MOF‐derived 1D/3D N‐doped porous carbon for spatially confined electrochemical CO_(2) reduction to adjustable syngas

Electrochemical reduction of CO_(2) to syngas(CO and H_(2))offers an efficient way to mitigate carbon emissions and store intermittent renewable energy in chemicals.Herein,the hierarchical one‐dimensional/three‐dimensional nitrogen‐doped porous carbon(1D/3D NPC)is prepared by carbonizing the composite of Zn‐MOF‐74 crystals in situ grown on a commercial melamine sponge(MS),for electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR).The 1D/3D NPC exhibits a high CO/H_(2) ratio(5.06)and CO yield(31 mmol g^(−1)h^(−1))at−0.55 V,which are 13.7 times and 21.4 times those of 1D porous carbon(derived from Zn‐MOF‐74)and N‐doped carbon(carbonized by MS),respectively.This is attributed to the unique spatial environment of 1D/3D NPC,which increases the adsorption capacity of CO_(2) and promotes electron transfer from the 3D N‐doped carbon framework to 1D carbon,improving the reaction kinetics of CO_(2)RR.Experimental results and charge density difference plots indicate that the active site of CO_(2)RR is the positively charged carbon atom adjacent to graphitic N on 1D carbon and the active site of HER is the pyridinic N on 1D carbon.The presence of pyridinic N and pyrrolic N reduces the number of electron transfer,decreasing the reaction kinetics and the activity of CO_(2)RR.The CO/H_(2) ratio is related to the distribution of N species and the specific surface area,which are determined by the degree of spatial confinement effect.The CO/H_(2) ratios can be regulated by adjusting the carbonization temperature to adjust the degree of spatial confinement effect.Given the low cost of feedstock and easy strategy,1D/3D NPC catalysts have great potential for industrial application.

Ultrafine red phosphorus confined in reasonably designed pitch-based carbon matrix built of well-interconnected carbon nanosheets for high-performance lithium and potassium storage

Red phosphorus has been well-recognized as promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)and potassium-ion batteries(PIBs)due to its extremely high theoretical capacity and low cost.However,the huge volume change and poor electric conductivity severely limit its further practical application.Herein,the nanoscale ultrafine red phosphorus has been successfully confined in a three-dimensional pitch-based porous carbon skeleton composed of well-interconnected carbon nanosheets through the vaporization-condensation method.Except for the traditional requirement of high electric conductivity and stable mechanical stability,the micropores and small mesopores in the porous carbon matrix centered at 1 to 3 nm and the abundant amount of oxygen-containing functional groups are also beneficial for the high loading and dispersion of red phosphorus.As anode for LIBs,the composite exhibits high reversible discharge capacities of 968 mAh g^(-1),excellent rate capabilities of 593 mAh g^(-1)at 2 A g^(-1),and long cycle performance of 557 mAh g^(-1)at 2 A g^(-1).More impressively,as the anode for PIBs,the composite presents a high reversible capacity of 661 mAh g^(-1)and a stable capacity of 312 mAh g^(-1)at 0.5 A g^(-1)for 500 cycles with a capacity retention up to 84.3%.This work not only sheds light on the structure design of carbon hosts with specific pore structure but also open an avenue for high value-added utilization of coal tar pitch.

Separation and Determination of Trace Amounts of Thallium byNano-TiO_2 Combined with Microwave Irradiation

Nano-TiO2 was employed for the separation and preconcentration of thallium.It was found that the adsorption ratio of thallium ions was more than 98% at pH 4.5 and the desorption ratio reached 99% under microwave irradiation for 3 min at 350 W.The adsorption equilibrium was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 4.09 mg/g[（20±0.1） °C].The nano-TiO2 was successfully applied to the determination of element thallium in the certified reference material polymetallic nodule and water samples.

High-efficiency Extraction of Bitumen from Oil Sands Using Mixture of Ionic Liquid [Emim][BF_(4)] and Dichloromethane

An ionic liquid(IL),1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate([Emim][BF_(4)]),was used to enhance bitumen recovery from oil sands by dichloromethane solvent extraction.A multiphase system could be formed by simply mixing the components at ambient temperature,consisting of sands and clays,mixtures of ionic liquid and dichloromethane,and concentrated bitumen layer.The results demonstrated that[Emim][BF_(4)]increased the bitumen recovery up to 92%.Much less clay fines were found in the recovered bitumen than those formed by using dichloromethane solvent extraction alone,and the dichloromethane residue was not detected in the spent sands.We proposed that[Emim][BF_(4)]had an ability to reduce the adhesion of bitumen to sand,resulting in an improved separation efficiency.Furthermore,[Emim][BF_(4)]could facilitate the transfer of the extracted bitumen to the surface interface,and then the bitumen was auto-partitioned to a separate immiscible phase for ease of harvesting.This technology circumvented the issue of high consumption of distillation energy due to separation of bitumen phase and low boiling point of dichloromethane.[Emim][BF_(4)]and dichloromethane could be readily recycled through the system and used repeatedly.After ten cycles,the bitumen recovery remained above 88%.Initial scale-up work suggested that this approach would form the basis for a viable large-scale process.

