Effect of oxygen vacancies in anodic titanium oxide films on the kinetics of the oxygen electrode reaction

The effect of oxygen vacancies in the anodic oxide film on passive titanium on the kinetics of the oxygen electrode reaction has been studied by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Oxide films of different donor density were prepared galvanostatically at various current densities until a potential of 20.0 V_SHE was achieved. The semiconductive properties of the oxide films were characterized using EIS and Mott-Schottky analysis, and the thickness was measured using ellipsometry. The film thickness was found to be almost constant at ∼44.7 ± 2.0 nm, but Mott-Schottky analysis of the measured high frequency interracial capacitance showed that the donor (oxygen vacancy) density in the n-type passive film decreased sharply with increasing oxide film formation rate (current density). Passive titanium surfaces covering a wide range of donor density were used as substrates for ascertaining relationships between the rates of oxygen reduction/evolution and the donor density. These studies show that the rates of both reactions are higher for passive films having higher donor densities. Possible explanations include enhancement of the conductivity of the film due to the vacancies facilitating charge transfer and the surface oxygen vacancies acting as catalytic sites for the reactions. The possible involvement of surface oxygen vacancies in the oxygen electrode reaction was explored by determining the kinetic order of the OER with respect to the donor concentration. The kinetic orders were found to be greater than zero, indicating that oxygen vacancies are involved as electrocatalytic reaction centers in both the oxygen evolution and reduction reactions. This paper was submitted in honor of the many contributions to electrochemistry that have been made by Professor Boris Grafov. The article is published in the original.     

Recent advances in energy chemistry of precious-metal-free catalysts for oxygen electrocatalysis

The rational design and effective construction of precious-metal-free materials for OER and ORR, respectively, are reviewed in the respects of electronic structure regulation, nanostructure tailor, and freestanding electrode fabrication. This affords fresh concepts for oxygen electrocatalysis and is also enlightening for other energy catalysis with targeted optimization.     

Current progress of molybdenum carbide-based materials for electrocatalysis: potential electrocatalysts with diverse applications

Electrocatalysts are the cores of many electrochemical reactions including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), and CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR). Recent advances in research have demonstrated the potentials of molybdenum carbide-based catalysts for these reactions arising out of their unique electronic structure and physicochemical properties. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent advances of molybdenum carbide-based catalysts in these electrochemical processes. The corresponding synthesis strategies, structure and electrocatalytic performance of the catalysts are discussed and the relationships of the process-structure-property are highlighted. In addition, the catalytic mechanisms are analyzed based on the structure characterization and theoretical calculations results. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspectives are put forward for further development of molybdenum carbide-based catalysts.     

Recent Advances of Single-atom Catalysts for Electro-catalysis

Single-atom catalysis is the “hot spot” in the field of catalysis due to the special geometries, electronic states, and their unique catalytic performance. Single-atom catalysts(SACs), isolated metal atoms dispersed on the support, show the highest atom efficiency, cutting down the potential cost in the industrial process. Consequently, this “homo-hetero” catalyst could be a promising candidate for the next-generation catalysts. The applications for the SACs are widely reported, like gas-solid reactions, organic reactions, and electro-catalysis. In this mini- review, we will focus on the recent work of SACs on electro-catalysis, including hydrogen evolution reaction(HER), oxygen reduction reaction(ORR), oxygen evolution reaction(OER), CO₂ reduction reaction(CO₂ RR), and nitrogen reduction reaction(NRR).     

Recent advances of layered double hydroxides–based bifunctional electrocatalysts for ORR and OER

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have attracted increasing attention for the sake of clean, renewable, and efficient energy technologies in recent years. The design of ORR/OER bifunctional electrocatalysts is a challenging task in the promotion of highly efficient rechargeable metal-air batteries as well as regenerative fuel cells. Owing to the wide adaptability of different types and ratios of metals in the interlayer space as well as the adjustable interlayer distance, composite materials with layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and their derivatives have recently been registered as electrode materials and catalysts supports for various electrochemical reactions. This study examines the recent development of bifunctional electrocatalysts based on LDHs for ORR/OER to expand the application of LDHs in the field of energy storage and conversion. Various bifunctional electrocatalysts associated with LDHs are discussed in detail to improve their performance. Finally, existing problems and future prospects for improving the performance of LDHs bifunctional electrocatalysts are proposed.     

