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Mn(II) oxidation catalyzed by nanohematite surfaces and manganite/hausmannite core-shell nanowire formation by self-catalytic reaction
The present study investigated the solid products of heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of aqueous Mn(II) by O2 in the presence of hematite nanoparticles (NPs) using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning TEM (STEM), and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). The oxidation experiments were conducted at room temperature (22±2?) in solutions containing 10-3 M Mn(II) at pH 7.5 in the dark. During 48 hours of reaction, a single-phase manganite (a Mn oxyhydroxide) nanowire was formed by way of metastable groutite and feitknechtite nanowires, both of which are polymorphs of manganite. Between 48 and 168 hours, the manganite further altered to core-shell structured nanowires with hausmannite (a mixed valent Mn oxide) forming a very thin (2 nm) outer-shell on the manganite wire core. The formation of Mn-oxyhydroxide nanowires was catalyzed by the hematite NPs surface through electrochemical pathways. This is described via the electron transfer across a redox couple from adsorbed Mn(II) to another site with adsorbed O2 via the band structure of the semiconducting hematite. On the other hand, the Ostwald step rule was operative in the sequential crystallization from metastable groutite and feitknechtite to stable manganite, which could have resulted from the differences in the surface free energies, sizes, and morphologies of product polymorphs at the nanoscale. The final product (at least in the time range of our experiments) exhibited manganite/hausmannite core-shell structures. This product is most likely to be formed by the reactions catalyzed by the manganite nanowires themselves. Microscopic investigation of interfacial changes in structure and chemistry at the nanoscale is key, and it can be essential to understand the kinetic and thermodynamic phenomena related to the redox chemistry and phase stability of nanoparticles in complex, heterogeneous systems such as natural environments.
The improved hydrodechlorination catalytic reactions by concerted efforts of ionic liquid and activated carbon support
Modified and stabilized palladium nanoparticles were prepared successfully by using an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate.
Supported Single Fe Atoms Prepared via Atomic Layer Deposition for Catalytic Reactions
In this work, we report a general strategy to synthesize Fe single-atom catalysts (SACs) on various substrates (e.g., multiwalled carbon nanotubes, SiO 2 , and TiO 2 ) with high Fe loading (>1.5 wt %) by atomic layer deposition (ALD) through optimization of ferrocene (Fe precursor) dose time. Fe/SiO 2 and Fe/TiO 2 SACs were used for CO oxidation reactions and catalytic degradation of a methylene blue (MB) solution, respectively. Compared with reported iron oxide catalysts, the efficiency of Fe/SiO 2 for CO oxidation was more than 2 orders of magnitude higher than the reported values. The photocatalysis experiment demonstrated that TiO 2 nanoparticles, deposited with two cycles of Fe ALD, showed the highest activity and had a more than 6-fold photocatalytic activity enhancement over pure TiO 2 for the degradation of MB. This universal method, optimized Fe ALD, expands the potential applications of Fe SACs on different substrates.
Pronounced Size Dependence in Structure and Morphology of Gas-Phase Produced, Partially Oxidized Cobalt Nanoparticles under Catalytic Reaction Conditions
It is generally accepted that optimal particle sizes are key for efficient nanocatalysis. Much less attention is paid to the role of morphology and atomic arrangement during catalytic reactions. Here we unravel the structural, stoichiometric, and morphological evolution of gas-phase produced cobalt nanoparticles in a broad size range. Particles with diameters between 1.4 nm and 22nm generated in cluster sources are size selected and deposited on amorphous alumina (Al2O3) and ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films. A combination of different techniques is employed to monitor particle properties at the stages of production, exposure to ambient conditions, and catalytic reaction, in this case the oxidative dehydrogenation of cyclohexane at elevated temperatures. A pronounced size dependence is found, naturally classifying the particles into three size regimes. While small and intermediate clusters essentially retain their compact morphology, large particles transform into hollow spheres due to the nanoscale Kirkendall effect. Depending on the substrate an isotropic (Al2O3) or anisotropic (UNCD) Kirkendall effect is observed. The latter results in dramatic lateral size changes. Our results shed light on the interplay between chemical reactions and the catalyst's structure and provide an approach to tailor the cobalt oxide phase composition required for specific catalytic schemes.
