A Highly Stable Copper‐Based Catalyst for Clarifying the Catalytic Roles of Cu0 and Cu+ Species in Methanol Dehydrogenation

Identification of the active copper species, and further illustration of the catalytic mechanism of Cu‐based catalysts is still a challenge because of the mobility and evolution of Cu⁰ and Cu⁺ species in the reaction process. Thus, an unprecedentedly stable Cu‐based catalyst was prepared by uniformly embedding Cu nanoparticles in a mesoporous silica shell allowing clarification of the catalytic roles of Cu⁰ and Cu⁺ in the dehydrogenation of methanol to methyl formate by combining isotope‐labeling experiment, in situ spectroscopy, and DFT calculations. It is shown that Cu⁰ sites promote the cleavage of the O?H bond in methanol and of the C?H bond in the reaction intermediates CH₃O and H₂COOCH₃ which is formed from CH₃O and HCHO, whereas Cu⁺ sites cause rapid decomposition of formaldehyde generated on the Cu⁰ sites into CO and H₂.     

Oxidation of Ethanol in Cu-Faujasites Studied by IR Spectroscopy

In this study, IR studies of the coadsorption of ethanol and CO on Cu⁺ cations evidenced the transfer of electrons from ethanol to Cu⁺, which caused the lowering of the frequency of the band attributed to CO bonded to the same Cu⁺ cation due to the more effective π back donation of d electrons of Cu to antibonding π* orbitals of CO. The reaction of ethanol with acid sites in zeolite HFAU above 370 K produced water and ethane, polymerizing to polyethylene. Ethanol adsorbed on zeolite Cu(2)HFAU containing acid sites and Cu⁺_exch also produced ethene, but in this case, the ethene was bonded to Cu⁺ and did not polymerize. C=C stretching, which is IR non-active in the free ethene molecule, became IR active, and a weak IR band at 1538 cm⁻¹ was present. The reaction of ethanol above 370 K in Cu(5)NaFAU zeolite (containing small amounts of Cu⁺_exch and bigger amounts of Cu⁺_ox, Cu²⁺_exch and CuO) produced acetaldehyde, which was further oxidized to the acetate species (CH₃COO⁻). As oxygen was not supplied, the donors of oxygen were the Cu species present in our zeolite. The CO and NO adsorption experiments performed in Cu-zeolite before and after ethanol reaction evidenced that both Cu⁺_ox and Cu²⁺ (Cu²⁺_exch and CuO) were consumed by the ethanol oxidation reaction. The studies of the considered reaction of bulk CuO and Cu₂O as well as zeolites, in which the contribution of Cu⁺_ox species was reduced by various treatments, suggest that ethanol was oxidized to acetaldehyde by Cu²⁺_ox (the role of Cu⁺_ox could not be elucidated), but Cu⁺_ox was the oxygen donor in the acetate formation.     

Binuclear copper complexes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

The solutions containing one of the copper salts (CuCl₂, Cu(ClO₄)₂, Cu(NO₃)₂, and CuSO₄) and one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, ibuprofen, ketoprofen or naproxen) were analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Three of the salts, namely CuCl₂, Cu(ClO₄)₂ and Cu(NO₃)₂, yielded binuclear complexes of drug:metal stoichiometry 1:2. Existence of the complexes of such stoichiometry has not been earlier observed. For copper(II) chloride the complexes (ions of the type [M-HCOOH+Cu₂Cl]⁺ and [M+Cu₂Cl]⁺, M stands for the drug molecule) were formed in the gas phase. When copper(II) perchlorate or copper(II) nitrate was used, the observed binuclear copper complexes (ions of the type [M-H+Cu₂(ClO₄)₂+CH₃OH]⁺, [M-H+Cu₂(ClO₄)₂]⁺ and [M-H+Cu₂(NO₃)₂+CH₃OH]⁺, [M-H+Cu₂(NO₃)₂]⁺) were observed at low cone voltage, thus these complexes must have already existed in the solution analysed. Therefore, such complexes may also exist under physiological conditions.      

