Preparation of palladium-based catalyst by plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition and its applications in CO_(2) hydrogenation reduction

Supported Pd catalyst is an important noble metal material in recent years due to its high catalytic performance in CO_(2)hydrogenation.A fluidized-bed plasma assisted atomic layer deposition(FP-ALD) process is reported to fabricate Pd nanoparticle catalyst over γ-Al_(2)O_(3)or Fe_(2)O_(3)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)support,using palladium hexafluoroacetylacetonate as the Pd precursor and H_(2)plasma as counter-reactant.Scanning transmission electron microscopy exhibits that highdensity Pd nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed over Fe_(2)O_(3)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)support with an average diameter of 4.4 nm.The deposited Pd-Fe_(2)O_(3)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)shows excellent catalytic performance for CO_(2)hydrogenation in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor.Under a typical condition of H_(2)to CO_(2)ratio of 4 in the feed gas,the discharge power of 19.6 W,and gas hourly space velocity of10000 h^(-1),the conversion of CO_(2)is as high as 16.3% with CH_(3)OH and CH4selectivities of 26.5%and 3.9%,respectively.

The Influence of Carbon Nanotubes and Nano-Silica Fume on Enhancing the Damping and Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Materials

This paper conducted experimental studies on the damping and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube-nanosilica-cement composite materials with different carbon nanotube contents. The damping and mechanical properties enhancement mechanisms were analyzed and compared through the porosity structure test, XRD analysis, and scanning electron microscope observation. The results show that the introduction of nanosilica significantly improves the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in the cement matrix. At the same time, the addition of nanosilica not only effectively reduces the critical pore size and average pore size of the cement composite material, but also exhibits good synergistic effects with carbon nanotubes, which can significantly optimize the pore structure. Finally, a rationalization suggestion for the co-doping of nanosilica and carbon nanotubes was given to achieve a significant increase in the flexural strength, compressive strength and loss factor of cement-based materials.

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

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

In situ formation of multiple catalysts for enhancing the hydrogen storage of MgH_(2) by adding porous Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)/Ni loaded carbon nanotubes microspheres

MgH_(2) is considered one of the most promising hydrogen storage materials because of its safety,high efficiency,high hydrogen storage quantity and low cost characteristics.But some shortcomings are still existed:high operating temperature and poor hydrogen absorption dynamics,which limit its application.Porous Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)/Ni loaded carbon nanotubes microspheres(NZC/Ni@CNT)is prepared by facile filtration and calcination method.Then the different amount of NZC/Ni@CNT(2.5,5.0 and 7.5 wt%)is added to the MgH_(2) by ball milling.Among the three samples with different amount of NZC/Ni@CNT(2.5,5.0 and 7.5 wt%),the MgH_(2)-5 wt%NZC/Ni@CNT composite exhibits the best hydrogen storage performances.After testing,the MgH_(2)-5 wt%NZC/Ni@CNT begins to release hydrogen at around 110℃ and hydrogen absorption capacity reaches 2.34 wt%H_(2) at 80℃ within 60 min.Moreover,the composite can release about 5.36 wt%H_(2) at 300℃.In addition,hydrogen absorption and desorption activation energies of the MgH_(2)-5 wt%NZC/Ni@CNT composite are reduced to 37.28 and 84.22 KJ/mol H_(2),respectively.The in situ generated Mg_(2)NiH_(4)/Mg_(2)Ni can serve as a"hydrogen pump"that plays the main role in providing more activation sites and hydrogen diffusion channels which promotes H_(2) dissociation during hydrogen absorption process.In addition,the evenly dispersed Zn and MgZn2 in Mg and MgH_(2) could provide sites for Mg/MgH_(2) nucleation and hydrogen diffusion channel.This attempt clearly proved that the bimetallic carbide Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7) is a effective additive for the hydrogen storage performances modification of MgH_(2),and the facile synthesis of the Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)/Ni@CNT can provide directions of better designing high performance carbide catalysts for improving MgH_(2).

