Unraveling the catalytically active phase of carbon dioxide hydrogenation to methanol on Zn/Cu alloy: Single atom versus small cluster

Methanol synthesis from CO_(2)hydrogenation catalyzed by Zn/Cu alloy has been widely studied,but there is still debate on its catalytic active phase and whether the Zn can be oxidized during the reaction process.What is more,as Zn atoms could locate on Zn/Cu alloy surface in forms of both single atom and cluster,how Zn surface distribution affects catalytic activity is still not clear.In this work,we performed a systematic theoretical study to compare the mechanistic natures and catalytic pathways between Zn single atom and small cluster on catalyst surface,where the surface oxidation was shown to play the critical role.Before surface oxidation,the Zn single atom/Cu is more active than the Zn small cluster/Cu,but its surface oxidation is difficult to take place.Instead,after the easy surface oxidation by CO_(2)decomposition,the oxidized Zn small cluster/Cu becomes much more active,which even exceeds the hardlyoxidized Zn single atom/Cu to become the active phase.Further analyses show this dramatic promotion of surface oxidation can be ascribed to the following factors:i)The O from surface oxidation could preferably occupy the strongest binding sites on the center of Zn cluster.That makes the O intermediates bind at the Zn/Cu interface,preventing their too tight binding for further hydrogenation;ii)The higher positive charge and work function on the oxidized surface could also promote the hydrogenation of O intermediates.This work provided one more example that under certain condition,the metal cluster can be more active than the single atom in heterogeneous catalysis.

Improving the Efficiency of Water Splitting and Oxygen Reduction Via Single-Atom Anchoring on Graphyne Support

Single-atom catalysts(SACs)have received significant interest for optimizing metal atom utilization and superior catalytic performance in hydrogen evolution reaction(HER),oxygen evolution reaction(OER),and oxygen reduction reaction(ORR).In this study,we investigate a range of single-transition metal(STM_(1)=Sc_(1),Ti_(1),V_(1),Cr_(1),Mn_(1),Fe_(1),Co_(1),Ni_(1),Cu_(1),Zr_(1),Nb_(1),Mo_(1),Ru_(1),Rh_(1),Pd_(1),Ag_(1),W_(1),Re_(1),Os_(1),Ir_(1),Pt_(1),and Au_(1))atoms supported on graphyne(GY)surface for HER/OER and ORR using first-principle calculations.Ab initio molecular dynamics(AIMD)simulations and phonon dispersion spectra reveal the dynamic and thermal stabilities of the GY surface.The exceptional stability of all supported STM_(1)atoms within the H1 cavity of the GY surface exists in an isolated form,facilitating the uniform distribution and proper arrangement of single atoms on GY.In particular,Sc_(1),Co_(1),Fe_(1),and Au_(1)/GY demonstrate promising catalytic efficiency in the HER due to idealisticΔG_(H^(*))values via the Volmer-Heyrovsky pathway.Notably,Sc_(1)and Au_(1)/GY exhibit superior HER catalytic activity compared to other studied catalysts.Co_(1)/GY catalyst exhibits higher selectivity and activity for the OER,with an overpotential(0.46 V)comparable to MoC_(2),IrO_(2),and RuO_(2).Also,Rh_(1)and Co_(1)/GY SACs exhibited promising electrocatalysts for the ORR,with an overpotential of 0.36 and0.46 V,respectively.Therefore,Co_(1)/GY is a versatile electrocatalyst for metal-air batteries and water-splitting.This study further incorporates computational analysis of the kinetic potential energy barriers of Co_(1)and Rh_(1)in the OER and ORR.A strong correlation is found between the estimated kinetic activation barriers for the thermodynamic outcomes and all proton-coupled electron transfer steps.We establish a relation for the Gibbs free energy of intermediates to understand the mechanism of SACs supported on STM,/GY and introduce a key descriptor.This study highlights GY as a favorable single-atom support for designing highly active and cost-effective versatile electrocatalysts for practical applications.

Applications of 2D-Layered Palladium Diselenide and Its van der Waals Heterostructures in Electronics and Optoelectronics

The rapid development of two-dimensional(2D)transition-metal dichalcogenides has been possible owing to their special structures and remarkable properties.In particular,palladium diselenide(PdSe_(2))with a novel pentagonal structure and unique physical characteristics have recently attracted extensive research inter-est.Consequently,tremendous research progress has been achieved regarding the physics,chemistry,and electronics of PdSe_(2).Accordingly,in this review,we recapitulate and summarize the most recent research on PdSe_(2),including its structure,properties,synthesis,and appli-cations.First,a mechanical exfoliation method to obtain PdSe_(2) nanosheets is introduced,and large-area synthesis strate-gies are explained with respect to chemical vapor deposition and metal selenization.Next,the electronic and optoelectronic properties of PdSe_(2) and related hetero-structures,such as field-effect transistors,photodetectors,sensors,and thermoelec-tric devices,are discussed.Subsequently,the integration of systems into infrared image sensors on the basis of PdSe_(2) van der Waals heterostructures is explored.Finally,future opportunities are highlighted to serve as a general guide for physicists,chemists,materials scientists,and engineers.Therefore,this com-prehensive review may shed light on the research conducted by the 2D material community.

