Integration of morphology and electronic structure modulation on cobalt phosphide nanosheets to boost photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from ammonia borane hydrolysis

The controllable and safe hydrogen storage technologies are widely recognized as the main bottleneck for the accomplishment of sustainable hydrogen energy.Ammonia borane(AB)has regarded as a competitive candidate for chemical hydrogen storage.However,developing efficient yet high-performance catalysts towards hydrogen evolution from AB hydrolysis remains an enormous challenge.Herein,cobalt phosphide nanosheets are synthesized by a facile salt-assisted along with low-temperature phosphidation strategy for simultaneously modulating its morphology and electronic structure,and function as hydrogen evolution photocatalysts.Impressively,the Co_(2)P nanosheets display extraordinary performance with a record high turnover frequency of 44.9 min^(-1),outperforming most of the noble-metal-free catalysts reported to date.This remarkable performance is attributed to its desired nanosheets structure,featuring with high specific surface area,abundant exposed active sites,and short charge diffusion paths.Our findings provide a novel strategy for regulating metal phosphides with desired phase structure and morphology for energy-related applications and beyond.

Structures and magnetism of dinuclear Co complexes based on imine derivatives

This study presents the synthesis of three dinuclear cobalt complexes based on three imine derivatives:bis-[4-(2-pyridylmethyleneamino)-phenyl]thioether(L1),bis-[4-(2-pyridylmethyleneamino)-phenyl]ether(L2),and bis-[4-(2-pyridylmethyleneamino)-phenyl]methane(L3).Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the complexes[Co_(2)(L1)3](ClO_(4))4·2CH_(3)CN(1),[Co_(2)(L2)3](ClO_(4))4·2CH_(3)OH(2),and[Co_(2)(L3)3](ClO_(4))4·2CH_(3)OH(3)all exhibit a dinuclear structure.Magnetic test results show that complex 3 exhibited irreversible SCO behavior induced by loss of solvent at 300 K,with the average Co-N bond length increasing from 0.2139(3)to 0.2153(3)nm.Meanwhile,the desolvated complex 3 exhibited paramagnetic behavior similar to that of complexes 1 and 2.Variable-temperature UV-Vis spectroscopic studies also indicate that complex 3 undergoes a solvent-loss-induced spin-state transition.CCDC:2347354,1(120 K);2347355,2(120 K);2347356,3(120 K);2347357,3(400 K).

Extraction and recycling technologies of cobalt from primary and secondary resources:A comprehensive review

Cobalt has excellent electrochemical,magnetic,and heat properties.As a strategic resource,it has been applied in many hightech products.However,the recent rapid growth of the battery industry has substantially depleted cobalt resources,leading to a crisis of cobalt resource supply.The paper examines cobalt ore reserves and distribution,and the recent development and consumption of cobalt resources are summarized as well.In addition,the principles,advantages and disadvantages,and research status of various methods are discussed comprehensively.It can be concluded that the use of diverse sources(Cu-Co ores,Ni-Co ores,zinc plant residues,and waste cobalt products)for cobalt production should be enhanced to meet developmental requirements.Furthermore,in recovery technology,the pyro-hydrometallurgical process employs pyrometallurgy as the pretreatment to modify the phase structure of cobalt minerals,enhancing its recovery in the hydrometallurgical stage and facilitating high-purity cobalt production.Consequently,it represents a promising technology for future cobalt recovery.Lastly,based on the above conclusions,the prospects for cobalt are assessed regarding cobalt ore processing and sustainable cobalt recycling,for which further study should be conducted.

The component-activity interrelationship of cobalt-based bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting:Strategies and performance

Cobalt-based electrocatalysts take advantage of potentially harmonizable microstructure and flexible coupling effects compared to commercial noble metal-based catalytic materials.However,conventional water electrolysis systems based on cobalt-based monofunctional hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)or oxygen evolution reaction(OER)catalysts have certain shortcomings in terms of resource utilization and universality.In contrast,cobalt-based bifunctional catalysts(CBCs)have attracted much attention in recent years for overall water splitting systems because of their practicality and reduced preparation cost of electrolyzer.This review aims to address the latest development in CBCs for total hydrolysis.The main modification strategies of CBCs are systematically classified in water electrolysis to provide an overview of how to regulate their morphology and electronic configuration.Then,the catalytic performance of CBCs in total-hydrolysis is summarized according to the types of cobalt-based phosphides,sulfides and oxides,and the mechanism of strengthened electrocatalytic ability is emphasized through combining experiments and theoretical calculations.Future efforts are finally suggested to focus on exploring the dynamic conversion of reaction intermediates and building near-industrial CBCs,designing advanced CBC materials through micro-modulation,and addressing commercial applications.

