Activity And Stability of Single- And Di-Atom Catalysts for the O2 Reduction Reaction

Efficient and inexpensive catalysts for the O₂ reduction reaction (ORR) are needed for the advancement of renewable energy technologies. In this study, we designed a computational catalyst-screening method to identify single and di-atom metal dopants from first-row transition elements supported on defect-containing nitrogenated graphene surfaces for the ORR. Based on formation-energy calculations and micro-kinetic modelling of reaction pathways using intermediate binding free energies, we have identified four potentially interesting single-atom catalysts (SACs) and fifteen di-atom catalysts (DACs) with relatively high estimated catalytic activity at 0.8 V vs RHE. Among the best SACs, MnNC shows high stability in both acidic and alkaline media according to our model. For the DACs, we found four possible candidates, MnMn, FeFe, CoCo, and MnNi doped on quad-atom vacancy sites having considerable stability over a wide pH range. The remaining SACs and DACs with high activity are either less stable or show a stability region at an alkaline pH.     

Influence of Organic-Cation Defects on Optoelectronic Properties of ASnI3 Perovskites A=HC(NH2)2, CH3NH3

Tin organic–inorganic halide perovskites (tin OIHPs) possess a desirable band gap and their power conversion efficiency (PCE) has reached 14 %. A commonly held view is that the organic cations in tin OIHPs would have little impact on the optoelectronic properties. Herein, we show that the defective organic cations with randomly dynamic characteristics can have marked effect on optoelectronic properties of the tin OIHPs. Hydrogen vacancies originated from the proton dissociation from FA [HC(NH₂)₂] in FASnI₃ can induce deep transition levels in the band gap but yield relatively small nonradiative recombination coefficients of 10⁻¹⁵ cm³ s⁻¹, whereas those from MA (CH₃NH₃) in MASnI₃ can yield much larger nonradiative recombination coefficients of 10⁻¹¹ cm³ s⁻¹. Additional insight into the “defect tolerance” is gained by disentangling the correlations between dynamic rotation of organic cations and charge-carrier dynamics.     

Catalyst Engineering for the Selective Reduction of CO2 to CH4: A First-Principles Study on X-MOF-74 (X=Mg,Mn, Fe,Co, Ni,Cu, Zn)

The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into more valuable chemical compounds represents a critical objective for addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainable energy sources. The CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) holds promise for transforming CO₂ into versatile feedstock materials and fuels. Leveraging first-principles methodologies provides a robust approach to evaluate catalysts and steer experimental efforts. In this study, we examine the CO₂RR process using a diverse array of representative cluster models derived from X-MOF-74 (where X encompasses Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, or Zn) through first-principles methods. Notably, our investigation highlights the Fe-MOF-74 cluster's unique attributes, including favorable CO₂ binding and the lowest limiting potential of the studied clusters for converting CO₂ to methane (CH₄) at 0.32 eV. Our analysis identified critical factors driving the selective CO₂RR pathway, enabling the formation CH₄ on the Fe-MOF-74 cluster. These factors involve less favorable reduction of hydrogen to H₂ and strong binding affinities between the Fe open-metal site and reduction intermediates, effectively curtailing desorption processes of closed-shell intermediates such as formic acid (HCOOH), formaldehyde (CH₂O), and methanol (CH₃OH), to lead to selective CH₄ formation.     

Synthesis, structure, UV-Vis-IR spectra, magnetism and theoretical studies on Cu[(2-aminomethyl)pyridine](thiocyanate)2 and comparisons with an analogous Cu complex

