Phase-mediated cobalt phosphide with unique core-shell architecture serving as efficient and bifunctional electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction reaction

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have been considered as two critical processes in the field of electrocatalytic water-splitting for hydrogen production and fuel cells. However, the sluggish reaction kinetics of HER and ORR required efficient electrocatalyst such as Pt to promote such process. Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) exhibit great potential to replace noble metal electrocatalysts to accelerate HER and ORR due to their high activity and easy availability. Herein, a highly-efficient bifunctional CoP electrocatalyst for HER and ORR, featuring a unique core-shell structure decorated on nitrogen-doped carbon matrix was designed and constructed via etching a cobalt-based zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) with phytic acid (PA) followed by pyrolysis treatment (PA-ZIF-67–900). Experimental results revealed that the pure-phase single-crystalline CoP exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic performance in HER and ORR, superior to Co(PO₃)₂ in PA-ZIF-67–700, hybrid phase of Co(PO₃)₂ and CoP in PA-ZIF-67–800 and Co₂P-doped CoP in PA-ZIF-67–1000. To reach the current density of 10 mA/cm² the as-synthesized CoP required an overpotential of 120 mV for HER in 1 mol/L KOH and half-wave potential of 0.85 V in O₂-saturated 0.1 mol/L KOH. This work present new clue for construction of efficient and bifunctional electrocatalyst in the field of energy conversion and storage     

Red-blood-cell like nitrogen-doped carbons with highly catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction

A highly active nitrogen-doped catalyst with a unique red-blood-cell(RBC) like structure is reported for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR).The catalyst Fe,N-C@carbon-900 was prepared by pyrolysis of the polyaniline(PANl) and polystyrene(PS) composites with adsorption of ferric ion on the shell of sphere structure at 900℃.Fe,N-C@carbon-900 with a unique RBC-like structure provides plenty of catalytic sites combining the electrical conductivity of the carbon sphere with the catalytic activity of the nitrogen-doped layer.The four-electron reduction pathway is selected for the catalyst Fe,N-C@carbon-900.The catalyst exhibit the ORR E_(onset) at 0.87 V(potentials is versus to reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE)),E_(1/2) at 0.78 V and high diffusion-limiting current density(5.20mA/cm~2).Furthermore,this work indicates that both N and Fe accounted for high activity of the catalyst Fe,N-C@carbon-900 toward the oxygen reduction process.It is concluded that Fe and N exhibit synergistically promotion in the ORR activity for the catalyst Fe,N-C@carbon-900.We also provide a rational design of electrocatalysts with high ORR activity to further clarify the essential ORR sites of heteroatom doped carbon materials for fuel cells and metal-air battery applications.     

Improved oxygen reduction reaction via a partially oxidized Co-CoO catalyst on N-doped carbon synthesized by a facile sand-bath method

Partially oxidized Co-CoO on N-doped carbon was synthesized via a facile sand-bath route. Co-CoO_x/N-C (SBM) exhibited much O_latt sites and catalytic activity of oxygen reduction action.     

甘氨酸修饰的Pt(111)电极上的氧还原

利用单晶旋转圆盘电极技术（Hanging Meniscus Rotating Disk Electrode,　HMRD）在硫酸和高氯酸溶液中分别研究了甘氨酸修饰的Pt(111)电极表面氧分子的电催化还原反应. 实验发现：在硫酸溶液中,经甘氨酸修饰的Pt(111)电极表面的氧还原活性明显提高,其中氧还原的半波电位与Pt(111)电极的相比正移约0.1 V,而在高氯酸溶液中,甘氨酸修饰的Pt(111)电极的活性几乎没有发生变化. 该实验结果表明：甘氨酸修饰的Pt(111)电极一方面抑制了SO₄^2-在电极表面的吸附,另一方面又能在电极表面提供相邻的空位供氧分子吸附. 通过与文献中报道的CN^-修饰的Pt(111)电极上的氧还原结果的对比,可以推测甘氨酸修饰的Pt(111)电极表面氧还原活性提高是由于甘氨酸在Pt(111)表面可能先被氧化成CN^-后吸附在电极表面,进而促进了氧分子的电催化还原反应.     

