Rare‐Earth Single Erbium Atoms for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction

The solar‐driven photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ (CO₂RR) into chemical fuels is a promising route to enrich energy supplies and mitigate CO₂ emissions. However, low catalytic efficiency and poor selectivity, especially in a pure‐water system, hinder the development of photocatalytic CO₂RR owing to the lack of effective catalysts. Herein, we report a novel atom‐confinement and coordination (ACC) strategy to achieve the synthesis of rare‐earth single erbium (Er) atoms supported on carbon nitride nanotubes (Er₁/CN‐NT) with a tunable dispersion density of single atoms. Er₁/CN‐NT is a highly efficient and robust photocatalyst that exhibits outstanding CO₂RR performance in a pure‐water system. Experimental results and density functional theory calculations reveal the crucial role of single Er atoms in promoting photocatalytic CO₂RR.     

Copper-Sulfur-Nitrogen Cluster Providing a Local Proton for Efficient Carbon Dioxide Photoreduction

Atomically precise Cu clusters are highly desirable as catalysts for CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR), and they provide an appropriate model platform for elaborating their structure–activity relationship. However, an efficient overall photocatalytic CO₂RR with H₂O using assembled Cu-cluster aggregates as single component photocatalyst has not been reported. Herein, we report a stable crystalline Cu−S−N cluster photocatalyst with local protonated N−H groups (denoted as Cu₆−NH ). The catalyst exhibits suitable photocatalytic redox potentials, high structural stability, active catalytic species, and a narrow band gap, which account for its outstanding photocatalytic CO₂RR performance under visible light, with ≈100 % selectivity for CO evolution. Remarkably, systematic isostructural Cu-cluster control experiments, in situ infrared spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations revealed that the protonated pyrimidine N atoms in the Cu₆−NH cluster act as a proton relay station, providing a local proton during the photocatalytic CO₂RR. This efficiently lowers the energy barrier for the formation of the *COOH intermediate, which is the rate-limiting step, efficiently enhancing the photocatalytic performance. This work lays the foundation for the development of atomically precise metal-cluster-based photocatalysts.     

Regulating Efficient and Selective Single-atom Catalysts for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction

Anchoring transition metal (TM) atoms on suitable substrates to form single-atom catalysts (SACs) is a novel approach to constructing electrocatalysts. Graphdiyne with sp−sp² hybridized carbon atoms and uniformly distributed pores have been considered as a potential carbon material for supporting metal atoms in a variety of catalytic processes. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to study the single TM atom anchoring on graphdiyne (TM₁−GDY, TM=Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co and Cu) as the catalysts for CO₂ reduction. After anchoring metal atoms on GDY, the catalytic activity of TM₁−GDY (TM=Mn, Co and Cu) for CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) are significantly improved comparing with the pristine GDY. Among the studied TM₁−GDY, Cu₁−GDY shows excellent electrocatalytic activity for CO₂ reduction for which the product is HCOOH and the limiting potential (U_L) is −0.16 V. Mn₁−GDY and Co₁−GDY exhibit superior catalytic selectivity for CO₂ reduction to CH₄ with U_L of −0.62 and −0.34 V, respectively. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by TM₁−GDY (TM=Mn, Co and Cu) occurs on carbon atoms, while the active sites of CO₂RR are the transition metal atoms . The present work is expected to provide a solid theoretical basis for CO₂ conversion into valuable hydrocarbons.     