Recentadvancesincarbon‐basedmaterials for solar‐driven interfacial photothermal conversion water evaporation:Assemblies,structures,applications,and prospective

The shortage of fresh water in the world has brought upon a serious crisis to human health and economic development.Solar‐driven interfacial photothermal conversion water evaporation including evaporating seawater,lake water,or river water has been recognized as an environmentally friendly process for obtaining clean water in a low‐cost way.However,water transport is restricted by itself by solar energy absorption capacity's limits,especially for finite evaporation rates and insufficient working life.Therefore,it is important to seek photothermal conversion materials that can efficiently absorb solar energy and reasonably design solar‐driven interfacial photothermal conversion water evaporation devices.This paper reviews the research progress of carbon‐based photothermal conversion materials and the mechanism for solar‐driven interfacial photothermal conversion water evaporation,as well as the summary of the design and development of the devices.Based on the research progress and achievements of photothermal conversion materials and devices in the fields of seawater desalination and photothermal electric energy generation in recent years,the challenges and opportunities faced by carbon‐based photothermal conversion materials and devices are discussed.The prospect of the practical application of solar‐driven interfacial photothermal conversion evaporation technology is foreseen,and theoretical guidance is provided for the further development of this technology.

Critical role of carbon support in metal nanoaggregate facilitating Fe-N-C catalyst for PEM fuel cell application

Metal nanoaggregates can simultaneously enhance the activity and stability of Fe-N-C catalysts in proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells(PEMFC).Previous studies on the relevant mechanism have focused on the direct interaction between FeN_(4)active sites and metal nanoaggregates.However,the role of carbon support that hosts metal nanoaggregates and active sites has been overlooked.Here,a Fe-N-C catalyst encapsulating inactive gold nanoparticles is prepared as a model catalyst to investigate the electronic tuning of Au nanoparticles(NPs)towards the carbon support.Au NPs donate electrons to carbon support,making it rich inπelectrons,which reduces the work function and regulates the electronic configuration of the FeN_(4)sites for an enhanced ORR activity.Meanwhile,the electron-rich carbon support can mitigate the electron depletion of FeN_(4)sites caused by carbon support oxidation,thereby preserving its high activity.The yield and accumulation of H_(2)O_(2)are thus alleviated,which delays the oxidation of the catalyst and benefits the stability.Due to the electron-rich carbon support,the composite catalyst achieves a top-level peak power density of 0.74 W/cm^(2) in a 1.5 bar H_(2)-air PEMFC,as well as the improved stability.This work elucidates the key role of carbon support in the performance enhancement of the FeN-C/metal nanoaggregate composite catalysts for fuel cell application.

Enhanced stability of nitrogen-doped carbon-supported palladium catalyst for oxidative carbonylation of phenol

Enhancing the stability of supported noble metal catalysts emerges is a major challenge in both science and industry.Herein,a heterogeneous Pd catalyst(Pd/NCF)was prepared by supporting Pd ultrafine metal nanoparticles(NPs)on nitrogen-doped carbon;synthesized by using F127 as a stabilizer,as well as chitosan as a carbon and nitrogen source.The Pd/NCF catalyst was efficient and recyclable for oxidative carbonylation of phenol to diphenyl carbonate,exhibiting higher stability than Pd/NC prepared without F127 addition.The hydrogen bond between chitosan(CTS)and F127 was enhanced by F127,which anchored the N in the free amino group,increasing the N content of the carbon material and ensuring that the support could provide sufficient N sites for the deposition of Pd NPs.This process helped to improve metal dispersion.The increased metal-support interaction,which limits the leaching and coarsening of Pd NPs,improves the stability of the Pd/NCF catalyst.Furthermore,density functional theory calculations indicated that pyridine N stabilized the Pd^(2+)species,significantly inhibiting the loss of Pd^(2+)in Pd/NCF during the reaction process.This work provides a promising avenue towards enhancing the stability of nitrogen-doped carbon-supported metal catalysts.