S掺杂Fe-N-C高活性氧还原反应催化剂

采用微波加热和高温碳化技术, 以ZIF-8为前驱体, 在甲醇-水双溶剂体系中先后引入Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O和KSCN, 制备了一系列S掺杂的Fe-N-C催化剂（Fe₃C/Fe-SAS@SNC）, 并通过X射线粉末衍射、 扫描透射电子显微镜和氮气吸附-脱附测试等表征手段进行分析. 结果表明, Fe和S两种元素的合理掺杂使Fe₃C/Fe-SAS@SNC催化剂具有明显的分级多孔结构, 比表面积达到673 m²/g, 在酸、 碱电解质中均表现出了优异的氧还原催化性能. 在0.1 mol/L KOH中, Fe₃C/Fe-SAS@SNC催化剂的半波电位达到0.880 V(vs. RHE), 高于商业Pt/C催化剂, 且表现出了比商业Pt/C更优的稳定性. 在0.5 mol/L H₂SO₄中, Fe₃C/Fe-SAS@SNC电催化氧还原的性能也与商业Pt/C催化剂相当.     

多壳层中空FeP微球的制备及全Ph范围的电催化产氢性能

设计合成了一种多壳层中空多孔结构的磷化铁(FeP)微球, 通过扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、 透射电子显微镜(TEM)、 X射线衍射(XRD)和X射线光电子能谱(XPS)对微球的表面形貌和物相组成等进行表征, 并通过电化学工作站测试了材料的析氢性能. 结果表明, FeP微球和掺杂导电剂碳纳米管(CNT)后的FeP/CNT复合电催化剂在宽pH范围的电解液中均展现出了优异的电催化活性, 在酸性、 碱性和中性条件下析氢反应过程中的塔菲尔斜率分别为55.0, 64.9, 163.2 mV/dec, 当电流密度达到10 mA/cm ²时, 过电势仅分别为97, 169, 495 mV(vs. RHE), 且表现出了超长的循环稳定性.     

MOF/CC-derivatives with trace amount of cobalt oxides as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

Two MOF/CC-derivatives with trace amount of cobalt oxides exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction.     

Synthesis of Cu^Ⅱ/ZIF-8 Metal-organic Framework Catalyst and Its Application in the Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols

The tliree-dimensional copper-doped zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-8(Cu^Ⅱ/ZIF-8) was prepared by a metal ion exchange process, using reaction of three different copper salts, zinc nitrate hexahydrate[Zn(NO)3·6H2O] and 2?methylimidazole(2-MelM) under nitrogen atmosphere at the room temperature. The TEM and PXRD results indicated that the morphology of Cu^Ⅱ/ZIF-8 was rhombic dodecahedron and the structure was intact after copper was doped into the porous ZIF-8. The synthesized Cu(NO3)2/ZIF-8 heterogeneous catalyst showed an excellent activity for tlie aerobic oxidation of primary alcohols employing molecular oxygen as oxidant. Moreover, tlie Cu(NO3)2/ZIF-8 heterogeneous catalyst can cycled 15 times without leaching of copper.     

Transition metal coordinated framework porphyrin for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction

A series of transition metal coordinated framework porphyrin was evaluated regarding the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reactivity for an optimized selection of the coordinated metal ion.     

Fe-N共掺杂的碳纳米管串联空心球对氧还原反应的电催化

以ZIF-8为模板,通过表面包覆聚多巴胺、同时刻蚀ZIF-8中的Zn²⁺,形成空心球,在与三氯化铁络合后,经高温碳化和氨气热处理,得到了高比表面积的Fe-N共掺杂的碳纳米管串联的碳纳米空心球催化剂. 氨气不仅刻蚀碳基底提高比表面积,还可还原铁元素形成Fe₄N纳米粒子,提升了催化剂对氧还原反应的电催化活性,其氧还原半波电位达0.79 V,仅比商业Pt/C低60 mV,而且其稳定性和耐甲醇性更优于商业Pt/C,展示出良好的燃料电池应用潜力.     