Revisiting the nature of Cu sites in the activated Cu-SSZ-13 catalyst for SCR reaction

Cu-SSZ-13 is a highly active NH₃-SCR catalyst for the abatement of harmful nitrogen oxides (NO_x, x = 1, 2) from the exhausts of lean-burn engines. The study of Cu-speciation occurring upon thermal dehydration is a key step for the understanding of the enhanced catalytic properties of this material and for identifying the SCR active sites and their redox capability. Herein, we combined FTIR, X-ray absorption (XAS) and emission (XES) spectroscopies with DFT computational analysis to elucidate the nature and location of the most abundant Cu sites in the activated catalyst. Different Cu species have been found to be dominant as a function of the dehydration temperature and conditions. Data analysis revealed that the dehydration process of Cu cations is essentially completed at 250 °C, with the formation of dehydrated [CuOH]⁺ species hosted in close proximity to 1-Al sites in both d6r and 8r units of the SSZ-13 matrix. These species persist at higher temperatures only if a certain amount of O₂ is present in the gas feed, while under inert conditions they undergo virtually total “self-reduction” as a consequence of an OH extra-ligand loss, resulting in bi-coordinated bare Cu⁺ cations. Synchrotron characterization supported by computational analysis allowed an unprecedented quantitative refinement of the local environment and structural parameters of these Cu(ii) and Cu(i) species.     

Polyoxometalate-Incorporated CuI-Resorcin[4]arene Metal-Organic Complexes as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Catalytic Oxidation of Mustard Gas Simulant

Exploring efficient heterogeneous catalysts for catalytic oxidation of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is highly desired. As a class of discrete anionic metal oxide clusters, polyoxometalates (POMs) provide abundant catalytic active sites, thus resulting their rich redox properties. Here, a family of known POM-incorporated Cu^I-resorcin[4]arene metal-organic complexes, namely, [Cu₄(TPTR4A)₂][PW₁₂O₄₀](OH) ⋅ 0.5DMA ⋅ 5H₂O ( Cu - PW ), [Cu₄(TPTR4 A)₂][PMo₁₂O₄₀](OH) ⋅ 2DMA ⋅ H₂O ( Cu - PMo ) and [Cu₄(TPTR4A)₂][SiW₁₂O₄₀] ⋅ 2.5DMA ( Cu - SiW ) were utilized as catalysts to promote the oxidation of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). Strikingly, compared to the novel compound [Cu₃Cl₆(TPTR4A)(DMA)] ⋅ CH₃CH₂OH (defined as Cu - T ), the three complexes exhibited excellent stability, indicating that the integration of POMs and metal–organic units could improve the stability of the compounds. Moreover, Cu - PMo and Cu - PW showed higher activities for the catalytic oxidation of CEES to CEESO with selectivities both of 99 %.     

Cuprous complexes and dioxygen. IX. Formation of a unique trimeric species Cu3L and Ligand Oxidation (L  cis,cis-1, 3, 5-cyclohexanetriamine)

The complexation of Cu⁺ by the potentially tripod like ligand cis, cis-1, 3, 5 cyclohexanetriamine (chta) has been studied potentiometrically in aqueous acetonitrile (an). The expected tetracoordinated species Cu (chta) ? (an)⁺ was formed only at rather high pH with log K (Cu (an)⁺ + chta ? Cu (chta) · (an)⁺) = 6.94. Quite unexpectedly the most stable complex in neutral solution was the trimetric species Cu³ (chta) with log K (3 Cu⁺ + 2 chta ? Cu³ (chta)) = 31.75. In addition, the ternary complexes Cu (LH²) · (an)³⁺ and Cu (LH) · (an)²⁺ (L = chta) are formed at low pH. From model considerations, Cu³ (chta) must contain two ligand molecules with all amino groups in equatorial position, linked by three linearly coordinated Cu⁺-ions. Cu₃ (chta)³⁺₂ shows no measurable reactivity towards dioxygen. At pH values above 9, very rapid O₂-uptake due to Cu (chta) · (an)⁺ is observed. In this reaction, Cu⁺-autoxidation is stoichiometrically coupled to ligand oxidation, followed by a much slower Cu-catalyzed secondary reaction of the primary oxidation product of chta. Hydrogen peroxide and likely also superoxide, are involved in the coupled Cu⁺/ligand oxidation.     

