation and H2O molecule dissociation,respectively.Both collaborated closely and then promoted WGSR catalytic performance in comparison with traditio nal supported catalysts.This study shall offer a robust approach to harvest highly dispersed catalysts with finely-tuned metal-support interactions for stabilizing the most interfacial active metal species in diverse heterogeneous catalytic reactions.

Manipulating metal-support interactions of metal catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

For supported metal catalyst systems,the impact on catalysis originates from the interaction between metal nanoparticles and their support.Metal-support interactions(MSI)can change electronic properties,geometric morphologies,or chemical compositions of metal nanoparticles to make active sites have specific properties and catalytic activities.Fischer-Tropsch synthesis(FTS)is one of the most effective ways to convert cheap non-petroleum-based carbon sources into high value-added chemicals or ultraclean liquid fuels.In this review,we summarize and classify the impact of MSI on the catalytic activity,selectivity and stability of FTS catalysts.The strategies to tune MSI are introduced in detail,and the recent development of high-efficiency FTS catalysts through the manipulation of SMI strategies has been highlighted.It is emphasized that the active metal sites,which are endowed with special functions by MSI,can change the strength of adsorption bond of adsorbates,consequently controlling the product distribution.

Photo-enhanced thermal catalytic CO_(2) methanation activity and stability over oxygen-deficient Ru/TiO_(2) with exposed TiO_(2){001}facets:Adjusting photogenerated electron behaviors by metal-support interactions

In this study,two Ru/TiO_(2)samples with different TiO_(2)facets were prepared to investigate their photo-thermal catalytic CO_(2)+H_(2)reaction behavior.Without UV irradiation,the Ru/TiO_(2)with 67%{001}facet(3 RT)displayed improved thermal catalytic activity for CO_(2)methanation than that of Ru/TiO_(2)with 30%{001}facet(0 RT).After H_(2)pretreatment,both samples exhibited enhanced thermal catalytic activities,but the H_(2)-treated 3 RT(3 RT-H)exhibited superior activity to that of the H_(2)-treated 0 RT(0 RT-H).Under UV irradiation,3 RT-H exhibited apparent photo-promoted thermal catalytic activity and stability,but the enhanced catalytic activity was lower than that of 0 RT-H.Based on the characterization results,it is proposed that both the surface oxygen vacancies(Vos)(activating CO_(2))and the metallic Ru nanoparticles(activating H_(2))were mainly responsible for CO_(2)methanation.For 0 RT,H_(2)pretreatment and subsequent UV irradiation did not promote the formation of Vos,resulting in low catalytic activity.For 3 RT,on the one hand,H_(2)pretreatment promoted the formation of Vos,which were regenerated under UV irradiation;on the other hand,the photogenerated electrons from TiO_(2)transferred to Ru to maintain the metallic Ru nanoparticles.Both behaviors promoted the activation of CO_(2)and H_(2)and enhanced CO_(2)methanation.Moreover,the photogenerated holes favored the dissociated H at Ru migrating to TiO_(2),also promoting CO_(2)methanation.These behaviors occurring on 3 RT-H may be attributed to the suitable metal-support interaction between the Ru nanoparticles and TiO_(2){001},resulting in the easy activation of lattice oxygen in TiO_(2)to Vos.With reference to the analysis of intermediates,a photo-thermal reaction mechanism is proposed for the Ru/TiO_(2){001}facet sample.

Metal-Support Interactions on Ag/Co_(3)O_(4)Nanowire Monolithic Catalysts Promoting Catalytic Soot Combustion