Nanoengineering Metal–Organic Frameworks and Derivatives for Electrosynthesis of Ammonia

Electrocatalytic synthesis under mild conditions has become increasingly important as one of the practical alternatives for industrial applications,especially for the green ammonia(NH_(3))industry.A properly engineered electrocatalyst plays a vital role in the realization of superior catalytic performance.Among various types of promising nanomaterials,metal–organic frameworks(MOFs)are competitive candidates for developing efficient electrocatalytic NH_(3) synthesis from simple nitrogen-containing molecules or ions,such as N_(2) and NO_(3)^(−).In this review,recent advances in the development of electrocatalysts derived from MOFs for the electrosynthesis of NH_(3) are collected,categorized,and discussed,including their application in the N_(2) reduction reaction(NRR)and the NO_(3)^(−)reduction reaction(NO3RR).Firstly,the fundamental principles are illustrated,such as plausible mechanisms of NH_(3) generation from N_(2) and NO_(3)^(−),the apparatus of corresponding electrocatalysis,parameters for evaluation of reaction efficiency,and detection methods of yielding NH_(3).Then,the electrocatalysts for NRR processes are discussed in detail,including pristine MOFs,MOF-hybrids,MOF-derived N-doped porous carbons,single atomic catalysts from pyrolysis of MOFs,and other MOF-related materials.Subsequently,MOF-related NO3RR processes are also listed and discussed.Finally,the existing challenges and prospects for the rational design and fabrication of electrocatalysts from MOFs for electrochemical NH_(3) synthesis are presented,such as the evolution of investigation methods with artificial intelligence,innovation in synthetic methods of MOF-related catalysts,advancement of characterization techniques,and extended electrocatalytic reactions.

Kinetics and mechanism of Re(Ⅶ) extraction and separation from Mo(Ⅵ) with trialkyl amine

The extraction kinetics of rhenium(Ⅶ) or molybdenum(Ⅵ) with trialkyl amine (N235, R3N, R=C8–C10) dissolved in heptane were investigated by constant interfacial cell with laminar flow, which aimed to identify the extraction regime, reaction zone and rate equations. The influence of stirring speed, temperature, specific interfacial area, extraction concentration and chlorine concentration on the extraction of both metals was studied. It is concluded that the extractions of Re(Ⅶ) and Mo(Ⅵ) both take place at the liquid-liquid interface, while the extraction regimes are chemically-controlled for rhenium and mixed controlled for molybdenum, respectively. The extraction rate equations and the rate-determining step were obtained under the experimental conditions, and the extraction rate constant of Re(Ⅶ) or Mo(Ⅵ) with N235 was calculated. These obtained kinetics parameters are different between Re(Ⅶ) and Mo(Ⅵ), which provides better possibilities for Re(Ⅶ) and Mo(Ⅵ) separations at proper conditions.

Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of adsorption of gallium(Ⅲ) on nano-TiO_2

Nano-TiO2 was employed for the adsorption of gallium from aqueous solution in batch equilibrium experiments to investigate its adsorption properties. It was found that the adsorption efficiency of Ga（Ⅲ） was more than 96% at pH 3.0. The adsorption capacities and rates of Ga（Ⅲ） onto nano-TiO2 were evaluated as a function of solution concentration and temperature. The results were analyzed using the Langmuir adsorption isotherms. Adsorption isothermal data could be well interpreted by the Langmuir model. The mean energy of adsorption, 15.81 kJ.mol^-1, was calculated from the D-R adsorption isotherm. The kinetic experimental data properly correlate with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameters for the process of adsorption have been estimated. The △H and △G values of gallium（Ⅲ） adsorption on nano-TiO2 showed an endothermic and spontaneous nature of adsorption.

