Cross‐Linked Polyphosphazene Hollow Nanosphere‐Derived N/P‐Doped Porous Carbon with Single Nonprecious Metal Atoms for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Heteroatom‐doped polymers or carbon nanospheres have attracted broad research interest. However, rational synthesis of these nanospheres with controllable properties is still a great challenge. Herein, we develop a template‐free approach to construct cross‐linked polyphosphazene nanospheres with tunable hollow structures. As comonomers, hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene provides N and P atoms, tannic acid can coordinate with metal ions, and the replaceable third comonomer can endow the materials with various properties. After carbonization, N/P‐doped mesoporous carbon nanospheres were obtained with small particle size (≈50 nm) and high surface area (411.60 m² g^?1). Structural characterization confirmed uniform dispersion of the single atom transition metal sites (i.e., Co‐N₂P₂) with N and P dual coordination. Electrochemical measurements and theoretical simulations revealed the oxygen reduction reaction performance. This work provides a solution for fabricating diverse heteroatom‐containing polymer nanospheres and their derived single metal atom doped carbon catalysts.     

Facile synthesis of Fe3O4@C hollow nanospheres and their application in polluted water treatment

Nanostructured carbon-based materials, such as carbon nanotube arrays have shown respectable removal ability for heavy metal ions and organic dyes in aqueous solution. Although the carbon-based materials exhibited excellent removal ability, the separation of them from the aqueous solution is difficult and time-consuming. Here we demonstrated a novel and facile route for the large-scale fabrication of Fe₃O₄@C hollow nanospheres, with using ferrocene as a single reagent and SiO₂ as a template. The as-prepared Fe₃O₄@C hollow nanospheres exhibited adsorption ability for heavy metal ions and organic dyes from aqueous solution, and can be easily separated by an external magnet. When the as-prepared Fe₃O₄@C hollow nanospheres were mixed with the aqueous solution of Hg²⁺ within 15 min, the removal efficiency was 90.3%. The as-prepared Fe₃O₄@C hollow nanospheres were also exhibited a high adsorption capacity (100%) as the adsorbent for methylene blue (MB). In addition, the as-prepared Fe₃O₄@C hollow nanospheres can be used as the recyclable sorbent for water treatment via a simple magnetic separation.     

Electrocatalytically Active Fe‐(O‐C2)4 Single‐Atom Sites for Efficient Reduction of Nitrogen to Ammonia

Single‐atom catalysts have demonstrated their superiority over other types of catalysts for various reactions. However, the reported nitrogen reduction reaction single‐atom electrocatalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction exclusively utilize metal–nitrogen or metal–carbon coordination configurations as catalytic active sites. Here, we report a Fe single‐atom electrocatalyst supported on low‐cost, nitrogen‐free lignocellulose‐derived carbon. The extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectra confirm that Fe atoms are anchored to the support via the Fe‐(O‐C₂)₄ coordination configuration. Density functional theory calculations identify Fe‐(O‐C₂)₄ as the active site for the nitrogen reduction reaction. An electrode consisting of the electrocatalyst loaded on carbon cloth can afford a NH₃ yield rate and faradaic efficiency of 32.1 μg h^?1 mg_cat.^?1 (5350 μg h^?1 mg_Fe^?1) and 29.3 %, respectively. An exceptional NH₃ yield rate of 307.7 μg h^?1 mg_cat.^?1 (51 283 μg h^?1 mg_Fe^?1) with a near record faradaic efficiency of 51.0 % can be achieved with the electrocatalyst immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode.     