The title complex was synthesized under self-assembly conditions using Cu(acetate)₂·H₂O, 2-amp (= 2-aminomethylpyridine) and KSCN, and was characterized by IR, elemental analysis and single crystal structural analysis, and its spectral and RT magnetic properties were investigated. The asymmetric unit consists of a square planar Cu(II) center, with two ligand N atoms and two anionic Ns forming the square plane. In the unit cell, the monomeric complex assembles into 2-D layers through very weak non-bonded interactions between anionic S and Cu²⁺. Further, the structure was satisfactorily modeled by calculations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT), and the UV-Vis and IR spectra are analyzed in depth with the help of Time Dependent DFT (TDDFT). The results indicate that the absorption maxima are at relatively high energy and are mainly assigned to π → π^∗ transitions (in pyridine), with a fair contribution of metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) and ligand to ligand charge transfer (LLCT) transitions. All the low lying transitions are categorized as mixed MLCT/LLCT. A very weak but broad band in the higher wavelength region has been detected and identified as a d-d transition band. Also, it has been found that when the ligand ratio is modified, the formation of Cu(2-amp)₂(SCN)₂ takes place under the same self-assembly conditions, whose structure only has been recently reported. Structural, spectral and theoretical comparisons are presented for both complexes.     

QCMS2 as a new method for providing insight into peptide fragmentation: The influence of the side‐chain and inter–side‐chain interactions

The identification of peptides and proteins from tandem mass spectra is a difficult task and multiple tools have been developed to aid this identification. We present a new method called quantum chemical mass spectrometry for materials science (QCMS²), which is based on quantum chemical calculations of bond orders, reaction, and transition‐state energies at the DFT/B3LYP/6‐311+G* level of theory. The method was used to describe the fragmentation pathways of five X‐His‐Ser tripeptides with X = Asn, Asp, Glu, Ser, and Trp, thereby focusing on the influence of the side chain and inter–side‐chain interactions on the fragmentation. The main features in the mass spectra of the five tripeptides were correctly reproduced, and a number of fragments were assigned to fragmentations involving the side chain and the influence of inter–side‐chain interactions. Product ion spectra were recorded to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of QCMS² and a number of conventional tools.     

Silica-Derived Nanostructured Electrode Materials for ORR,OER, HER,CO2RR Electrocatalysis,and Energy Storage Applications: A Review**

Silica-derived nanostructured catalysts (SDNCs) are a class of materials synthesized using nanocasting and templating techniques, which involve the sacrificial removal of a silica template to generate highly porous nanostructured materials. The surface of these nanostructures is functionalized with a variety of electrocatalytically active metal and non-metal atoms. SDNCs have attracted considerable attention due to their unique physicochemical properties, tunable electronic configuration, and microstructure. These properties make them highly efficient catalysts and promising electrode materials for next generation electrocatalysis, energy conversion, and energy storage technologies. The continued development of SDNCs is likely to lead to new and improved electrocatalysts and electrode materials. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the development of SDNCs for electrocatalysis and energy storage applications. It analyzes 337,061 research articles published in the Web of Science (WoS) database up to December 2022 using the keywords “silica”, “electrocatalysts”, “ORR”, “OER”, “HER”, “HOR”, “CO₂RR”, “batteries”, and “supercapacitors”. The review discusses the application of SDNCs for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR), supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, and thermal energy storage applications. It concludes by discussing the advantages and limitations of SDNCs for energy applications.     

Unique Octupolar 2D-Polymer Frameworks as Mixed Conductors and Metal-Free Catalysts for Dual-Promoted Li and S Electrochemistry: Multi-regulation Role of Ethoxylation Chemistry