Carbon-covered Tungsten Carbide Nanoparticles: Solid-state Synthesis and Application as Stable Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Carbon-covered tungsten carbide nanoparticles(cc-WCNPs) were prepared via a one-step solid-state reaction between W(CO)₆ and triphenylamine at 850℃ under a sealed Ar atmosphere. As novel electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER), cc-WCNPs exhibit an onset potential of -0.14 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE) and a Tafel slope of 64.6 mV/dec in a 0.5 mol/L H₂SO₄ solution. Additionally, these cc-WCNPs catalysts also show excellent electrocatalytic stability after 1000 cycles.     

氮、硫共掺杂的碳负载的钴@碳化钴:一种高效的非贵金属氧还原电催化剂

Development of high-efficiency and low-cost electrocatalysts for large-scale oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) remains a challenge. In this study, we employed melamine, trithiocyanuric acid, and cobaltous nitrate to fabricate a novel ORR electrocatalyst with cobalt and cobalt carbide supported on carbon co-doped with nitrogen and sulfur (hereafter referred to as MTC-0.1-900) by two-step pyrolysis. The MTC-0.1-900 was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical performance for ORR was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry in 0.1 mol·L^-1 KOH solutions. The results showed that the onset potential and half-wave potential of MTC-0.1-900 were 29 and 5 mV superior to the commercial Pt/C catalyst, respectively. After 12000 s operation at the potential of -0.3 V (vs Ag/AgCl), the current retention capacities of MTC-0.1-900 and Pt/C were 97.1% and 76.7%, respectively. MTC-0.1-900 also showed better methanol tolerance than Pt/C. These unique properties of MTC-0.1-900 provide us with an alternative for replacing or reducing the use of Pt catalyst in metal-air battery cathode materials.     

Biomimetical catalytic activity of iron(III) porphyrins encapsulated in the zeolite X

The approach adopted for the obtention of zeolite-encapsulated FeP led to clean syntheses of biomimetical catalyst. The catalysts were obtained through the zeolite synthesis method, where NaX zeolite was synthesised around one of the cationic FePs: iron(III) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-N-methylpyridyl)porphyrin (FeP1) or iron(III) 5-mono(2,6-dichloro-phenyl)10,15,20-tris(4-N-methylpyridyl)porphyrin (FeP2). The syntheses yielded pure FeP1NaX and FeP2NaX catalysts without any by-products blocking the zeolite nanopores. FeP1NaX and FeP2NaX efficiently catalysed the epoxidation of (Z)-cyclooctene by iodosylbenzene (PhIO) in DCE, giving rise to cis-epoxycyclooctane yields of 85% and 95%, respectively. Hydroxylation of adamantane shows a preferable alkane oxidation at the tertiary C---H bond, indicating a hydrogen abstraction through the Fe^IV(O)P^·+species in the initial step. The total adamantanol yields were 52% and 45% for FeP1NaX and FeP2NaX, respectively. Concerning selectivity, FeP1NaX and FeP2NaX gave an 1-adamantanol (Ad-1-ol)/2-adamantanol (Ad-2-ol) ratio of 20:1 and 11:1, respectively (after statistical correction). Therefore, these results indicate a free radical activation of the C---H bonds of adamantane as expected for P-450 models. In the cyclohexane oxidation catalysed by FeP1NaX in DCE, a cyclohexanol (C₆-ol) yield of 50% and an alcohol/ketone ratio of 10 was obtained. The hydroxylation occurs according to the so-called oxygen rebound mechanism, as expected for a P-450 model system. FeP2NaX is less selective (C₆-ol yield=25% and alcohol/ketone=1.2). One possible explanation is that a Russell-type mechanism involving O₂ imprisoned within the zeolite cages may be operating parallelly, generating both C₆-ol and cyclohexanone.     