Hypercoordination in triphenyl oxinates of the group 14 elements

The triphenyl oxinates of the group 14 elements (M = Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb) contain the 8-hydroxyquinoline ligand (HOx), which can function in either a bidentate or monodentate fashion. The compounds Ph₃MO_x were prepared by reaction of the triphenylmetal chloride with HOx in the presence of an HCl scavenger triethylamine or, sodium acetate, and in the case of lead, with the sodium salt of 8-hydroxyquinoline. The interaction of the nitrogen with the central atom was studied through the use of the NMR chemical shifts of the central metal atom and the ¹⁵N atom of the ligand. The chemical shifts of the central metal provided evidence that the triphenylgermanium and silicon oxinates are uncoordinated while the triphenyltin and lead oxinates are five-coordinate. These conclusions are confirmed by molecular modeling, ¹⁵N chemical shifts and the metal-¹³C one bond coupling constants at the ipso carbon. The NMR data provides evidence that the strength of the interaction of the nitrogen with the metal increases from silicon and germanium to lead. Two peaks in the 5-coordinate region of the ²⁰⁷Pb NMR spectra can be rationalized with the postulate that strong interaction with lead produces two geometrical isomers. Two peaks were also present in the 5-coordinate region of the ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectra at low temperatures indicating a rapid exchange between the two geometrical isomers at room temperature.     

Minimalistic Ditopic Ligands: An α‐S,N‐Donor‐Substituted Alkyne as Effective Intermetallic Conjugation Linker

The capability of donor‐substituted alkynes to link different metal ions in a side‐on carbon donor‐chelate coordination mode is extended from the donor centers S and P to the second period element N. The complex [Tp′W(CO)₂{η²‐C₂(S)(NHBn)}] (Tp′=hydrido‐tris(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)borate, Bn=benzyl) bearing a terminal sulfur atom and a secondary amine substituent is accessible by a metal‐template synthesis. Subsequent deprotonation allowed the formation of remarkably stable heterobimetallic complexes with the [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)Ru(PPh₃)] and the [Ir(ppy)₂] moiety. Electrochemical and spectroscopic investigations (cyclic voltammetry, IR, UV/Vis, luminescence, EPR), as well as DFT calculations, and X‐ray structure determinations of the W–Ru complex in two oxidation states reveal a strong metal–metal coupling but also a limited delocalization of excited states.     

Carbonylierung von bis(triphenylphosphin)-platin(II)- und -palladium(II)-komplexen in gegenwart von aminen und α-aminosäureestern

The crystal structure of (C₅H₅)₃Pr·CNC₆H₁₁ was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The monoclinic unit cell of dimensions a = 8.298(3), b = 21.66(1), c = 11.943(4) Å, and β = 104.98(3)° contains four molecules in general positions of space group P2₁/c. Each molecule is composed of three C₅H₅ rings in a nearly exact trigonal array, η⁵-bonded to the Pr atom at a distance of 2.53 Å to the centroid of each ring, plus a single CNC₆H₁₁ adduct attached to the Pr atom along the trigonal axis at 2.65 Å. The presence of a CN triple bond in the isonitrile moiety and the nearly linear CNC configuration add credence to the previous proposal that there is a pure donor bond from the isonitrile carbon to the metal atom.     

Atomically Dispersed Nickel(I) on an Alloy‐Encapsulated Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotube Array for High‐Performance Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) show great promise for electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CRR), but the low density of active sites and the poor electrical conduction and mass transport of the single‐atom electrode greatly limit their performance. Herein, we prepared a nickel single‐atom electrode consisting of isolated, high‐density and low‐valent nickel(I) sites anchored on a self‐standing N‐doped carbon nanotube array with nickel–copper alloy encapsulation on a carbon‐fiber paper. The combination of single‐atom nickel(I) sites and self‐standing array structure gives rise to an excellent electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction performance. The introduction of copper tunes the d‐band electron configuration and enhances the adsorption of hydrogen, which impedes the hydrogen evolution reaction. The single‐nickel‐atom electrode exhibits a specific current density of ?32.87 mA cm^?2 and turnover frequency of 1962 h^?1 at a mild overpotential of 620 mV for CO formation with 97 % Faradic efficiency.     

1,2-Metallobridging and the Antiperiplanar Effect. Thermodynamic Preference for the Z-Configuration in Imidoyl(Alkali Metals) and their Phosphorus Analogs

We showed that imidoyl- and phosphaethenyl(alkali metals) would thermodynamically prefer the Z-configuration. The bond model analysis of the electronic structures showed that the Z-preference should originate from 1,2-metallobridging by the delocalization of lone pairs on N or P to vacant p-orbitals of the alkali metals and from the antiperiplanar effect of the delocalization from σ _C—M to σ? _{N(P)—R ²} and from n _N(P) to the C—R¹. The Z-preference increases by more electron-withdrawing groups at the carbon atom of the double bond. However, substitution at the nitrogen/phosphorus results in E-preference because of 1,4-chelation of the lone pair of the substituents to alkali metals. Most of halogen derivatives were not stable and eliminate metal halides.     