Crystallographic and Theoretical Investigations of Er2@C2 n (2 n=82, 84, 86): Indication of Distance-Dependent Metal–Metal Bonding Nature

Successful isolation and characterization of a series of Er-based dimetallofullerenes present valuable insights into the realm of metal–metal bonding. These species are crystallographically identified as Er₂@C_s(6)-C₈₂, Er₂@C_3v(8)-C₈₂, Er₂@C₁(12)-C₈₄, and Er₂@C_2v(9)-C₈₆, in which the structure of the C₁(12)-C₈₄ cage is unambiguously characterized for the first time by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Interestingly, natural bond orbital analysis demonstrates that the two Er atoms in Er₂@C_s(6)-C₈₂, Er₂@C_3v(8)-C₈₂, and Er₂@C_2v(9)-C₈₆ form a two-electron-two-center Er−Er bond. However, for Er₂@C₁(12)-C₈₄, with the longest Er⋅⋅⋅Er distance, a one-electron-two-center Er−Er bond may exist. Thus, the difference in the Er⋅⋅⋅Er separation indicates distinct metal bonding natures, suggesting a distance-dependent bonding behavior for the internal dimetallic cluster. Additionally, electrochemical studies suggest that Er₂@C_82–86 are good electron donors instead of electron acceptors. Hence, this finding initiates a connection between metal–metal bonding chemistry and fullerene chemistry.     

Er4F2[Si2O7][SiO4]: Das erste Selten‐Erd‐Fluoridsilicat mit zwei verschiedenen Silicat‐Anionen

Er₄F₂[Si₂O₇][SiO₄]: The First Rare‐Earth Fluoride Silicate with Two Different Silicate Anions By the reaction of Er₂O₃ with ErF₃ and SiO₂ at 700 °C in sealed tantalum capsules using CsCl as flux (molar ratio 5 : 2 : 3 : 20), the compound Er₄F₂[Si₂O₇][SiO₄] (triclinic, P 1; a = 648.51(5), b = 660.34(5), c = 1324.43(9) pm, α = 87.449(8), β = 85.793(8), γ = 60.816(7)°; V_m = 148.69(1) cm³/mol, Z = 2) is obtained as pale pink platelets or lath‐shaped single crystals. It consists of disilicate anions [Si₂O₇]^6– in eclipsed conformation, ortho‐silicate anions [SiO₄]^4– and isolated [Er₄F₂]¹⁰⁺ units comprising two edge‐shared [Er₃F] triangles. Er³⁺ is surrounded by 7 + 1 (Er1) or 7 (Er2–Er4) anionic neighbors, respectively, of which two are F^– in the case of Er1 and Er4 but only one for Er2 and Er3. The other ligands recruit from oxygen atoms of the different oxosilicate groups. The crystal structure can be described as simple rowing up of the three building groups ([SiO₄]^4–, [Er₄F₂]¹⁰⁺, and [Si₂O₇]^6–) along [001]. The necessity of a large excess of fluoride for a successful synthesis of Er₄F₂[Si₂O₇][SiO₄] will be discussed.     

Significant Acceleration of Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction at the Gas-Liquid Interface of Microdroplets**

Solar-driven CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is largely constrained by the sluggish mass transfer and fast combination of photogenerated charge carriers. Herein, we find that the photocatalytic CO₂RR efficiency at the abundant gas-liquid interface provided by microdroplets is two orders of magnitude higher than that of the corresponding bulk phase reaction. Even in the absence of sacrificial agents, the production rates of HCOOH over WO₃ ⋅ 0.33H₂O mediated by microdroplets reaches 2536 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ (vs. 13 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ in bulk phase), which is significantly superior to the previously reported photocatalytic CO₂RR in bulk phase reaction condition. Beyond the efficient delivery of CO₂ to photocatalyst surfaces within microdroplets, we reveal that the strong electric field at the gas-liquid interface of microdroplets essentially promotes the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. This study provides a deep understanding of ultrafast reaction kinetics promoted by the gas-liquid interface of microdroplets and a novel way of addressing the low efficiency of photocatalytic CO₂ reduction to fuel.     