Solvent Effects on Catalytic Reactions and Related Phenomena at Liquid-Solid Interfaces
Catalytic reactions involve the direct interaction of reactants, intermediates and products with the catalyst surface. We not only need to control the atomic structure and electronic properties of the active site, but also explore the multiple molecular interactions that occur beyond the active site; they play an essential role in altering the binding and reactivity of surface species. In liquid-phase catalysis, solvents provide additional degrees of freedom in the design of the catalytic process for desirable activity and selectivity. Here, the multi-faceted effects of solvents have a profound impact on the catalyst performance by restricting the mass transfer to the site, tuning the chemical potential of the surface species, competing for active sites, stabilizing the initial and transition states, and causing mechanistic changes by participating in the kinetically relevant elementary steps. This review addresses the different aspects of solvent effects, using a few prototype solid-liquid interfaces to illustrate these fundamental features. Recent experimental and computational studies that provide new insight at the molecular level are examined. Solvent structures in the proximity of the catalyst surface are discussed along with their influence in molecular binding and reaction at the solid-liquid interfaces. Furthermore, opportunities to alter such a solid-liquid interaction by tuning the wettability of the catalyst surfaces are explored.
Design of a facility for the in situ measurement of catalytic reaction by neutron scattering spectroscopy
Catalysis is a critical enabling science for future energy needs. The next frontier of catalysis is to evolve from catalyst discovery to catalyst design, and for this next step to be realized, we must develop new techniques to better understand reaction mechanisms. To do this, we must connect catalytic reaction rates and selectivities to the kinetics, energetics, and dynamics of individual elementary steps and relate these to the structure and dynamics of the catalytic sites involved. Neutron scattering spectroscopies offer unique capabilities that are difficult or impossible to match by other techniques. Additionally, the current study presents the development of a compact and portable instrumental design that enables the in situ investigation of catalytic samples by neutron scattering techniques. The developed apparatus was tested at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) in Oak Ridge National Laboratory and includes a gas handling panel that allows for computer hookups to control the panel externally and online measurement equipment such as coupled GC-FID/TCD (Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector/Thermal Conductivity Detector) and MS (Mass Spectrometry) to characterize offgassing while the sample is in the neutron scattering spectrometer. This system is flexible, modular, compact, and portable enabling its use for many types of gas-solid and liquid-solid reactions at the various beamlines housed at the SNS.
Facilitating ZnO nanostructure growths by making seeds for self-catalytic reactions
Long and straight single-crystalline ZnO nanowires were successfully synthesized on ZnCl{sub 2}-coated Zn foils in oxygen environment by using simple thermal annealing processes. With relatively low reaction temperatures (410 and 700 Degree-Sign C), nanowires whose lengths and diameters are up to {approx}50 {mu}m and 10-100 nm were obtained. We found that ZnO seeds created from ZnCl{sub 2} played an important role in facilitating the ZnO nanowire growth via self-catalytic reactions. Systematic studies by altering critical synthesis factors that determine shape, length, diameter, and density of the nanowires were performed in order to unveil the growth mechanisms. We also compared the nanowires synthesized from Zn foils with tetrapod ZnO nanostructures synthesized from Zn powders at various temperatures. - Graphical abstract: (Left panel) ZnO seeds from ZnCl{sub 2} after thermal annealing at 500 Degree-Sign C for 5 min, (right panel) dense ZnO nanowires grown from Zn foils with ZnCl{sub 2} coating after thermal annealing at 700 Degree-Sign C for 60 min. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ZnCl{sub 2} facilitated ZnO nanowire growth by creating ZnO seeds. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ZnO nanowires were synthesized via self-catalytic reactions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Long and straight single-crystalline ZnO nanowires were synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Key parameters in thermal annealing processes were identified.
