Preface to Special Issue on Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences

The 70th anniversary of Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has been celebrating in various ways through the year of 2019. DICP was established with the name of Scientific Research Institute of Dalian University on March 19, 1949, which is even a little earlier than the foundation of the People's Republic of China (October 1, 1949). Since then, the name of the institute has changed several times in order to fulfill the assigned regional and national research mission. In 1970, the institute was named as the “Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences”.

Special Issue: In celebration of the 70th anniversary of Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics(DICP) is a comprehensive chemical engineering research institute with strong international reputation, which has made significant contributions to national economic construction, national security and the progress of science and technology(S&T).

History of the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics and the Friendship between China and Japan in catalysis

This article presents a history of the origins of the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Abbreviated as DICP) and relates the recent friendship between China and Japan in the field of catalysis. Although the official beginning of DICP is in 1949 with the birth of the People’s Republic of China, there are earlier roots that went back to the defeat of Russia by Imperial Japan in 1905. This began a period of occupation and exploitation of Northest Asia by Japan which did not end until its defeat by Allied forces in 1945. During the period of occupation, a laboratory was created called the Central Research Laboratory of the South Manchurian Railroad Company, which was staffed by the best and brightest researchers from Japan, and was able to develop new processes in chemicals and synthetic fuels that fed the Japanese Imperial forces. Between 1945 and 1949, Dalian was administered by the Soviet Union, and the removable equipment from the Laboratory was taken. In this period one individual stood out, the Laboratory Director Marusawa Tsuneya, who risked his life to preserve the scientific records and staff of the institute, and then stayed in Dalian for ten years after the Second World War to help China rebuild its capabilities. The Central Research Laboratory is still preserved as the Old Campus of DICP.The origin of the friendship between China and Japan in catalysis can be traced to Professor Morikawa Kiyoshi, who worked in the Central Research Laboratory and helped commercialize a shale coal liquefaction process. Upon his return to Japan he became Professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and in 1975 organized the first visit by Japanese academics to China. This was reciprocated in visits to Japan in 1977 and 1980 by top researchers such as Zhang Dayu, Min Enze, Tsai Khirui, Lu Jiaxi, and Lin Liwu. This resulted in numerous contacts between individuals, which multiplied geometrically. Notably among these were the personal interactions between Guo Xiexian, the Vice-Director of DICP and Tamaru Kenzi, a Professor at the University of Tokyo, which led to a friendship lasting decades and encompassing generations. In 1981, Guo Xiexian organized the first China-Japan-USA Symposium in Dalian, assisted by Tamaru Kenzi, which was attended by over 90 scientists. This meeting was a big success, and was to lead to the organization of many other multi-country conferences, further promoting exchanges. It culminated with the hosting of China of the 16th International Congress on Catalysis in 2016 in Beijing, with Li Can as President.Today DICP is a sprawling organization with over 1300 permanent staff, and is one of the powerhouses of catalysis in the world. From 2000, it has been led by Directors Bao Xinhe, Zhang Tao, and Liu Zhongmin. The Institute is making enormous contributions to research and producing cutting-edge technology, and its future is bright.

Catalyst design and structure control for photocatalytic refineries of cellulosic biomass to fuels and chemicals

Lignocellulosic biomass is the largest renewable hydrocarbon resource on earth.Converting cellulose,one of the major components of lignocellulose,powered by solar energy is a promising way of providing lowcarbon-footprint energy chemicals such as H_(2),HCOOH,CO,and transportation fuels.State-of-the-art biorefineries target the full use of biomass feedstocks as they have a maximum collection radius of 75-100 km,requesting efficient and selective photocatalysts that significantly influence the outcome of photocatalytic biorefineries.Well-performed photocatalysts can harvest a broad solar spectrum and are active in breaking the chemical bonds of cellulose,decreasing the capital investments of biorefineries.Besides,photocatalysts should control the selectivity of cellulose conversion,originating target products to level down separation costs.Charge separation in photocatalysts and interfacial charge transfer between photocatalysts and cellulose affect the activity and selectivity of cellulose refineries to H2 and carbonaceous chemicals.To account for the challenges above,this review summarizes photocatalysts for the refineries of cellulose and downstream platform molecules based on the types of products,with the structure features of different types of photocatalysts discussed in relation to the targets of either improving the activity or product selectivity.In addition,this review also sheds light on the methods for designing and regulating photocatalyst structures to facilitate photocatalytic refineries of cellulose and platform molecules,meanwhile summarizing proposed future research challenges and opportunities for designing efficient photocatalysts.