Dynamic Changes in the Structure,Chemical State and Catalytic Selectivity of Cu Nanocubes during CO2 Electroreduction: Size and Support Effects

In situ and operando spectroscopic and microscopic methods were used to gain insight into the correlation between the structure, chemical state, and reactivity of size‐ and shape‐controlled ligand‐free Cu nanocubes during CO₂ electroreduction (CO₂RR). Dynamic changes in the morphology and composition of Cu cubes supported on carbon were monitored under potential control through electrochemical atomic force microscopy, X‐ray absorption fine‐structure spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Under reaction conditions, the roughening of the nanocube surface, disappearance of the (100) facets, formation of pores, loss of Cu and reduction of CuO_x species observed were found to lead to a suppression of the selectivity for multi‐carbon products (i.e. C₂H₄ and ethanol) versus CH₄. A comparison with Cu cubes supported on Cu foils revealed an enhanced morphological stability and persistence of Cu^I species under CO₂RR in the former samples. Both factors are held responsible for the higher C₂/C₁ product ratio observed for the Cu cubes/Cu as compared to Cu cubes/C. Our findings highlight the importance of the structure of the active nanocatalyst but also its interaction with the underlying substrate in CO₂RR selectivity.     

Analysis of NH3-TPD Profiles for CuSSZ-13 SCR Catalyst of Controlled Al Distribution – Complexity Resolved by First Principles Thermodynamics of NH3 Desorption,IR and EPR Insight into Cu Speciation**

NH₃ temperature-programmed desorption (NH₃-TPD) is frequently used for probing the nature of the active sites in CuSSZ-13 zeolite for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO_x. Herein, we propose an interpretation of NH₃-TPD results, which takes into account the temperature-induced dynamics of NH₃ interaction with the active centers. It is based on a comprehensive DFT/GGA+D and first-principles thermodynamic (FPT) modeling of NH₃ adsorption on single Cu²⁺, Cu⁺, [CuOH]⁺ centers, dimeric [Cu-O-Cu]²⁺, [Cu-O₂²⁻-Cu]² species, segregated CuO nanocrystals and Brønsted acid sites (BAS). Theoretical TPD profiles are compared with the experimental data measured for samples of various Si/Al ratios and distribution of Al within the zeolite framework. Copper reduction, its relocation, followed by the intrazeolite olation/oxolation processes, which are concomitant with NH₃ desorption, were revealed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and IR. DFT/FPT results show that the peaks in the desorption profiles cannot be assigned univocally to the particular Cu and BAS centers, since the observed low-, medium- and high-temperature desorption bands have contributions coming from several species, which dynamically change their speciation and redox states during NH₃-TPD experiment. Thus, a rigorous interpretation of the NH₃-TPD profiles of CuSSZ-13 in terms of the strength and concentration of the active centers of a particular type is problematic. Nonetheless, useful connections for molecular interpretation of TPD profiles can be established between the individual component peaks and the corresponding ensembles of the adsorption centers.     

Monomeric Copper(II) Sites Supported on Alumina Selectively Convert Methane to Methanol

Monomeric Cu^II sites supported on alumina, prepared using surface organometallic chemistry, convert CH₄ to CH₃OH selectively. This reaction takes place by formation of CH₃O surface species with the concomitant reduction of two monomeric Cu^II sites to Cu^I, according to mass balance analysis, infrared, solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance, X‐ray absorption, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy studies. This material contains a significant fraction of Cu active sites (22 %) and displays a selectivity for CH₃OH exceeding 83 %, based on the number of electrons involved in the transformation. These alumina‐supported Cu^II sites reveal that C?H bond activation, along with the formation of CH₃O‐ surface species, can occur on pairs of proximal monomeric Cu^II sites in a short reaction time.     