PFOA catalytic reaction mechanisms on zerovalent iron (Fe 0 ): A DFT investigation
In this study, density functional theory (DFT) calculations with dispersion corrections are employed to investigate catalytic reactions of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) onto zerovalent iron (Fe 0 ). The main goal of this investigation is to explain the reaction mechanisms, including bond dissociation energies, activation barriers, and rate-determining steps (RDSs), of PFOA degradation. Additionally, we aim to reveal the catalytic effects of Fe 0 by comparing the reaction energy profile for the degradation of PFOA both in solution (i.e., isolated) and after adsorption on Fe 0 . Along with investigating previously reported pathways, this study proposes a new PFOA degradation pathway on Fe0. Overall, the results revealed that Fe 0 plays a key role in the catalytic degradation of PFOA, significantly affecting the RDSs and increasing defluorination rates. For instance, the activation barrier for the decarboxylation step significantly decreased from 3.08 eV to 1.11 eV over the Fe0 surface, while the activation barrier for F dissociation decreased from ∼5 eV to 0.54 eV. Additionally, the proposed pathway in this study (i.e., successive defluorination) was found to be the most favorable pathway for PFOA degradation on Fe 0 . Taken together, the DFT results are consistent with reported experimental findings and provide critical insights that will help advance the design of catalysts for PFAS degradation.
Deciphering Photoinduced Catalytic Reaction Mechanisms in Natural and Artificial Photosynthetic Systems on Multiple Temporal and Spatial Scales Using X-ray Probes
Utilization of renewable energies for catalytically generating value-added chemicals is highly desirable in this era of rising energy demands and climate change impacts. Artificial photosynthetic systems or photocatalysts utilize light to convert abundant CO 2 , H 2 O, and O 2 to fuels, such as carbohydrates and hydrogen, thus converting light energy to storable chemical resources. Here, the emergence of intense X-ray pulses from synchrotrons, ultrafast X-ray pulses from X-ray free electron lasers, and table-top laser-driven sources over the past decades opens new frontiers in deciphering photoinduced catalytic reaction mechanisms on the multiple temporal and spatial scales. Operando X-ray spectroscopic methods offer a new set of electronic transitions in probing the oxidation states, coordinating geometry, and spin states of the metal catalytic center and photosensitizers with unprecedented energy and time resolution. Operando X-ray scattering methods enable previously elusive reaction steps to be characterized on different length scales and time scales. The methodological progress and their application examples collected in this review will offer a glimpse into the accomplishments and current state in deciphering reaction mechanisms for both natural and synthetic systems. Looking forward, there are still many challenges and opportunities at the frontier of catalytic research that will require further advancement of the characterization techniques.
Properties of zinc oxide films grown on sapphire substrates using high-temperature H{sub 2}O generated by a catalytic reaction on platinum nanoparticles
The authors investigated the characteristics of ZnO films grown on a-plane (11-20) sapphire substrates at 773–873 K using a reaction between dimethylzinc and high-temperature H{sub 2}O generated by a catalytic reaction on Pt nanoparticles. The growth rate was 0.02–0.07 μm min{sup −1}. The largest electron mobility and the smallest residual carrier concentration for the ZnO films were 169 cm{sup 2} V{sup −1} s{sup −1} and 1.6 × 10{sup 17} cm{sup −3}, respectively. X-ray diffraction patterns for the ZnO films exhibited intense (0002) and (0004) peaks associated with ZnO (0001) planes. The minimum full width at half maximum of the ω-rocking curve for ZnO (0002) was less than 0.1°. In a ZnO film with a high electron mobility, no rotational domains were identified using a ZnO (10-10) ϕ scan. From secondary ion mass spectroscopy, a hydrogen concentration of 3 × 10{sup 18} cm{sup −3} and a boron concentration of 2–5 × 10{sup 17} cm{sup −3} were determined. These were identified as extrinsic donor impurities.
Catalytic reaction in confined flow channel
A chemical reactor comprises a flow channel, a source, and a destination. The flow channel is configured to house at least one catalytic reaction converting at least a portion of a first nanofluid entering the channel into a second nanofluid exiting the channel. The flow channel includes at least one turbulating flow channel element disposed axially along at least a portion of the flow channel. A plurality of catalytic nanoparticles is dispersed in the first nanofluid and configured to catalytically react the at least one first chemical reactant into the at least one second chemical reaction product in the flow channel.
