Oxygen-coordinated low-nucleus cluster catalysts for enhanced electrocatalytic water oxidation

The oxygen evolution reaction(OER)activity of single-atom catalysts(SACs)is closely related to the coordination environment of the active site.Oxygencoordinated atomic metal species bring about unique features beyond nitrogen-coordinated atomic metal species due to the fact that the M-O bond is weaker than the M-N bond.Herein,a series of metal-oxygen-carbon structured low-nucleus clusters(LNCs)are successfully anchored on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes(M-MWCNTs,M=Ni,Co,or Fe)through a foolproof low-temperature gas transfer(300℃)method without any further treatment.The morphology and coordination configuration of the LNCs at the atomic level were confirmed by comprehensive characterizations.The synthetic Ni-MWCNTs electrocatalyst features excellent OER activity and stability under alkaline conditions,transcending the performances of Co-MWCNTs,Fe-MWCNTs and RuO_(2).Density functional theory calculations reveal that the moderate oxidation of low-nucleus Ni clusters changes the unoccupied orbital of Ni atoms,thereby lowering the energy barrier of the OER rate-limiting step and making the OER process more energy-efficient.This study demonstrates a novel versatile platform for large-scale manufacturing of oxygen-coordinated LNC catalysts.

Synthesis of three-dimensional ordered mesoporous MnO_2 and its catalytic performance in formaldehyde oxidation

Three-dimensional（3D）ordered mesoporous MnO2 was prepared using KIT-6 mesoporous molecular sieves as a hard template.The material was used for catalytic oxidation of HCHO.The material has high surface areas and the mesoporous characteristics of the template,with cubic symmetry（ia3d）.It consists of a β-MnO2 crystalline phase corresponding to pyrolusite,with a rutile structure.Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the 3D-MnO2 catalyst has a large number of exposed Mn4＋ ions on the（110）crystal plane surfaces,with a lattice spacing of 0.311 nm; this enhances oxidation of HCHO.Complete conversion of HCHO to CO2 and H2O was achieved at 130 °C on 3D-MnO2; the same conversions on α-MnO2 and β-MnO2 nanorods were obtained at 140 and 180 °C,respectively,under the same conditions.The specific mesoporous structure,high specific surface area,and large number of surface Mn4＋ ions are responsible for the catalytic activity of 3D-MnO2 in HCHO oxidation.

Realizing efficient electrochemical oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural on a freestanding Ni(OH)_(2)/nickel foam catalyst

With the continuous improvement of solar energy production capacity,how to effectively use the electricity generated by renewable solar energy for electrochemical conversion of biomass is a hot topic.Electrochemical conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(HMF)to biofuels and value-added oxygenated commodity chemicals provides a promising and alternative pathway to convert re-newable electricity into chemicals.Although nickel-based eletrocatalysts are well-known for HMF oxidation,their relatively low intrinsic activity,poor conductivity and stability still limit the poten-tial applications.Here,we report the fabrication of a freestanding nickel-based electrode,in which Ni(OH)_(2) species were in-situ constructed on Ni foam(NF)support using a facile ac-id-corrosion-induced strategy.The Ni(OH)2/NF electrocatalyst exhibits stable and efficient electro-chemical HMF oxidation into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid(FDCA)with HMF conversion close to 100% with high Faraday efficiency.In-situ formation strategy results in a compact interface between Ni(OH)_(2) and NF,which contributes to good conductivity and stability during electrochemical reac-tions.The superior performance benefits from dynamic cyclic evolution of Ni(OH)_(2) to NiOOH,which acts as the reactive species for HMF oxidation to FDCA.A scaled-up device based on a continu-ous-flow electrolytic cell was also established,giving stable operation with a high FDCA production rate of 27 mg h^(-1)cm^(−2).This job offers a straightforward,economical,and scalable design strategy to design efficient and durable catalysts for electrochemical conversion of valuable chemicals.

