A Review on Engineering Transition Metal Compound Catalysts to Accelerate the Redox Kinetics of Sulfur Cathodes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Engineering transition metal compounds(TMCs)catalysts with excellent adsorption-catalytic ability has been one of the most effec-tive strategies to accelerate the redox kinetics of sulfur cathodes.Herein,this review focuses on engineering TMCs catalysts by cation doping/anion doping/dual doping,bimetallic/bi-anionic TMCs,and TMCs-based heterostructure composites.It is obvious that introducing cations/anions to TMCs or constructing heterostructure can boost adsorption-catalytic capacity by regulating the electronic structure including energy band,d/p-band center,electron filling,and valence state.Moreover,the elec-tronic structure of doped/dual-ionic TMCs are adjusted by inducing ions with different electronegativity,electron filling,and ion radius,resulting in electron redistribution,bonds reconstruction,induced vacancies due to the electronic interaction and changed crystal structure such as lat-tice spacing and lattice distortion.Different from the aforementioned two strategies,heterostructures are constructed by two types of TMCs with different Fermi energy levels,which causes built-in electric field and electrons transfer through the interface,and induces electron redistribution and arranged local atoms to regulate the electronic structure.Additionally,the lacking studies of the three strategies to comprehensively regulate electronic structure for improving catalytic performance are pointed out.It is believed that this review can guide the design of advanced TMCs catalysts for boosting redox of lithium sulfur batteries.

N2O Decomposition over K-Ce Promoted Co-M-AI Mixed Oxide Catalysts Prepared from Hydrotalcite-like Precursors

A series of mixed oxide catalysts with different composition of Co-M-Al and Co-M-Ce- Al （M=Zn, Ni, Cu） were prepared by co-precipitation method from hydrotalcite-like compounds. The experimental results revealed the catalytic activity of Co-Ni-Al is slightly higher than that of Co-Zn-Al and much higher than that of Co-Cu-Al for direct decomposition of N2O. Moreover, addition of small amounts of Ce02 improved the catalytic activity signif- icantly and made the decomposition temperatures at which the N2O conversion was 50% and 90% （T50 and Tgo） both decreased 80 ℃ than those of Co-M-Al catalysts without CeO2 added. Further, potassium-load also promoted the catalytic activity, and the decomposi- tion temperatures of T50 and T90 both decreased approximately 50 ℃. It is significant for decomposing N2O from industries and reducing carbon emission from atmosphere.

Vanadium-based compounds and heterostructures as functional sulfur catalysts for lithium-sulfur battery cathodes

Lithium-sulfur(Li-S)batteries have attracted wide attention for their high theoretical energy density,low cost,and environmental friendliness.However,the shuttle effect of polysulfides and the insulation of active materials severely restrict the development of Li-S batteries.Constructing conductive sulfur scaffolds with catalytic conversion capability for cathodes is an efficient approach to solving above issues.Vanadium-based compounds and their heterostructures have recently emerged as functional sulfur catalysts supported on conductive scaffolds.These compounds interact with polysulfides via different mechanisms to alleviate the shuttle effect and accelerate the redox kinetics,leading to higher Coulombic efficiency and enhanced sulfur utilization.Reports on vanadium-based nanomaterials in Li-S batteries have been steadily increasing over the past several years.In this review,first,we provide an overview of the synthesis of vanadium-based compounds and heterostructures.Then,we discuss the interactions and constitutive relationships between vanadium-based catalysts and polysulfides formed at sulfur cathodes.We summarize the mechanisms that contribute to the enhancement of electrochemical performance for various types of vanadium-based catalysts,thus providing insights for the rational design of sulfur catalysts.Finally,we offer a perspective on the future directions for the research and development of vanadium-based sulfur catalysts.

Ni-Co/Mg-Al catalyst derived from hydrotalcite-like compound prepared by plasma for dry reforming of methane

Ni-Co bimetallic catalysts with different Ni/Co content were derived from cold plasma jet decomposition and reduction of hydrotalcite-like compounds containing Ni,Co,Mg and Al,and their catalytic performance was investigated with dry reforming of methane.Experimental results showed that the hydrotalcite-like precursors could be completely decomposed and partly reduced by cold plasma jet,and the Nicontained catalysts exhibited much higher activity than the catalyst without Ni.Especially,the catalyst with Ni/Co ratio of 8/2 achieved not only the highest conversions of 80.3%and 69.3%for CH4 and CO2,respectively,but also the best stability in 100 h testing.The catalysts were characterized by XRD,XPS,TEM and N2 adsorption techniques,and the results showed that the better performance of the 8Ni2Co bimetallic catalyst was attributed to its higher metal dispersion,smaller metal particle size,as well as the interaction effect between Ni and Co,which were brought by the special catalyst preparation method.