Sulfur doped iron-nitrogen-hard carbon nanosheets as efficient and robust noble metal-free catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in PEMFC

Transition metal-nitrogen-carbon(M-N-C)as a promising substitute for the conventional noble metalbased catalyst still suffers from low activity and durability for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)in proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs).To tackle the issue,herein,a new type of sulfur-doped ironnitrogen-hard carbon(S-Fe-N-HC)nanosheets with high activity and durability in acid media were developed by using a newly synthesized precursor of amide-based polymer with Fe ions based on copolymerizing two monomers of 2,5-thiophene dicarboxylic acid(TDA)as S source and 1,8-diaminonaphthalene(DAN)as N source via an amination reaction.The as-synthesized S-Fe-N-HC features highly dispersed atomic Fe Nxmoieties embedded into rich thiophene-S doped hard carbon nanosheets filled with highly twisted graphite-like microcrystals,which is distinguished from the majority of M-N-C with soft or graphitic carbon structures.These unique characteristics endow S-Fe-N-HC with high ORR activity and outstanding durability in 0.5 M H_(2)SO_(4).Its initial half-wave potential is 0.80 V and the corresponding loss is only 21 m V after 30,000 cycles.Meanwhile,its practical PEMFC performance is a maximum power output of 628.0 mW cm^(-2)and a slight power density loss is 83.0 m W cm^(-2)after 200-cycle practical operation.Additionally,theoretical calculation shows that the activity of Fe Nxmoieties on ORR can be further enhanced by sulfur doping at meta-site near FeN_(4)C.These results evidently demonstrate that the dual effect of hard carbon substrate and S doping derived from the precursor platform of amid-polymers can effectively enhance the activity and durability of Fe-N-C catalysts,providing a new guidance for developing advanced M-N-C catalysts for ORR.

Cobalt phthalocyanine-based conjugated polymer as efficient and exclusive electrocatalyst for CO_(2) reduction to ethanol

Electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to high value-added chemicals is a promising method for solving the energy crisis and global warming.Electrochemical active metal-containing conjugated polymers have been widely studied for heterogeneous carbon dioxide reduction.In the present contribution,we designed and synthesized a stable cobalt phthalocyanine-based conjugated polymer,named CoPPc-TFPPy-CP,and also explored its electro-catalytic application in carbon dioxide reduction to liquid products in an aqueous solution.In the catalyst,cobalt phthalocyanine acts as building blocks connected with 1,3,6,8-tetrakis(4-formyl phenyl)pyrenes via imine-linkages,leading to mesoporous formation polymers with the pore size centered at 4.1nm.And the central co-balt atoms shifted to a higher oxidation state after condensation.With these chemical and structural natures,the catalyst displayed a remarkable electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction performance with an ethanol Faradaic efficiency of 43.25%at-1.0V vs RHE.While at the same time,the electrochemical reduction process catalyzed by cobalt phthalocyanine produced only carbon monoxide and hydrogen.To the best of our knowledge,CoPPc-TFPPy-CP is the first example among organic polymers and metal-organic frameworks that produces ethanol from CO_(2) with a remarkable selectivity.

Effect of MgO promoter on Ni-based SBA-15 catalysts for combined steam and carbon dioxide reforming of methane