Bimetallic CoNi single atoms supported on three-dimensionally ordered mesoporous chromia:highly active catalysts for n-hexane combustion

Developing the alternative supported noble metal catalysts with low cost,high catalytic efficiency,and good resistance toward carbon dioxide and water vapor is critically demanded for the oxidative removal of volatile organic compounds(VOCs).In this work,we prepared the mesoporous chromia-supported bimetallic Co and Ni single-atom(Co_(1)Ni_(1)/meso-Cr_(2)O_(3))and bimetallic Co and Ni nanoparticle(Co_(NP)Ni_(NP)/mesoCr_(2)O_(3))catalysts adopting the one-pot polyvinyl pyrrolidone(PVP)-and polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)-protecting approaches,respectively.The results indicate that the Co_(1)Ni_(1)/meso-Cr_(2)O_(3)catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity for n-hexane(C_(6)H_(14))combustion(T_(50%)and T_(90%)were 239 and 263℃ at a space velocity of 40,000 mL g^(-1)h^(-1);apparent activation energy and specific reaction rate at 260℃ were 54.7 kJ mol^(-1)and 4.3×10^(-7)mol g^(-1)_(cat)s^(-1),respectively),which was associated with its higher(Cr^(5+)+Cr^(6+))amount,large n-hexane adsorption capacity,and good lattice oxygen mobility that could enhance the deep oxidation of n-hexane,in which Ni_(1) was beneficial for the enhancements in surface lattice oxygen mobility and low-temperature reducibility,while Co_(1) preferred to generate higher contents of the high-valence states of chromium and surface oxygen species as well as adsorption and activation of n-hexane.n-Hexane combustion takes place via the Mars van Krevelen(MvK)mechanism,and its reaction pathways are as follows:n-hexane→olefins or 3-hexyl hydroperoxide→3-hexanone,2-hexanone or 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran→2-methyloxirane or 2-ethyl-oxetane→acrylic acid→CO_x→CO_(2)and H_(2)O.

Phenol Wastewater Degradation by Electrocatalytic Oxidation with RuO_2-IrO_2-SnO_2/Ti Anodes in the High Gravity Field

A novel high gravity multi-concentric cylinder electrodes-rotating bed(MCCE-RB) was developed for the electrocatalytic degradation of phenol wastewater in order to enhance the mass transfer with the self-made RuO_2-IrO_2-SnO_2/Ti anodes. The influences of electric current density, inlet liquid circulation flowrate, high gravity factor, sodium chloride concentration,and initial pH value on phenol degradation efficiency were investigated, with the optimal operating conditions determined. The results showed that under the optimal operating conditions covering a current density of 35 mA/cm^2, an inlet liquid circulation flowrate of 48 L/h, a high gravity factor of 20, a sodium chloride concentration of 8.5 g/L, an initial pH value of 6.5, a reaction time of 100 min, and an initial phenol concentration of 500 mg/L, the efficiency for removal of phenol reached 99.7%, which was improved by 10.4% as compared to that achieved in the normal gravity field. The tendency regarding the change in efficiency for removal of phenol, total organic carbon(TOC), and chemical oxygen demand(COD)over time was studied. The intermediates and degradation pathway of phenol were deduced by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).

Promoter Effects of Rare Earth Ions on Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol

The promoter effects of rare earth ions on the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol at the Pt electrode were studied using the cyclic voltammetry and stable polarization techniques. It was found for the first time that Eu、Ho、Dy ions could accelerate the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol at the Pt electrode, while Lu、Pr、Yb、Sm ions showed inhibitor effects.

Magnetic field assisted electrocatalytic oxidation of organic pollutants in electroplating wastewater

To degrade the organic compounds in the electroplating wastewater,magnetic field was tentatively introduced into electrocatalytic oxidation on Ti-PbO2 anode.The magnetic field assisted electrocatalytic oxidation can promote anion movement and the generation of active species,resulting more organic compounds to be oxidized and degraded.Oxidation parameters such as treatment time,current density and initial pH of the wastewater were systematically discussed and optimized.The mineralization of organic compounds is improved by over 15% under a magnetic density of 22 mT while the current density is 50 A/m2,pH is 1.8 and the reaction time is 1.5 h.The results indicate that the magnetic field assisted electrocatalytic oxidation has considerable potential in electroplating wastewater treatment.