Er3Pd7P4 — Kristallstrukturbestimmung und Extended Hückel Rechnungen

Er₃Pd₇P₄ — Crystal Structure Determination and Extended Hückel Calculations Er₃Pd₇P₄ was prepared by heating the elements (1050°C) and investigated by means of single-crystal X-ray methods. The compound crystallizes in a new structure (C2/m; a = 15.180(3) Å, b = 3.955(1) Å, c = 9.320(1) Å, β = 125,65(1)°; Z = 2) with a three-dimensional framework of Pd and P atoms and with Er atoms in the holes. The Pd atoms are surrounded tetrahedrally, trigonally or linearly by P atoms, which are coordinated by nine metal atoms in the form of a tricapped trigonal prism. Therefore the atomic arrangement of Er₃Pd₇P₄ is related to the structures of ternary transition metal phosphides with a metal: phosphorus ratio of 2:1. Band calculations using the Extended Hückel method show strong covalent Pd? P bonds and weak bonding interactions between Pd atoms with Pd? Pd distances shorter than 2.9 Å.     

Sulfate und Hydrogensulfate des Erbiums: Er(HSO4)3-I,Er(HSO4)3-II,Er(SO4)(HSO4) und Er2(SO4)3

Sulfates and Hydrogensulfates of Erbium: Er(HSO₄)₃-I, Er(HSO₄)₃-II, Er(SO₄)(HSO₄), and Er₂(SO₄)₃ Rod shaped light pink crystals of Er(HSO₄)₃-I (orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 1195.0(1) pm, b = 949.30(7) pm, c = 1644.3(1) pm) grow from a solution of Er₂(SO₄)₃ in conc. H₂SO₄ at 250 °C. From slightly diluted solutions (85%) which contain Na₂SO₄, brick shaped light pink crystals of Er(HSO₄)₃-II (monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 520.00(5) pm, b = 1357.8(1) pm, c = 1233.4(1) pm, β = 92.13(1)°) were obtained at 250 °C and crystals of the same colour of Er(SO₄)(HSO₄) (monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 545.62(6) pm, b = 1075.6(1) pm, c = 1053.1(1) pm, β = 104.58(1)°) at 60 °C. In both hydrogensulfates, Er³⁺ is surrounded by eight oxygen atoms. In Er(HSO₄)₃-I layers of HSO₄^– groups are connected only via hydrogen bridges, while Er(HSO₄)₃-II consists of a threedimensional polyhedra network. In the crystal structure of Er(SO₄)(HSO₄) Er³⁺ is sevenfold coordinated by oxygen atoms, which belong to four SO₄^2–- and three HSO₄^–-tetrahedra, respectively. The anhydrous sulfate, Er₂(SO₄)₃, cannot be prepared from H₂SO₄ solutions but crystallizes from a NaCl-melt. The coordination number of Er³⁺ in Er₂(SO₄)₃ (orthorhombic, Pbcn, a = 1270.9(1) pm, b = 913.01(7) pm, c = 921.67(7) pm) is six. The octahedral coordinationpolyhedra are connected via all vertices to the SO₄^2–-tetrahedra.     

Synthesis,structures and photoluminescence of two Er(III) coordination polymers

Two new erbium compounds, [Er₂(BDC)₃(DMF)₂] (1) and [Er₂(CQC)₃(DMF)₃(H₂O)]?·?DMF?·?H₂O (2), where BDC stands for 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, CQC for 2-(4-carboxyquinolin-2-yl)quinoline-4-carboxylate, and DMF for N,N-dimethylformamide, have been synthesized through pre-heating and cooling-down crystallization. In 1 the Er(III) is seven-coordinate with oxygen atoms from six BDC and one DMF, forming a three-dimensional open-framework structure. Compound 2 possesses a 2D structure based on dinuclear Er(III) building units. The photoluminescence of 1 has also been investigated.     

