Synthetic approaches to borocarbonitrides, BCxN (x=1–2)

In order to synthesize borocarbonitrides of the general formula BC_xN where x varies between 1 and 2, we have carried out high-temperature gas phase reaction of BBr₃ with a mixture of ethylene and ammonia. The composition of the product was close to BC_1.6N as shown by x-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The products were further characterized by infra-red, Raman and other spectroscopic techniques. The borocarbonitrides obtained from the gas phase reaction have low surface areas, in contrast to those of similar compositions prepared by the urea method. First principles calculations show that the most stable structures of the compositions BCN and BC₂N contain BN-rich and carbon-rich domains where BN₃ and NB₃ units are present.     

Sensing Characteristics of a Graphene‐like Boron Carbide Monolayer towards Selected Toxic Gases

By using first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory, we study the adsorption efficiency of a BC₃ sheet for various gases, such as CO, CO₂, NO, NO₂, and NH₃. The optimal adsorption position and orientation of these gas molecules on the BC₃ surface is determined and the adsorption energies are calculated. Among the gas molecules, CO₂ is predicted to be weakly adsorbed on the graphene‐like BC₃ sheet, whereas the NH₃ gas molecule shows a strong interaction with the BC₃ sheet. The charge transfer between the molecules and the sheet is discussed in terms of Bader charge analysis and density of states. The calculated work function of BC₃ in the presence of CO, CO₂, and NO is greater than that of a bare BC₃ sheet. The decrease in the work function of BC₃ sheets in the presence of NO₂ and NH₃ further explains the affinity of the sheet towards the gas molecules. The energy gap of the BC₃ sheets is sensitive to the adsorption of the gas molecules, which implies possible future applications in gas sensors.     

Hydrogen Storage on Li Coated BC3 Honeycomb Sheet

Using density functional theory, we investigated the hydrogen storage capacity of Li coated BC₃ honeycomb sheet. Our result indicates 18 H₂ molecules can be adsorbed on BC₃Li₆ complex with a storage gravimetric density of 9.68 wt% and the average adsorption energy reaches 0.206 eV /H₂ . This is desirable for absorbing and desorbing H₂ molecules at near ambient conditions.     

Density functional study of hydrogen adsorption and dissociation on small Pdn (n = 1–7) clusters

Density functional theory has been performed to investigate the interaction of H₂ and Pd_n clusters (n = 1–7). The local minima configurations for different H₂ molecule approach modes towards Pd_n clusters are presented. Our results show that in some cases H₂ is physically adsorbed around Pd atom, and in other cases H₂ is dissociated to be H atoms. Except for PdH2, Pd_n clusters with H atoms dissociatively adsorbed are most stable. For these most stable PdnH2 clusters (n  2), the binding energy of hydrogen atom decreases as the number of Pd atom increases until n = 4, and when n  4, the binding energy almost keeps constant with the H atoms bound sites changing from Pd–Pd bonds to Pd triangle planes. Besides, the adsorption of H₂ on other low-lying isomers of Pd_n clusters is also discussed.     

Capture and separation of CO2 on BC3 nanosheets: A DFT study

In order to reduce the greenhouse effect caused by the rapid increase of CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere, it is necessary to develop more efficient, controllable, and highly sensitive adsorbing materials. In this study, the adsorption behavior of CO₂ on BC₃ nanosheets under an external electric field was explored based on density functional theory (DFT). It was found that CO₂ experienced a transition from physisorption to chemisorption in the electric field range of 0.0060-0.0065 a.u.. In addition, the adsorption/desorption of CO₂ is reversible and can be precisely controlled by switching on/off at the electric field of 0.0065 a.u.. The selective adsorption of CO₂/H₂/CH₄ by BC₃ can also be used to realize gas separation and purification under different electric fields. This study highlighted the potential application of BC₃ nanosheets as a high-performance, controllable material for CO₂ capture, regeneration, and separation in an electric field.     