Silver Single Atom in Carbon Nitride Catalyst for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Single atom catalysts (SACs) with the maximized metal atom efficiency have sparked great attention. However, it is challenging to obtain SACs with high metal loading, high catalytic activity, and good stability. Herein, we demonstrate a new strategy to develop a highly active and stable Ag single atom in carbon nitride (Ag-N₂C₂/CN) catalyst with a unique coordination. The Ag atomic dispersion and Ag-N₂C₂ configuration have been identified by aberration-correction high-angle-annular-dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-HAADF-STEM) and extended X-ray absorption. Experiments and DFT calculations further verify that Ag-N₂C₂ can reduce the H₂ evolution barrier, expand the light absorption range, and improve the charge transfer of CN. As a result, the Ag-N₂C₂/CN catalyst exhibits much better H₂ evolution activity than the N-coordinated Ag single atom in CN (Ag-N₄/CN), and is even superior to the Pt nanoparticle-loaded CN (Pt_NP/CN). This work provides a new idea for the design and synthesis of SACs with novel configurations and excellent catalytic activity and durability.     

N,O-coupling towards the selectively electrochemical production of H2O2

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) synthesis generally involves the energy-intensive anthraquinone process. Alternatively, electrochemical synthesis provides a green, economical, and environmentally friendly route to prepare H₂O₂ via the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction, but this process requires efficient catalysts with high activity and selectivity simultaneously. Here, we report an N, O co-doped carbon xerogel-based electrocatalyst (NO-CX) prepared by a simple and economical method. The NO-CX catalyst exhibits a high H₂O₂ selectivity over 90% in a potential range of 0.2–0.6 V and a high H₂O₂ production rate of 1410 mmol g_cat^?1 h^?1. The density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the coupling effect between N and O can effectively induce the redistribution of surface charge and the edge carbon atom adjacent to an ether group and a graphite nitrogen atom is the active site. This work provides a straightforward and low-cost process to produce highly selective H₂O₂ catalysts, which is in place for the expansion of electrocatalytic synthesis of useful chemicals.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel η 2-iminoacyl monocyclopentadienyl titanium(IV) complex

An unusual complex, [CpTi(η²-(C,N)-2-ArNH–C₆H₄C=NAr)Cl₂] (Ar?=?2,6- ⁱ Pr₂C₆H₃) (1) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectra, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The ¹³C NMR resonance of the imine carbon atom of 1 at δ?221?ppm is consistent with the η²-(C,N) binding. This was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction study of 1. In the complex, Ti atom is five-coordinate with a η²-bound iminoacyl ligand and one Cp ligand occupying the axial position in a distorted square pyramid.     

Selectivity Control of the Ligand Exchange at Carbon in α-Metallated Ylides as a Route to Ketenyl Anions**

α-Metallated ylides have recently been reported to undergo phosphine by CO exchange at the ylidic carbon atom to form isolable ketenyl anions. Systematic studies on the tosyl-substituted yldiides, R₃P=C(M)Ts (M=Li, Na, K), now reveal that carbonylation may lead to a competing metal salt (MTs) elimination. This side-reaction can be controlled by the choice of phosphine, metal cation, solvent and co-ligands, thus enabling the selective isolation of the ketenyl anion [Ts−CCO]M ( 2-M ). Complexation of 2-Na by crown ether or cryptand allowed structure elucidation of the first free ketenyl anion [Ts−CCO]⁻, which showed an almost linear Ts−C−C linkage indicative for a pronounced ynolate character. However, DFT studies support a high charge at the ketenyl carbon atom, which is reflected in the selective carbon-centered reactivity. Overall, the present study provides important information on the selectivity control of ketenyl anion formation which will be crucial for future applications.     