Removal and recovery of titanium(Ⅳ) from leach liquor of high-sulfur bauxite using calcium alginate microspheres impregnated with di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid

In the leaching solution of high-sulfur bauxite roasted by sulfuric acid,a high concentration of aluminum presented along with titanium and iron.The present work was to remove Ti(IV)from the leach liquor by calcium alginate microsphere sorbent material(CA-P204)based on natural alginate impregnated with di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid(D2EHPA)to purify leaching solution.Cation exchange and chelation make major contributions to the adsorption mechanism according to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis.The results showed that Ti(IV)was successfully removed by the CA-P204 adsorbent from the Ti(IV)-Al(III)-Fe(III)ternary system with a dynamic column experiment.The removal rate of titanium was nearly 95%under optimal conditions and the maximum adsorption capacity was 66.79 mg/g at pH 1.0.Reusability of CA-P204 was evaluated over three consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles.The adsorption process was simple,low-cost,and had no waste discharge,suggesting that the CA-P204 was promising,efficient,and economical for removing Ti(IV)from high-sulfur bauxite leaching solution.

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a 1D Coordination Polymer:{[Cu(HSSA)(py)_3]·H_2O}_n (H_3SSA =5-Sulfosalicylic Acid,py = Pyridine)

The title compound [Cu（HSSA）（py）3H2O]n （H3SSA = 5-sulfosalicylic acid, py = pyridine） I has been synthesized and structurally determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. I was further characterized by elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analyses, IR and UV-visible spectroscopy. The crystal belongs to the monoclinic system, space group P21/c with a = 9.4564（10）, b = 18.2679（19）, c = 15.7284（12） A,β= 126.045（4）°, V= 2196.9（4）A^3, Z= 4, Dc = 1.618 g/cm^3, Mr = 535.02,μ = 1.141 mm^-1, F（000） = 1100, 2（MoKα） = 0.71073 A, the final R = 0.0429 and wR = 0.1044 for all observed reflections. In the structure, every two Cu（II） atoms are bridged by a bivalent 5-sulfosalicylic anion to form a 1D chain-like coordination polymer. Lattice waters between chains link them to form 2D layers which are further linked by C-H…O hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional supramolecular network.

Precisely decorating CdS on Zr-MOFs through pore functionalization strategy: A highly efficient photocatalyst for H2 production

Different materials,such as metal sulphides,are often combined with metal‐organic frameworks(MOFs)to develop multi‐functional composites and improve their photocatalytic properties.However,the high interfacial energy barrier limits the formation and nano‐assembly of the heterogeneous junctions between MOFs and metal sulphides.Herein,the heterostructured Zr‐MOF‐S@CdS are successfully constructed through a sequential synthesis method,in which the mesoporous Zr‐MOF are firstly decorated with thioglycolic acid through pore functionalization,and followed by the S^(2-)anion exchange process resulting in the surface close attached growth of CdS onto Zr‐MOF‐S materials.Due to the presence of molecules linkers,the CdS can be precisely decorated onto Zr‐MOF‐S without aggregation,which can provide more active sites.Moreover,the intimate connections and the suitable band structures between two materials can also facilitate the photogenerated electron‐hole pairs separation.Therefore,the resulting Zr‐MOF‐S@CdS with appropriate ratio exhibits high photocatalytic activity for water reduction,in which the H_(2) evolution rate can reach up to 1861.7μmol·g^(‒1)·h^(‒1),4.5 times higher than pure CdS and 2.3 times higher than of Zr‐MOF/CdS,respectively.Considering the promising future of MOF‐based photocatalysts,this work may provide an avenue for the further design and synthesis MOF‐based composite photocatalysts for efficient H_(2) evolution.

Gear-like array of (H_2O)_(12) as building blocks in one-dimensional supramolecular assembly

The preparation and crystal structure of complex Co（Hsae）2·2H2O （1, H2sae = N-salicylidene-2-iminoethanol） are reported. X- ray analysis revealed that every six Co（Hsae）2 forms a cyclic chip and every 12 water forms a novel gear-like cluster. Acting as building blocks, the gear-like water cluster and complex chip are connected in A-B fashion and extend into one-dimensional supramolecular chain. Hydrogen bond is the primary bridging force in the formation of supramolecular framework.