Enhanced Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol Using Zinc Dendrites Pulse‐Deposited on Silver Foam

The electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) can dynamise the carbon cycle by lowering anthropogenic CO₂ emissions and sustainably producing valuable fuels and chemical feedstocks. Methanol is arguably the most desirable C₁ product of CO₂RR, although it typically forms in negligible amounts. In our search for efficient methanol‐producing CO₂RR catalysts, we have engineered Ag‐Zn catalysts by pulse‐depositing Zn dendrites onto Ag foams (PD‐Zn/Ag foam). By themselves, Zn and Ag cannot effectively reduce CO₂ to CH₃OH, while their alloys produce CH₃OH with Faradaic efficiencies of approximately 1 %. Interestingly, with nanostructuring PD‐Zn/Ag foam reduces CO₂ to CH₃OH with Faradaic efficiency and current density values reaching as high as 10.5 % and ?2.7 mA cm^?2, respectively. Control experiments and DFT calculations pinpoint strained undercoordinated Zn atoms as the active sites for CO₂RR to CH₃OH in a reaction pathway mediated by adsorbed CO and formaldehyde. Surprisingly, the stability of the *CHO intermediate does not influence the activity.     

Synthese,Kristallstrukturen und thermisches Verhalten von Er2(SO4)3 · 8 H2O und Er2(SO4)3 · 4 H2O

Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Thermal Behavior of Er₂(SO₄)₃ · 8 H₂O and Er₂(SO₄)₃ · 4 H₂O Evaporation of aqueous solutions of Er₂(SO₄)₃ yields light pink single crystals of Er₂(SO₄)₃ · 8 H₂O. X-ray single crystal investigations show that the compound crystallizes monoclinically (C2/c, Z = 8, a = 1346.1(3), b = 667.21(1), c = 1816.2(6) pm, β = 101.90(3)°, R_all = 0.0169) with eightfold coordination of Er³⁺, according to Er(SO₄)₄(H₂O)₄. DSC- and temperature dependent X-ray powder investigations show that the decomposition of the hydrate follows a two step mechanism, firstly yielding Er₂(SO₄)₃ · 3 H₂O and finally Er₂(SO₄)₃. Attempts to synthesize Er₂(SO₄)₃ · 3 H₂O led to another hydrate, Er₂(SO₄)₃ · 4 H₂O. There are two crystallographically different Er³⁺ ions in the triclinic structure (P 1, Z = 2, a = 663.5(2), b = 905.5(2), c = 1046.5(2) pm, α = 93.59(3)°, β = 107.18(2)°, γ = 99.12(3)°, R_all = 0.0248). Er(1)³⁺ is coordinated by five SO₄^2– groups and three H₂O molecules, Er(2)³⁺ is surrounded by six SO₄^2– groups and one H₂O molecule. The thermal decomposition of the tetrahydrate yields Er₂(SO₄)₃ in a one step process. In both cases the dehydration produces the anhydrous sulfate in a modification different from the one known so far.     

Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven Carbon Dioxide Reduction by a Single‐Atom Implanted Metal–Organic Framework

Modular optimization of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) was realized by incorporation of coordinatively unsaturated single atoms in a MOF matrix. The newly developed MOF can selectively capture and photoreduce CO₂ with high efficiency under visible‐light irradiation. Mechanistic investigation reveals that the presence of single Co atoms in the MOF can greatly boost the electron–hole separation efficiency in porphyrin units. Directional migration of photogenerated excitons from porphyrin to catalytic Co centers was witnessed, thereby achieving supply of long‐lived electrons for the reduction of CO₂ molecules adsorbed on Co centers. As a direct result, porphyrin MOF comprising atomically dispersed catalytic centers exhibits significantly enhanced photocatalytic conversion of CO₂, which is equivalent to a 3.13‐fold improvement in CO evolution rate (200.6 μmol g^?1 h^?1) and a 5.93‐fold enhancement in CH₄ generation rate (36.67 μmol g^?1 h^?1) compared to the parent MOF.     