The electrochemical reduction reaction of dissolved oxygen on Q235 carbon steel in alkaline solution containing chloride ions

Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and rotating disk electrode voltammetry have been used to study the effect of chloride ions on the dissolved oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on Q235 carbon steel electrode in a 0.02 M calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) solutions imitating the liquid phase in concrete pores. The results indicate that the cathodic process on Q235 carbon steel electrode in oxygen-saturated 0.02 M Ca(OH)₂ with different concentrations of chloride ions contain three reactions except hydrogen evolution: dissolved oxygen reduction, the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II), and then the reduction of Fe(II) to Fe. The peak potential of ORR shifts to the positive direction as the chloride ion concentration increases. The oxygen molecule adsorption can be inhibited by the chloride ion adsorption, and the rate of ORR decreases as the concentration of chloride ions increases. The mechanism of ORR is changed from 2e⁻ and 4e⁻ reactions, occurring simultaneously, to quietly 4e⁻ reaction with the increasing chloride ion concentration.     

原子尺度锂离子电池电极材料的近平衡结构

锂离子电池充放电过程中电极材料的结构变化与材料的电化学反应机理和性能密切相关.通过在原子尺度上直接观察脱/嵌锂前后电极材料的近平衡微观结构,有助于从更深层次认识电极反应机理和性能演化规律,对于全面理解材料的电化学行为以及改善锂离子电池性能具有重要的指导意义.本文详述了球差校正扫描透射成像技术在研究电极材料表界面结构及反应机理方面的进展,探讨了未来建立电极材料原子尺度结构与性能相关联可能的研究方向.     

溶剂热法制备磷掺杂碳纳米管作为氧气还原和氧气析出反应双功能电催化剂的研究

对氧气还原(ORR)和氧气析出(OER)反应都具有催化活性的双功能催化剂在金属-空气电池中起着关键作用.本文通过溶剂热反应,一步原位合成了磷掺杂碳纳米管(P-CNT).旋转环盘电极测试表明磷掺杂能够明显提高碳纳米管的催化活性,P-CNT在碱性电解质中对ORR和OER都具有优异的催化活性.P-CNT对ORR的催化还原为近4电子反应,可与商业催化剂Pt/C(20 wt%)相比;而其对OER的催化活性则高于Pt/C(20 wt%).此外,P-CNT的长期稳定性优于Pt/C(20 wt%).P-CNT对ORR和OER的高催化活性和稳定性主要归因于磷对碳的掺杂以及磷与碳间强的化学键合.     

Oxygen Evolution Reaction over the Au/YSZ Interface at High Temperature

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a sluggish electrocatalytic reaction in solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) at high temperatures (600–850 °C). Perovskite oxide has been widely investigated for catalyzing the OER; however, the formation of cation‐enriched secondary phases at the oxide/oxide interface blocks the active sites and decreases OER performance. Herein, we show that the Au/yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) interface possesses much higher OER activity than the lanthanum strontium manganite/YSZ anode. Electrochemical characterization and density functional theory calculations suggest that the Au/YSZ interface provides a favorable path for OER by triggering interfacial oxygen spillover from the YSZ to the Au surface. In situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirm the existence of spillover oxygen on the Au surface. This study demonstrates that the Au/YSZ interface possesses excellent catalytic activity for OER at high temperatures in SOECs.     

Ni-Fe/Ti和Ni-Fe-S/Ti的制备及其电催化水分解性能

以钛网为基底,采用电沉积法制备了Ni-Fe/Ti析氧电极,然后将得到的Ni-Fe/Ti电极通过固相硫化制备了Ni-Fe-S/Ti析氢电极. 分别考察了电沉积液中Ni ²⁺/Fe ³⁺离子摩尔浓度比和硫脲加入量对Ni-Fe/Ti和Ni-Fe-S/Ti结构和电化学性能的影响. 结果表明,随着电沉积液中Ni ²⁺含量的增加,Ni-Fe/Ti电极析氧性能先增强后减弱,Ni9Fe1/Ti电极具有最好的析氧性能;随着硫脲加入量的增加,Ni-Fe-S/Ti电极析氢性能呈现先增强后减弱的趋势,Ni9Fe1S0.25/Ti电极具有最好的析氢性能. 在50 mA·cm ^-2下,Ni9Fe1/Ti电极的析氧过电位为280 mV,Ni9Fe1S0.25/Ti电极的析氢过电位为269 mV,且均具有很好的稳定性. 将Ni9Fe1/Ti与Ni9Fe1S0.25/Ti分别作为阳极和阴极进行电催化全水分解,电流密度达到50 mA·cm ^-2所需电势仅1.69 V,表现出很好的全水解催化性能.     

