Identifying the O2 diffusion and reduction mechanisms on CeO2 electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cells: A DFT + U study

The interactions and reduction mechanisms of O₂ molecule on the fully oxidized and reduced CeO₂ surface were studied using periodic density functional theory calculations implementing on‐site Coulomb interactions (DFT + U) consideration. The adsorbed O₂ species on the oxidized CeO₂ surface were characterized by physisorption. Their adsorption energies and vibrational frequencies are within ?0.05 to 0.02 eV and 1530–1552 cm^?1, respectively. For the reduced CeO₂ surface, the adsorption of O₂ on Ce⁴⁺, one‐electron defects (Ce³⁺ on the CeO₂ surface) and two‐electron defects (neutral oxygen vacancy) can alter geometrical parameters and results in the formation of surface physisorbed O₂, O₂^a? (0 < a < 1), superoxide (O₂^?), and peroxide (O₂^2?) species. Their corresponding adsorption energies are ?0.01 to ?0.09, ?0.20 to ?0.37, ?1.34 and ?1.86 eV, respectively. The predicted vibrational frequencies of the peroxide, superoxide, O₂^a? (0 < a < 1) and physisorbed species are 897, 1234, 1323–1389, and 1462–1545 cm^?1, respectively, which are in good agreement with experimental data. Potential energy profiles for the O₂ reduction on the oxidized and reduced CeO₂ (111) surface were constructed using the nudged elastic band method. Our calculations show that the reduced surface is energetically more favorable than the unreduced surface for oxygen reduction. In addition, we have studied the oxygen ion diffusion process on the surface and in bulk ceria. The small barrier for the oxygen ion diffusion through the subsurface and bulk implies that ceria‐based oxides are high ionic conductivity at relatively low temperatures which can be suitable for IT‐SOFC electrolyte materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009     

Oxygen adsorption characteristics on hybrid carbon and boron‐nitride nanotubes

In this work, first‐principles density functional theory (DFT) is used to predict oxygen adsorption on two types of hybrid carbon and boron‐nitride nanotubes (CBNNTs), zigzag (8,0), and armchair (6,6). Although the chemisorption of O₂ on CBNNT(6,6) is calculated to be a thermodynamically unfavorable process, the binding of O₂ on CBNNT(8,0) is found to be an exothermic process and can form both chemisorbed and physisorbed complexes. The CBNNT(8,0) has very different O₂ adsorption properties compared with pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and boron‐nitride nanotube (BNNTs). For example, O₂ chemisorption is significantly enhanced on CBNNTs, and O₂ physisorption complexes also show stronger binding, as compared to pristine CNTs or BNNTs. Furthermore, it is found that the O₂ adsorption is able to increase the conductivity of CBNNTs. Overall, these properties suggest that the CBNNT hybrid nanotubes may be useful as a gas sensor or as a catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Direct Electrochemistry and Bioelectrocatalysis of Microperoxidase‐11 Immobilized on Chitosan‐Graphene Nanocomposite

A bioelectrochemical platform has been constructed for the direct electron transfer and biosensing purposes of microperoxidase‐11 (MP‐11) immobilized on the chitosan dispersed multilayer graphene nanocomposite. The immobilized MP‐11 at the modified gold electrode displays a well‐defined and quasireversible redox peaks, with a formal potential of ?0.38 V/SCE in a buffer solution (pH 7.0). MP‐11 absorbed on the electrode surface exhibits high electrocatalytic activity toward the reduction of both oxygen and hydrogen peroxide and also shows good analytical performance for the amperometric detection of H₂O₂ with a linear range from 2.5 to 135 μM. These results indicate the graphene modified electrode might be used as a third generation biosensor for H₂O₂ detection.     

Ab initio study of molecular oxygen adsorption on Pu (111) surface

Using the generalized gradient approximation to density functional theory (DFT), molecular and dissociative oxygen adsorptions on a Pu (111) surface has been studied in detail. Dissociative adsorption with a layer‐by‐layer alternate spin arrangement of the plutonium layer is found to be energetically more favorable, and adsorption of oxygen does not change this feature. Hor1 (O₂ is parallel to the surface and lattice vectors) approach on the center2 (center of the unit cell, where there is a Pu atom directly below on the third layer) site, both without and with spin polarization, was found to be the preferred chemisorbed site among all cases studied with chemisorption energies of 8.365 and 7.897 eV, respectively. The second‐highest chemisorption energy occurs at the Ver (O₂ is vertical to the surface) approach of the bridge site with chemisorption energies of 8.294 eV (non‐spin‐polarized) and 7.859 eV (spin‐polarized), respectively. We find that 5f electrons are more localized in the spin‐polarized case than the non‐spin‐polarized counterparts. Localization of the 5f electrons is higher in the oxygen‐adsorbed plutonium layers compared with the bare layers. The ionic part of O? Pu bonding plays a significant role in the chemisorption process, along with Pu 5f? O 2p hybridization. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005     