Er~(3+)∶V_(0.01)Y_(2.99)Al_5N_(0.01)F_(0.01)O_(11.98)/BiPO_4/Pt光催化剂的制备及其在降解废水中亚甲基蓝的应用

通过溶胶-凝胶法合成了上转换发光材料Er~(3+)∶V_(0.01)Y_(2.99)Al_5N_(0.01)F_(0.01)O_(11.98)(Er∶YAG),然后利用水热法合成了BiPO_4,再利用高温煅烧法合成了Er∶YAG/BiPO_4/Pt复合物光催化剂.通过使用X-射线粉末衍射仪(XRD),扫描电子显微镜(SEM),透射电子显微镜(TEM),光致发光光谱(PL)和上转换发射光谱对样品的组成、形貌及光学特征进行了表征.此外,还研究了不同甘油添加量、 Er∶YAG和BiPO_4的摩尔比例和复合温度及光催化剂的循环使用次数对Er∶YAG/BiPO_4/Pt复合物光催化剂活性的影响.实验结果显示Er∶YAG/BiPO_4/Pt复合物光催化剂具有高的光催化活性和较好的稳定性,它可以作为一种高效的光催化剂用于污水中有机污染物的处理.     

Syntheses and Structure of Er6Co2.19(1)In0.81(1)

Summary. The erbium–cobalt–indide Er₆Co_2.19(1)In_0.81(1) was prepared by arc-melting of the pure elements. Single crystals were obtained through a special annealing procedure. Er₆Co_2.19(1)In_0.81(1) crystallizes with the orthorhombic Ho₆Co₂Ga structure: Immm, a = 934.3(1), b = 936.4(1), c = 985.4(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0557, 892 F ² values, and 35 variable parameters. The structure contains two gama;crystallographically independent Co₂ dumb-bells at Co–Co distances of 223 and 236 pm, respectively. Further structural motifs are distorted octahedral Er₆ clusters (336–401 pm Er–Er) which are condensed to a three-dimensional network via all corners. The In2 atoms have a distorted icosahedral erbium coordination (329–355 pm In2–Er). These icosahedra show an orthorhombically distorted bcc packing.     

Engineering a Copper Single-Atom Electron Bridge to Achieve Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Conversion

Developing highly efficient and stable photocatalysts for the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) remains a great challenge. We designed a Z-Scheme photocatalyst with N−Cu₁−S single-atom electron bridge (denoted as Cu-SAEB), which was used to mediate the CO₂RR. The production of CO and O₂ over Cu-SAEB is as high as 236.0 and 120.1 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ in the absence of sacrificial agents, respectively, outperforming most previously reported photocatalysts. Notably, the as-designed Cu-SAEB is highly stable throughout 30 reaction cycles, totaling 300 h, owing to the strengthened contact interface of Cu-SAEB, and mediated by the N−Cu₁−S atomic structure. Experimental and theoretical calculations indicated that the SAEB greatly promoted the Z-scheme interfacial charge-transport process, thus leading to great enhancement of the photocatalytic CO₂RR of Cu-SAEB. This work represents a promising platform for the development of highly efficient and stable photocatalysts that have potential in CO₂ conversion applications.     

The atomic-level regulation of single-atom site catalysts for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is viewed as a promising way to remove the greenhouse gas CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it into useful industrial products such as methane, methanol, formate, ethanol, and so forth. Single-atom site catalysts (SACs) featuring maximum theoretical atom utilization and a unique electronic structure and coordination environment have emerged as promising candidates for use in the CO₂RR. The electronic properties and atomic structures of the central metal sites in SACs will be changed significantly once the types or coordination environments of the central metal sites are altered, which appears to provide new routes for engineering SACs for CO₂ electrocatalysis. Therefore, it is of great importance to discuss the structural regulation of SACs at the atomic level and their influence on CO₂RR activity and selectivity. Despite substantial efforts being made to fabricate various SACs, the principles of regulating the intrinsic electrocatalytic performances of the single-atom sites still needs to be sufficiently emphasized. In this perspective article, we present the latest progress relating to the synthesis and catalytic performance of SACs for the electrochemical CO₂RR. We summarize the atomic-level regulation of SACs for the electrochemical CO₂RR from five aspects: the regulation of the central metal atoms, the coordination environments, the interface of single metal complex sites, multi-atom active sites, and other ingenious strategies to improve the performance of SACs. We highlight synthesis strategies and structural design approaches for SACs with unique geometric structures and discuss how the structure affects the catalytic properties.