Electrochemical reconstruction of non-noble metal-based heterostructure nanorod arrays electrodes for highly stable anion exchange membrane seawater electrolysis

Direct seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production has been regarded as a viable route to utilize surplus renewable energy and address the climate crisis.However,the harsh electrochemical environment of seawater,particularly the presence of aggressive Cl^(-),has been proven to be prone to parasitic chloride ion oxidation and corrosion reactions,thus restricting seawater electrolyzer lifetime.Herein,hierarchical structure(Ni,Fe)O(OH)@NiCoS nanorod arrays(NAs)catalysts with heterointerfaces and localized oxygen vacancies were synthesized at nickel foam substrates via the combination of hydrothermal and annealing methods to boost seawater dissociation.The hiera rchical nanostructure of NiCoS NAs enhanced electrode charge transfer rate and active surface area to accelerate oxygen evolution reaction(OER)and generated sulfate gradient layers to repulsive aggressive Cl^(-).The fabricated heterostructure and vacancies of(Ni,Fe)O(OH)tuned catalyst electronic structure into an electrophilic state to enhance the binding affinity of hydroxyl intermediates and facilitate the structural transformation into amorphousγ-NiFeOOH for promoting OER.Furthermore,through operando electrochemistry techniques,we found that theγ-NiFeOOH possessing an unsaturated coordination environment and lattice-oxygen-participated OER mechanism can minimize electrode Cl^(-)corrosion enabled by stabilizing the adsorption of OH*intermediates,making it one of the best OER catalysts in the seawater medium reported to date.Consequently,these catalysts can deliver current densities of 100 and 500 mA cm-2for boosting OER at minimal overpotentials of 245and 316 mV,respectively,and thus prevent chloride ion oxidation simultaneously.Impressively,a highly stable anion exchange membrane(AEM)seawater electrolyzer based on the non-noble metal heterostructure electrodes reached a record low degradation rate under 100μV h-1at constant industrial current densities of 400 and 600 mA cm-2over 300 h,which exhibits a promising future for the nonprecious and stable AEMWE in the direct seawater electrolysis industry.

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.

Progress in in-situ electrochemical nuclear magnetic resonance for battery research

A thorough understanding of the fundamental electrochemical and chemical processes in batteries is crucial to advancing energy density and power density.However,the characterizations of such processes are complex.In-situ electrochemical nuclear magnetic resonance(EC-NMR)offers the capability to collect real-time data during battery operation,furnishing insights into the local structures and ionic dynamics of materials by monitoring changes in the chemical environment around the nuclei.EC-NMR also has the advantages of being both quantitative and non-destructive.This paper systematically reviews the design of EC-NMR approach,and delves into the applications and progress of EC-NMR concerning battery reaction mechanisms,failure mechanisms,and overall battery systems.The review culminates in a comprehensive summary of the perspective and challenges associated with EC-NMR.

