Synthesis and characterization of a novel magnetic nano‐palladium Schiff base complex: application in cross‐coupling reactions

A novel and task‐specific nano‐magnetic Schiff base ligand with phosphate spacer using 2‐aminoethyl dihydrogen phosphate instead of usual coating agents, i.e. tetraethoxysilane and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane, for coating of nano‐magnetic Fe₃O₄ is introduced. The nano‐magnetic Schiff base ligand with phosphate spacer as a novel catalyst was synthesized and fully characterized using infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, thermogravimetry, derivative thermogravimetry, vibrating sample magnetometry, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The resulting task‐specific nano‐magnetic Schiff base ligand with phosphate spacer was successfully employed as a magnetite Pd nanoparticle‐supported catalyst for Sonogashira and Mizoroki–Heck C–C coupling reactions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the synthesis and applications of magnetic nanoparticles of Fe₃O₄@O₂PO₂(CH₂)₂NH₂ as a suitable spacer for the preparation of a designable Schiff base ligand and its corresponding Pd complex. So the present work can open up a new and promising insight in the course of rational design, synthesis and applications of various task‐specific magnetic nanoparticle complexes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Elucidating the Structural Composition of an Fe–N–C Catalyst by Nuclear‐ and Electron‐Resonance Techniques

Fe–N–C catalysts are very promising materials for fuel cells and metal–air batteries. This work gives fundamental insights into the structural composition of an Fe–N–C catalyst and highlights the importance of an in‐depth characterization. By nuclear‐ and electron‐resonance techniques, we are able to show that even after mild pyrolysis and acid leaching, the catalyst contains considerable fractions of α‐iron and, surprisingly, iron oxide. Our work makes it questionable to what extent FeN₄ sites can be present in Fe–N–C catalysts prepared by pyrolysis at 900 °C and above. The simulation of the iron partial density of phonon states enables the identification of three FeN₄ species in our catalyst, one of them comprising a sixfold coordination with end‐on bonded oxygen as one of the axial ligands.     

Eco‐compatible three component strategies for C‐S bond formation in thioether and S‐aryl‐carbamodithioate compounds catalyzed by copper(II) nanoparticles supported on modified AlPO4

One‐pot and three components C‐S bond formation reactions in thioethers and S‐aryl‐carbamodithioates have been catalyzed by a copper heterogeneous nano‐catalyst supported on modified AlPO₄ under different reaction conditions. The above‐mentioned nano‐catalyst has been characterized by various techniques such as SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, FT‐IR, UV–Vis, CV, BET, TGA, ICP and XPS spectrometry and its particle size was estimated to be between 60–110 nm. Finally, the reusability of the catalyst up to ten cycles without any significant leaching is one of the outstanding properties of the catalyst.     

Ternary CoPtAu Nanoparticles as a General Catalyst for Highly Efficient Electro‐oxidation of Liquid Fuels

Efficient electro‐oxidation of formic acid, methanol, and ethanol is challenging owing to the multiple chemical reaction steps required to accomplish full oxidation to CO₂. Herein, a ternary CoPtAu nanoparticle catalyst system is reported in which Co and Pt form an intermetallic L1₀‐structure and Au segregates on the surface to alloy with Pt. The L1₀‐structure stabilizes Co and significantly enhances the catalysis of the PtAu surface towards electro‐oxidation of ethanol, methanol, and formic acid, with mass activities of 1.55 A/mg_Pt, 1.49 A/mg_Pt, and 11.97 A/mg_Pt, respectively in 0.1 m HClO₄. The L1₀‐CoPtAu catalyst is also stable, with negligible degradation in mass activities and no obvious Co/Pt/Au composition changes after 10 000 potential cycles. The in situ surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy study indicates that the ternary catalyst activates the C?C bond more efficiently for ethanol oxidation.     