MnO2/Graphene Nanocomposites for Nonenzymatic Electrochemical Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide

MnO₂/graphene nanocomposites with different morphologies were synthesized and the petal‐shaped nanosheet MnO₂/graphene composite was developed as an electrode material for nonenzymatic hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) sensor. The morphology, structure, composition, and hydrophilicity of the resulting products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the contact angle tests. In addition, the fabricated MnO₂/graphene composites could be used as catalysts for the electrochemical oxidation of H₂O₂. Cyclic voltammogram (CV) experiments indicated that MnO₂/graphene‐modified electrode showed good electrocatalytic activity towards both the oxidation and reduction of H₂O₂ in a neutral environment. Amperometric response results illustrated that this nonenzymatic sensor had excellent anti‐interference ability and displayed two linear ranges from 10 to 90 µM and from 0.2 to 0.9 mM with a detection limit of 2 µM.     

Direct Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis of Myoglobin Immobilized on Graphene‐CTAB‐Ionic Liquid Nanocomposite Film

This paper describes the direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of myoglobin immobilized on graphene‐cetylramethylammonium bromide (CTAB)‐ionic liquid nanocomposite film on a glassy carbon electrode. The nanocomposite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. It was found that the high surface area of graphene was helpful for immobilizing more proteins and the nanocomposite film could provide a favorable microenvironment for MB to retain its native structure and activity and to achieve reversible direct electron transfer reaction at an electrode. The ionic liquid may play dual roles here: it keeps the protein's activity and improves stability of the nanocomposite film; it also serves as a binder between protein and electrode, therefore, enhancing the electron transfer between the protein and the electrode. The nanocomposite films also exhibit good stability and catalytic activities for the electrocatalytic reduction of H₂O₂.     

One‐step in situ growth of magnesium ferrite nanorods on graphene and their microwave‐absorbing properties

The magnesium ferrite nanorods/graphene (MgFe₂O₄ NR/G) composites were prepared by a facile one‐step surfactant‐assisted solvothermal method. The structure and morphology of as‐prepared composite materials were characterized by electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, Raman spectrometry, X‐ray diffraction, FT‐IR and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The homogeneous MgFe₂O₄ nanorods with a typical diameter of about 100 nm were well distributed on graphene. The electromagnetic parameters were measured using a vector network analyzer. A minimum reflection loss (RL) of ?40.3 dB was observed at 14.9 GHz with a thickness of 3 mm, and the effective absorption frequency (RL  <   ? 10 dB) ranged from 12.0 to 18.0 GHz, indicating the remarkable microwave absorption performance of the MgFe₂O₄ NR/G composites. The absorbing property of as‐obtained composites was better than that of the pure MgFe₂O₄ nanorods. The synergistic effect of MgFe₂O₄ and graphene was responsible for the enhanced absorbing performance.     

Photochemical Evidence of Electronic Interwall Communication in Double‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Single‐ and double‐wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) having dimethylanilino (DMA) units covalently attached to the external graphene wall have been prepared by the reaction of the dimethylaminophenylnitronium ion with the corresponding CNT. The samples have been characterized by Raman and XPS spectroscopies, thermogravimetry, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy in which the integrity of the single or double wall of the CNT and the percentage of substitution (one dimethylanilino group every 45 carbons of the wall for the single‐ and double‐wall samples) has been determined. Nanosecond laser flash photolysis has shown the generation of transients that has been derived from the charge transfer between the dimethylanilino (as the electron donor) to the CNT graphene wall (as the electron acceptor). Importantly, the lifetime of the double‐wall CNT is much shorter than that monitored for the single‐wall CNT. Shorter‐lived transients were also observed for the pentyl‐esterified functionalized double‐wall CNT with respect to the single‐wall analogue in the presence of hole (CH₃OH) and electron quenchers (O₂, N₂O), which has led to the conclusion that the inner, intact graphene wall that is present in double‐wall CNT increases the charge mobility significantly, favoring charge recombination processes. Considering the importance that charge mobility has in microelectronics, our finding suggests that double‐wall CNT or two‐layer graphene may be more appropriate to develop devices needing fast charge mobility.     