Atom states and interatomic interactions in complex perovskite-like oxides: XX. Origin of electron-ionic conductivity in lanthanum gallates doped with strontium and chromium

Magnetic susceptibilities and electric conductivities of solid solutions based on lanthanum gallate containing chromium and strontium atoms in the ratio of 10:2 were studied. It was shown that no partial oxidation of chromium to Cr(IV) occurs when lanthanum gallate is doped with chromium and strontium simultaneously, whereas the ionic conductivity is associated with the appearance of vacancies stabilized by chromium atoms in the oxygen sublattice.     

Earth-Abundant Transition-Metal-Based Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting in Alkaline Media

The depletion of fossil fuels has accelerated the search for clean, sustainable, scalable, and environmentally friendly alternative energy sources. Hydrogen is a potential energy carrier because of its advantageous properties, and the electrolysis of water is considered as an efficient method for its industrial production. However, the high-energy conversion efficiency of electrochemical water splitting requires cost-effective and highly active electrocatalysts. Therefore, researchers have aimed to develop high-performance electrode materials based on non-precious and abundant transition metals for conversion devices. Moreover, to further reduce the cost and complexity in real-world applications, bifunctional catalysts that can be simultaneously active on both the anodic (i.e., oxygen evolution reaction, OER) and cathodic (i.e., hydrogen evolution reaction, HER) sides are economically and technically desirable. This Minireview focuses on the recent progress in transition-metal-based materials as bifunctional electrocatalysts, including several promising strategies to promote electrocatalytic activities for overall water splitting in alkaline media, such as chemical doping, defect (vacancy) engineering, phase engineering, facet engineering, and structure engineering. Finally, the potential for further developments in rational electrode materials design is also discussed.     

Advances in understanding the role of surface hole formation in heterogeneous water oxidation

The electrochemical oxidation of water to molecular oxygen, that is, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), is a key anodic reaction that supplies electrons and protons for many technologically interesting reduction processes, such as carbon dioxide reduction and nitrogen fixation. Because the OER is a slow reaction, it needs to be facilitated by (photo)electrocatalysts. To develop such catalysts, advances in the mechanistic understanding of the OER are critical. In this opinion, we focus on a key aspect of the OER, namely, how the accumulation of oxidative charge (‘holes’) on the surface of a catalyst triggers O ? O bond formation. We discuss recent advances in understanding the factors that drive surface hole formation at specific sites.     

Oxygen evolution on SrFeO3 electrode

Oxygen evolution reactions on SrFeO₃ were investigated in alkaline and acidic solutions. It was found that the catalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction in the alkaline solution is high. The following reaction steps (V)+Fe+2H₂O→(O)+FeOH₂+2H⁺+2e^? in acidic solution and FeOH+OH^?→FeO^?+H₂O in alkaline solution are presumed to be rate-controlling in the anodic evolution of oxygen on SrFeO₃ electrode, where (V) denotes oxygen vacancy on the electrode surface. The reaction mechanism and the catalytic property are discussed in connection to the band structure of the oxide.     

Sulfur-doped LaNiO3 perovskite oxides with enriched anionic vacancies and manipulated orbital occupancy facilitating oxygen electrode reactions in lithium-oxygen batteries

The rational design of effective bifunctional catalysts with enhanced activity toward oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction is of significance to develop high-performance lithium-oxygen (Li–O₂) batteries. Herein, sulfur-doped LaNiO₃ nanoparticles are elaborately synthesized, and their catalytic activity toward oxygen redox reactions in Li–O₂ batteries is comprehensively studied. As confirmed by the density functional theory calculations and experimental results, the substitution of oxygen atoms by sulfur atoms with lower Pauling electronegativity can enhance the covalent feature of bonds, thus increasing electrical conductivity of catalyst. In addition, abundant oxygen vacancies created after sulfur doping are capable of providing concentrated active sites. Simultaneously, sulfur dopants boost the hybridization between Ni 3d orbital and O 2p orbital and increase the covalency of Ni–O bonds due to the increase of Ni³⁺ with the near-unity occupancy of the e_g orbital, thereby increasing the adsorption strength of oxygen-containing intermediates on the surface. Eventually, lowered reaction energy barriers and accelerated reaction kinetics of oxygen electrode reactions are realized, contributing to the optimized electrochemical performance of Li–O₂ battery. The Li–O₂ battery based on sulfur-doped LaNiO₃ with the optimized S-doping level of 2.89 wt% (marked as S_2.89 wt%-LNO) delivers a high specific discharge capacity of 24067 mAh/g, an ultralow overpotential of 0.37 V and extended life of 347 cycles.     