Cooperative Effect of Two Metals: CoPd(OAc)4‐Catalyzed CH Amination and Aziridination

The first Co/Pd‐cocatalyzed intramolecular C?H amination and aziridination reactions were developed. Sulfamate esters were converted to oxathiazinanes by using CoPd(OAc)₄ as catalyst and PhI(OAc)₂ as oxidant. The mutual presence of both Co and Pd is crucial for the catalytic activity. This combination of two metals with simple acetate ligands provides an economical alternative to the Rh‐catalyzed insertion of nitrenoids into C?H bonds.     

Efficient Fe‐Co‐N‐C Electrocatalyst Towards Oxygen Reduction Derived from a Cationic CoII‐based Metal–Organic Framework Modified by Anion‐Exchange with Potassium Ferricyanide

Fe‐Co‐N‐C electrocatalysts have proven superior to their counterparts (e.g. Fe‐N‐C or Co‐N‐C) for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we report on a unique strategy to prepare Fe‐Co‐N‐C?x (x refers to the pyrolysis temperature) electrocatalysts which involves anion‐exchange of [Fe(CN)₆]^3? into a cationic Co^II‐based metal‐organic framework precursor prior to heat treatment. Fe‐Co‐N‐C‐900 exhibits an optimal ORR catalytic performance in an alkaline electrolyte with an onset potential (E_onset: 0.97 V) and half‐wave potential (E_1/2: 0.86 V) comparable to that of commercial Pt/C (E_onset=1.02 V; E_1/2=0.88 V), which outperforms the corresponding Co‐N‐C‐900 sample (E_onset=0.92 V; E_1/2=0.84 V) derived from the same MOF precursor without anion‐exchange modification. This is the first example of Fe‐Co‐N‐C electrocatalysts fabricated from a cationic Co^II‐based MOF precursor that dopes the Fe element via anion‐exchange, and our current work provides a new entrance towards MOF‐derived transition‐metal (e.g. Fe or Co) and nitrogen‐codoped carbon electrocatalysts with excellent ORR activity.     

A capable cobalt nano‐catalyst for the N‐formylation of various amines and its biological activity studies

The Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ MNPs) were modified with 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐diol and the relevant Co complex (Fe₃O₄@Phendiol@Co) synthesized as a nano‐magnetic heterogeneous catalyst to be used for the N ‐formylation of various amines at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions. Also, in order to find the better concept of the catalyst role, the N ‐formylation reaction was carried out by the use of ultrasound irradiation in the absence of the Co nano‐catalyst and the results were compared. The catalyst characterized by different methods such as the elemental analysis (CHN), ICP, FT‐IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM, TG‐DTA, VSM and XPS. In addition, the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of the Fe₃O₄@Phendiol@Co nano‐catalyst and its Phendiol ligand were in vitro screened by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and disc diffusion methods. Results showed that they possess strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀; 0.182 ± 0.006 mg/ml) and good antibacterial potential in comparison to standards.     

The effect of citric acid on the catalytic activity of nano‐sized MoS2 toward sulfur‐resistant CO methanation

In this work, a facile hydrothermal route was used to prepare nano‐sized MoS₂ catalyst. The effect of citric acid during the MoS₂ preparation process on the catalytic activity of sulfur‐resistant CO methanation was investigated. It was found that citric acid played an adverse role on the catalytic activity of MoS₂ toward sulfur‐resistant CO methanation. However, CO methanation performance turned out to be better when NH₂OH?HCl as a reductant was removed during the catalyst preparation process. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) were performed to discuss the possible mechanism for the effect of citric acid towards CO methanation performance.     