On the Role of the Electronic Structure of the Heteronuclear Oxide Cluster [Ga2Mg2O5].+ in the Thermal Activation of Methane and Ethane: An Unusual Doping Effect

The reactivity of the heteronuclear oxide cluster [Ga₂Mg₂O₅]^.+, bearing an unpaired electron at a bridging oxygen atom (O_b^.?), towards methane and ethane has been studied using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR‐MS). Hydrogen‐atom transfer (HAT) from both methane and ethane to the cluster ion is identified experimentally. The reaction mechanisms of these reactions are elucidated by state‐of‐the‐art quantum chemical calculations. The roles of spin density and charge distributions in HAT processes, as revealed by theory, not only deepen our mechanistic understanding of C? H bond activation but also provide important guidance for the rational design of catalysts by pointing to the particular role of doping effects.     

Uniform Decoration of Vanadium Oxide Nanocrystals on Reduced Graphene‐Oxide Balls by an Aerosol Process for Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathode Material

VO₂‐decorated reduced graphene balls were prepared by a one‐pot spray‐pyrolysis process from a colloidal spray solution of well‐dispersed graphene oxide and ammonium vanadate. The graphene–VO₂ composite powders prepared directly by spray pyrolysis had poor electrochemical properties. Therefore, the graphene–VO₂ composite powders were transformed into a reduced graphene ball (RGB)–V₂O₅ (RGB) composite by post‐treatment at 300 °C in an air atmosphere. The TEM and dot‐mapping images showed a uniform distribution of V and C components, originating from V₂O₅ and graphene, consisting the composite. The graphene content of the RGB–V₂O₅ composite, measured by thermogravimetric analysis, was approximately 5 wt %. The initial discharge and charge capacities of RGB–V₂O₅ composite were 282 and 280 mA h g^?1, respectively, and the corresponding Coulombic efficiency was approximately 100 %. On the other hand, the initial discharge and charge capacities of macroporous V₂O₅ powders were 205 and 221 mA h g^?1, respectively, and the corresponding Coulombic efficiency was approximately 93 %. The RGB–V₂O₅ composite showed a better rate performance than the macroporous V₂O₅ powders.     

Graphene-encapsulated Fe3O4 nanoparticles with 3D laminated structure as superior anode in lithium ion batteries

Fe₃O₄–graphene composites with three‐dimensional laminated structures have been synthesised by a simple in situ hydrothermal method. From field‐emission and transmission electron microscopy results, the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, around 3–15 nm in size, are highly encapsulated in a graphene nanosheet matrix. The reversible Li‐cycling properties of Fe₃O₄–graphene have been evaluated by galvanostatic discharge–charge cycling, cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. Results show that the Fe₃O₄–graphene nanocomposite with a graphene content of 38.0 wt % exhibits a stable capacity of about 650 mAh g^?1 with no noticeable fading for up to 100 cycles in the voltage range of 0.0–3.0 V. The superior performance of Fe₃O₄–graphene is clearly established by comparison of the results with those from bare Fe₃O₄. The graphene nanosheets in the composite materials could act not only as lithium storage active materials, but also as an electronically conductive matrix to improve the electrochemical performance of Fe₃O₄.     

Photogeneration of superoxide and decarboxylated peptide radicals by carboquone, mitomycin C and streptonigrin. An electron spin resonance and spin trapping study

Visible light (405–615 nm) excitation of carboquone, mitomycin C, and streptonigrin dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide in the presence of oxygen generates superoxide anion radicals (O₂^?). The quantum yields for these reactions range from 4.2 times 10^?2 (carboquone, λ= 615 ± 10 nm) to 7.3 times 10^?6 (streptonigrin, λ=545 ± 10 nm). O₂^? radicals were spin trapped with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide (DMPO) and identified by electron spin resonance (ESR). The efficiency of DMPO to spin trap O₂^? in dimethylsulfoxide was determined and indicated that 91% of the O₂^? present in dimethylsulfoxide is trapped by DMPO. The oxidation of the photoexcited drug molecules occurs via a direct electron transfer to dissolved oxygen in solution. Ultraviolet irradiation (λ= 313 ± 10 nm) of the aminoquinone drug solutions (80% H₂O, 20% dimethylsulfoxide) in the presence of peptides results in the decarboxylation of the peptides. In this case the photoexcited drugs are reduced, abstracting an electron from the C-terminal carboxyl group of the peptides. The reaction is specific to the C-terminal amino acid of the peptide. The decarboxylated peptide radicals were spin trapped with 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (MNP) and identified by ESR.     