A series of Ni/SBA-15 catalysts with Ni contents ranging from 5 wt% to 15 wt%, as well as another series of 10%Ni/MgO/SBA-15 catalysts, in which the range of the MgO content was from 1 wt% to 7 wt%, were prepared, and their catalytic performances for the reaction of combined steam and carbon dioxide reforming of methane were investigated in a continuous flow microreactor. The structures of the catalysts were characterized using the XRD, H2-TPR and CO2-TPD techniques. The results indicated that the CO selectivity for this reaction was very close to 100%, and the H2/CO ratio of the product gas could be controlled by changing the H2O/CO2 molar ratio of the feed gas. The simultaneous and plentiful existing of steam and CO2 had a significant influence on the catalytic performance of the 10%Ni/SBA-15 catalyst without modification. After reacting at 850 °C for 120 h over this catalyst, the CH4 conversion dropped from 98% to 85%, and the CO2 conversion decreased from 86% to 53%. However, the 10%Ni/3%MgO/SBA-15 catalyst exhibited a much better catalytic performance, and after reacting for 620 h, the CO2 conversion over this catalyst dropped from 92% to around 77%, while the CH4 conversion was not decreased. Oxidation of the Ni0 species as well as carbon deposition during the reaction were the main reasons for the deactivation of the catalyst without modification. On the other hand, modification by the MgO promoter improved the dispersion of the Ni0 species, and enhanced the CO2 adsorption affinity which in turn depressed the occurring of carbon deposition, and thus retarded the deactivation process.

Screening of MgO- and CeO_2-Based Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Oxidative Coupling of Methane to C_(2+) Hydrocarbons

The catalyst screening tests for carbon dioxide oxidative coupling of methane (CO2-OCM) have been investigated over ternary and binary metal oxide catalysts. The catalysts are prepared by doping MgO- and CeO2-based solids with oxides from alkali (Li2O), alkaline earth (CaO), and transition metal groups (WO3 or MnO). The presence of the peroxide (O2-2) active sites on the Li2O2, revealed by Raman spectroscopy, may be the key factor in the enhanced performance of some of the Li2O/MgO catalysts. The high reducibility of the CeO2 catalyst, an important factor in the CO2-OCM catalyst activity, may be enhanced by the presence of manganese oxide species. The manganese oxide species increases oxygen mobility and oxygen vacancies in the CeO2 catalyst. Raman and Fourier Transform Infra Red (FT-IR) spectroscopies revealed the presence of lattice vibrations of metal-oxygen bondings and active sites in which the peaks corresponding to the bulk crystalline structures of Li2O, CaO, WO3 and MnO are detected. The performance of 5%MnO/15%CaO/CeO2 catalyst is the most potential among the CeO2-based catalysts, although lower than the 2%Li2O/MgO catalyst. The 2%Li2O/MgO catalyst showed the most promising C2+ hydrocarbons selectivity and yield at 98.0% and 5.7%, respectively.

Iron-based catalysts encapsulated by nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon for selective synthesis of liquid fuels through the Fischer-Tropsch process

Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis(FTS)has the potential to be a powerful strategy for producing liquid fuels from syngas if highly selective catalysts can be developed.Herein,a series of iron nanoparticle catalysts encapsulated by nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon were prepared by a one‐step pyrolysis of a ferric L‐glutamic acid complex.The FeC‐800 catalyst pyrolyzed at 800°C showed excellent catalytic activity(239.4μmolCO gFe–1 s–1),high C5–C11 selectivity(49%),and good stability in FTS.The high dispersion of ferric species combined with a well‐encapsulated structure can effectively inhibit the migration of iron nanoparticles during the reaction process,which is beneficial for high activity and good stability.The nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon shell can act as an electron donor to the iron particles,thus promoting CO activation and expediting the formation of Fe5C2,which is the key factor for obtaining high C5–C11 selectivity.

Acetalization of carbonyl compounds with 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanedio catalyzed by novel carbon based solid acid catalyst

The synthesis of 2, 4-diisopropyl-5,5-dimethy1- 1.3-dioxane through the acetalization of isobutyraldehyde with 2, 2, 4-trimethy1-1,3-pentanediol （TMPD） catalyzed by the novel carbon based acid was first carried out. High conversion （≥98%） and specific selectivity were obtained using the novel carbon based acid, which kept high activity after it was reused 5 times. Moreover. the catalyst could be used to catalyze the acetalization and ketalization of different aldehydes and ketones with superior yield. The yield of several products was over 90%. The novel heterogeneous catalyst has the distinct advantages of high activity, strikingly simple workup procedure, non-pollution, and reusability, which will contribute to the success of the green process greatly.