Palladium–S‐propyl‐2‐aminobenzothioate immobilized on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles as catalyst for Suzuki and Heck reactions in water or poly(ethylene glycol)

A moisture‐ and air‐stable heterogenized palladium catalyst was synthesized by coordination of palladium with S‐propyl‐2‐aminothiobenzamide supported on Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles. The prepared nanocatalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, transmission and scanning electron microscopies, dynamic laser scattering and thermogravimetric analysis. This catalyst could be dispersed homogeneously in water or poly(ethylene glycol) and further applied as an excellent nano‐organometal catalyst for Suzuki and Heck reactions. The catalyst was easily separated with the assistance of an external magnet from the reaction mixture and reused for several consecutive runs without significant loss of its catalytic efficiency or palladium leaching. The leaching of catalyst was examined using hot filtration and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Also, the effects of various reaction parameters on the Suzuki and Heck reactions are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and properties of Ni–Co–P/nano‐sized Si3N4 electroless composite coatings

Ni–Co–P/nano‐sized Si₃N₄ composite coating was successfully fabricated on aluminum alloys by electroless plating in this work. The surface and cross‐sectional morphologies, composition, microstructure, microhardness, friction and wear behavior of deposits were investigated with SEM, EDS, XRD, Vickers hardness and high‐speed reciprocating friction, respectively. It was found that a Ni–Co–P/nano‐sized Si₃N₄ composite coating on aluminum alloy substrate is uniform and compact. The existence of nano‐sized Si₃N₄ particles in the Ni–Co–P alloy matrix causes a rougher surface with a granular appearance, and increases the microhardness but decreases the friction coefficients and wear rate of electroless coatings. Meanwhile, the effects of heat treatment at 200, 300, 400 and 500 °C for 1 h on the hardness and tribological properties were researched. It is revealed that both of the microhardness and tribological properties of Ni–Co–P coatings and Ni–Co–P/Si₃N₄ composite coatings increase with the increase of heating temperature in the range of 200–400 °C, but show different behavior for the two coatings after annealing at 500 °C. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Catalytically Active Rh Sub‐Nanoclusters on TiO2 for CO Oxidation at Cryogenic Temperatures

The discovery that gold catalysts could be active for CO oxidation at cryogenic temperatures has ignited much excitement in nanocatalysis. Whether the alternative Pt group metal (PGM) catalysts can exhibit such high performance is an interesting research issue. So far, no PGM catalyst shows activity for CO oxidation at cryogenic temperatures. In this work, we report a sub‐nano Rh/TiO₂ catalyst that can completely convert CO at 223 K. This catalyst exhibits at least three orders of magnitude higher turnover frequency (TOF) than the best Rh‐based catalysts and comparable to the well‐known Au/TiO₂ for CO oxidation. The specific size range of 0.4–0.8 nm Rh clusters is critical to the facile activation of O₂ over the Rh–TiO₂ interface in a form of Rh?O?O?Ti (superoxide). This superoxide is ready to react with the CO adsorbed on TiO₂ sites at cryogenic temperatures.     

Pd(0)‐ S‐propyl‐2‐aminobenzothioate immobilized onto functionalized magnetic nanoporous MCM‐41 as efficient and recyclable nanocatalyst for the Suzuki,Stille and Heck cross coupling reactions

The present work describes the use of Pd(0)‐ S‐propyl‐2‐aminobenzothioate Complex immobilized onto functionalized magnetic nanoporous MCM‐41(Fe₃O₄@MCM‐41@Pd‐SPATB) as efficient and recyclable nano‐organometallic catalyst for C–C bond formation between various aryl halides with phenylboronic acid (Suzuki reaction), aryl halides with triphenyltin chloride (Stille reaction), and aryl halides with n‐butyl acrylate (Heck reaction). All the reactions were carried out in PEG‐400 as green solvent with short reaction time and good to excellent yields. This catalyst was characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, XRD, TGA, VSM, ICP‐OES, TEM, EDX and SEM techniques. Ease of operation, high efficiency, recovery and reusability for five continuous cycles without significant loss of its catalytic activities or metal leaching are the noteworthy features of the currently employed heterogeneous catalytic system.     

Cobalt Single‐Atom Catalysts with High Stability for Selective Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid

Metal–organic framework (MOF)‐derived Co‐N‐C catalysts with isolated single cobalt atoms have been synthesized and compared with cobalt nanoparticles for formic acid dehydrogenation. The atomically dispersed Co‐N‐C catalyst achieves superior activity, better acid resistance, and improved long‐term stability compared with nanoparticles synthesized by a similar route. High‐angle annular dark‐field–scanning transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and X‐ray absorption fine structure characterizations reveal the formation of Co^IIN_x centers as active sites. The optimal low‐cost catalyst is a promising candidate for liquid H₂ generation.     