Catalytic removal of volatile organic compounds using ordered porous transition metal oxide and supported noble metal catalysts

Most of volatile organic compounds （VOCs） are harmful to the atmosphere and human health. Cata‐lytic combustion is an effective way to eliminate VOCs. The key issue is the availability of high per‐formance catalysts. Many catalysts including transition metal oxides, mixed metal oxides, and sup‐ported noble metals have been developed. Among these catalysts, the porous ones attract much attention. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the synthesis of ordered mesoporous and macroporous transition metal oxides, perovskites, and supported noble metal catalysts and their catalytic oxidation of VOCs. The porous catalysts outperformed their bulk counterparts. This excel‐lent catalytic performance was due to their high surface areas, high concentration of adsorbed oxy‐gen species, low temperature reducibility, strong interaction between noble metal and support and highly dispersed noble metal nanoparticles and unique porous structures. Catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide over typical catalysts was also discussed. We made conclusive remarks and pro‐posed future work for the removal of VOCs.

Hydrogen production via steam reforming of bio-oil model compounds over supported nickel catalysts

The steam reforming of four bio-oil model compounds（acetic acid,ethanol,acetone and phenol） was investigated over Ni-based catalysts supported on Al2O3 modified by Mg,Ce or Co in this paper.The activation process can improve the catalytic activity with the change of high-valence Ni（Ni2O3,NiO） to low-valence Ni（Ni,NiO）.Among these catalysts after activation,the Ce-Ni/Co catalyst showed the best catalytic activity for the steam reforming of all the four model compounds.After long-term experiment at 700°C and the S/C ratio of 9,the Ce-Ni/Co catalyst still maintained excellent stability for the steam reforming of the simulated bio-oil（mixed by the four compounds with the equal masses）.With CaO calcinated from calcium acetate as CO2 sorbent,the catalytic steam reforming experiment combined with continuous in situ CO2 adsorption was performed.With the comparison of the case without the adding of CO2 sorbent,the hydrogen concentration was dramatically improved from 74.8% to 92.3%,with the CO2 concentration obviously decreased from 19.90% to 1.88%.

CoMnMgAl Hydrotalcite-like Compounds and their Complex Oxides: Facile Synthesis and FCC SO_x Removal

The X-CoMnMgAl hydrotalcite-like precursors(X-LDHs) were first synthesized by the coprecipitation method using Cl-, CO32-, NO3- and SO42- as the corresponding guest anions, which were further used to prepare X-CoMnMgAl complex oxides(X-LDOs) through calcination. The structure and the surface morphology of the as-prepared samples were characterized by FT–IR, XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption and SEM. These as-prepared X-LDOs could act as sulfur-transfer catalysts for desulfurization. The activity of SOx adsorption and regeneration was evaluated via a self-assembled fixed-bed reactor simulating the conditions found in the fluid catalytic cracking units. These four types of sulfur-transfer catalysts with the same phase but different structure displayed the following order of desulfurization efficiency: CO3-LDO >Cl-LDO >NO3-LDO > SO4-LDO.

Studies on the Synthesis and the Structure of Ferric Aluminum Magnesium Hydrotalcite-like Compounds

The particles of ferric aluminum magnesium hydrotalcite-like compounds (Fe-Al-Mg_HTlc) were synthesized by co-precipitation method. It was found that when n(Fe)/n(Al+Mg+Fe)<0.30 and n(Al)/n(Al+Mg+Fe)<0.30, pure HTlc can be formed; when the molar ratio of Al/ (Fe+Al+Mg)>0.30, Al(OH)3 will emerge; when the molar ratio of Fe/(Fe+Al+Mg) >0.30, the amorphous composition will appear. Hence Fe3+ and Al3+ have no concentration superposition effect on the crystal structure of the samples.

The Isoelectric Point and the Points of Zero Charge of Fe-Al-Mg Hydrotalcite-like Compounds

The relation of the isoelectric point (IEP) and the point of zero net charge (PZNC) of the hydrotalcite-like compounds was discussed. It was found that the IEP does not equal to the PZNC and the IEP is higher than the PZNC. The structural positive charges existing in the HTlc, which cause the difference between the IEP and the PZNC. The effects of the structural positive charges of the HTlc on its IEP and PZNC are the same as the specific adsorption of metal cations.

SYNTHESIS OF ALLANTOIN USING HETEROPOLY COMPOUNDS AS CATALYSTS

Allantoin was synthesized with the yield as high as 68.5% using H3PW12O40. xH(2)O as catalyst. Optimum conditions for the synthesis were determined. It. was found that the heteropoly compound has higher catalytic activity than conventional inorganic acid catalysts (such as hydrochloric acid, etc.)