Here, we for the first time introduce ethoxylation chemistry to develop a new octupolar cyano-vinylene-linked 2D polymer framework (Cyano-OCF-EO) capable of acting as efficient mixed electron/ion conductors and metal-free sulfur evolution catalysts for dual-promoted Li and S electrochemistry. Our strategy creates a unique interconnected network of strongly-coupled donor 3-(acceptor-core) octupoles in Cyano-OCF-EO, affording enhanced intramolecular charge transfer, substantial active sites and crowded open channels. This enables Cyano-OCF-EO as a new versatile separator modifier, which endows the modified separator with superior catalytic activity for sulfur conversion and rapid Li ion conduction with the high Li⁺ transference number up to 0.94. Thus, the incorporation of Cyano-OCF-EO can concurrently regulate sulfur redox reactions and Li-ion flux in Li−S cells, attaining boosted bidirectional redox kinetics, inhibited polysulfide shuttle and dendrite-free Li anodes. The Cyano-OCF-EO-involved Li−S cell is endowed with excellent overall electrochemical performance especially large areal capacity of 7.5 mAh cm⁻² at high sulfur loading of 8.7 mg cm⁻². Mechanistic studies unveil the dominant multi-promoting effect of the triethoxylation on electron and ion conduction, polysulfide adsorption and catalytic conversion as well as previously-unexplored −CN/C−O dual-site synergistic effect for enhanced polysulfide adsorption and reduced energy barrier toward Li₂S conversion.     

Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate as an Efficient and Cheap Catalyst for the Synthesis of 2-Aminochromenes

An efficient and convenient method for the synthesis of 2-aminochromene by the one-pot, three-component reaction of an aromatic aldehyde, malononitrile, and α- or β-naphthol in the presence of a catalytic amount of disodium hydrogen phosphate under solvent-free conditions is described.      

CeO2/TiO2 Monolith Catalyst for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with NH3: Influence of H2O and SO2

The influences of H₂O and SO₂ on CeO₂/TiO₂ monolith catalyst for the selective catalytic reduction(SCR) of NO_x with NH₃ were investigated. In the absence of SO₂, H₂O inhibited the SCR activity, which might be ascribed to the competitive adsorption of H₂O and reactants such as NH₃ and/or NO_x. SO₂ could promote the SCR activity of CeO₂/TiO₂ monolith catalyst in the absence of H₂O, while in the presence of H₂O it speeded the deactivation. During the SCR reaction in SO₂-containing gases, Ce(III) sulfate species formed on the catalyst surface, resulting in the enhancement of Brønsted acidity. This played a significant role in the enhanced SCR activity. However, in the presence of both H₂O and SO₂, a large amount of ammonium-sulfate salts formed on the catalyst surface, which resulted in the blocking of catalyst pores and deactivated the catalyst. In addition, the NO_x conversion was more sensitive to gas hourly space velocity in the presence of H₂O than in the absence of H₂O. The relatively high space velocity would result in a higher formation rate of ammonium-sulfate salts on per unit catalyst in the presence of H₂O and SO₂, which caused obvious deactivation of Ce/TiO₂ monolith catalyst.     

Comparative Interaction Studies of Quercetin with 2-Hydroxyl-propyl-β-cyclodextrin and 2,6-Methylated-β-cyclodextrin

Quercetin (QUE) is a well-known natural product that can exert beneficial properties on human health. However, due to its low solubility its bioavailability is limited. In the present study, we examine whether its formulation with two cyclodextrins (CDs) may enhance its pharmacological profile. Comparative interaction studies of quercetin with 2-hydroxyl-propyl-β-cyclodextrin (2HP-β-CD) and 2,6-methylated cyclodextrin (2,6Me-β-CD) were performed using NMR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and in silico molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Using T1 relaxation experiments and 2D DOSY it was illustrated that both cyclodextrin vehicles can host quercetin. Quantum mechanical calculations showed the formation of hydrogen bonds between QUE with 2HP-β-CD and 2,6Μe-β-CD. Six hydrogen bonds are formed ranging between 2 to 2.8 Å with 2HP-β-CD and four hydrogen bonds within 2.8 Å with 2,6Μe-β-CD. Calculations of absolute binding free energies show that quercetin binds favorably to both 2,6Me-β-CD and 2HP-β-CD. MM/GBSA results show equally favorable binding of quercetin in the two CDs. Fluorescence spectroscopy shows moderate binding of quercetin in 2HP-β-CD (520 M⁻¹) and 2,6Me-β-CD (770 M⁻¹). Thus, we propose that both formulations (2HP-β-CD:quercetin, 2,6Me-β-CD:quercetin) could be further explored and exploited as small molecule carriers in biological studies.     