Mizoroki–Heck and Suzuki–Miyaura reactions mediated by poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid)‐stabilized magnetically separable palladium catalyst

The purpose of this work was to synthesize and characterize a new magnetic polymer nanosphere‐supported palladium(II) acetate catalyst for reactions requiring harsh conditions. In this regard, an air‐stable, moisture‐stable and highly efficient heterogenized palladium was synthesized by the coordination of palladium(II) acetate with poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid)‐grafted modified magnetic nanoparticles with a core–shell structure. The structure of the newly developed catalyst was characterized using various techniques. The catalytic activity of the resultant nano‐organometallic catalyst was evaluated in Mizoroki–Heck and Suzuki–Miyaura reactions to afford the corresponding coupling products in good to excellent yields. High selectivity as well as outstanding turnover number (14 143, 4900) and turnover frequency (28 296, 7424) values were recorded for the catalyst in Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck reactions, respectively. Magnetic separation and recycling of the catalyst for at least six runs became possible without any significant loss of efficiency or any detectable palladium leaching.     

System with Potential Dual Modes of Metal–Ligand Cooperation: Highly Catalytically Active Pyridine‐Based PNNH–Ru Pincer Complexes

Metal–ligand cooperation (MLC) plays an important role in catalysis. Systems reported so far are generally based on a single mode of MLC. We report here a system with potential for MLC by both amine–amide and aromatization–dearomatization ligand transformations, based on a new class of phosphino–pyridyl ruthenium pincer complexes, bearing sec‐amine coordination. These pincer complexes are effective catalysts under unprecedented mild conditions for acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols to esters at 35 °C and hydrogenation of esters at room temperature and 5 atm H₂. The likely actual catalyst, a novel, crystallographically characterized monoanionic de‐aromatized enamido–Ru^II complex, was obtained by deprotonation of both the N?H and the methylene proton of the N‐arm of the pincer ligand.     

Ketones from Nickel‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative,Non‐Symmetric Cross‐Electrophile Coupling of Carboxylic Acid Esters

Synthesis of the C?C bonds of ketones relies upon one high‐availability reagent (carboxylic acids) and one low‐availability reagent (organometallic reagents or alkyl iodides). We demonstrate here a ketone synthesis that couples two different carboxylic acid esters, N‐hydroxyphthalimide esters and S‐2‐pyridyl thioesters, to form aryl alkyl and dialkyl ketones in high yields. The keys to this approach are the use of a nickel catalyst with an electron‐poor bipyridine or terpyridine ligand, a THF/DMA mixed solvent system, and ZnCl₂ to enhance the reactivity of the NHP ester. The resulting reaction can be used to form ketones that have previously been difficult to access, such as hindered tertiary/tertiary ketones with strained rings and ketones with α‐heteroatoms. The conditions can be employed in the coupling of complex fragments, including a 20‐mer peptide fragment analog of Exendin(9–39) on solid support.     

Ketones from Nickel‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative,Non‐Symmetric Cross‐Electrophile Coupling of Carboxylic Acid Esters

Synthesis of the C?C bonds of ketones relies upon one high‐availability reagent (carboxylic acids) and one low‐availability reagent (organometallic reagents or alkyl iodides). We demonstrate here a ketone synthesis that couples two different carboxylic acid esters, N‐hydroxyphthalimide esters and S‐2‐pyridyl thioesters, to form aryl alkyl and dialkyl ketones in high yields. The keys to this approach are the use of a nickel catalyst with an electron‐poor bipyridine or terpyridine ligand, a THF/DMA mixed solvent system, and ZnCl₂ to enhance the reactivity of the NHP ester. The resulting reaction can be used to form ketones that have previously been difficult to access, such as hindered tertiary/tertiary ketones with strained rings and ketones with α‐heteroatoms. The conditions can be employed in the coupling of complex fragments, including a 20‐mer peptide fragment analog of Exendin(9–39) on solid support.     