Controlling carbon monoxide emissions from automobile vehicle exhaust using copper oxide catalysts in a catalytic converter

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a very poisonous gas present in the atmosphere. It has significant effects on human beings, animals, plants and the climate. Automobile vehicle exhaust contributes 64% of the CO pollution in urban areas. To control this exhaust pollution, various types of catalysts in catalytic converters have been investigated. Increasing costs of noble metals as a catalyst in automobile vehicles motivates the investigation of material that can be substituted for noble metals. Among the non-noble metals, copper (Cu) is found to be the most capable and highly active catalyst for CO oxidation, compared to precious metal catalysts. Lower cost, easy availability and advance preparation conditions with stabilizers, promoters and so on, make Cu a good choice as an auto exhaust purification catalyst. The oxidation of CO proceeds very quickly over Cu°, followed by Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺. The Cu₂O catalyst is more active in an O₂-rich atmosphere than in O₂-lean conditions. The reduced species of copper (Cu⁰, Cu⁺) are essential for better CO oxidation but smaller Cu particles could be less active than the higher ones. There is a great deal of research available on the Cu catalyst for CO oxidation, but there is a gap in the literature for a review article individually applied to the Cu catalyst for CO oxidation. To fill this gap, the present review updates information on Cu catalysts in the purification of exhaust gases.     

The Properties of Cu Ions in Zeolites CuY Studied by IR Spectroscopy

The properties of both Cu²⁺ and Cu⁺ ions in zeolite CuY were followed with NO and CO as probe molecules. Cu²⁺ was found to be located in S_II, S_II*, and S_III sites, whereas Cu⁺ was found in S_II and S_II* sites. The fine analysis of the spectra of Cu²⁺-NO and Cu⁺-CO adducts suggests that both in S_II and in S_II* sites two kinds of Cu cations exist. They differ in the positive charge, which may be related to the varying numbers of AlO₄⁻ in close proximity. The experiments of NO and CO adsorption and desorption evidenced that both Cu²⁺ and Cu⁺ sites of highest positive charge bind probe molecules most strongly but activate them to a lesser extent than the Cu sites of lowest positive charge. The experiments of reduction with hydrogen evidenced that the Cu ions of higher positive charge are first reduced by hydrogen. On the other hand, Cu sites of the lowest positive charge are first oxidized by oxygen. The experiments with CuNaY zeolites of various Cu contents suggest that the first introduced Cu (at low Cu contents) created Cu⁺, which was the most neutralized by framework oxygens. Such Cu cations are the most stabilized by framework oxygens.     

Construction of Cu-Ce interface for boosting toluene oxidation: Study of Cu-Ce interaction and intermediates identified by in situ DRIFTS

A facile hydrothermal method was applied to gain stably and highly efficient CuO-CeO₂ (denoted as Cu1Ce2) catalyst for toluene oxidation. The changes of surface and inter properties on Cu1Ce2 were investigated comparing with pure CeO₂ and pure CuO. The formation of Cu-Ce interface promotes the electron transfer between Cu and Ce through Cu²⁺ + Ce³⁺ ↔ Cu⁺ + Ce⁴⁺ and leads to high redox properties and mobility of oxygen species. Thus, the Cu1Ce2 catalyst makes up the shortcoming of CeO₂ and CuO and achieved high catalytic performance with T₅₀ = 234 °C and T₉₉ = 250 °C (the temperature at which 50% and 90% C₇H₈ conversion is obtained, respectively) for toluene oxidation. Different reaction steps and intermediates for toluene oxidation over Cu1Ce2, CeO₂ and CuO were detected by in situ DRIFTS, the fast benzyl species conversion and preferential transformation of benzoates into carbonates through C=C breaking over Cu1Ce2 should accelerate the reaction.     