Mechanistic insight into methanol electro‐oxidation catalyzed by PtCu alloy

In this work,we have performed density functional theory(DFT)calculations to investigate the methanol electro‐oxidation reaction(MOR)catalyzed by the Pt,PtCu alloy and Cu.The complex reaction networks,including the intermediate dehydrogenation,water dissociation and anti‐poison reaction steps,are systematically investigated to explore the mechanisms.At the standard condition of pH=0 and zero potential,for Cu,most dehydrogenation steps along the favorable pathway are endergonic,making it less active in MOR.For the Pt and PtCu alloy,their dehydrogenation steps are mainly exergonic,but the formed CO intermediate binds too tightly on Pt,that can accumulate on active sites to poison the electro‐catalyst.The CO can be consumed by the thermodynamic reaction with OH*,which comes from water dissociation.DFT calculation shows alloying the Pt with Cu could not only reduce the free energy barrier for binding between CO*and OH*,but also assist the water dissociation to produce more OH*for that anti‐poison reaction.That makes the PtCu alloy more active than the pure Pt electrode in experiment.The results reveal the importance of anti‐poison reaction and water dissociation in MOR,which could be applied to the rational design of more active alloy electro‐catalysts in future.

Computational Screening of Pt1@Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(2)(T=O,S)MXene Catalysts for Water-Gas Shift Reaction

Single-atom catalysts(SACs)provide an oppor-tunity to elucidate the catalytic mechanism of complex reactions in heterogeneous catalysis.The low-temperature water-gas shift(WGS)reaction is an important industrial technology to obtain high purity hydrogen.Herein,we study the catalytic activity of Pt1@Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(2)(T=O,S)SACs,where one subsurface Ti atom with three T vacancies in the functionalized Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(2)(T=O,S)MXene is substituted by one Pt atom,for the low-temperature show that Pt1@Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(2)provides an excellent platform for the WGS reaction by its bowl-shaped vacancy derived from the Pt1 single atom and three T defects surrounding it.Especially,Pt1@Ti_(3)C_(2)S_(2)SAC has higher catalytic performance for the WGS reaction,due to the weaker electronegativity of the S atom than the O atom,which significantly reduces the energy barrier of H*migration in the WGS reaction,which is often the rate-determining step.In the most favorable redox mechanism of the WGS reaction on Pt1@Ti_(3)C_(2)S_(2),the rate-determining step is the dissociation of OH*into O*and H*with the energy barrier as low as 1.12 eV.These results demonstrate that Pt1@Ti_(3)C_(2)S_(2)is promising in the application of MXenes for low-temperature WGS reactions.

How can we improve the stability of organic solar cells from materials design to device engineering?

Among a promising photovoltaic technology for solar energy conversion,organic solar cells(OSCs)have been paid much attention,of which the power conversion efficiencies(PCEs)have rapidly surpassed over 20%,approaching the threshold for potential applications.However,the device stability of OSCs including storage stability,photostability and thermal stability,remains to be an enormous challenge when faced with practical applications.The major causes of device instability are rooted in the poor inherent properties of light-harvesting materials,metastable mor-phology,interfacial reactions and highly sensitive to external stresses.To get rid of theseflaws,a comprehensive review is provided about recent strategies and meth-ods for improving the device stability from active layers,interfacial layers,device engineering and encapsulation techniques for high-performance OSC devices.In the end,prospectives for the next stage development of high-performance devices with satisfactory long-term stability are afforded for the solar community.

Surface-structure tailoring of ultrafine PtCu nanowires for enhanced electrooxidation of alcohols

Surface tailoring of Pt-based nanocatalysts is an effective pathway to promote their electrocatalytic performance and multifunctionality.Here,we report two kinds of one-dimensional(1D)ultrafine PtCu nanowires(smooth surface&rugged surface)synthesized via a wet chemical method and their distinct catalytic performances in electro-oxidation of alcohols.The alloyed PtCu nanowires having rough surfaces with atomic steps exhibit superior catalytic activity toward multiple electrochemical reactions compared with the smooth counterpart.Density functional theory simulations show the excellent reactivity of rugged PtCu na-nowires and attribute it to the surface synergetic Pt-Cu site which accounts for the promotion of water dissociation and the dehydrogenation of the carboxyl intermediate.The current study provides an insight into reasonable design of alloy nanocatalysts in energy-related electrocatalytic systems.