Electrocatalytic Activity of Pt/C Electrodes for Ethanol Oxidation in Vapor Phase

High performance platinized-carbon electrodes have been developed for the electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde in electrogenerative processes. A load current density of the electrode can be achieved as high as 600 mA per square centimeter for oxygen reducing in 3 mol/L sulfuric acid with a good stability. With these electrodes and sulfuric acid as an electrolyte in fuel cells, ethanol vapor carried by nitrogen gas can be oxidized selectively to acetaldehyde. Selectivity of acetaldehyde depends on the potential of the cell and the feed rate of ethanol vapor and it can be more than 80% under optimized conditions. The initial product of ethanol oxidized on a platinized-carbon electrode is acetaldehyde and the ethanol oxidation mechanism is discussed.

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Ethanol on Electrodcposited Palladium Electrode

The oxidation of ethanol in 1 .0 mol/L NaOH was studied on Pd/GC electrode preparedby electrodeposition. The results show that (1) Pd/GC electrode can also demonstrateclectrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of cthanolf (2) two backward anodic peaks on thecathodic branch appear when the ethanol concentration is raised up to 0.5 mol/L.

Effect of Rotation Rate on the Formation of Platinum-modified Polyaniline Film and Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol

The oxidation of methanol was investigated on platinum-modified polyaniline electrode. Changes in the electrode rotation rates (Ω) during platinum electrodeposition remarkably affect the formation and distribution of platinum in the polymer matrix and consequently lead to different currents of methanol oxidation. The results show that platinum loading is proportional to rotation ratesΩ1/2.

Green bio-synthesis of Ni/montmorillonite nanocomposite using extract of Allium jesdianum as the nano-catalyst for electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol

In this work,synthesis of Ni nanoparticles was carried out successfully by water extract of Allium jesdianum as a biochemical reducing agent in the presence of montmorillonite clay(MMT)as a natural solid support for the first time.Then the electrochemical activity of the synthesized nanocomposite was investigated in methanol electrocatalytic oxidation.MMT with high cation exchange capacity and nano layer structure was exposed to ion exchange conditions in nickel solution.Then Ni^2+ion exchanged form was used in this process as a source of ions and also capping agent.Water extract of Allium jesdianum used as a reducing agent due to abundant availability of phenolic and flavonoid contents.The synthesized Ni/MMT nanocomposite was characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy(UV–Vis),Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FT-IR),X-ray diffraction(XRD),Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM),Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX).The surface of prepared modified electrode has been characterized using SEM to evaluate the morphology,showing uniform dispersion of Ni nanoparticles with mean diameter of 12 to 20 nm.The modified carbon paste electrode was then used in methanol electrocatalytic oxidation reaction.Methanol oxidation on the proposed modified electrode surface occurs at 0.6 V and 0.3 V in alkaline and acidic medium respectively.Also,the results showed the better performance of modified electrode toward methanol electrocatalytic oxidation in comparison with carbon paste electrode that is modified by ion exchanged MMT.Charge transfer coefficients and apparent charge transfer rate constant for the modified electrode in the absence of methanol in alkaline medium were respectively found as:αa=0.53,αc=0.37 and ks=1.6×10^-1 s^-1.Also,the average value of catalytic rate constant for the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol by the prepared nano-catalyst was estimated to be about 0.9 L·mol^-1·s^-1 by chronoamperometry technique.The prepared electrode was also effective for electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol and formaldehyde in alkaline medium.

Electrocatalytic oxidation behavior of L-cysteine at Pt microparticles modified nanofibrous polyaniline film electrode

Platinum(Pt)/nanofibrous polyaniline(PANI) electrode was prepared by pulse galvanostatic method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy.The electrochemical behavior of L-cysteine at the Pt/nanofibrous PANI electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry.The results indicate that the pH value of the solution and the Pt loading of the electrode have great effect on the electrocatalytic property of the Pt /nanofibrous PANI electrode;the suitable Pt loading of the electrode is 600 μg/cm2 and the suitable pH value of the solution is 4.5 for investigating L-cysteine oxidation.The L-cysteine sensor based on the Pt/nanofibrous PANI electrode has a good selectivity,reproducibility and stability.The Pt/nanofibrous PANI electrode is highly sensitive to L-cysteine,and the linear calibration curve for the oxidation of L-cysteine can be observed in the range of 0.2-5.0 mmol/L.