Research progress of transition metal compounds as bifunctional catalysts for zinc-air batteries

Zinc-air batteries(ZABs)are widely studied because of their high theoretical energy density,high battery voltage,environmental protection,and low price.However,the slow kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)and oxygen evolution reaction(OER)on the air electrode limits the further application of ZABs,so that how to develop a cheap,efficient,and stable catalyst with bifunctional catalytic activity is the key to solving the development of ZABs.Transition metal compounds are widely used as cathode materials for ZABs due to their low cost,high electrocatalytic activity,and stable structure.This review summarizes the research progress of transition metal compounds as bifunctional catalysts for ZABs.The development history,operation principle,and mechanism of ORR and OER reactions are introduced first.The application and development of transition metal compounds as bifunctional catalysts for ZABs in recent years are systematically introduced,including transition metal oxides(TMOs),transition metal nitrides(TMNs),transition metal sulfides(TMSs),transition metal carbides(TMCs),transition metal phosphates(TMPs),and others.In addition,the shortcomings of transition metal compounds as bifunctional catalysts for ZABs were summarized and reasonable design strategies and improvement measures were put forward,aiming at providing a reference for the design and construction of high-performance ZABs cathode materials.Finally,the challenges and future in this field are discussed and prospected.

Catalytic combustion of toluene over Pd-based monolithic catalysts with a novel washcoat Ce_(0.8)Zr_(0.15)La_(0.05)O_δ

Two novel washcoats Ce0.8Zr0.15La0.05Oδ and Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 was prepared by an impregnation method, which acted as a host for the active Pd component to prepare Pd/Ce0.8Zr0.15La0.05Oδ/substrate and Pd/Ce0.8Zr0.2O2/substrate monolithic catalysts for toluene combustion. The washcoats was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Brunauner-Emmett-Teller (BET), and H2-temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR). The result indicated that both the washcoats had strong vibration-shock resistance according to ultrasonic test. Doping La3+ into CeO2-ZrO2 solid solution could generate more oxygen vacancies, and could inhibit the sinter of CeO2-ZrO2 solid solution when calcined at high temperatures (800, 900 and 1000 °C). The washcoat Ce0.8Zr0.15La0.05Oδ had much better redox properties. The reductive temperature of Ce4+ species shifted to low temperature by 60 °C when the washcoats calcined at high temperatures (800, 900 and 1000 °C). The Pd/Ce0.8Zr0.15La0.05Oδ/substrate monolithic catalyst calcination at 500 °C had the best catalytic activity and the 95% toluene conversion at a temperature as low as 190 °C. When calcined at low temperature (500 and 700 °C), the catalytic activity has little improvement, however, when calcined at high temperature, the catalytic activity of Pd/Ce0.8Zr0.15La0.05Oδ/substrate monolithic catalysts had significant improvement. As catalyst washcoat, the Ce0.8Zr0.15La0.05Oδ had better thermal stability than the washcoat Ce0.8Zr0.2O2, the developed Pd/Ce0.8Zr0.15La0.05Oδ/ substrate monolithic catalyst in this work was promising for eliminating Volatile organic compounds.

Inhibiting effect of tungstic compounds on glucose hydrogenation over Ru/C catalyst

The effect of acid component including various conventional acids and tungstic compounds on glucose hydrogenation over a series of binary catalyst system containing Ru/C catalyst was investigated. The results showed that HC1, H2SO4, H3BO3, H3PO4, and HNO3 had negligible effect, while all the tungstic compounds imposed inhibiting effects on the hydrogenation of glucose over Ru/C catalyst, and the suppressing effect followed the order of H2WO4〉HPW〉WO3〉AMT〉HSiW. This order is the same as the order of ethylene glycol （EG） yields in the one-pot conversion of glucose to EG, suggesting the important role of competition between glucose hydrogenation and retro-aldol condensation in controlling the selectivity of EG.

Sodium-treated sepiolite-supported transition metal(Cu,Fe,Ni,Mn,or Co)catalysts for HCHO oxidation

Sodium-treated sepiolite(Na Sep)-supported transition metal catalysts(TM/Na Sep;TM = Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, and Co) were synthesized via a rotary evaporation method. Physicochemical properties of the as-synthesized samples were characterized by means of various techniques, and their catalytic activities for HCHO(0.2%) oxidation were evaluated. Among the samples, Cu/Na Sep exhibited superior performance, and complete HCHO conversion was achieved at 100 ℃(GHSV = 240000 m L/(g·h)). Additionally, the sample retained good catalytic activity during a 42 h stability test. A number of factors, including elevated acidity, the abundance of oxygen species, and favorable low-temperature reducibility, were responsible for the excellent catalytic activity of Cu/Na Sep. According to the results of the in-situ DRIFTS characterization, the HCHO oxidation mechanism was as follows:(i) HCHO was rapidly decomposed into dioxymethylene(DOM) species on the Cu/Na Sep surface;(ii) DOM was then immediately converted to formate species;(iii) the resultant formate species were further oxidized to carbonates;(iv) the carbonate species were eventually converted to CO2 and H2O.