Structural and magnetic properties of micropolycrystalline cobalt thin films fabricated by direct current magnetron sputtering

Pure cobalt(Co)thin films were fabricated by direct current magnetron sputtering,and the effects of sputtering power and pres-sure on the microstructure and electromagnetic properties of the films were investigated.As the sputtering power increases from 15 to 60 W,the Co thin films transition from an amorphous to a polycrystalline state,accompanied by an increase in the intercrystal pore width.Simultaneously,the resistivity decreases from 276 to 99μΩ·cm,coercivity increases from 162 to 293 Oe,and in-plane magnetic aniso-tropy disappears.As the sputtering pressure decreases from 1.6 to 0.2 Pa,grain size significantly increases,resistivity significantly de-creases,and the coercivity significantly increases(from 67 to 280 Oe),which can be attributed to the increase in defect width.Corres-pondingly,a quantitative model for the coercivity of Co thin films was formulated.The polycrystalline films sputtered under pressures of 0.2 and 0.4 Pa exhibit significant in-plane magnetic anisotropy,which is primarily attributable to increased microstress.

MOF-Derived Iron-Cobalt Phosphide Nanoframe as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting

Transition metal phosphides(TMPs)have emerged as an alternative to precious metals as efficient and low-cost catalysts for water electrolysis.Elemental doping and morphology control are effective approaches to further improve the performance of TMPs.Herein,Fe-doped CoP nanoframes(Fe-CoP NFs)with specific open cage configuration were designed and synthesized.The unique nano-framework structured Fe-CoP material shows overpotentials of only 255 and 122 mV at 10 mA cm^(−2)for oxygen evolution reaction(OER)and hydrogen evolution reaction(HER),respectively,overwhelming most transition metal phosphides.For overall water splitting,the cell voltage is 1.65 V for Fe-CoP NFs at a current density of 10 mA cm^(−2),much superior to what is observed for the classical nanocubic structures.Fe-CoP NFs show no activity degradation up to 100 h which contrasts sharply with the rapidly decaying performance of noble metal catalyst reference.The superior electrocatalytic performance of Fe-CoP NFs due to abundant accessible active sites,reduced kinetic energy barrier,and preferable*O-containing intermediate adsorption is demonstrated through experimental observations and theoretical calculations.Our findings could provide a potential method for the preparation of multifunctional material with hollow structures and offer more hopeful prospects for obtaining efficient earth-abundant catalysts for water splitting.

High-Voltage and Fast-Charging Lithium Cobalt Oxide Cathodes: From Key Challenges and Strategies to Future Perspectives

Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)with the“double-high”characteristics of high energy density and high power density are in urgent demand for facilitating the development of advanced portable electronics.However,the lithium ion(Li+)-storage performance of the most commercialized lithium cobalt oxide(LiCoO_(2),LCO)cathodes is still far from satisfactory in terms of high-voltage and fast-charging capabilities for reaching the double-high target.Herein,we systematically summarize and discuss high-voltage and fast-charging LCO cathodes,covering in depth the key fundamental challenges,latest advancements in modification strategies,and future perspectives in this field.Comprehensive and elaborated discussions are first presented on key fundamental challenges related to structural degradation,interfacial instability,the inhomogeneity reactions,and sluggish interfacial kinetics.We provide an instructive summary of deep insights into promising modification strategies and underlying mechanisms,categorized into element doping(Li-site,cobalt-/oxygen-site,and multi-site doping)for improved Li+diffusivity and bulkstructure stability;surface coating(dielectrics,ionic/electronic conductors,and their combination)for surface stability and conductivity;nanosizing;combinations of these strategies;and other strategies(i.e.,optimization of the electrolyte,binder,tortuosity of electrodes,charging protocols,and prelithiation methods).Finally,forward-looking perspectives and promising directions are sketched out and insightfully elucidated,providing constructive suggestions and instructions for designing and realizing high-voltage and fast-charging LCO cathodes for next-generation double-high LIBs.