Tuning metal-support interactions(MSIs)is an important strategy in heterogeneous catalysis to realize the desirable metal dispersion and redox ability of metal catalysts.Herein,we use pre-reduced Co_(3)O_(4)nanowires(Co-NWs)in situ grown on monolithic Ni foam substrates to support Ag catalysts(Ag/Co-NW-R)for soot combustion.The macroporous structure of Ni foam with crossed Co_(3)O_(4)nanowires remarkably increases the soot-catalyst contact effi ciency.Our characterization results demonstrate that Ag species exist as Ag 0 because of the equation Ag^(+)+Co^(2+)=Ag^(0)+Co^(3+),and the pre-reduction treatment enhances interactions between Ag and Co_(3)O_(4).The number of active oxygen species on the Ag-loaded catalysts is approximately twice that on the supports,demonstrating the signifi cant role of Ag sites in generating active oxygen species.Additionally,the strengthened MSI on Ag/Co-NW-R further improves this number by increasing metal dispersion and the intrinsic activity determined by the turnover frequency of these oxygen species for soot oxidation compared with the catalyst without pre-reduction of Co-NW(Ag/Co-NW).In addition to high activity,Ag/Co-NW-R exhibits high catalytic stability and water resistance.The strategy used in this work might be applicable in related catalytic systems.

Dry Reforming of Ethane over FeNi/Al-Ce-O Catalysts:Composition-Induced Strong Metal-Support Interactions

Dry reforming of ethane(DRE)has received significant attention because of its potential to produce chemical raw materials and reduce carbon emissions.Herein,a composition-induced strong metal-support interaction(SMSI)effect over FeNi/Al-Ce-O catalysts is revealed via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),H_(2)-temperature programmed reduction(TPR),and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS)elemental mapping.The introduction of Al into Al-Ce-O supports significantly influences the dispersion of surface active components and improves the catalytic performance for DRE over supported FeNi catalysts due to enhancement of the SMSI effect.The catalytic properties,for example,C_(2)H_(6) and CO_(2) conversion,CO selectivity and yield,and turnover frequencies(TOFs),of supported FeNi catalysts first increase and then decrease with increasing Al content,following the same trend as the theoretical effective surface area(TESA)of the corresponding catalysts.The FeNi/Ce-Al_(0.5) catalyst,with 50%Al content,exhibits the best DRE performance under steady-state conditions at 873 K.As observed by with in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)analysis,the introduction of Al not only increases the content of surface Ce3+and oxygen vacancies but also promotes the dispersion of surface active components,which further alters the catalytic properties for DRE over supported FeNi catalysts.

Enhancing alkyne semi-hydrogenation through engineering metal-support interactions of Pd on oxides

Supported Pd catalysts show superior activities for olefin productions from alkynes through semi-hydrogenation reactions,but over-hydrogenation into alkanes highly decreases olefin selectivity.Using phenylacetylene semi-hydrogenation as a model reaction,here we explore the optimization approaches toward better Pd catalysts for alkyne semi-hydrogenation through investigating support effect and metal-support interactions.The results show that the states of Pd with supports can be tuned by varying oxide reducibility,loading ratios,and post-treatments.In our system,0.06 wt.%Pd on rutile-TiO_(2) nanorods shows the highest activity owing to the synergistic effects of single-atoms and clusters.Support reducibility can change the filling degrees of Pd 4d orbitals through varying interfacial bonding strengths,which further affect catalytic activity and selectivity.

Tailoring Light–Matter Interactions in Overcoupled Resonator for Biomolecule Recognition and Detection

Plasmonic nanoantennas provide unique opportunities for precise control of light–matter coupling in surface-enhanced infrared absorption(SEIRA)spectroscopy,but most of the resonant systems realized so far suffer from the obstacles of low sensitivity,narrow bandwidth,and asymmetric Fano resonance perturbations.Here,we demonstrated an overcoupled resonator with a high plasmon-molecule coupling coefficient(μ)(OC-Hμresonator)by precisely controlling the radiation loss channel,the resonator-oscillator coupling channel,and the frequency detuning channel.We observed a strong dependence of the sensing performance on the coupling state,and demonstrated that OC-Hμresonator has excellent sensing properties of ultra-sensitive(7.25%nm^(−1)),ultra-broadband(3–10μm),and immune asymmetric Fano lineshapes.These characteristics represent a breakthrough in SEIRA technology and lay the foundation for specific recognition of biomolecules,trace detection,and protein secondary structure analysis using a single array(array size is 100×100μm^(2)).In addition,with the assistance of machine learning,mixture classification,concentration prediction and spectral reconstruction were achieved with the highest accuracy of 100%.Finally,we demonstrated the potential of OC-Hμresonator for SARS-CoV-2 detection.These findings will promote the wider application of SEIRA technology,while providing new ideas for other enhanced spectroscopy technologies,quantum photonics and studying light–matter interactions.