Ternary [Al2O3–electrolyte–Cu] species: EPR spectroscopy and surface complexation modeling

Cu²⁺ binding on γ-Al₂O₃ is modulated by common electrolyte ions such as Mg²⁺, , and in a complex manner: (a) At high concentrations of electrolyte ions, Cu²⁺ uptake by γ-Al₂O₃ is inhibited. This is partially due to bulk ionic strength effects and, mostly, due to direct competition between Mg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions for the SO⁻ surface sites of γ-Al₂O₃. (b) At low concentrations of electrolyte ions, Cu²⁺ uptake by γ-Al₂O₃ can be enhanced. This is due to synergistic coadsorption of Cu²⁺ and electrolyte anions, and _. This results in the formation of ternary surface species (SOH₂SO₄Cu)⁺, (SOH₂PO₄Cu), and (SOH₂HPO₄Cu)⁺ which enhance Cu²⁺ uptake at pH < 6. The effect of phosphate ions may be particularly strong resulting in a 100% Cu uptake by the oxide surface. (c) EPR spectroscopy shows that at pH  pH_PZC, Cu²⁺ coordinates to one SO⁻ group. Phosphate anions form stronger, binary or ternary, surface species than sulfate anions. At pH  pH_PZC Cu²⁺ may coordinate to two SO⁻ groups. At pH  pH_PZC electrolyte ions and are bridging one O-atom from the γ-Al₂O₃ surface and one Cu²⁺ ion forming ternary [γ-Al₂O₃/elecrolyte/Cu²⁺] species.     

Interplay of Electronic and Steric Effects to Yield Low‐Temperature CO Oxidation at Metal Single Sites in Defect‐Engineered HKUST‐1

In contrast to catalytically active metal single atoms deposited on oxide nanoparticles, the crystalline nature of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) allows for a thorough characterization of reaction mechanisms. Using defect‐free HKUST‐1 MOF thin films, we demonstrate that Cu⁺/Cu²⁺ dimer defects, created in a controlled fashion by reducing the pristine Cu²⁺/Cu²⁺ pairs of the intact framework, account for the high catalytic activity in low‐temperature CO oxidation. Combining advanced IR spectroscopy and density functional theory we propose a new reaction mechanism where the key intermediate is an uncharged O₂ species, weakly bound to Cu⁺/Cu²⁺. Our results reveal a complex interplay between electronic and steric effects at defect sites in MOFs and provide important guidelines for tailoring and exploiting the catalytic activity of single metal atom sites.     

Electroreduction of carbon monoxide on palladium electrodeposits in solutions containing copper ions

It is shown that the electroreduction of CO proceeds on electrolytic deposits of palladium (edPd) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ + (1–5) mM CuSO₄ + CO(sat) solutions at the potentials more positive than the Cu²⁺/Cu equilibrium potential. Among the CO reduction products, methanol and formaldehyde are identified. The current efficiency with respect to CH₃OH exceeds 75% on edPd formed in 1% PdCl₂+0.5 M H₂SO₄ solutions. In addition, Cu⁺ ions, which probably form complexes with CO, are detected in the solution and are assumed to play the role of intermediate species in the mediator catalysis along with copper adatoms.     

Framework Effects on Activation and Functionalisation of Methane in Zinc-Exchanged Zeolites

The first selective oxidation of methane to methanol is reported herein for zinc-exchanged MOR (Zn/MOR). Under identical conditions, Zn/FER and Zn/ZSM-5 both form zinc formate and methanol. Selective methane activation to form [Zn-CH₃]⁺ species was confirmed by ¹³C MAS NMR spectroscopy for all three frameworks. The percentage of active zinc sites, measured through quantitative NMR spectroscopy studies, varied with the zeolite framework and was found to be ZSM-5 (5.7 %), MOR (1.2 %) and FER (0.5 %). For Zn/MOR, two signals were observed in the ¹³C MAS NMR spectrum, resulting from two distinct [Zn-CH₃]⁺ species present in the 12 MR and 8 MR side pockets, as supported by additional NMR experiments. The observed products of oxidation of the [Zn-CH₃]⁺ species are shown to depend on the zeolite framework type and the oxidative conditions used. These results lay the foundation for developing structure–function correlations for methane conversion over zinc-exchanged zeolites.     