NO2和HSO反应的机理及动力学研究

本文采用CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ//B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ方法构建了NO2 + HSO反应的单、三重态势能面,并对主通道速率常数进行了计算。研究结果表明,该反应在单[R1(HN(O)O + 1SO)、R2(cis-HONO + 1SO)和R3 (trans-HONO + 1SO)]、三重态[R6(HN(O)O + 3SO)、R7(cis-HONO + 3SO)和R8(trans-HONO + 3SO)]均存在3条抽氢反应通道,在单[R4(NO + HS(O)O)和R5(H + SO2 + NO)]、三重态[R9(HS(O)O + NO)和R10(H + SO2 + NO)]均存在两条抽氧通道,其中单重态抽氢通道R2 (cis-HONO + 1SO)是NO2 + HSO反应主通道。利用传统过渡态理论(TST)并结合Wigner校正,计算了上述10条通道在200 ~ 1000 K温度范围内的速率常数。计算结果表明,NO2 + HSO反应主通道在298 K时的速率常数(7.78×10-13cm3?molecule-1?s-1)与实验值(9.6×10-12 cm3?molecule-1?s-1)相吻合。此外,水分子影响主通道R2(cis-HONO + 1SO)经历了NO2 + H2O…HSO和 NO2 + H2O…HSO(HSO + NO2…H2O)两条反应通道,且两条通道的能垒分别比R2升高了49.97和20.43 kcal?mol-1,说明在实际大气环境中水分子对NO2 + HSO反应几乎没有影响。     

A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study of the [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction of an Azomethine Ylide with an Electrophilic Ethylene Linked to Triazole and Ferrocene Units

The [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of an azomethine ylide (AY) with an electrophilic ethylene linked to triazole and ferrocene units has been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the ωB97X-D/6-311G(d,p) level. The topology of the electron localization function (ELF) of this AY allows classifying it as a pseudo(mono)radical species characterized by the presence of two monosynaptic basins, integrating a total of 0.76 e, at the C1 carbon. While the ferrocene ethylene has a strong electrophilic character, the AY is a supernucleophile, suggesting that the corresponding 32CA reaction has a high polar character and a low activation energy. The most favorable ortho/endo reaction path presents an activation enthalpy of 8.7 kcal·mol⁻¹, with the 32CA reaction being exergonic by −42.1 kcal·mol⁻¹. This reaction presents a total endo stereoselectivity and a total ortho regioselectivity. Analysis of the global electron density transfer (GEDT) at the most favorable TS-on (0.23 e) accounts for the high polar character of this 32CA reaction, classified as forward electron density flux (FEDF). The formation of two intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the two interacting frameworks at the most favorable TS-on accounts for the unexpected ortho regioselectivity experimentally observed.     

β‐Cyclodextrin as an Efficient and Recyclable Supramolecular Catalyst for the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds

β‐Cyclodextrin (β‐CD ), a naturally occurring supramolecular structure, is an effective catalyst for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. Its ubiquity, high performance, nontoxicity, ease of separation, and reusability have drawn the attention of green chemists. Here we present the synthetic procedures of heterocyclic compounds catalyzed by β‐CD in water and compare them with those using organic solvents. In many cases, using water as the solvent shows better efficiency than conventional organic solvents with regard to catalytic activity and simplicity of recycling procedures. This review highlights the applications of β‐CD in catalysis covering the years 2004–2016.     

Efficient Synthesis of β‐Acetamido Ketones and Esters Using Aluminum Chloride as an Inexpensive and Green Catalyst

Aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) efficiently catalyzes one‐pot multicomponent condensation of enolizable ketones or alkyl acetoacetates with aldehydes, acetonitrile and acetyl chloride to afford β‐acetamido ketone or ester derivatives in high to excellent yields and in relatively short reaction times. Moreover, by this synthetic method, some novel β‐acetamido ketones and esters (i.e. one complex structure) are prepared.     