A DFT study on the structural and electronic properties of small toxic gases on B- and Al- doped C<Subscript>20</Subscript> fullerene

The structural and electronic properties of semiconducting BC₁₉ and AlC₁₉ heterofullerenes as adsorbents for toxic small gas molecules (H₂S and SO₂) are determined by DFT. Structural parameters, energy gaps, natural population analysis, partial density of state, dipole moments, and vibrational frequencies were extracted. The adsorption process and sensitivity to the gases are increased by doping with B or Al. The results show that AlC₁₉ is the most sensitive structure. The good sensing of AlC₁₉ is related to high charge transfer upon gas adsorption. Adsorption of the H₂S on the BC₁₉ has negligible effects on the electronic properties, to be categorized as “harmless adsorption”. H₂S is weakly adsorbed on BC₁₉ and AlC₁₉. The H₂S and SO₂ molecules act as electron donating and electron withdrawing molecules, respectively. Notably, the adsorption processes are highly exothermic. In general, BC₁₉ is more reactive than C20 and AlC₁₉ is the most reactive cage. This provides a theoretical basis to fabricate B- and Al-doped C20-based gas sensors.     

Hydrogen binding property of Co- and Ni-based organometallic compounds

The binding property of hydrogen on organometallic compounds consisting of Co, and Ni transition metal atoms bound to C _m H _m rings (m = 4, 5) is studied through density functional theory calculation. CoC _m H _m and NiC _m H _m complexes can store up to 3.49 wt% hydrogen with an average binding energy of about 1.3 eV. The adsorption characteristics of hydrogen to organometallic compounds are investigated by analyzing vibrational spectra of CoC₄H₄(H₂) _n and NiC₄H₄(H₂) _n (n = 0, 1, 2). The kinetic stability of these hydrogen-covered organometallic complexes is assured by analyzing the energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbitals and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals. It is also discussed the application of 18-electron rule in predicting maximum number of hydrogen molecules that could be adsorbed by these organometallic compounds.     

Adsorption kinetic,thermodynamic and desorption studies of phosphate onto hydrous niobium oxide prepared by reverse microemulsion method

A type of Nb₂O₅⋅3H₂O was synthesized and its phosphate removal potential was investigated in this study. The kinetic study, adsorption isotherm, pH effect, thermodynamic study and desorption were examined in batch experiments. The kinetic process was described by a pseudo-second-order rate model very well. The phosphate adsorption tended to increase with a decrease of pH. The adsorption data fitted well to the Langmuir model with which the maximum P adsorption capacity was estimated to be 18.36 mg-P g⁻¹. The peak appearing at 1050 cm⁻¹ in IR spectra after adsorption was attributed to the bending vibration of adsorbed phosphate. The positive values of both ΔH° and ΔS° suggest an endothermic reaction and increase in randomness at the solid-liquid interface during the adsorption. ΔG° values obtained were negative indicating a spontaneous adsorption process. A phosphate desorbability of approximately 68% was observed with water at pH 12, which indicated a relatively strong bonding between the adsorbed phosphate and the sorptive sites on the surface of the adsorbent. The immobilization of phosphate probably occurs by the mechanisms of ion exchange and physicochemical attraction. Due to its high adsorption capacity, this type of hydrous niobium oxide has the potential for application to control phosphorus pollution.     

Density Functional Theory Study of Aspirin Adsorption on BCN Sheets and their Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Activity: a Comparative Study with Graphene and Hexagonal Boron Nitride

We explored the aspirin adsorption and their hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in waste water of borocarbonitride sheets. Our results indicate that BCN sheets considered here show HER activity and exhibit superior performance regarding adsorption of aspirin in waste water in comparison with graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). The drug molecule (aspirin) possesses a strong affinity to BCN, with the order of binding energy on following the order BCN∼h-BN>graphene. Upon drug adsorption, the band gap of h-BN is found to be reduced by up to 33 %, whereas the bandgaps of graphene and BCN remain unaltered that makes BCN a potential candidate for HER in waste water.     