T cell interactions with microglia in immune-inflammatory processes of ischemic stroke

The primary mechanism of secondary injury after cerebral ischemia may be the brain inflammation that emerges after an ischemic stroke,which promotes neuronal death and inhibits nerve tissue regeneration.As the first immune cells to be activated after an ischemic stroke,microglia play an important immunomodulatory role in the progression of the condition.After an ischemic stroke,peripheral blood immune cells(mainly T cells)are recruited to the central nervous system by chemokines secreted by immune cells in the brain,where they interact with central nervous system cells(mainly microglia)to trigger a secondary neuroimmune response.This review summarizes the interactions between T cells and microglia in the immune-inflammatory processes of ischemic stroke.We found that,during ischemic stroke,T cells and microglia demonstrate a more pronounced synergistic effect.Th1,Th17,and M1 microglia can co-secrete proinflammatory factors,such as interferon-γ,tumor necrosis factor-α,and interleukin-1β,to promote neuroinflammation and exacerbate brain injury.Th2,Treg,and M2 microglia jointly secrete anti-inflammatory factors,such as interleukin-4,interleukin-10,and transforming growth factor-β,to inhibit the progression of neuroinflammation,as well as growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor to promote nerve regeneration and repair brain injury.Immune interactions between microglia and T cells influence the direction of the subsequent neuroinflammation,which in turn determines the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients.Clinical trials have been conducted on the ways to modulate the interactions between T cells and microglia toward anti-inflammatory communication using the immunosuppressant fingolimod or overdosing with Treg cells to promote neural tissue repair and reduce the damage caused by ischemic stroke.However,such studies have been relatively infrequent,and clinical experience is still insufficient.In summary,in ischemic stroke,T cell subsets and activated microglia act synergistically to regulate inflammatory progression,mainly by secreting inflammatory factors.In the future,a key research direction for ischemic stroke treatment could be rooted in the enhancement of anti-inflammatory factor secretion by promoting the generation of Th2 and Treg cells,along with the activation of M2-type microglia.These approaches may alleviate neuroinflammation and facilitate the repair of neural tissues.

Strong metal-support interactions between gold nanoparticles and nonoxides

With the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Prof.Zhang Tao(张涛)and Prof.Wang Junhu’s group at the Laboratory of Catalysts and New Materials for Aerospace,Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics,Chinese Academy of Sciences,recently discovered a new type of strong metalsupport interaction(SMSI)between gold nanoparticles(NPs)and nonoxides,which was published in

Metal-support interactions in designing noble metal-based catalysts for electrochemical CO_(2) reduction: Recent advances and future perspectives

Electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction (CO_(2) RR) offers a practical solution to current global greenhouse effect by converting excessive CO_(2) into value-added chemicals or fuels. Noble metal-based nanomaterials have been considered as efficient catalysts for the CO_(2) RR owing to their high catalytic activity, long-term stability and superior selectivity to targeted products. On the other hand, they are usually loaded on different support materials in order to minimize their usage and maximize the utilization because of high price and limited reserve. The strong metal-support interaction (MSI) between the metal and substrate plays an important role in affecting the CO_(2) RR performance. In this review, we mainly focus on different types of support materials (e.g., oxides, carbons, ligands, alloys and metal carbides) interacting with noble metal as electrocatalysts for CO_(2) RR. Moreover, the positive effects about MSI for boosting the CO_(2) RR performance via regulating the adsorption strength, electronic structure, coordination environment and binding energy are presented. Lastly, emerging challenges and future opportunities on noble metal electrocatalysts with strong MSI are discussed.