KF/La2O2CO3固体碱的制备、表征及催化酯交换反应的性能——一个综合创新实验

固体碱催化剂具有易分离、可循环使用、对设备无腐蚀、可使反应工艺过程连续化等优点。它被认为是催化酯交换反应制备可再生能源生物柴油的一种优异催化剂。本实验是在科研成果的基础上创新设计了一个综合实验。通过浸渍法制备了KF/La2O2CO3固体碱催化剂;利用X射线衍射测定了其物相,使用CO2程序升温脱附技术测定了催化剂的表面碱性;并以三丁酸甘油酯与甲醇进行酯交换反应作为模型反应,考查其催化活性。     

Synthesis of Bis‐Thiazolidinones Using Chitosan‐attached Nano‐CuFe2O4 as an Efficient and Retrievable Heterogeneous Catalyst

The preparation of bis‐thiazolidinones has been achieved by a one‐pot condensation reaction of araldehydes, ethylenediamine, and 2‐mercaptoacetic acid in the presence of nano‐CuFe₂O₄@chitosan under reflux conditions in toluene. The catalyst was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and FT‐IR spectroscopy. This method provides several advantages including excellent yields, wide range of products, reusability of the catalyst, and a low amount of the catalyst.     

He-N2 radiofrequency discharge: Influence of N2 on discharge and afterglow

A diagnostic study q (energy transfer processes in a He-N₂ flowing discharge and afterglow has been performed in a radiofrequency-produced plasma cooled in a liquid nitrogen hath. Optical emission spectroscopy in the visible and infrared spectral range as well as Langrnuir probe diagnostics were used. The vibrational kinetics of CO injected in such an afterglow has been examined. It shows a slow cooling of the electrons in the afterglow regime. The electron kinetics responsible joy CO vibrahonal excitation is turned off when N₂ is added to the He discharge, while that for vibrationally excited N₂ molecules is turned on. The results are discussed on the basis of previous theorerical calculations and experiments on the He-N₂ system.     

DFT and CASPT2 study of two thermal reactions of nitromethane: C–N bond cleavage and nitro-to-nitrite isomerization. An example of the inverse symmetry breaking deficiency in density functional calculations of an homolytic dissociation

The reaction paths of nitromethane leading to the dissociation products or isomerization to methyl nitrite have been computationally investigated at the CAS-SCF and DFT levels of theory. Additionally, the CAS-SCF wave functions were used as reference in a second-order perturbation treatment, CASPT2, in order to obtain a good estimate for the activation energy of each reaction path. Both methods predict the isomerization as a concerted reaction. However, the behavior of the two approximations with respect to dissociation is rather different; while CASPT2 predicts a barrier height of (≈59 kcal/mol) in good accordance with the experimental activation energy (59.0 kcal/mol), B3-LYP/6-31G^* calculations overestimate the barrier for more than 30 kcal/mol. The DFT prediction of the dissociation channel exhibits inverse symmetry breaking, dissociating to the unphysical absurd CH₃^δ+ plus NO₂^δ−.     

Chiral induction in photochemical reactions. 14. : Linear free energy relationships as an instrument for the prediction of either de values or conformation energies of the auxiliary in the diastereoselective Paternò-Büchi reaction.

To value a stoichometric asymmetric synthesis it is important for a synthetic chemist to gain information about those structural elements of a chiral auxiliary which are responsible for high diastertomeric excesses in a particular reaction. Furtheron it is desirable to have detailed knowledge about the mechanism of the chirality transfer. In this paper an empirical relation is formulated for the correlation of structural variations of a chiral auxiliary and its influence of the diastereomeric excess in the photochemical oxetane formation in correspondance to the Ugi/Ruch concept. For this purpose we use a Linear Free Energy Relationship (LFER) which we have adjusted to reaction (2) in order to obtain quantitative information about the selectivity of this reaction on the basis of special parameters of the auxiliary applied.