Regulating the Coordination Environment of MOF‐Templated Single‐Atom Nickel Electrocatalysts for Boosting CO2 Reduction

The general synthesis and control of the coordination environment of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) remains a great challenge. Herein, a general host–guest cooperative protection strategy has been developed to construct SACs by introducing polypyrrole (PPy) into a bimetallic metal–organic framework. As an example, the introduction of Mg²⁺ in MgNi‐MOF‐74 extends the distance between adjacent Ni atoms; the PPy guests serve as N source to stabilize the isolated Ni atoms during pyrolysis. As a result, a series of single‐atom Ni catalysts (named Ni_SA‐N_x‐C) with different N coordination numbers have been fabricated by controlling the pyrolysis temperature. Significantly, the Ni_SA‐N₂‐C catalyst, with the lowest N coordination number, achieves high CO Faradaic efficiency (98 %) and turnover frequency (1622 h^?1), far superior to those of Ni_SA‐N₃‐C and Ni_SA‐N₄‐C, in electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction. Theoretical calculations reveal that the low N coordination number of single‐atom Ni sites in Ni_SA‐N₂‐C is favorable to the formation of COOH* intermediate and thus accounts for its superior activity.     

Kinetically Controlled Assembly of Nitrogen‐Doped Invaginated Carbon Nanospheres with Tunable Mesopores

Mesoporous hollow carbon nanospheres (MHCS) have been extensively studied owning to their unique structural features and diverse potential applications. A surfactant‐free self‐assembly approach between resorcinol/formaldehyde and silicon alkoxide has emerged as an important strategy to prepare MHCS. Extending such a strategy to other substituted phenols to produce heterogeneous‐atom‐doped MHCS remains a challenge due to the very different polymerization kinetics of various resins. Herein, we report an ethylenediamine‐assisted strategy to control the cooperative self‐assembly between a 3‐aminophenol/formaldehyde resin and silica templates. Nitrogen‐doped mesoporous invaginated carbon nanospheres (N‐MICS) with an N content of 6.18 at %, high specific surface areas (up to 1118 m² g^?1), large pore volumes (2.47 cm³ g^?1), and tunable mesopores (3.7–11.1 nm) have been prepared. When used as electrical double‐layer supercapacitors, N‐MICS show a high capacitance of 261 F g^?1, an outstanding cycling stability (≈94 % capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles), and a good rate performance.     

An Ethylene‐Bridged Phosphane/Borane Frustrated Lewis Pair Featuring the ‐B(Fxyl)2 Lewis Acid Component

Hydroboration of dimesitylvinylphosphane with bis[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borane [HB(Fxyl)₂] gave the intramolecular ethylene‐bridged P/B frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) Mes₂PCH₂CH₂B(Fxyl)₂. The new compound underwent a variety of typical FLP reactions such as P/B‐addition to the carbonyl group of p‐chloro‐benzaldehyde. Cooperative N,N‐addition to nitric oxide gave the respective persistent P/B FLPNO^. radical, which readily reacted with 1,4‐cyclohexadiene by H‐atom abstraction to yield the corresponding P/B FLPNOH product. The B(Fxyl)₂‐containing FLP reacted as a template for the HB(C₆F₅)₂ reduction of carbon monoxide to the formyl stage to give the respective FLP(η²‐formylborane) product. Most products were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray crystal structure analysis.     

Superior Electrochemical Properties of Nanofibers Composed of Hollow CoFe2O4 Nanospheres Covered with Onion‐Like Graphitic Carbon

Nanofibers composed of hollow CoFe₂O₄ nanospheres covered with onion‐like carbon are prepared by applying nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion to the electrospinning process. Amorphous carbon nanofibers embedded with CoFe₂@onion‐like carbon nanospheres are prepared by reduction of the electrospun nanofibers. Oxidation of the CoFe₂‐C nanofibers at 300 °C under a normal atmosphere produces porous nanofibers composed of hollow CoFe₂O₄ nanospheres covered with onion‐like carbon. CoFe₂ nanocrystals are transformed into the hollow CoFe₂O₄ nanospheres during oxidation through a well‐known nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion process. The discharge capacities of the carbon‐free CoFe₂O₄ nanofibers composed of hollow nanospheres and the nanofibers composed of hollow CoFe₂O₄ nanospheres covered with onion‐like carbon are 340 and 930 mA h g^?1, respectively, for the 1000th cycle at a current density of 1 A g^?1. The nanofibers composed of hollow CoFe₂O₄ nanospheres covered with onion‐like carbon exhibit an excellent rate performance even in the absence of conductive materials.     