First-principles study of O2 adsorption and dissociation on the CuCr2O4 (100) surface

The adsorption and dissociation of molecular oxygen on spinel CuCr₂O₄ (100) surface were carried out by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). The calculated results indicate that the Cr site is most favorable for atomic oxygen adsorption, with an adsorption energy of 402.8 kJ/mol. For molecular oxygen adsorption, there are three types of favorable interaction modes: O₂ forms bonds with the Cu site or O₂ binds to two Cr sites or O₂ interacts with both Cu and Cr sites simultaneously. The lowest activation energy (E_a = 35.4 kJ/mol) was found through exploring possible reaction pathways for O₂ dissociation. The relationship between E_a and reaction enthalpy (ΔH) for O₂ dissociation adsorption reactions fits Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi (BEP) behavior.     

Thermodynamic study of triclosan adsorption from aqueous solutions on activated carbon

The change in the thermodynamic properties of triclosan adsorption on three activated carbons with the different surface chemistry was studied through immersion calorimetry and equilibrium data; the amount adsorbed of triclosan (Q) during calorimetry was determined and correlated with the energy associated with adsorbate–adsorbent interactions in the adsorption process. It was noted that triclosan adsorption capacity decreases with an increase in oxygenated surface groups. For an activated carbon oxidized with HNO₃ (OxAC), the amount adsorbed was 8.50?×?10^?3 mmol g^?1, for a activated carbon without modification (GAC) Q?=?10.3?×?10^?3 mmol g^?1 and for a activated carbon heated at 1073 K (RAC1073) Q?=?11.4?×?10^?3 mmol g^?1. The adsorbed amounts were determined by adjusting the isotherms to the Sips model. For the activated carbon RAC1073, the immersion enthalpy (ΔH_imm) was greater than those of the other two activated carbons due to the formation of interactions with the solvent (ΔH_immOxAC?=?? 27.3 J g^?1?<?ΔH_immGAC?=?? 40.0 J g^?1?<?ΔH_imm RAC1073?=???60.7 J g^?1). The changes in the interaction enthalpy and Gibbs energy are associated with adsorbate–adsorbent interactions and side interactions such as the adsorbate–adsorbate and adsorbate–solvent interactions.

     

H2 adsorption by noble gas insertion compounds: A computational study

In order to find a solution of energy-related problems, sophisticated hydrogen storing materials are needed as hydrogen is an abundant and environment friendly fuel. We have investigated the hydrogen storage potential of Ng inserted metal acetylide and metal cyanide compounds (metal ​= ​Cu, Ag and Au) at the ωB97X-D/cc-pVTZ-PP level of theory. Due to the difference in electronegativity and formal charge on metal atoms in the insertion compounds, the interaction with the hydrogen molecule is expected to be different. The adsorption energies, the free energy of adsorption, natural charges on atomic centers/moieties are obtained through the natural population analysis, and energy decomposition analysis has also been carried out for nH₂···MNgCCH and nH₂···MNgCN (n ​= ​1–3). The hydrogen adsorption capacity of the strongest and the weakest cases has also been investigated. Both the insertion compounds, MNgCCH and MNgCN, are found to adsorb a maximum of three hydrogen molecules on the metal site. The single H₂ adsorbed minimum energy structures of studied compounds show a “T-shaped” orientation while double H₂ adsorbed minimum energy structures are of “Y- shaped” geometry and those of tricoordinated structures resemble “T_d-like” shape. The negative value of Gibbs free energy change suggests the thermodynamical spontaneity of the hydrogen adsorption process.     

H2分子在LaFeO3表面吸附的第一性原理研究

基于密度泛函理论的第一性原理方法,通过计算表面能确定LaFeO₃(010)表面为最稳定的吸附表面,研究了H₂分子在LaFeO₃(010)表面的吸附性质。LaFeO₃(010)表面存在LaO和FeO₂两种终止表面,但吸附主要发生在FeO₂终止表面,由于LaFeO₃(010)表面弛豫的影响,使得凹凸不平的表面层增加了表面原子与H原子的接触面积,表面晶胞的纵向体积增加约2.5%,有利于H原子向晶体内扩散。研究发现,H₂分子在LaFeO₃(010)表面主要存在3种化学吸附方式:第一种吸附发生在O-O桥位,2个H原子分别吸附在2个O原子上,形成2个-OH基,这是最佳吸附位置,此时H原子与表面O原子的作用主要是H1s与O2p轨道杂化作用的结果,H-O之间为典型的共价键。H₂分子的解离能垒为1.542 eV,说明表面需要一定的热条件,H₂分子才会发生解离吸附;第二种吸附发生在Fe-O桥位,1个H原子吸附在O原子上形成1个-OH基,另一个H原子吸附在Fe原子上形成金属键;第三种吸附发生在O顶位,2个H原子吸附在同一个O原子上,形成H₂O分子,此时H₂O分子与表面形成物理吸附,H₂O分子逃离表面后容易形成氧空位。此外,H₂分子在LaFeO₃(010)表面还可以发生物理吸附。     