An Adaptable N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Macrocycle Hosting Copper in Three Oxidation States

A neutral hybrid macrocycle with two trans‐positioned N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and two pyridine donors hosts copper in three oxidation states (+I–+III) in a series of structurally characterized complexes ( 1 – 3 ). Redox interconversion of [LCu]^+/2+/3+ is electrochemically (quasi)reversible and occurs at moderate potentials (E_1/2=?0.45 V and +0.82 V (vs. Fc/Fc⁺)). A linear C^NHC‐Cu‐C^NHC arrangement and hemilability of the two pyridine donors allows the ligand to adapt to the different stereoelectronic and coordination requirements of Cu^I versus Cu^II/Cu^III. Analytical methods such as NMR, UV/Vis, IR, electron paramagnetic resonance, and Cu Kβ high‐energy‐resolution fluorescence detection X‐ray absorption spectroscopies, as well as DFT calculations, give insight into the geometric and electronic structures of the complexes. The XAS signatures of 1 – 3 are textbook examples for Cu^I, Cu^II, and Cu^III species. Facile 2‐electron interconversion combined with the exposure of two basic pyridine N sites in the reduced Cu^I form suggest that [LCu]^+/2+/3+ may operate in catalysis via coupled 2 e^?/2 H⁺ transfer.     

Dynamic Changes in the Structure,Chemical State and Catalytic Selectivity of Cu Nanocubes during CO2 Electroreduction: Size and Support Effects

In situ and operando spectroscopic and microscopic methods were used to gain insight into the correlation between the structure, chemical state, and reactivity of size‐ and shape‐controlled ligand‐free Cu nanocubes during CO₂ electroreduction (CO₂RR). Dynamic changes in the morphology and composition of Cu cubes supported on carbon were monitored under potential control through electrochemical atomic force microscopy, X‐ray absorption fine‐structure spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Under reaction conditions, the roughening of the nanocube surface, disappearance of the (100) facets, formation of pores, loss of Cu and reduction of CuO_x species observed were found to lead to a suppression of the selectivity for multi‐carbon products (i.e. C₂H₄ and ethanol) versus CH₄. A comparison with Cu cubes supported on Cu foils revealed an enhanced morphological stability and persistence of Cu^I species under CO₂RR in the former samples. Both factors are held responsible for the higher C₂/C₁ product ratio observed for the Cu cubes/Cu as compared to Cu cubes/C. Our findings highlight the importance of the structure of the active nanocatalyst but also its interaction with the underlying substrate in CO₂RR selectivity.     

Bis(homoleptische) vs. heteroleptische Kupfer(I)-Komplexe: Elektrosynthese,Spektroskopie und Kristallstruktur von {[Cu(BIK)2]+}2{[Cu4(SR)6]2−} · 3(CH3CN) · (RSH); BIK = Bis(N-methylimidazol-2-yl)keton,R = o-Tolyl

Bis(homoleptic) vs. Heteroleptic Copper(I) Complexes: Electrosynthesis, Spectroscopy, and Crystal Structure of {[Cu(BIK)₂]⁺}₂{[Cu₄(SR)₆]^2?} · 3(CH₃CN) · (RSH); BIK = Bis(2-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone, R = o-Tolyl Anodic oxidation of copper in acetonitrile/2 mM tetrabutylammonium perchlorate and in the presence of bis(N-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone (BIK) and excess o-thiocresol RSH yields the title compound as main product. Whereas the dianionic cluster [Cu₄(SR)₆]^2? is similar to previously reported such species with R = phenyl or methyl, the purple cations [Cu(BIK)₂]⁺ exhibit spectroscopic and structural effects of π back bonding between electron-rich Cu¹ and the π acceptor ligand BIK. In contrast to the formally related [Zn(BIK)₂]²⁺, the copper(I) complex cations exhibit distorted tetrahedral structures with almost coplanar BIK chelate arrangements which ensures maximum metal-ligand π interaction.