Encapsulation of a nickel Salen complex in nanozeolite LTA as a carbon paste electrode modifier for electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrazine

A nickel salen complex was encapsulated in the supercages of nanozeolite NaA,LTA(linde type A)structure,using the flexible ligand method.The electrochemical behavior and electrocatalytic activity of a carbon paste electrode(CPE)modified with Ni(II)‐Salen‐A(Ni(II)‐SalenA/CPE)for hydrazine oxidation in0.1mol/L NaOH solution were investigated by cyclic voltammetry,chronoamperometry,and chronocoulometry.First,organic‐template‐free synthesis of nanozeolite LTA was performed and the obtained material was characterized by various techniques.The average particle size of the LTA crystals was estimated to be56.1and72nm by X‐ray diffraction and particle size analysis,respectively.The electron transfer coefficient was found to be0.64and the catalytic rate constant for oxidation of hydrazine at the redox sites of Ni(II)‐SalenA/CPE was found to be1.03×105cm3/(mol·s).Investigation of the electrocatalytic mechanism suggested that oxidation of hydrazine occurred through reaction with Ni3+(Salen)O(OH)and also direct electrooxidation.The anodic peak currents revealed a linear dependence on the square root of the scan rate,indicating a diffusion‐controlled process,and the diffusion coefficient of hydrazine was found to be1.18×10?7cm2/s.The results indicated that Ni(II)‐SalenA/CPE displays good electrocatalytic activity toward hydrazine oxidation owing to the porous structure of nanozeolite LTA and the Ni(II)‐Salen complex.Finally,the general reaction mechanism for the electrooxidation of hydrazine on Ni(II)‐SalenA/CPE in alkaline solution involves the transfer of four electrons,in which the first electron transfer reaction acts as the rate‐limiting step followed by a three‐electron process to generate environmentally friendly nitrogen and water as final products.

Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol on Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified by Metal Ions (Copper and Nickel) Dispersed into Polyaniline Film

Polyaniline film was prepared by using the repeated potential cycling technique in an acidic solution at the surface of glassy carbon electrode. Then transition metal ions of Ni and Cu were incorporated to the polymer by immersion of the modified electrode. A comparative study of the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol is made in NaOH, on Ni and Cu on polyaniline film covered glassy carbon electrode (Ni-PANI-GC, Cu-PANI-GC) at 25℃. Catalytic activity for the oxidation of methanol was studied by using cyclic voltammetry.

Electrochemically reduced graphene oxide with enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward tetracycline detection

An electrochemically reduced graphene oxide sample, ERGO_0.8v, was prepared by electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide （GO） at -0.8 V, which shows unique electrocatalytic activity toward tetracycline （TTC） detection compared to the ERGO-12v （GO applied to a negative potential of-1.2 V）, GO, chemically reduced GO （CRGO）-modified glassy carbon electrode （GC） and bare GC electrodes. The redox peaks of TTC on an ERGO-0.8v-modifled glass carbon electrode （GC/ERGO-0.8v） were within 0-0.5 V in a pH 3.0 buffer solution with the oxidation peak current correlating well with TTC concentration over a wide range from 0.1 to 160 mg/L Physical characterizations with Fourier transform infrared （FT-IR）, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies （XPS） demonstrated that the oxygen-containing functional groups on GO diminished after the electrochemical reduction at -0.8 V, yet still existed in large amounts, and the defect density changed as new sp2 domains were formed. These changes demonstrated that this adjustment in the number of oxygen-containing groups might be the main factor affecting the electrocatalytic behavior of ERGO. Additionally, the defect density and sp2 domains also exert a profound influence on this behavior. A possible mechanism for the TTC redox reaction at the GC/ERGO-0.8v electrode is also presented. This work suggests that the electrochemical reduction is an effective method to establish new catalytic activities of GO by setting appropriate parameters.