Magnetocaloric effect in the ternary DyCo3B2 compound

A large magnetocaloric (MCE) effect has been observed for the ternary compound DyCo₃B₂. This material shows the magnetic ordering below T_C = 22 K for H = 0 T. MCE has been determined based on the isothermal magnetization curves measurements and the isomagnetic heat capacity dependence on temperature. The maximum magnetic entropy change −ΔS_M = 17.5 J kg⁻¹K⁻¹ and the adiabatic temperature change ΔT_ad = 14 K have been observed in the neighborhood of the magnetic phase transition at the magnetic field change of 9 T. The analysis of the magnetic contribution to the specific heat indicates on the important role of the crystal electric field and the anisotropy for the properties of the DyCo₃B₂ compound.     

Thermodynamic investigation of effect of salt concentrations on denatured α-Amylase adsorbed onto a moderately hydrophobic surface

The displacement adsorption enthalpies (ΔH) of denatured α-Amylase (by 1.8 mol L⁻¹ GuHCl) adsorbed onto a moderately hydrophobic surface (PEG-600, the end-group of polyethylene glycol) from solutions (x mol L⁻¹ (NH₄)₂SO₄, 0.05 mol L⁻¹ KH₂PO₄, pH 7.0) at 298 K are determined by microcalorimeter. Further, entropies (ΔS), Gibbs free energies (ΔG) and the fractions of ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG for net adsorption of protein and net desorption of water are calculated in combination with adsorption isotherms of α-Amylase based on the stoichiometric displacement theory for adsorption (SDT-A) and its thermodynamics. It is found that the displacement adsorptions of denatured α-Amylase onto PEG-600 surface are exothermic and enthalpy driven processes, and the processes of protein adsorption are accompanied with the hydration by which hydrogen bond form between the adsorbed protein molecules favor formation of β-sheet and β-turn structures. The Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis shows that the contents of ordered secondary structures of adsorbed α-Amylase increase with surface coverages and salt concentrations increment.     

Hydrogen Adsorption and Diffusion in p‐tert‐Butylcalix[4]arene: An Experimental and Molecular Simulation Study

Experimental adsorption isotherms were measured and computer simulations were performed to determine the nature of the H₂ gas uptake in the low‐density p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene (tBC) phase. ¹H NMR peak intensity measurements for pressures up to 175 bar were used to determine the H₂ adsorption isotherm. Weak surface adsorption (up to ≈2 mass % H₂) and stronger adsorption (not exceeding 0.25 mass % or one H₂ per calixarene bowl) inside the calixarene phase were detected. The latter type of adsorbed H₂ molecule has restricted motion and shows a reversible gas adsorption/desorption cycle. Pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR pressurization/depressurization measurements were performed to study the diffusion of H₂ in the calixarene phases. Direct adsorption isotherms by exposure of the calixarene phase to pressures of H₂ gas to ≈60 bar are also presented, and show a maximum H₂ adsorption of 0.4 H₂ per calixarene bowl. Adsorption isotherms of H₂ in bulk tBC have been simulated using grand canonical Monte Carlo calculations in a rigid tBC framework, and yield adsorptions of ≈1 H₂ per calixarene bowl at saturation. Classical molecular dynamics simulations with a fully flexible calixarene molecular force field are used to determine the guest distribution and inclusion energy of the H₂ in the solid with different loadings.     