Synthesis,characterization and photocatalytic application of TiO2/magnetic graphene for efficient photodegradation of crystal violet

A magnetized nano‐photocatalyst based on TiO₂/magnetic graphene was developed for efficient photodegradation of crystal violet (CV). Scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and elemental mapping were used to characterize the prepared magnetic nano‐photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized magnetic nano‐photocatalyst was evaluated using the decomposition of CV as a model organic pollutant under UV light irradiation. The obtained results showed that TiO₂/magnetic graphene exhibited much higher photocatalytic performance than bare TiO₂. Incorporation of graphene enhanced the activity of the prepared magnetic nano‐photocatalyst. TiO₂/magnetic graphene can be easily separated from an aqueous solution by applying an external magnetic field. Effects of pH, magnetized nano‐photocatalyst dosage, UV light irradiation time, H₂O₂ amount and initial concentration of dye on the photodegradation efficiency were evaluated and optimized. Efficient photodegradation (>98%) of the selected dye under optimized conditions using the synthesized nano‐photocatalyst under UV light irradiation was achieved in 25 min. The prepared magnetic nano‐photocatalyst can be used in a wide pH range (4–10) for degradation of CV. The effects of scavengers, namely methanol (OH^? scavenger), p‐benzoquinone (O₂^?? scavenger) and disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (hole scavenger), on CV photodegradation were investigated.     

Palladium Nanoparticles Embedded into Graphene Nanosheets: Preparation,Characterization, and Nonenzymatic Electrochemical Detection of H2O2

A novel nonenzymatic H₂O₂ sensor based on a palladium nanoparticles/graphene (Pd‐NPs/GN) hybrid nanostructures composite film modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was reported. The composites of graphene (GN) decorated with Pd nanoparticles have been prepared by simultaneously reducing graphite oxide (GO) and K₂PdCl₄ in one pot. The Pd‐NPs were intended to enlarge the interplanar spacing of graphene nanosheets and were well dispersed on the surface or completely embedded into few‐layer GN, which maintain their high surface area and prevent GN from aggregating. XPS analysis indicated that the surface Pd atoms are negatively charged, favoring the reduction process of H₂O₂. Moreover, the Pd‐NPs/GN/GCE could remarkably decrease the overpotential and enhance the electron‐transfer rate due to the good contact between Pd‐NPs and GN sheets, and Pd‐NPs have high catalytical effect for H₂O₂ reduction. Amperometric measurements allow observation of the electrochemical reduction of H₂O₂ at 0.5 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The H₂O₂ reduction current is linear to its concentration in the range from 1×10^?9 to 2×10^?3 M, and the detection limit was found to be 2×10^?10 M (S/N=3). The as‐prepared nonenzymatic H₂O₂ sensor exhibits excellent repeatability, selectivity and long‐term stability.     

Photoelectrochemical Detection of H2O2 Based on Flower‐Like CuInS2‐Graphene Hybrid

A novel photoelectrochemcial biosensing system was fabricated based on the composition of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), flower‐like CuInS₂ (CIS) and graphene on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode for detecting H₂O₂. The graphene layer was used as highly conductive scaffolds for electron transport from the ITO electrode to CIS. Furthermore, the flower‐like CIS enhanced the multi‐reflection of light and provided matrixes for the adsorption of HRP. Utilizing one‐pot solvothermal method, we prepared flower‐like CIS‐graphene hybrid (GCIS). Electrochemical tests displayed advantage of graphene with better electron conductivity, and HRP/GCIS showed higher photoelectrochemical behavior.     