Modification,application and expansion of electrode materials based on cobalt telluride

Metal(Li,Na,K,Al)-ion batteries and lithium-sulfur and lithium-tellurium batteries are gaining recognition for their eco-friendly characteristics,substantial energy density,and sustainable attributes.However,the overall performance of rechargeable batteries heavily depends on their electrode materials.Transition metal tellurides have recently gained significant attention due to their high electrical conductivity and density.Cobalt telluride has received the most extensive research due to its catalytic activity,unique magnetic properties,and diverse composition and crystal structure.Nevertheless,its limited conductivity and significant volume variation contribute to electrode structural deterioration and rapid capacity decline.This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in rational design and synthesis of modified cobalt telluride-based electrodes,encompassing defect engineering(Te vacancies,cation vacancies,heterointerfaces,and homogeneous interfaces)and composite engineering(derived carbon from precursors,carbon fibers,Mxene,graphene nanosheets,etc.).Particularly,the intricate evolution mechanisms of the conversion reaction process during cycling are elucidated.Furthermore,these modified strategies applied to other transitional metal tellurides,such as iron telluride,nickel telluride,zinc telluride,copper telluride,molybdenum telluride,etc.,are also thoroughly summarized.Additionally,their application extends to emerging aqueous zinc-ion batteries.Finally,potential challenges and prospects are discussed to further propel the development of transition metal tellurides electrode materials for next-generation rechargeable batteries.

Assessing the dynamics of O_(2) desorption from cobalt phthalocyanine by in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy

We report here the in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy(ECSTM) study of cobalt phthalocyanine(CoPc)-catalyzed O_(2) evolution reaction(OER) and the dynamics of CoPc-O_(2) dissociation.The self-assembled CoPc monolayer is fabricated on Au(111) substrate and resolved by ECSTM in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte.The OH^(-)adsorption on CoPc prior to OER is observed in ECSTM images.During OER,the generated O_(2) adsorbed on Co Pc is observed in the CoPc monolayer.Potential step experiment is employed to monitor the desorption of OER-generated O_(2) from CoPc,which results in the decreasing surface coverage of CoPc-O_(2) with time.The rate constant of O_(2) desorption is evaluated through data fitting.The insights into the dynamics of Co-O_(2) dissociation at the molecular level via in situ imaging help understand the role of Co-O_(2) in oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) and OER.

Nano-Au-decorated hierarchical porous cobalt sulfide derived from ZIF-67 toward optimized oxygen evolution catalysis:Important roles of microstructures and electronic modulation

Enhancing both the number of active sites available and the intrinsic activity of Co-based electrocatalysts simultaneously is a desirable goal.Herein,a ZIF-67-derived hierarchical porous cobalt sulfide decorated by Au nanoparticles(NPs)(denoted as HP-Au@CoxSy@ZIF-67)hybrid is synthesized by low-temperature sulfuration treatment.The well-defined macroporous-mesoporous-microporous structure is obtained based on the combination of polystyrene spheres,as-formed CoxSy nanosheets,and ZIF-67 frameworks.This novel three-dimensional hierarchical structure significantly enlarges the three-phase interfaces,accelerating the mass transfer and exposing the active centers for oxygen evolution reaction.The electronic structure of Co is modulated by Au through charge transfer,and a series of experiments,together with theoretical analysis,is performed to ascertain the electronic modulation of Co by Au.Meanwhile,HP-Au@CoxSy@ZIF-67 catalysts with different amounts of Au were synthesized,wherein Au and NaBH4 reductant result in an interesting“competition effect”to regulate the relative ratio of Co^(2+)/Co^(3+),and moderate Au assists the electrochemical performance to reach the highest value.Consequently,the optimized HP-Au@CoxSy@ZIF-67 exhibits a low overpotential of 340 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2)and a Tafel slope of 42 mV dec-1 for OER in 0.1 M aqueous KOH,enabling efficient water splitting and Zn-air battery performance.The work here highlights the pivotal roles of both microstructural and electronic modulation in enhancing electrocatalytic activity and presents a feasible strategy for designing and optimizing advanced electrocatalysts.

Synthesis and Physico-Chemical Characterizations of Novel Hydrazone Ligands and Their Metal Complexes against Hormone-Dependent and Independent Cancers

This work deals with the synthesis and physicochemical characterizations of a new group of novel retinoidal ligands and their metal complexes. Their in vitro anti-proliferative activities have shown that ligand L1 is effective against human breast cancer BT-20 and MCF-7 cell lines. At the same time, compound L2 exerts its effect on human prostate cancer PC-3 and human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines respectively. The retinoid ligands exert their pleiotropic action toward retinoic acid receptors (RARs) than their metal complexes but all compounds exhibit concentration-dependent.