Preparation and hydrogen permeation of BaCe0.95Nd0.05O3−δ membranes

A mixed proton–electron conducting perovskite made of BaCe_0.95Nd_0.05O_3−δ (BCN) was prepared by EDTA/citric acid complexing method. The precursor was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In order to learn the perovskite formation process during the calcination, the intermediate, i.e. the sample calcined at 750 °C for 5 h, was investigated by scanning (STEM), energy-filtered (EFTEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) as well as electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). The results revealed that the perovskite structure was formed via a solid-state reaction between barium–cerium mixed carbonate and cerium–neodymium mixed oxide particles. Dense mixed proton–electron conducting BCN membranes were made by pressing BCN powder followed by sintering. The microstructure of the sintered membranes was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hydrogen permeation through the BCN membrane was studied using a high-temperature permeator. The hydrogen permeation fluxes under wet conditions are higher than those under dry conditions, which is due to increased proton concentrations in the H⁺ hopping via OH groups. The hydrogen permeation increased with increasing hydrogen and steam concentrations in the feed. For a steam concentration of 15 vol.%, the hydrogen permeation flux reaches 0.026 ml/min cm².     

Liquid-phase hydrogenation of methyl oleate on a Ni/α-Al2O3 catalyst: A study based on kinetic models describing extreme and intermediate adsorption regimes

The kinetics of the hydrogenation of methyl oleate on a Ni/α-Al₂O₃ catalyst was studied in the absence of mass-transport limitation, at 398 ≤ T ≤ 443 K and 3.7 ≤ P_H2 ≤ 6.5 bar. The kinetic modeling was performed on the basis of elementary step mechanisms involving different regimes of competition between hydrogen and methyl oleate. Admitting a distinction between occupied-sites and covered-sites by the large molecule of methyl oleate, a rigorous proposal was made to link the seemingly separate kinetic models corresponding to the extreme modes of competitive and non-competitive adsorption, without having to draw the common distinction between two types of surface sites. General rate equations were formulated without expressing opinion a priori on whether the adsorption regime is competitive or non-competitive. Then, typical LHHW rate equations for both extreme adsorption regimes were straightforwardly derived as special cases. Statistical results demonstrated the inadequacy of the models approaching non-competitive adsorption to describe the experimental data but results did not allow a definite discrimination between rival models with competitive and semi-competitive adsorption. A mechanistic model featuring dissociative adsorption of hydrogen, molecule of methyl oleate interacting with a single atom of Ni, and second insertion of hydrogen as RDS, proved to be the best candidate to describe the experimental data satisfactorily with physically reasonable parameters. As a distinctive feature, the model considering semi-competitive adsorption gave additional indication that the adsorbed molecule of methyl oleate could cover up to seven surface sites. From this finding, the semi-competitive model seems to be more realistic than the competitive one.     

Influence of Pd precursors on the catalytic performance of Pd–H4SiW12O40/SiO2 in the direct oxidation of ethylene to acetic acid

The effects of palladium precursors (PdCl₂, (NH₄)₂PdCl₄, Pd(NH₃)₂Cl₂, Pd(NO₃)₂ and Pd(CH₃COO)₂) on the catalytic properties in the selective oxidation of ethylene to acetic acid have been investigated for 1.0 wt% Pd–30 wt% H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀/SiO₂. The structures of the catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption, H₂-pulse chemical adsorption, infrared spectrometry of the adsorbed pyridine, H₂ temperature-programmed reduction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The present study demonstrates that the different palladium precursors can lead to the significant changes in the dispersion of palladium. It is found that Pd dispersion decreases as follows: PdCl₂ > (NH₄)₂PdCl₄ > Pd(NO₃)₂ > Pd(NH₃)₂Cl₂ > Pd(C₂H₃O₂)₂, which is nearly identical to the catalytic activity. This indicates that the dispersion of palladium plays an important role in the catalytic activity. Furthermore, density of Lewis (L) and Brönsted (B) acid sites are also strongly dependent on the palladium precursors. It is also demonstrated that an effective catalyst should possess a well combination of Brönsted acid sites with dispersion of palladium.