An Isolated Zinc–Cobalt Atomic Pair for Highly Active and Durable Oxygen Reduction

A competitive complexation strategy has been developed to construct a novel electrocatalyst with Zn‐Co atomic pairs coordinated on N doped carbon support (Zn/CoN‐C). Such architecture offers enhanced binding ability of O₂, significantly elongates the O?O length (from 1.23 Å to 1.42 Å), and thus facilitates the cleavage of O?O bond, showing a theoretical overpotential of 0.335 V during ORR process. As a result, the Zn/CoN‐C catalyst exhibits outstanding ORR performance in both alkaline and acid conditions with a half‐wave potential of 0.861 and 0.796 V respectively. The in situ XANES analysis suggests Co as the active center during the ORR. The assembled zinc–air battery with Zn/CoN‐C as cathode catalyst presents a maximum power density of 230 mW cm^?2 along with excellent operation durability. The excellent catalytic activity in acid is also verified by H₂/O₂ fuel cell tests (peak power density of 705 mW cm^?2).     

Evidence of Structure Sensitivity in the Fischer–Tropsch Reaction on Model Cobalt Nanoparticles by Time‐Resolved Chemical Transient Kinetics

The Fischer–Tropsch process, or the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide (CO), produces long chain hydrocarbons and offers an alternative to the use of crude oil for chemical feedstocks. The observed size dependence of cobalt (Co) catalysts for the Fischer–Tropsch reaction was studied with colloidally prepared Co nanoparticles and a chemical transient kinetics reactor capable of measurements under non‐steady‐state conditions. Co nanoparticles of 4.3 nm and 9.5 nm diameters were synthesized and tested under atmospheric pressure conditions and H₂/CO=2. Large differences in carbon coverage (Θ_C) were observed for the two catalysts: the 4.3 nm Co catalyst has a Θ_C less than one while the 9.5 nm Co catalyst supports a Θ_C greater than two. The monomer units present on the surface during reaction are identified as single carbon species for both sizes of Co nanoparticles, and the major CO dissociation site is identified as the B₅‐B geometry. The difference in activity of Co nanoparticles was found to be a result of the structure sensitivity caused by the loss of these specific types of sites at smaller nanoparticle sizes.     

Ruthenium Nanoparticles on Nano‐Level‐Controlled Carbon Supports as Highly Effective Catalysts for Arene Hydrogenation

The reaction of three types of carbon nanofibers (CNFs; platelet: CNF‐P, tubular: CNF‐T, herringbone: CNF‐H) with [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] in toluene heated at reflux provided the corresponding CNF‐supported ruthenium nanoparticles, Ru/CNFs (Ru content=1.1–3.8 wt %). TEM studies of these Ru/CNFs revealed that size‐controlled Ru nanoparticles (2–4 nm) exist on the CNFs, and that their location was dependent on the surface nanostructures of the CNFs: on the edge of the graphite layers (CNF‐P), in the tubes and on the surface (CNF‐T), and between the layers and on the edge (CNF‐H). Among these Ru/CNFs, Ru/CNF‐P showed excellent catalytic activity towards hydrogenation of toluene with high reproducibility; the reaction proceeded without leaching of the Ru species, and the catalyst was reusable. The total turnover number of the five recycling experiments for toluene hydrogenation reached over 180 000 (mol toluene) (mol Ru)^?1. Ru/CNF‐P was also effective for the hydrogenation of functionalized benzene derivatives and pyridine. Hydrogenolysis of benzylic C? O and C? N bonds has not yet been observed. Use of poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) as a solvent made possible the biphasic catalytic hydrogenation of toluene. After the reaction, the methylcyclohexane formed was separated by decantation without contamination of the ruthenium species and PEG. The insoluble PEG phase containing all of the Ru/CNF was recoverable and reusable as the catalyst without loss of activity.