Carbon‐based metal‐free catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction: Activity, selectivity, and stability

Zero or negative emissions of carbon dioxide(CO2)is the need of the times,as inexorable rising and alarming levels of CO2 in the atmosphere lead to global warming and severe climate change.The electrochemical CO2 reduction(eCO2R)to value‐added fuels and chemicals by using renewable electricity provides a cleaner and more sustainable route with economic benefits,in which the key is to develop clean and economical electrocatalysts.Carbon‐based catalyst materials possess desirable properties such as high offset potential for H2 evolution and chemical stability at the negative applied potential.Although it is still challenging to achieve highly efficient carbon‐based catalysts,considerable efforts have been devoted to overcoming the low selectivity,activity,and stability.Here,we summarize and discuss the recent progress in carbon‐based metal‐free catalysts including carbon nanotubes,carbon nanofibers,carbon nanoribbons,graphene,carbon nitride,and diamonds with an emphasis on their activity,product selectivity,and stability.In addition,the key challenges and future potential approaches for efficient eCO2R to low carbon‐based fuels are highlighted.For a good understanding of the whole history of the development of eCO2R,the CO2 reduction reactions,principles,and techniques including the role of electrolytes,electrochemical cell design and evaluation,product selectivity,and structural composition are also discussed.The metal/metal oxides decorated with carbon‐based electrocatalysts are also summarized.We aim to provide insights for further development of carbon‐based metal‐free electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction from the perspective of both fundamental understanding and technological applications in the future.

CO_x-Free Hydrogen and Carbon Nanofibers Produced from Direct Decomposition of Methane on Nickel-Based Catalysts

Direct decomposition of methane was carried out using a fixed-bed reactor at 700 ℃ for the production of COx-free hydrogen and carbon nanofibers. The catalytic performance of NiO-M/SiO2 catalysts （where M=AgO, CoO, CuO, FeO, MnOx and MoO） in methane decomposition was investigated. The experimental results indicate that among the tested catalysts, NiO/SiO2 promoted with CuO give the highest hydrogen yield. In addition, the examination of the most suitable catalyst support, including Al2O3, CeO2, La2O3, SiO2, and TiO2, shows that the decomposition of methane over NiO-CuO favors SiOx support. Furthermore, the optimum ratio of NiO to CuO on SiO2 support for methane decomposition was determined. The experimental results show that the optimum weight ratio of NiO to CuO fell at 8：2 （w/w） since the highest yield of hydrogen was obtained over this catalyst.

Insight into MgO promoter with low concentration for the carbon-deposition resistance of Ni-based catalysts in the CO_2 reforming of CH_4

The CO2reforming of CH4is studied over MgO‐promoted Ni catalysts,which were supported on alumina prepared from hydrotalcite.This presents an improved stability compared with non‐promoted catalysts.The introduction of the MgO promoter was achieved through the‘‘memory effect’’of the Ni‐Al hydrotalcite structure,and ICP‐MS confirmed that only0.42wt.%of Mg2+ions were added into the Ni‐Mg/Al catalyst.Although no differences in the Ni particle size and basicity strength were observed,the Ni‐Mg/Al catalyst showed a higher catalytic stability than the Ni/Al catalyst.A series of surface reaction experiments were used and showed that the addition of a MgO promoter with low concentration can promote CO2dissociation to form active surface oxygen arising from the formation of the Ni‐MgO interface sites.Therefore,the carbon‐resistance promotion by nature was suggested to contribute to an oxidative environment around Ni particles,which would increase the conversion of carbon residues from CH4cracking to yield CO on the Ni metal surface.?2018,Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics,Chinese Academy of Sciences.Published by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Carbon dioxide reforming of methane on monolithic Ni/Al_2O_3-based catalysts

Nickel-alumina catalysts supported on cordierite monoliths of honeycomb structure surpass essentially the conventional granulated ones with respect to the output in carbon dioxide reforming of methane. Adjusting the surface acid-base properties of catalysts by introduction of alkali metal （Na, K） oxides inhibits the carbonization and as a result, improves the operational stability of these catalysts. An effect of promotion of nickel-alumina based composite doped by lanthanum oxide is found. This effect, caused by an additional route for the CO2 activation on Ni-La2O3/Al2O3/cordierite catalyst, is displayed in increase of methane conversion under conditions of an oxidant excess.