Engineering the coordination structure of Cu for enhanced photocatalytic production of C_(1) chemicals from glucose

Photocatalytic decomposition of sugars is a promising way of providing H_(2),CO,and HCOOH as sus-tainable energy vectors.However,the production of C_(1) chemicals requires the cleavage of robust C−C bonds in sugars with concurrent production of H_(2),which remains challenging.Here,the photo-catalytic activity for glucose decomposition to HCOOH,CO(C_(1) chemicals),and H_(2) on Cu/TiO_(2)was enhanced by nitrogen doping.Owing to nitrogen doping,atomically dispersed and stable Cu sites resistant to light irradiation are formed on Cu/TiO_(2).The electronic interaction between Cu and nitrogen ions originates valence band structure and defect levels composed of N 2p orbit,distinct from undoped Cu/TiO_(2).Therefore,the lifetime of charge carriers is prolonged,resulting in the pro-duction of C_(1) chemicals and H_(2) with productivities 1.7 and 2.1 folds that of Cu/TiO_(2).This work pro-vides a strategy to design coordinatively stable Cu ions for photocatalytic biomass conversion.

Catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into chemicals and fuels

In the search of alternative resources to make commodity chemicals and transportation fuels for a low carbon future,lignocellulosic biomass with over 180-billion-ton annual production rate has been identified as a promising feedstock.This review focuses on the state-of-the-art catalytic transformation of lignocellulosic biomass into value-added chemicals and fuels.Following a brief introduction on the structure,major resources and pretreatment methods of lignocellulosic biomass,the catalytic conversion of three main components,i.e.,cellulose,hemicellulose and lignin,into various compounds are comprehensively discussed.Either in separate steps or in one-pot,cellulose and hemicellulose are hydrolyzed into sugars and upgraded into oxygen-containing chemicals such as 5-HMF,furfural,polyols,and organic acids,or even nitrogen-containing chemicals such as amino acids.On the other hand,lignin is first depolymerized into phenols,catechols,guaiacols,aldehydes and ketones,and then further transformed into hydrocarbon fuels,bioplastic precursors and bioactive compounds.The review then introduces the transformations of whole biomass via catalytic gasification,catalytic pyrolysis,as well as emerging strategies.Finally,opportunities,challenges and prospective of woody biomass valorization are highlighted.

High-throughput mechanistic study of highly selective hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks for electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia

Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks(HOFs),an emerging porous macrocyclic materials linked by hydrogen-bond,hold potential for gas separation and storage,sensors,optical,and electrocatalysts.Here,HOF-based electrocatalysts are rationally developed for nitrates reduction to ammonia,allowing not only to regulate wastewater pollution but also to accomplish carbon-neutral ammonia(NH_(3))synthesis.We preform high-throughput computational screening of thirty-six HOFs with various metals as active sites,denoted as HOF-M1,for nitrate reduction reaction(NO_(3)RR)toward NH_(3).We have implemented a hierarchical four-step screening strategy,and ultimately,HOF-Ti1 was selected based on its exceptional catalytic activity and selectivity in the NO_(3)RR process.Through additional analysis,we discovered that the d band center of the active metal sites serves as an effective parameter for designing and predicting the performance of HOFs in NO_(3)RR.This research not only showcases the immense potential of electrocatalysis in transforming NO_(3)RR into NH_(3)but also provides researchers with a compelling incentive to undertake further experimental investigations.

The key challenges and future opportunities of electrochemical capacitors

Electrochemical capacitors(ECs)with unique merits of fast charge/discharge rate and long cyclability are one of the representative electrochemical energy storage systems,possessing wide applications in power electronics and automotive transportation,etc.[1,2].Furthermore.

Design Principles and Mechanistic Understandings of Non-Noble-Metal Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Zinc-Air Batteries

Zinc-air batteries(ZABs)are promising energy storage systems because of high theoretical energy density,safety,low cost,and abundance of zinc.However,the slow multi-step reaction of oxygen and heavy reliance on noble-metal catalysts hinder the practical applications of ZABs.Therefore,feasible and advanced non-noble-metal elec-trocatalysts for air cathodes need to be identified to promote the oxygen catalytic reaction.In this review,we initially introduced the advancement of ZABs in the past two decades and provided an overview of key developments in this field.Then,we discussed the work-ing mechanism and the design of bifunctional electrocatalysts from the perspective of morphology design,crystal structure tuning,interface strategy,and atomic engineering.We also included theoretical studies,machine learning,and advanced characterization technologies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure-performance relationship of electrocatalysts and the reaction pathways of the oxygen redox reactions.Finally,we discussed the challenges and prospects related to designing advanced non-noble-metal bifunctional electrocatalysts for ZABs.