Electrolysis of water in the diffusion layer: first-principles molecular dynamics simulation

With Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations the elementary reaction steps of the electrolysis of bulk water are investigated. To simulate the reactions occurring near the anode and near the cathode, electrons are removed or added, respectively. The study focuses on the reactions in pure water. Effects depending on a particular electrode surface or a particular electrolyte are ignored. Under anodic conditions, the reaction continues till molecular oxygen is formed, under cathodic conditions the formation of molecular hydrogen is observed. In addition the formation of hydrogen peroxide is observed as an intermediate of the anodic reaction. The simulations demonstrate that the electrochemistry of oxygen formation without direct electrode contact can be explained by radical reactions in a solvent. These reactions may involve the intermediate formation of ions. The hydrogen formation is governed by rapid proton transfers between water molecules.     

Electrochemical properties of lanthanum nickel oxide

Electrochemical properties of lanthanum nickel oxide, LaNiO₂₈₄, were studied in alkaline solutions. It was concluded that redox reactions of Ni⁴⁺/Ni³⁺ and Ni³⁺/Ni²⁺ in a solid surface layer took place at 0.4 V and ?0.4 V (vs. Hg/HgO), respectively. As the conductivity of the oxide is a function of the oxygen concentration due to σ^* bond formation, the resistivity of the electrode was changed depending on polarization potentials. The catalytic activity for oxygen reduction of a preoxidized electrode seemed to be higher than that of an electrode not intentionally oxidized, and the activity depended on the concentration of the alkaline solution. It was presumed that Ni³⁺ cations which form the σ^* bond with oxygen have an important role in the electrocatalysis of oxygen reduction on lanthanum nickel oxide.     

导电MOFs在能源转化中的应用

可再生能源供应方案包括析氢反应(HER)、析氧反应(OER)、氧还原反应(ORR)和二氧化碳还原反应(CO2RR)等多种反应,电催化剂对这些反应至关重要。到目前为止,已有一系列导电MOFs作为与能源相关电催化电极材料的报道。本文从提高MOFs导电能力和对产物的选择性、增强MOFs的化学稳定性及增加MOFs的反应活性位点等方面介绍了导电MOFs作为电催化剂的设计策略,重点综述了其在能源转化涉及的HER、OER、ORR以及CO2RR方面的应用,并从材料制备和应用需求角度出发, 对高性能导电MOFs材料在电催化领域所面临的挑战和前景进行了展望。     

Oxygen Reduction Reaction on a Rotating Ag/GC Disk Electrode in Acidic Solution

Finding an appropriate mechanism of oxygen reduction reaction, without having kinetic parameters and intermediate species at hand, is an impossible task. In view of the fact that this reaction is one of the important reactions, it was tried to overcome this problem through computing the kinetic parameters by means of Ag/GC rotating disc electrode in an acidic solution. Using this electrode, two values were obtained for electron transfer coefficient and reaction order was calculated through relative equations. Based on this information, an ECE (electrochemical chemical electrochemical) mechanism has been proposed.     

The Common Intermediates of Oxygen Evolution and Dissolution Reactions during Water Electrolysis on Iridium

Understanding the pathways of catalyst degradation during the oxygen evolution reaction is a cornerstone in the development of efficient and stable electrolyzers, since even for the most promising Ir based anodes the harsh reaction conditions are detrimental. The dissolution mechanism is complex and the correlation to the oxygen evolution reaction itself is still poorly understood. Here, by coupling a scanning flow cell with inductively coupled plasma and online electrochemical mass spectrometers, we monitor the oxygen evolution and degradation products of Ir and Ir oxides in situ. It is shown that at high anodic potentials several dissolution routes become possible, including formation of gaseous IrO₃. On the basis of experimental data, possible pathways are proposed for the oxygen‐evolution‐triggered dissolution of Ir and the role of common intermediates for these reactions is discussed.