3,6-Bis-β-Dicarbonylsubstituted Carbazoles Bearing N-Spacers and Their Eu(III) Complexes as Immunofluorescent Labelling Agents

New reagents for immunofluorescence analysis of carbazole series containing fluorinated β-dicarbonyl fragments and carboxylic substituent groups separated by spacers of different lengths from the light-gathering carbazole scaffold have been developed. The markers in complex with Eu3+ ions possess stability in the aqueous phase, intense and prolonged luminescence (τ 550 - 570 μs) with characteristic emission maxima in the region of 615 nm and excitation wavelengths in the region of 380 - 390 nm, which distinguishes them from most of the analogs used. In the study of marker conjugation with streptavidin, a reagent containing 4 - 5 europium labeling complexes based on spacer-containing carbazole tetraketone was obtained. The marker-doped silicate nanoparticles exhibit intense and long-lived luminescence in the characteristic region.

Catalytic Effect of Transition Metal Complexes of Triaminoguanidine on the Thermolysis of Energetic NC/DEGDN Composite

The transition metal complexes of triaminoguanidine(TAG-M,where M=Cobalt(Co)or Iron(Fe))have been prepared.The catalytic effect of these complexes on the thermolysis of energetic composite based on nitrocellulose and diethylene glycol dinitrate,has been investigated.Extensive characterization of the resulting energetic composites was carried out using scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC).Isoconversional kinetic analysis was performed to determine the Arrhenius parameters associated with the thermolysis of the elaborated energetic formulations.It is found that TAG-M complexes have strong catalytic effect on the thermo-kinetic decomposition of NC/DEGDN by decreasing the apparent activation energy and significantly increased the total heat release.The models that govern the decomposition processes are also studied,and it is revealed that different reaction processes are accomplished by introduction metal complexes of triaminoguanidine.Overall,this study serves as a valuable reference for future research focused on the investigation of catalytic combustion features of solid propellants.

Subtraction of liposome signals in cryo-EM structural determination of protein-liposome complexes

Reconstituting membrane proteins in liposomes and determining their structure is a common method for determining membrane protein structures using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy(cryo-EM).However,the strong signal of liposomes under cryo-EM imaging conditions often interferes with the structural determination of the embedded membrane proteins.Here,we propose a liposome signal subtraction method based on single-particle two-dimensional(2D)classification average images,aimed at enhancing the reconstruction resolution of membrane proteins.We analyzed the signal distribution characteristics of liposomes and proteins within the 2D classification average images of protein–liposome complexes in the frequency domain.Based on this analysis,we designed a method to subtract the liposome signals from the original particle images.After the subtraction,the accuracy of single-particle three-dimensional(3D)alignment was improved,enhancing the resolution of the final 3D reconstruction.We demonstrated this method using a PIEZO1-proteoliposome dataset by improving the resolution of the PIEZO1 protein.

Novel cobalt(Ⅱ) complexes of amino acids-Schiff bases catalyzed aerobic oxidation of various alcohols to ketones and aldehyde

Two cobalt（Ⅱ） complexes 1 and 2 of Schiff bases derived from amino acids were synthesized and used for oxidation of benzyl alcohol with molecular oxygen at different conditions of pH,solvent,temperature and complex/alcohol molar ratio to optimize reaction conditions and to evaluate the catalytic efficiency of new cobalt Schiff base complexes.Under obtained optimum conditions,various alcohols were oxidized to corresponding aldehydes and ketones.

Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Nickel(Ⅱ)and Cobalt(Ⅱ) Complexes Involving Chiral Leucinol

The title nickel complex I and cobalt complex II were obtained separately from the direct reaction of D-（＋）-leucinol with Ni（II） chloride and L-（-）-leucinol with Co（II） acetate tetra- hydrate in anhydrous methanol. The crystal structures of I and II were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and further characterized by elemental analysis and IR. For I： [Ni（C18H45N3O3）]Cl2, orthorhombic, P212121, a = 11.2807（9）, b = 14.7115（11）, c = 16.3580（13） A, V = 2714.7（4） A3, Z = 4, Pcalcd = 1.177 Mg/m3, the final R = 0.0407, and 16539 reflections observed with I 〉 2σ（/）; For II： [Co（C45HI08N6015）], trigonal, R3：H, a = 23.981（3）, b =23.981（3）, c = 10.8925（15） A, γ = 120°, V = 5425.1（14） A3, Z = 3, Pcalcd = 1.002 Mg/m3, the final R = 0.0625 for 16556 observed reflections with I 〉 2σ（I）. The complexes were then used to catalyze the Henry reaction and obtained good catalytic results. The catalytic activity of the complexes was determined by IH NMR. And research is going towards the application to other organic reactions such as cyanosilylation reaction.