Potential industrial applications of photo/electrocatalysis: Recent progress and future challenges

Nowadays,the rapid development of the social economy inevitably leads to global energy and environmental crisis.For this reason,more and more scholars focus on the development of photocatalysis and/or electrocatalysis technology for the advantage in the sustainable production of high-value-added products,and the high efficiency in pollutants remediation.Although there is plenty of outstanding research has been put forward continuously,most of them focuses on catalysis performance and reaction mechanisms in laboratory conditions.Realizing industrial application of photo/electrocatalytic processes is still a challenge that needs to be overcome by social demand.In this regard,this review comprehensively summarized several explorations in thefield of photo/electrocatalytic reduction towards potential industrial applications in recent years.Special attention is paid to the successful attempts and the current status of photo/electrocatalytic water splitting,carbon dioxide conversion,resource utilization from waste,etc.,by using advanced reactors.The key problems and challenges of photo/electrocatalysis in future industrial practice are also discussed,and the possible development directions are also pointed out from the industry view.

Hierarchically Structured Nb_(2)O_5 Microflowers with Enhanced Capacity and Fast-Charging Capability for Flexible Planar Sodium Ion Micro-Supercapacitors

Planar Na ion micro-supercapacitors(NIMSCs) that offer both high energy density and power density are deemed to a promising class of miniaturized power sources for wearable and portable microelectron-ics. Nevertheless, the development of NIMSCs are hugely impeded by the low capacity and sluggish Na ion kinetics in the negative electrode.Herein, we demonstrate a novel carbon-coated Nb_(2)O_5 microflower with a hierarchical structure composed of vertically intercrossed and porous nanosheets, boosting Na ion storage performance. The unique structural merits, including uniform carbon coating, ultrathin nanosheets and abun-dant pores, endow the Nb_(2)O_5 microflower with highly reversible Na ion storage capacity of 245 mAh g^(-1) at 0.25 C and excellent rate capability.Benefiting from high capacity and fast charging of Nb_(2)O_5 microflower, the planar NIMSCs consisted of Nb_(2)O_5 negative electrode and activated car-bon positive electrode deliver high areal energy density of 60.7 μWh cm^(-2),considerable voltage window of 3.5 V and extraordinary cyclability. Therefore, this work exploits a structural design strategy towards electrode materials for application in NIMSCs, holding great promise for flexible microelectronics.

SEI/dead Li-turning capacity loss for high-performance anode-free solid-state lithium batteries

Anode-free solid-state lithium metal batteries(AF-SSLBs)have the potential to deliver higher energy density and improved safety beyond lithium-metal batteries.However,the unclear mechanism for the fast capacity decay in AF-SSLBs,either determined by dead Li or solid electrolyte interface(SEI),limits the proposal of effective strategies to prolong cycling life.To clarify the underlying mechanism,herein,the evolution of SEI and dead Li is quantitatively analyzed by a solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance(ss-NMR)technology in a typical LiPF6-based polymer electrolyte.The results show that the initial capacity loss is attributed to the formation of SEI,while the dead Li dominates the following capacity loss and the growth rate is 0.141 mA h cm^(−2)cycle−1.To reduce the active Li loss,the combination of inorganic-rich SEI and self-healing electrostatic shield effect is proposed to improve the reversibility of Li deposition/dissolution behavior,which reduces the capacity loss rate for the initial SEI and following dead Li generation by 2.3 and 20.1 folds,respectively.As a result,the initial Coulombic efficiency(ICE)and stable CE increase by 15.1%and 15.3%in Li-Cu cells,which guides the rational design of high-performance AF-SSLBs.