Silica-modified Pt/TiO_(2) catalysts with tunable suppression of strong metal-support interaction for cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation

Tuning Strong Metal-support Interactions(SMSI)is a key strategy to obtain highly active catalysts,but conventional methods usually enable TiO_(x) encapsulation of noble metal components to minimize the exposure of noble metals.This study demonstrates a catalyst preparation method to modulate a weak encapsulation of Pt metal nanoparticles(NPs)with the supported TiO_(2),achieving the moderate suppression of SMSI effects.The introduction of silica inhibits this encapsulation,as reflected in the characterization results such as XPS and HRTEM,while the Ti^(4+) to Ti^(3+) conversion due to SMSI can still be found on the support surface.Furthermore,the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde(CAL)as a probe reaction revealed that once this encapsulation behavior was suppressed,the adsorption capacity of the catalyst for small molecules like H_(2) and CO was enhanced,which thereby improved the catalytic activity and facilitated the hydrogenation of CAL.Meanwhile,the introduction of SiO_(2) also changed the surface structure of the catalyst,which inhibited the occurrence of the acetal reaction and improved the conversion efficiency of C=O and C=C hydrogenation.Systematic manipulation of SMSI formation and its consequence on the performance in catalytic hydrogenation reactions are discussed.

First-Principles Insights into Pt_(n)/ZnO(0001)Catalyst:Regulation of Metal-Support Interaction through Surface Polarity

Polar surfaces are prevalent in metal oxides,the interactions between surface species with polar surfaces are different from those with non-polar surfaces,a thorough understanding of the interactions is key to regulate the performance of heterogeneous catalysts.In this work,we delve into the interaction of Pt_(n)(n=1-4)with polar ZnO(0001)-Zn and ZnO(0001)-O,and the influence of the surface polarity on the electronic structures and reactivity of Pt_(n)by using density functional theory calculations.The results suggest distinct differences in electronic structures of two exposed terminations,leading to different interactions with Pt_(n).The interaction between Pt_(n)and two terminations not only stabilizes the surface and clusters through polar compensation,but also induces opposite charges on the cluster at two terminations.Remarkably,the Pearson correlation coefficient reveals the interdependency between the electronic states of Pt_(n)and its performance in terms of small molecule adsorption/activation.These observations demonstrate the crucial role of surface polarity in regulating the electronic states and catalytic performance of active sites,and offer a possible design principle for supported catalysts.

Progress on metal-support interactions in Pd-based catalysts for automobile emission control

The interactions between metals and oxide supports,so-called metal-support interactions(MSI),are of great importance in heterogeneous catalysis.Pd-based automotive exhaust control catalysts,especially Pd-based three-way catalysts (TWCs),have received considerable research attention owing to its prominent oxidation activity of HCs/CO,as well as excellent thermal stability.For Pd-based TWCs,the dispersion,chemical state and thermal stability of Pd species,which are crucial to the catalytic performance,are closely associated with interactions between metal nanoparticles and their supporting matrix.Progress on the research about MSI and utilization of MSI in advanced Pd-based three-way catalysts are reviewed here.Along with the development of advanced synthesis approaches and engine control technology,the study on MSI would play a notable role in further development of catalysts for automobile exhaust control.

New routes for the construction of strong metal-support interactions

Supported metal nanoparticles(NPs)on solid carriers are highly efficient catalysts in many industrial reactions.However,the sintering and/or leaching of metal NPs occurred under harsh reaction conditions that caused the catalyst deactivation.Strong metal-support interactions(SMSIs)serve as an effective method to stabilize the metal NPs against sintering and leaching,which have been extensively studied.In addition to the classical route to construct SMSIs via high-temperature reduction treatments,new routes have emerged recently to extend the scope of catalysts with SMSIs and optimized their catalytic performances.In this review,we briefly summarize these routes that avoid the high-temperature reduction treatments for the construction of SMSIs.Their significant advantages in stabilizing metal NPs,modulating the geometric/electronic structure of metal species,and the mechanism on the SMSI formation are particularly discussed.Finally,the current challenges and developing trends in the construction of SMSIs for achieving more efficient catalysts are outlooked.