Hydrothermal Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Cobalt(Ⅱ) Complexes Constructed by Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine and Different Carboxylate Ligands

Two new metal-organic complexes,{[Co2（bptc）（DPPZ）2（H2O）2]·H2O}n 1 and {[Co2（ccm）2（DPPZ）2]·2H2O}n 2,were obtained by the hydrothermal reactions of Co（NO3）2·6H2O with chelating ligand dipyrido[3,2-a：2＇,3＇-c]phenazine（DPPZ） and the corresponding carboxylic acid,namely,3,3＇,4,4＇-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid（H4bptc） or 2-carboxycinnamic acid（H2ccm）,respectively.The complexes were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction,elemental analyses,IR spectra,and thermal gravimetry.1 presents unique chiral chain structures,which are further consolidated into three-dimensional supramolecular frameworks via noncovalent bonds,such as hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions.2 features infinite double-chain structures,which are connected by strong π-π interactions to result in three-dimensional supramolecular architectures.

Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Magnetic Properties of Cobalt(Ⅱ) Complexes with 1,1-Cyclohexanediacetic Acid

Two new Co（Ⅱ） coordination polymers,{[Co_3（Hchda）_2（chda）_2（bpp）_2（H_2O）_2]}_n 1 and {[Co（chda）（bpe）（H_2O）]·3H_2O}_n 2（H_2chda = 1,1-cyclohexanediacetic acid,bpp = 1,3-bis（4-pyridinyl）propane and bpe = 1,2-bis（4-pyridinyl）ethylene）,were hydrothermally synthesized and then characterized by elemental analysis,IR spectroscopy,thermogravimetric analysis（TGA）,and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.Complex 1 possesses an infinite metal-organic layer based on triply bridged linear trinuclear subunits and complex 2 exhibits a square（4,4） grid layer with dangling lateral arms resulting from eight-membered rings above and below the layer.In addition,magnetic properties of complexes 1 and 2 are also given.

Dioxygen Affinities and Catalytic Oxidation Performance of Cobalt (Ⅱ)Complexes with N—Aryl Hydroxamic Acid

The oxygenation of cobalt (II) hydroxamates (CoL2) and its catalytic performance in oxidation of p-xylene to p-toluic acid (PTA) were examined. The effects of X and Y bonded to hydroxamate group on dioxygen affinities and catalytic oxidation performance were also investigated.

Molecular and Supramolecular Structures of Manganese(Ⅱ) and Cobalt(Ⅱ) Complexes with 1-Carboxymethylpyridinium-4-carboxylate

Two complexes with a zwitterionic dicarboxylate ligand,Mn（L）2（H2O）4 1 and Co（L）2（H2O）4 2（L = 1-carboxymethylpyridinium-4-carboxylate）,were synthesized and structurally characterized.Complex 1 crystallizes in monoclinic,space group P21 with a = 6.490（2）,b = 19.210（7）,c = 7.813（3） ,β = 92.716（5）o,V = 972.9（6） 3,Z = 2,Mr = 487.28,Dc = 1.663 g/cm3,F（000） = 502,μ = 0.749 mm-1,S = 1.060,the final R = 0.0377 and wR = 0.0893 for 3292 observed reflections with I 2σ（I）.Complex 2 is isomorphous with 1,with a = 6.478（2）,b = 19.052（7）,c = 7.742（3） ,β = 92.690（4）o,V = 954.6（6） 3,Z = 2,Mr = 491.28,Dc = 1.709 g/cm3,F（000） = 506,μ = 0.971 mm-1,S = 1.035,the final R = 0.0425 and wR = 0.0809 for 3289 observed reflections with I 2σ（I）.In the compounds,the mononuclear [M（L）2（H2O）4] units with trans-octahedral coordination geometry are linked into 3D architectures via hydrogen bonding（or second-sphere coordination） involving carboxylate groups and coordinated water molecules.The 3D networks illustrate a 3,8-connected net with Schlfli symbol（4·62）2（42·623·83）.