Catalytic reactions within the cavity of coordination cages
Natural enzymes catalyze reactions in their substrate-binding cavities, exhibiting high specificity and efficiency. In an effort to mimic the structure and functionality of enzymes, discrete coordination cages were designed and synthesized. These self-assembled systems have a variety of confined cavities, which have been applied to accelerate conventional reactions, perform substrate-specific reactions, and manipulate regio- and enantio-selectivity. Many coordination cages or cage–catalyst composites have achieved unprecedented results, outperforming their counterparts in different catalytic reactions. This tutorial review summarizes recent developments of coordination cages across three key approaches to coordination cage catalysis: (1) cavity promoted reactions, (2) embedding of active sites in the structure of the cage, and (3) encapsulation of catalysts within the cage. Special emphasis of the review involves (1) introduction of the structure and property of the coordination cage, (2) discussion of the catalytic pathway mediated by the cage, (3) elucidation of the structure–property relationship between the cage and the designated reaction. This work will summarize the recent progress in supramolecular catalysis and attract more researchers to pursue cavity-promoted reactions using discrete coordination cages.
Advanced Solution Methods for Microkinetic Models of Catalytic Reactions: A Methanol Synthesis Case Study
Microkinetic models, combined with experimentally measured reaction rates and orders, play a key role in elucidating detailed reaction mechanisms in heterogeneous catalysis and have typically been solved as systems of ordinary differential equations. In this work, we demonstrate a new approach to fitting those models to experimental data. For the specific example treated here, by reformulating a typical microkinetic model for a continuous stirred tank reactor to a system of nonlinear equations, we achieved a 1000-fold increase in solution speed. The reduced computational cost allows a more systematic search of the parameter space, leading to better fits to the available experimental data. We applied this approach to the problem of methanol synthesis by CO/CO2 hydrogenation over a supported-Cu catalyst, an important catalytic reaction with a large industrial interest and potential for large-scale CO2 chemical fixation.
High-spatial-resolution mapping of catalytic reactions on single particles
We report the critical role in surface reactions and heterogeneous catalysis of metal atoms with low coordination numbers, such as found at atomic steps and surface defects, is firmly established. But despite the growing availability of tools that enable detailed in situ characterization, so far it has not been possible to document this role directly. Surface properties can be mapped with high spatial resolution, and catalytic conversion can be tracked with a clear chemical signature; however, the combination of the two, which would enable high-spatial-resolution detection of reactions on catalytic surfaces, has rarely been achieved. Single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy has been used to image and characterize single turnover sites at catalytic surfaces, but is restricted to reactions that generate highly fluorescing product molecules. Herein the chemical conversion of N-heterocyclic carbene molecules attached to catalytic particles is mapped using synchrotron-radiation-based infrared nanospectroscopy with a spatial resolution of 25 nanometres, which enabled particle regions that differ in reactivity to be distinguished. Lastly, these observations demonstrate that, compared to the flat regions on top of the particles, the peripheries of the particles-which contain metal atoms with low coordination numbers-are more active in catalysing oxidation and reduction of chemically active groups in surface-anchored N-heterocyclic carbene molecules.
Catalytic Activity of Platinum Monolayer on Iridium and Rhenium Alloy Nanoparticles for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
A new type of electrocatalyst with a core–shell structure that consists of a platinum monolayer shell placed on an iridium–rhenium nanoparticle core or platinum and palladium bilayer shell deposited on that core has been prepared and tested for electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction. Carbon-supported iridium–rhenium alloy nanoparticles with several different molar ratios of Ir to Re were prepared by reducing metal chlorides dispersed on Vulcan carbon with hydrogen gas at 400 °C for 1 h. These catalysts showed specific electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction comparable to that of platinum. The activities of Pt ML /Pd ML /Ir 2 Re 1 , Pt ML /Pd 2layers /Ir 2 Re 1 , and Pt ML /Pd 2layers /Ir 7 Re 3 catalysts were, in fact, better than that of conventional platinum electrocatalysts, and their mass activities exceeded the 2015 DOE target. Our density functional theory calculations revealed that the molar ratio of Ir to Re affects the binding strength of adsorbed OH and, thereby, the O 2 reduction activity of the catalysts. The maximum specific activity was found for an intermediate OH binding energy with the corresponding catalyst on the top of the volcano plot. The monolayer concept facilitates the use of much less platinum than in other approaches. Finally, the results with the Pt ML /Pd ML /Ir 2 Re electrocatalyst indicate that it is a promising alternative to conventional Pt electrocatalysts in low-temperature fuel cells.