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is a promising way to remove CO₂ and convert it into useful industrial products. Single-atom site catalysts provide opportunities to regulate the active sites of CO₂RR catalysts at the atomic level.     

Reactivity of lanthanocene hydroxides toward carbodiimide and CO2: Synthesis and characterization of lanthanide ureido and carbonate complexes

[Cp₂Ln(μ-OH)(THF)]₂ react with 2 equiv of CyNCNCy (Cy = cyclohexyl) to form [Cp₂Ln(μ-OC(NHCy)NCy)]₂ (Ln = Er (1-Er), Y (1-Y)), while treatment of [Cp₂Ln(μ-OH)]₂(μ₃-O)LnCp(THF) with CyNCNCy affords the addition/rearrangement products [Cp₂Ln(μ₃-O)(μ-OC(NHCy)NCy)LnCp]₂ (Ln = Yb (3-Yb), Er (3-Er)). Compounds [(Cp₂Ln)₂(μ₃-CO₃)(THF)]₂ (Ln = Yb (4-Yb), Er (4-Er)) can be obtained by treatment of [Cp₂Ln(μ-OH)(THF)]₂ with CO₂ immediately followed by the reaction with the corresponding Cp₃Ln. Complexes 1-4 were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic properties and X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis.     

Size-Dependent Nickel-Based Electrocatalysts for Selective CO2 Reduction

Closing the anthropogenic carbon cycle by converting CO₂ into reusable chemicals is an attractive solution to mitigate rising concentrations of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Herein, we prepared Ni metal catalysts ranging in size from single atoms to over 100 nm and distributed them across N-doped carbon substrates which were obtained from converted zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF). The results show variance in CO₂ reduction performance with variance in Ni metal size. Ni single atoms demonstrate a superior Faradaic efficiency (FE) for CO selectivity (ca. 97 % at −0.8 V vs. RHE), while results for 4.1 nm Ni nanoparticles are slightly lower (ca. 93 %). Further increase the Ni particle size to 37.2 nm allows the H₂ evolution reaction (HER) to compete with the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). The FE towards CO production decreases to under 30 % and HER efficiency increase to over 70 %. These results show a size-dependent CO₂ reduction for various sizes of Ni metal catalysts.     

Recent advances in single atom catalysts for the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR) offers a promising solution to mitigate carbon emission and at the same time generate valuable carbonaceous chemicals/fuels. Single atom catalysts (SACs) are encouraging to catalyze the electrochemical CO₂RR due to the tunable electronic structure of the central metal atoms, which can regulate the adsorption energy of reactants and reaction intermediates. Moreover, SACs form a bridge between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts, providing an ideal platform to explore the reaction mechanism of electrochemical reactions. In this review, we first discuss the strategies for promoting the CO₂RR performance, including suppression of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), generation of C₁ products and formation of C₂₊ products. Then, we summarize the recent developments in regulating the structure of SACs toward the CO₂RR based on the above aspects. Finally, several issues regarding the development of SACs for the CO₂RR are raised and possible solutions are provided.

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR) offers a promising solution to mitigate carbon emission and at the same time generate valuable carbonaceous chemicals/fuels.     

Visible-Light Activities of Erbium Doped BiVO4 Photocatalysts

Er-doped BiVO₄ composite photocatalyst was hydrothermal synthesized and characterizedby X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra techniques. The activity of the catalyst was determined by oxidative decomposition of methyl orange in aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy analysis revealed that the doped Er existed in the form of Er₂O₃. It also showed that the Er doping can enhance the visible-light absorption abilities of catalysts and their visible-light-driven photocatalytic activities in comparison with those of pure BiVO₄.