Upconversion Luminescence of Er^(3+), Tm^(3+) and Yb^(3+)Co-doped Gd_3Ga_5O_(12) Nanocrystals

A series of Er3＋, Tm3＋ and Yb3＋ doped Gd3Ga5O12 nanocrystals were prepared by a combustion method. The X-ray diffraction （XRD）, field emission scanning electron microscope （FESEM） and upconversion （UC） emission spectra were used to characterize the samples. The results of XRD indicate that Gd3Ga5O12：Er3＋, Tm3＋, Yb3＋ nanocrystals with cubic phase can be obtained. Under the excitation of a 980 nm laser, the different rare earth ions doped Gd3Ga5O12 nanoerystals show upconversion luminescence involving the green emission attributed to the ^2H11/2→^4I15/2, 4^S3/2→^4I15/2 transitions of Er3＋ ions, respectively, the red emissions assigned to the ^4F9/2→^4I15/2 transitions of Er3＋ ions and the ^1G4→^3F4 as well as 3F2,3→^3H6 transitions of Tm3＋ ions, respectively, the blue emission attributed to ^1G4→^3H6 transitions of Tm3＋ ions, and the near-infrared assigned to the ^3H4→^3H6 transitions of Tm3＋ ions. The CIE coordinates for the samples are calculated. The dependence of their upconversion luminescence properties on Yb3＋ ion concentration is investieated.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel amphiphilic biodegradable β-cyclodextrin/poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) copolymer

β-Cyclodextrin/poly（γ-benzyl L-glutamate） （β-CD-PBLG） copolymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of N- carboxy-γ-benzyl L-glutamate anhydride （BLG-NCA） in N,N-dimethylformamide （DMF） initiated by mono-amino-β-cyclodextrin（H2N-β-CD）. The structures of the copolymers were confirmed by IR, ^1H NMR and GPC. The fluorescence technique was used to determine the critical micelle concentrations （CMC） of copolymer micell solution, the diameter and the distribution of micelles were characterized by DLS. The results showed that BLG-NCA could be initiated by H2N-β-CD to produce copolymer. The nanomicells were formed by these copolymers in water.

High-performance imidazole-containing polymers for applications in high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

This work focuses on the development of high temperature polymer electrolyte membranes(HT-PEMs)as key materials for HT-PEM fuel cells(HT-PEMFCs).Recognizing the challenges associated with the phosphoric acid(PA) doped polybenzimidazole(PBI) membranes,including the use of carcinogenic monomers and complex synthesis procedures,this study aims to develop more cost-effective,readily synthesized,and high-performance alternatives.A series of superacid-catalyzed polyhydroxyalkylation reactions have been carefully designed between p-terphenyl and aldehydes bearing imidazole moieties,resulting in a new class of HT-PEMs.It is found that the chemical structure of aldehyde-substituted N-heterocycles significantly impacts the polymerization reaction.Specifically,the use of 1-methyl-2-imidazole-formaldehyde and 1 H-imidazole-4-formaldehyde monomers leads to the formation of high-viscosity,rigid,and ether-free polymers,denoted as PTIm-a and PTIm-b.Membranes fabricated from these polymers,due to their pendent imidazole groups,exhibit an exceptional capacity for PA absorption.Notably,PTIm-a,carrying methylimidazole moieties,demonstrates a superior chemical stability by maintaining morphology and structural stability during 350 h of Fenton testing.After being immersed in 75 wt% PA at 40℃,the PTIm-a membrane reaches a PA content of 152%,maintains a good tensile strength of 13.6 MPa,and exhibits a moderate conductivity of 50.2 mS cm^(-1) at 180℃.Under H_(2)/O_(2) operational conditions,a single cell based on the PTIm-a membrane attains a peak power density of 732 mW cm^(-2) at 180℃ without backpressure.Furthermore,the membrane demonstrates stable cycle stability over 173 h within 18 days at a current density of 200 mA cm^(-2),indicating its potential for practical application in HT-PEMFCs.This work highlights innovative strategies for the synthesis of advanced HT-PEMs,offering significant improvements in membrane properties and fuel cell performance,thus expanding the horizons of HT-PEMFC technology.

Zinc Anode for Mild Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: Challenges, Strategies, and Perspectives

The rapid advance of mild aqueous zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs)is driving the development of the energy storage system market.But the thorny issues of Zn anodes,mainly including dendrite growth,hydrogen evolution,and corrosion,severely reduce the performance of ZIBs.To commercialize ZIBs,researchers must overcome formidable challenges.Research about mild aqueous ZIBs is still developing.Various technical and scientific obstacles to designing Zn anodes with high stripping efficiency and long cycling life have not been resolved.Moreover,the performance of Zn anodes is a complex scientific issue determined by various parameters,most of which are often ignored,failing to achieve the maximum performance of the cell.This review proposes a comprehensive overview of existing Zn anode issues and the corresponding strategies,frontiers,and development trends to deeply comprehend the essence and inner connection of degradation mechanism and performance.First,the formation mechanism of dendrite growth,hydrogen evolution,corrosion,and their influence on the anode are analyzed.Furthermore,various strategies for constructing stable Zn anodes are summarized and discussed in detail from multiple perspectives.These strategies are mainly divided into interface modification,structural anode,alloying anode,intercalation anode,liquid electrolyte,non-liquid electrolyte,separator design,and other strategies.Finally,research directions and prospects are put forward for Zn anodes.This contribution highlights the latest developments and provides new insights into the advanced Zn anode for future research.