Recent advances in application of iron‐based catalysts for CO_(x) hydrogenation to value‐added hydrocarbons

The widespread utilization of fossil fuels has caused an associated increase in CO_(2) emissions over the past few decades,which has resulted in global warming and ocean acidification.CO hydrogenation(Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis,FTS)is considered a significant route for the production of liquid fuels and chemicals from nonpetroleum sources to meet worldwide demand.Conversion of CO_(2) with renewable H_(2) into valuable hydrocarbons is beneficial for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the negative effects of high CO_(2) concentrations in the atmosphere.Iron‐based catalysts exhibit superior catalytic performance in both FTS and CO_(2) hydrogenation to value‐added hydrocarbons.The abundance and low cost of iron‐based catalysts also promote their wide application in CO_(x) hydrogenation.This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the significant developments in the application of iron‐based catalysts in these two fields.The active phases,promoter effect,and support of iron‐based catalysts are discussed in the present paper.Based on understanding of these three essential aspects,we also cover recent advances in the design and preparation of novel iron‐based catalysts for FTS and CO_(2) hydrogenation.Current challenges and future catalytic applications are also outlined.

Role of Catalyst on the Formation of Resorcinol-Furfural Based Carbon Aerogels and Its Physical Properties

Carbon aerogels (CAG) were synthesized by the pyrolysis of resorcinol-furfural based organic aerogels, derived from sol-gel polymerization of resorcinol and furfural using different catalysts followed by supercritical drying of as-prepared gels. Different catalysts viz. hydrochloric acid (HA), acetic acid (AcH) and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) of different concentrations were used for this purpose in order to study the role of different catalysts and the effect of R/C ratio (reactant to catalyst molar ratio) on the formation of organic gel monolith and their physical properties were investigated. Aerogels were thoroughly characterized by using CHN, FTIR, TG-DSC, XRD and SEM. A considerable reduction of gelation time and the formation of relatively denser organic gel were observed in the case of HMTA, which indicated the dual role (catalyst & cross-linking agent) of HMTA during the polymerization/polycondensation of resorcinol and furfural. Carbon aerogels obtained by using different catalysts showed BET surface area, average pore size, total pore volumes in the range of 438 496 m2/g, 17.9 22.4 ? and 0.20 0.27 cm3/g, respectively. The SEM images and results revealed the presence of different morphologies of carbon aerogels, obtained by using different catalysts. The HMTA catalyzed samples were found to have highest surface area with particles in smaller in size and well interconnected 3D carbon network.

Biomass-based N doped carbon as metal-free catalyst for selective oxidation of D-xylose into D-xylonic acid

Rational design and facile preparation of low-cost and efficient catalysts for the selective converting of biomass-derived monosaccharides into high value-added chemicals is highly demanded,yet challenging.Herein,we first demonstrate a N doped defect-rich carbon(NC-800-5)as metal-free catalyst for the selective oxidation of D-xylose into D-xylonic acid in alkaline aqueous solution at 100℃ for 30 min,with 57.4%yield.The doped graphitic N is found to be the active site and hydroxyl ion participating in the oxidation of D-xylose.Hydroxyl ion and D-xylose first adsorb on NC-800-5 surface,and the aldehyde group of D-xylose is catalyzed to form germinal diols ion.Then,C–H bond break to yield carboxylic group.Furthermore,NC-800-5 catalyst shows high stability in recycled test.