Reduction of Sulphur-containing Aromatic Nitro Compounds with Hydrazine Hydrate over Iron(III) Oxide-MgO Catalyst

Sulphur-containing aromatic amines were prepared efficiently in good to excellent yields by reduction of the corresponding sulphur-containing aromatic nitro compounds with hydrazine hydrate in the presence of iron（Ⅲ） oxide-MgO catalyst. The catalyst exhibited high activity and stability for the reduction of sulphur-containing aromatic nitro compounds. The yields of sulphur-containing aromatic amines were up to 91-99 % at 355 K after reduction for 1-4 h over this catalyst.

Preparation of Sulphur-containing Aromatic Amines by Reduction of the Corresponding Aromatic Nitro Compounds with Hydrazine Hydrate over Iron Oxide Hydroxide Catalyst

Sulphur-containing aromatic nitro compounds were rapidly reduced to the corresponding amines in high yields by employing hydrazine hydrate as a hydrogen donor in the presence of iron oxide hydroxide catalyst. It was worth noting that the catalyst exhibited extremely high activity. The reduction could be completed within 20-50 min and the yields were up to 97-99 %.

Preparation of M2O3-CeO2(M=La,Fe,and Al) Compoundoxide Catalyst and Its Degradation Performance

As one of the most active rare earths,CeO2 has caused extensive concern due to its multifunctional properties.CeO2-based compound oxide of M2O3-CeO2(M=La,Fe,and Al)were prepared by coprecipitation and impregnation methods.The photocatalytic performance of the samples for the degradation methylene blue was studied under UV and visible light irradiation.The effects of constituents on the properties of the CeO2-based catalysts were investigated by XRD,TEM,BET,and UV-Vis spectrophotometer.The highest degradation of methylene blue under 230W UV light was almost 100%at 50 min by La2O3/Fe2O3-CeO2/γ-Al2O3 catalyst and 99.42%at 50 min by Fe2O3-CeO2/γ-Al2O3 catalyst.The methylene blue removal efficiency under indoor natural light reaches 93.81%by La2O3/Fe2O3-CeO2/γ-Al2O3 catalyst and 92.34%by Fe2O3-CeO2/γ-Al2O3 catalyst at 50 min.The order of catalytic degradation activity is La2O3/Fe2O3-CeO2/γ-Al2O3>Fe2O3-CeO2/γ-Al2O3>La2O3-CeO2/γ-Al2O3>Al2O3,owing to their structural features.The doping of La^3+or Fe3+onto CeO2/γ-Al2O produced much more oxygen vacancies under light irradiation and reduced the energy laps of CeO2 with value of 2.86 ev,which improved the photocatalytic redox performance of the composite oxide.

Toluene Combustion over Pd-Ce_(0.4)Zr_(0.6)O_2 Directly Washcoated Monolithic Catalysts

A Ce0.4Zr0.6O2 washcoat was prepared using an impregnation method, which acted as a host for the active Pd component to prepare a Pd-Ce0.4Zr0.6O2/substrate monolithic catalyst for toluene combustion. The catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, Raman spectroscopy, Brunauner-Emmett-Teller （BET）, and carbon monoxide tonperature-programmed reduction （CO-TPR）. It was found that the washcoat had strong vibration-shock resistance according to an ultrasonic test. The Pd-Ce0.4Zr0.6O2/substrate monolithic catalyst calcined at 400 ℃ showed 95% toluene conversion at a temperature as low as 210 ℃. Furthermore, the lowest temperature for 95% toluene conversion was increased by 40℃ after the catalyst calcined at 900℃, indicating that the catalyst had good thermal stability. The results revealed that the developed catalyst in this study was promising for eliminating volatile organic compounds （VOCs）.

Electronic Effect of Carbon Support on Pt Catalyst Supported on Graphite Intercalation Compound

Graphite intercalation compounds（GIC） were tested as an experimental model for studying the electronic effect of carbon support on the catalytic activity and poisoning tolerance of Pt catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells. The GIC samples with different intercalation degrees were prepared by electrolyzing graphite flake in H2SO4 for varying the periods of time. The GIC-supported Pt catalyst was deposited electrochemically. The catalytic activity and poisoning tolerance of the GIC-supported Pt catalysts were evaluated. It was found that GIC with sulfate anion as intercalate was able to catalyze methanol electrooxidation, which could be related to the positive charges generated on the graphite layer upon intercalation. As intercalation degree increased, the catalytic activity of the GIC-supported Pt catalyst decreased while the poisoning tolerance improved. This suggests that electron donation from support to catalyst had great effect on both catalytic activity and poisoning tolerance of Pt catalyst. And intercalation can be adopted as another important way to make modification on carboneous catalyst support.