Ab initio and DFT investigation of the structures and properties of chloromethyl and chlorofluoromethyl peroxyl radicals

Ab initio and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed to determine the equilibrium geometries, charge distributions, spin density distributions, dipole moments, electron affinities (EAs), and C–O bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of CH₂ClO₂^? CHCl₂O₂^?, CCl₃O₂^?, CF₂ClO₂^?, CFCl₂O₂^?, and CHFClO₂^? peroxyl radicals. The C–H BDEs of the parent methanes were calculated using the same levels of theories. Both MP2(full) and B3LYP methods, using the 6‐31G(d,p) basis set, were found to be capable of accurately predicting the geometries of peroxyl radicals. The B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) method was found to be comparable to high ab initio levels in predicting C–O BDEs of studied peroxyl radicals and C–H BDEs of the parent alkanes. The progressive chlorine substitution of hydrogen atoms in methyl peroxyl radicals results in an increase (decrease) of the spin density on the terminal (inner) oxygen, a decrease in dipole moments, and an increase in electron affinities. The substitution of fluorine by chlorine in the series CF₃O₂^? – CCl₃O₂^? was found to lengthen (destabilize) the C–O bonds. Both C–O BDEs and EAs of peroxyl radicals (RO₂^?) were found to correlate well with Taft σ* substituent constants for the R groups. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005     

A Comparative Study of CO Oxidation on Nitrogen‐ and Phosphorus‐Doped Graphene

The geometry, electronic structure, and catalytic properties of nitrogen‐ and phosphorus‐doped graphene (N‐/P‐graphene) are investigated by density functional theory calculations. The reaction between adsorbed O₂ and CO molecules on N‐ and P‐graphene is comparably studied via Langmuir–Hinshelwood (LH) and Eley–Rideal (ER) mechanisms. The results indicate that a two‐step process can occur, namely, CO+O₂→CO₂+O_ads and CO+O_ads→CO₂. The calculated energy barriers of the first step are 15.8 and 12.4 kcal mol^?1 for N‐ and P‐graphene, respectively. The second step of the oxidation reaction on N‐graphene proceeds with an energy barrier of about 4 kcal mol^?1. It is noteworthy that this reaction step was not observed on P‐graphene because of the strong binding of O_ads species on the P atoms. Thus, it can be concluded that low‐cost N‐graphene can be used as a promising green catalyst for low‐temperature CO oxidation.     

Boosting Activation of Oxygen Molecules on C60 Fullerene by Boron Doping

The activation of oxygen molecules on boron‐doped C₆₀ fullerene (C₅₉B) and the subsequent water formation reaction are systematically investigated by using hybrid density functional calculations. Results indicate that C₅₉B shows a favorable ability to activate oxygen molecules both kinetically and thermodynamically. The oxygen molecule is first adsorbed on the boron atom, which is identified to be the most reactive site in C₅₉B for O₂ adsorption because of its high positive charge and spin density. The adsorption structure C₅₉B?O₂ can further isomerize to form two products with small reaction barriers. Water formation reactions upon these two structures are energetically favorable and suggest a four‐electron mechanism for the oxygen reduction reaction catalyzed by C₅₉B. This work provides a reliable theoretical insight into the catalytic properties of boron‐doped fullerene, which is believed to be helpful to explore fullerene catalysts.     

Nickel‐substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles supported on arginine‐modified graphene oxide nanosheets: Synthesis and catalytic activity

The amino acid arginine was used to modify the surface of graphene oxide nanosheets and then nickel‐substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were supported on those arginine‐grafted graphene oxide nanosheets (Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄@Arg–GO). The prepared Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄@Arg–GO was characterized using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The application of Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄@Arg–GO as a catalyst was examined in a one‐pot tandem oxidative cyclization of primary alcohols with o ‐phenylenediamine to benzimidazoles under aerobic oxidation conditions. The results showed that 2‐phenylbenzimidazole derivatives were successfully achieved using Ni_0.5Co_0.5Fe₂O₄@Arg–GO nanocomposite catalyst via the one‐pot tandem oxidative cyclization strategy.     

Effect of Nitrogen and Fluorine Co‐substitution on the Structure and Magnetic Properties of Cr2O3

First‐principles density functional calculations were carried out to determine the structure as well as electronic and magnetic properties of N and F co‐substituted Cr₂O₃. The formation of strong Cr?N bonds upon substitution of oxygen with nitrogen leads to large distortions in the local structure and changes in magnetic moments, which are partly compensated by co‐substitution with fluorine. The effects of spin–orbit coupling are relatively weak, but its combination with local structural distortions gives rise to canting of spins and an overall magnetic moment in N, F co‐substituted Cr₂O₃. Experimentally, we observe spin canting in N, F co‐substituted Cr₂O₃ with considerable enhancement in the coercive field at low temperatures.