Characterization of Thallium(I) Saccharinate: an unprecedented Coordination of the Saccharinate Ligand

The crystal structure of [Tl₂(sac)₂(H₂O)]_n (sac = saccharinate anion) has been solved using single crystal X‐ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 with Z = 2 and presents a polymeric structure formed by two saccharinate anions, one water molecule and two chemically different Tl^I cations, one 8‐coordinate and the other 5‐coordinate. Saccharinate shows an unprecedented coordination behavior as it acts as chelating ligand through its N and carbonyl O atoms with the N atom interacting simultaneously with both metal centers, and participation of sulphonyl oxygen atoms in bonding. The most important features of the IR spectrum of the complex are discussed on the basis of the structural peculiarities.     

Intramolecular Diastereoselective Cascade Cyclization Reaction of N,N′-Bis(Salicylidene)Cyclohexanediimine with Phosphoryltrichloride to a Bis(Chlorophosphorylated) Decahydro-2,4-DI (2-Hydroxyphenyl)Benzo[d][1,3,6]oxadiazepine

Abstract

A new type of cascade cyclization was observed in the phosphorylation reaction of (R,R)- or (S,S)-N,N′-bis(salicylidene)cyclohexanediimine with phosphoryltrichloride, which resulted in the formation of bis(chlorophosphorylated) decahydro-2,4-di(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzo[d][1,3,6]oxadiazepine with two new stereogenic phosphorus atoms and two new stereogenic carbon atoms in the oxadiazepine ring in the β-position to phosphorus. During the synthesis, the N atom attacks the phosphorodichloridate group with the formation of the P–N bond to give an asymmetric phosphorus atom and an iminium ion. This compound with six stereogenic centers crystallizes in the monoclinic centrosymmetric space group P2₁/c and the crystal structure together with solution and solid-state MAS ¹³C and ³¹P NMR studies reveals a preferential formation of stereoisomers.     

Metal–Organic‐Framework‐Derived Hollow N‐Doped Porous Carbon with Ultrahigh Concentrations of Single Zn Atoms for Efficient Carbon Dioxide Conversion

The development of efficient and low energy‐consumption catalysts for CO₂ conversion is desired, yet remains a great challenge. Herein, a class of novel hollow porous carbons (HPC), featuring well dispersed dopants of nitrogen and single Zn atoms, have been fabricated, based on the templated growth of a hollow metal–organic framework precursor, followed by pyrolysis. The optimized HPC‐800 achieves efficient catalytic CO₂ cycloaddition with epoxides, under light irradiation, at ambient temperature, by taking advantage of an ultrahigh loading of (11.3 wt %) single‐atom Zn and uniform N active sites, high‐efficiency photothermal conversion as well as the hierarchical pores in the carbon shell. As far as we know, this is the first report on the integration of the photothermal effect of carbon‐based materials with single metal atoms for catalytic CO₂ fixation.     

Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 to Syngas with Controllable CO/H2 Ratios over Co and Ni Single‐Atom Catalysts

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to yield synthesis gas (syngas, CO and H₂) has been considered as a promising method to realize the net reduction in CO₂ emission. However, it is challenging to balance the CO₂RR activity and the CO/H₂ ratio. To address this issue, nitrogen‐doped carbon supported single‐atom catalysts are designed as electrocatalysts to produce syngas from CO₂RR. While Co and Ni single‐atom catalysts are selective in producing H₂ and CO, respectively, electrocatalysts containing both Co and Ni show a high syngas evolution (total current >74 mA cm^?2) with CO/H₂ ratios (0.23–2.26) that are suitable for typical downstream thermochemical reactions. Density functional theory calculations provide insights into the key intermediates on Co and Ni single‐atom configurations for the H₂ and CO evolution. The results present a useful case on how non‐precious transition metal species can maintain high CO₂RR activity with tunable CO/H₂ ratios.