Design,progress and challenges of 3D carbon-based thermally conductive networks

The advent of the 5G era has stimulated the rapid development of high power electronics with dense integration.Three-dimensional(3D)thermally conductive networks,possessing high thermal and electrical conductivities and many different structures,are regarded as key materials to improve the performance of electronic devices.We provide a critical overview of carbonbased 3D thermally conductive networks,emphasizing their preparation-structure-property relationships and their applications in different scenarios.A detailed discussion of the microscopic principles of thermal conductivity is provided,which is crucial for increasing it.This is followed by an in-depth account of the construction of 3D networks using different carbon materials,such as graphene,carbon foam,and carbon nanotubes.Techniques for the assembly of two-dimensional graphene into 3D networks and their effects on thermal conductivity are emphasized.Finally,the existing challenges and future prospects for 3D carbon-based thermally conductive networks are discussed.

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.

CO_(2)-assisted oxidation dehydrogenation of light alkanes over metal-based heterogeneous catalysts

Light olefins are important platform feedstocks in the petrochemical industry,and the ongoing global economic development has driven sustained growth in demand for these compounds.The dehydrogenation of alkanes,derived from shale gas,serves as an alternative olefins production route.Concurrently,the target of realizing carbon neutrality promotes the comprehensive utilization of greenhouse gas.The integrated process of light alkanes dehydrogenation and carbon dioxide reduction(CO_(2)-ODH)can produce light olefins and realize resource utilization of CO_(2),which has gained wide popularity.With the introduction of CO_(2),coke deposition and metal reduction encountered in alkanes dehydrogenation reactions can be effectively suppressed.CO_(2)-assisted alkanes dehydrogenation can also reduce the risk of potential explosion hazard associated with O_(2)-oxidative dehydrogenation reactions.Recent investigations into various metal-based catalysts including mono-and bi-metallic alloys and oxides have displayed promising performances due to their unique properties.This paper provides the comprehensive review and critical analysis of advancements in the CO_(2)-assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of light alkanes(C2-C4)on metal-based catalysts developed in recent years.Moreover,it offers a comparative summary of the structural properties,catalytic activities,and reaction mechanisms over various active sites,providing valuable insights for the future design of dehydrogenation catalysts.

Activation of hematite photoanode synthesized at low temperature by W doping

1.Introduction Solar water splitting offers a promising approach for green hydrogen production[1].There are many ways to achieve solar water splitting,such as photocatalytic(PC)water splitting,photoelectrochemical(PEC)water splitting,and photovoltaicelectrocatalytic(PV-EC)water splitting[2].

Biomass-based production of trimellitic and trimesic acids

The production of industrial chemicals with renewable biomass feedstock holds potential to aid the world in pursuing a carbon-neutral society.Trimellitic and trimesic acids are important commodity chemicals in industry that are prepared by the oxidation of petroleum-derived trimethylbenzene.To reduce the dependence on the limited oil source,we develop a potential sustainable alternative towards trimellitic and trimesic acids using biomass-based 2-methyl-2,4-pentandiol(MPD),acrylate and crotonaldehyde as starting materials.The process for trimellitic acid includes dehydration/D-A reaction of MPD and acrylate,flow aromatization over Pd/C catalyst,hydrolysis and catalytic aerobic oxidation(60%overall yield).The challenging regioselectivity issue of D-A reaction is tackled by a matched combination of temperature and deep eutectic solvent ChCl/HCO_(2)H.Crotonaldehyde can also participate in the reaction,followed by Pd/C-catalyzed decarbonylation/dehydrogenation and oxidation to provide trimesic acid in 54%overall yield.Life cycle assessment implies that compared to conventional fossil process,our biomass-based routes present a potential in reducing carbon emissions.