Ultrastable nickel single-atom catalysts with high activity and selectivity for electrocatalytic CO_(2)methanation

Electrochemical conversion of CO_(2)into valuable hydrocarbon fuel is one of the key steps in solving carbon emission and energy issue.Herein,we report a non-noble metal catalyst,nickel single-atom catalyst(SAC)of Ni_(1)/UiO-66-NH_(2),with high stability and selectivity for electrochemical reduction of CO_(2)to CH_(4).Based on ab initio molecular dynamics(AIMD)simulations,the CO_(2)molecule is at first reduced into CO_(2)-when stably adsorbed on a Ni single atom with the bidentate coordination mode.To evaluate its activity and selectivity for electrocatalytic reduction of CO_(2)to different products(HCOOH,CO,CH3OH,and CH_(4))on Ni_(1)/UiO-66-NH_(2),we have used density functional theory(DFT)to study different reaction pathways.The results show that CH_(4) is generated preferentially on Ni_(1)/UiO-66-NH_(2)and the calculated limiting potential is as low as-0.24 V.Moreover,the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction is unfavorable at the activation site of Ni_(1)/UiO-66-NH_(2)owing to the higher limiting potential of-0.56 V.Furthermore,the change of Ni single atom valence state plays an important role in promoting CO_(2)reduction to CH_(4).This work provides a theoretical foundation for further experimental studies and practical applications of metal-organic framework(UiO-66)-based SAC electrocatalysts with high activity and selectivity for the CO_(2)reduction reaction.

Carbon-Involved Near-Surface Evolution of Cobalt Nanocatalysts:An in Situ Study

When carbon-containing species are involved in reactions catalyzed by transition metals at high temperature,the diffusion of carbon on or in catalysts dramatically influences the catalytic performance.Acquiring information on the carbon-diffusioninvolved evolution of catalysts at the atomic level is crucial for understanding the reaction mechanism yet also challenging.For the chemical vapor deposition process of single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWCNTs),we recorded in situ the catalyst state(solid and molten)composition as well as near-surface structural and chemical evolution at the cobalt catalyst-tube interface with carbon permeation using aberration-corrected environmental transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy.The nucleation of SWCNTs was linked with an alternating dissolving and precipitating cycle of carbon in catalysts close to the nucleation site.Understanding the dynamics of carbon atoms in catalysts brings deeper insight into the growth mechanism of SWCNTs and facilitates inferring mechanisms of other reactions.The methodologies developed here will find broad applications in studying catalytic and other processes.

超越原子可视化—利用扫描透射电子显微镜表征双原子单团簇催化剂

本研究利用扫描透射电子显微镜(STEM)表征了碳掺杂氮负载的FeFe和CoFe双原子单团簇催化剂.同时本工作开发了一个STEM图像处理程序,以精准识别原子的位置并得到可能的原子对中原子之间的投影距离.大数据分析结果显示CoFe和FeFe原子对的距离均呈现三峰分布,对应于模拟得到的多种稳定的原子结构.我们的工作为通过STEM图像的大数据统计和相关理论模拟直接揭示双原子单团簇催化剂中双原子位点的可能原子构型提供了一条途径.

Single-element amorphous palladium nanoparticles formed via phase separation

Physically vitrifying amorphous single-element metal requires ultrahigh cooling rates,which are still unachievable for most of the closest-packed metals.Here,we report a facile chemical synthetic strategy for single-element amorphous palladium nanoparticles with a purity of 99.35 at.%±0.23 at.%from palladium–silicon liquid droplets.In-situ transmission electron microscopy directly detected the solidification of palladium and the separation of silicon.Further hydrogen absorption experiment showed that the amorphous palladium expanded little upon hydrogen uptake,exhibiting a great potential application for hydrogen separation.Our results provide insight into the formation of amorphous metal at nanoscale.

Single Iron-dimer Catalysts on MoS_(2) Nanosheet for Potential Nitrogen Activation

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction(NRR)is a promising way to produce ammonia(NH_(3))at ambient temperature and pressure.Herein,we have constructed single Fe dimer catalysts on a molybdenum disulfide monolayer for potential nitrogen activation.By employing ab initio molecular dynamics simulations,it is suggested that a dual iron-single atom site can be dynamically formed,which exhibits the similar Fe-S-Fe structure as the nitrogenase.We further identify an iron dimer with a sulfur vacancy as the active center for realistic nitrogen activation by the free energy calculations since the bridged sulfur is easy to be released in the form of H_(2)S during the reduction process.It is shown that N_(2)mainly adsorbs on the Fe_(2)dimer at the sulfur vacancies in the pattern of side-on configuration,and the nitrogen reduction reaction is proceeded by an enzymatic mechanism.Charge analyses further show that the Fe_(2)dimer mainly works as an electron reservoir while MoS_(2)substrate with one sulfur vacancy acts as an inert carrier to stabilize the Fe_(2)dimer.Overall,our work provides important insights into how N_(2)molecules were adsorbed and activated on Fe_(2)-doped MoS_(2),and provides new ideas for the transformation of actual reaction sites during electrochemical reactions.