Ecological network analysis reveals complex responses of tree species life stage interactions to stand variables

Tree interactions are essential for the structure,dynamics,and function of forest ecosystems,but variations in the architecture of life-stage interaction networks(LSINs)across forests is unclear.Here,we constructed 16 LSINs in the mountainous forests of northwest Hebei,China based on crown overlap from four mixed forests with two dominant tree species.Our results show that LSINs decrease the complexity of stand densities and basal areas due to the interaction cluster differentiation.In addition,we found that mature trees and saplings play different roles,the first acting as“hub”life stages with high connectivity and the second,as“bridges”controlling information flow with high centrality.Across the forests,life stages with higher importance showed better parameter stability within LSINs.These results reveal that the structure of tree interactions among life stages is highly related to stand variables.Our efforts contribute to the understanding of LSIN complexity and provide a basis for further research on tree interactions in complex forest communities.

Enhanced bimetallic CuCo nanoparticles on nitrogen-doped carbon for selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol through strong electronic interactions

Bimetallic CuCo catalysts with different Cu to Co ratios on N-doped porous carbon materials(N-C)were achieved using impregnation method and applied in the hydrogenation of furfural(FAL)to furfuryl alcohol(FOL).The high hydrogenation activity of FAL over Cu_(1)Co_(1)/N-C was originated from the synergistic interactions of Cu and Co species,where Co^(0)and Cu^(0)simultaneously adsorb and activate H_(2),and Cu^(+) served as Lewis acid sites to activate C]O.Meanwhile,electrons transfer from Cu to Co promoted the formation of Cu^(+).In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that Cu_(1)Co_(1)/N-C adsorbed FAL with a tilted η^(1)-(O)configuration.The superior Cu_(1)Co_(1)/N-C showed excellent adsorbed ability towards H_(2) and FAL,but weak adsorption for FOL.Therefore,Cu_(1)Co_(1)/N-C possessed 93.1%FAL conversion and 99.0% FOL selectivity after 5 h reaction,which also exhibited satisfactory reusability in FAL hydrogenation for five cycles.

Low temperature one-pot synthesis of 1,1-diethoxyethane from ethanol on Bi/BiCeO_(x)with strong metal-support interactions

The direct conversion of ethanol to 1,1-diethoxyethane(DEE)through one-pot dehydrogenation-acetalization has attracted broad interest from both academia and industry.Based on thermodynamics,the oxidative dehydrogenation of alcohol to acetaldehyde requires high temperature to activate oxygen to realize the C-H cleavage,while the acetalization of acetaldehyde with ethanol is exothermic reversible reaction favorable at low temperature.The mismatching of the reaction condition for the two consecutive steps makes it a great challenge to achieve both high ethanol conversion and high DEE selectivity.This work reports a highly efficient bi-functional catalysis by Bi/BiCeO_(x)for one-pot oxidative dehydrogenation-acetalization route from ethanol to DEE under 150℃and ambient pressure,affording a selectivity of 98.5%±0.5%to DEE at an ethanol conversion of 87.0%±1.0%.An efficient tandem catalysis has been achieved on the interfacial Bi^(δ)+-Ov-Ce^(III)sites in Bi/BiCeO_(x)established by strong metal-support interaction,in which Biδ+-Ov-sites contribute to the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethanol at mild temperature,and-Ov-CeIII sites to the subsequent acetalization between the generated acetaldehyde and ethanol.

Molecular dynamics simulations on the interactions between nucleic acids and a phospholipid bilayer

Recently,lipid nanoparticles(LNPs)have been extensively investigated as non-viral carriers of nucleic acid vaccines due to their high transport efficiency,safety,and straightforward production and scalability.However,the molecular mechanism underlying the interactions between nucleic acids and phospholipid bilayers within LNPs remains elusive.In this study,we employed the all-atom molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the interactions between single-stranded nucleic acids and a phospholipid bilayer.Our findings revealed that hydrophilic bases,specifically G in single-stranded RNA(ssRNA)and single-stranded DNA(ssDNA),displayed a higher propensity to form hydrogen bonds with phospholipid head groups.Notably,ssRNA exhibited stronger binding energy than ssDNA.Furthermore,divalent ions,particularly Ca2+,facilitated the binding of ssRNA to phospholipids due to their higher binding energy and lower dissociation rate from phospholipids.Overall,our study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying nucleic acidphospholipid interactions,with potential implications for the nucleic acids in biotherapies,particularly in the context of lipid carriers.