CNT@MnO_(2) composite ink toward a flexible 3D printed micro-zinc-ion battery

Flexible energy storage devices have played a significant role in multiscenario applications,while flexible zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs),as an essential branch,have developed rapidly in recent years.Three-dimensional(3D)printing is an extremely advanced technology to design and modify the structure of batteries and provides unlimited possibilities for the diversified development of energy storage equipment.Herein,by utilizing 3D printing technology,carbon nanotube(CNT)is coated by MnO_(2) to form a flexible CNT@MnO_(2) ink as a cathode for flexible aqueous micro-ZIBs for the first time and zinc powder ink is used as an anode due to its high flexibility and bendability.The Zn//CNT@MnO_(2) flexible battery shows a stable capacity of 63μAh cm^(−2) at 0.4mA cm^(−2).When the battery is bent in different states,the maximum capacity loss compared with the initial value is only 2.72%,indicating its stability.This study shows the potential of 3D printing technology in the development of flexible manganese-based ZIBs.

Lowering reaction temperature: Electrochemical ammonia synthesis by coupling various electrolytes and catalysts

Ammonia is a vital emerging energy carrier and storage medium in the future hydrogen economy, even presenting relevant advantages compared with methanol due to the higher hydrogen content(17.6 wt% for ammonia versus 12.5 wt% for methanol). The rapidly growing demand for ammonia is still dependent on the conventional high-temperature and high-pressure Haber–Bosch process, which can deliver a conversion rate of about 10%–15%. However, the overall process requires a large amount of fossil fuels,resulting in serious environmental problems. Alternatively, electrochemical routes show the potential to greatly reduce the energy consumption, including sustainable energy sources and simplify the reactor design. Electrolytes perform as indispensable reaction medium during electrochemical processes, which can be further classified into solid oxide electrolytes, molten salt electrolytes, polymer electrolytes, and liquid electrolytes. In this review, recent developments and advances of the electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis catalyzed by a series of functional materials on the basis of aforementioned electrolytes have been summarized and discussed, along with the presentation and evaluation of catalyst preparation, reaction parameters and equipment.

Does the molecular structure of CaH_2 affect the dihydrogen bonding in CaH_2 HY(Y = CH_3,C_2H_3,C_2 H,CN,and NC) complexes? A quantum chemistry study using MP2 and B3LYP methods

Second-order Maller-Plesset （MP2） and density functional theory （DFT） calculations have been carried out in order to inves- tigate the structures and properties of dihydrogen-bonded CaH2...HY （Y = CH3, C2H3, C2H, CN, and NC） complexes. Our cal- culations revealed two possible structures for Call2 in CaH2..,HY complexes： linear （I） and bent （II）. The bond lengths, interac- tion energies, and strengths for H...H interactions obtained by both MP2 and B3LYP methods are quite close to each other. It was found that the interaction energy decreases with increasing electron density at the Ca-H bond critical point. At- om-in-molecule （AIM） results show that for all of Ca-H...H-Y interactions considered here, the Laplacian of the electron densi- ty at the H--.H bond critical point is positive, indicating the electrostatic nature of these Ca-H...H-Y dihydrogen bonded systems.

Bismuth-Based Free-Standing Electrodes for Ambient-Condition Ammonia Production in Neutral Media

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction is a carbon-free and energy-saving strategy for efficient synthesis of ammonia under ambient conditions.Here,we report the synthesis of nanosized Bi2O3 particles grown on functionalized exfoliated graphene(Bi2O3/FEG)via a facile electrochemical deposition method.The obtained free-standing Bi2O3/FEG achieves a high Faradaic efficiency of 11.2%and a large NH3 yield of 4.21±0.14μgNH3 h^-1 cm^-2 at-0.5 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 M Na2SO4,better than that in the strong acidic and basic media.Benefiting from its strong interaction of Bi 6p band with the N2p orbitals,binder-free characteristic,and facile electron transfer,Bi2O3/FEG achieves superior catalytic performance and excellent long-term stability as compared with most of the previous reported catalysts.This study is significant to design low-cost,high-efficient Bi-based electrocatalysts for electrochemical ammonia synthesis.