Efficient electrooxidation of biomass-derived aldehydes over ultrathin Ni V-layered double hydroxides films

Selective upgrading of C=O bonds to afford carboxylic acid is significant for the petrochemical industry and biomass utilization.Here we declared the efficient electrooxidation of biomass-derived aldehydes family over NiV-layered double hydroxides(LDHs) thin films.Mechanistic studies confirmed the hydroxyl active intermediate(-OH*) generated on the surface of NiV-LDHs films by employing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.By using advanced techniques,e.g.,extended X-ray absorption fine structure and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy,NiV-LDHs films with 2.6 nm could expose larger specific surface area.Taking benzaldehyde as a model,high current density of 200 mA cm^(-2)at 1.8 V vs.RHE,81.1% conversion,77.6% yield of benzoic acid and 90.8% Faradaic efficiency were reached,which was superior to most of previous studies.Theoretical DFT analysis was well matched with experimental findings and documented that NiV-LDHs had high adsorption capacity for the aldehydes to suppress the side reaction,and the aldehydes were oxidized by the electrophilic hydroxyl radicals formed on NiV-LDHs.Our findings offer a universal strategy for the robust upgrading of diverse biomass-derived platform chemicals.

Progress and prospect of Pt-based catalysts for electrocatalytic hydrogen oxidation reactions

To achieve the goals of the peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutral,the development and utilization of sustainable clean energy are extremely important.Hydrogen fuel cells are an important system for converting hydrogen energy into electrical energy.However,the slow hydrogen oxidation reaction(HOR)kinetics under alkaline conditions has limited its development.Therefore,elucidating the catalytic mechanism of HOR in acidic and alkaline media is of great significance for the construction of highly active and stable catalysts.In terms of practicality,Pt is still the primary choice for commercialization of fuel cells.On the above basis,we first introduced the hydrogen binding energy theory and bifunctional theory used to describe the HOR activity,as well as the pH dependence.After that,the rational design strategies of Pt-based HOR catalysts were systematically classified and summarized from the perspective of activity descriptors.In addition,we further emphasized the importance of theoretical simulations and in situ characterization in revealing the HOR mechanism,which is crucial for the rational design of catalysts.Moreover,the practical application of Pt-based HOR catalysts in fuel cells was also presented.In closing,the current challenges and future development directions of HOR catalysts were discussed.This review will provide a deep understanding for exploring the mechanism of highly efficient HOR catalysts and the development of fuel cells.

Electrocatalytic Synthesis of Propylene Carbonate from CO_2 and Propylene Oxide

The electrocatalytic synthesis of propylene carbonate（PC） from CO2 and propylene oxide（PO） was studied under mild conditions（PCO2=1.01×105 Pa, t=25 ℃）. Influences of solvents, supporting electrolytes, the passed charge, the nature of electrodes and the current density（j） on the yield of PC were investigated to optimize the electrolytic conditions, with the maximal yield to be 46.2%, the selectivity of propylene carbonate is 100%. The reduction of propylene oxide in the absence and presence of CO2 was examined by cyclic voltammetry. The mechanism of the reaction initiated by the synergistic effect of halides ions of supporting electrolytes with nucleophilicity and the metal ions from scarification anode with Lewis acid acidity was proposed on the basis of our results.

Preparation and Electrocatalytic Activity of Polyaniline-poly (Propylene Oxide) Modified by Pt Nanoparticles

The preparation and electrocatalytic activity of polyaniline-poly （ propylene oxide ） （ PAN-PPO ） modified by Pt particles （ Pt/ PAN-PPO ） were investigated. Pt/ PAN-PPO was characterized by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and energy dispersive spectroscopy （ EDS ）. Pt particles on PAN-PPO were in the nanometer range, and dispersed in a three-dimensional distribution on the surface of PAN-PPO film. Compared with polyaniline and glassy carbon modified with Pt particles under the same conditions, Pt/PAN-PPO exhibited a high electrocatalytic activity for lysine oxidation.

Efficient aerobic oxidative desulfurization via three-dimensional ordered macroporous tungsten-titanium oxides

A series of three-dimensional ordered macroporous(3 DOM)W-TiO_(2)catalysts have been prepared through a facile colloidal crystal template method.The prepared materials characterized in detail exhibited enhanced catalytic activity in aerobic oxidative desulfurization process.The experimental results indicated that the as-prepared materials possessed excellent 3 DOM structure,which is beneficial for the catalytic activity.The sample 3 DOM W-TiO_(2)-20 exhibited the highest activity in ODS process,and the sulfur removal can reach 98%in 6 h.Furthermore,the oxidative product was also analyzed in the reaction process.