Pyrolysis mechanism of carbon matrix precursor cyclohexane(III)—pyrolysis process of intermediate 1-hexene

The pyrolysis mechanism of important intermediate 1-hexene of carbon matrix precursor cyclohexane was studied theoretically. Possible reaction paths were designed based on the potential surface scan and electron structure of the initial C–C bond breaking reactions. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the possible reaction paths were computed by UB3LYP/6-31+G* at different temperature ranges. The results show that 1-hexene pyrolyzes at 873 K. When below 1273 K, the major reaction paths are those that produce C₃H₄, and above 1273 K, the major reaction paths are those that produce C₃H₃ from the viewpoint of thermodynamics. From the viewpoint of kinetics, the major product is C₃H₃, it results from the pyrolysis reaction of 1-hexene cracking bond C₃–C₄ and generating C₃H₅ and C₃H₇ with the activation energy ΔE₀^≠θ=296.32 kJ/mol. Kinetic results also show that product C₃H₄ accompany simultaneously, which is the side reaction starting from the pyrolysis of 1-hexene forming C₄H₇ and C₂H₅ with the activation energy of 356.73 kJ/mol. When reaching 1473 K, the rate constant of the rate-determining steps of these two reaction paths do not show much difference, which means both the reaction paths exist in the pyrolysis process at the high temperature. The above results are basically in accordance with mass spectrum analysis and far more specific.     

Synthesis of Nitrogen-doped Carbon Supported Cerium Single Atom Catalyst by Ball Milling for Selective Oxidation of Ethylbenzene

Through screening Ce precursors and pyrolysis temperatures[Ce(acac)₃ as Ce precursors and pyrolysis at 900 °C], zeolitic imidazolate framework-8(ZIF-8) derived nitrogen-doped carbon supported cerium single atom catalyst(Ce₁/NC) is successfully prepared by ball milling method. The Ce₁/NC catalyst exhibits exceptional catalytic performance in the selective oxidation of saturated C―H bonds in aromatic compounds, e.g., 91% conversion and 99% selelctivity can be achieved in the oxidation of ethylbenzene to acetophenone under mild reaction conditions.     

Boosting ORR Catalytic Activity by Integrating Pyridine‐N Dopants,a High Degree of Graphitization,and Hierarchical Pores into a MOF‐Derived N‐Doped Carbon in a Tandem Synthesis

N‐doped carbon materials represent promising metal‐free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), the cathode reaction in fuel cells, metal–air batteries, and so on. A challenge for optimizing the ORR catalytic activities of these electrocatalysts is to tune their local structures and chemical compositions in a rational and controlled way that can achieve the synergistic function of each factor. Herein, we report a tandem synthetic strategy that integrates multiple contributing factors into an N‐doped carbon. With an N‐containing MOF (ZIF‐8) as the precursor, carbonization at higher temperatures leads to a higher degree of graphitization. Subsequent NH₃ etching of this highly graphitic carbon enabled the introduction of a higher content of pyridine‐N sites and higher porosity. By optimizing these three factors, the resultant carbon materials displayed ORR activity that was far superior to that of carbon derived from a one‐step pyrolysis. The onset potential of 0.955 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and the half‐wave potential of 0.835 V versus RHE are among the top ranks of metal‐free ORR catalysts and are comparable to commercial Pt/C (20 wt %) catalysts. Kinetic studies revealed lower H₂O₂ yields, higher electron‐transfer numbers, and lower Tafel slopes for these carbon materials compared with that derived from a one‐step carbonization. These findings verify the effectiveness of this tandem synthetic strategy to enhance the ORR activity of N‐doped carbon materials.     

Amberlite XAD-2 functionalized with o-aminophenol: synthesis and applications as extractant for copper(II), cobalt(II), cadmium(II), nickel(II), zinc(II) and lead(II)

A stable chelating resin matrix was synthesized by covalently linking o-aminophenol (o-AP) with the benzene ring of the polystyrene–divinylbenzene resin, Amberlite XAD-2, through a –N=N– group. Elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and infrared spectra have characterized the resulting chelating resin. It has been used to preconcentrate Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺, prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The optimum pH values for quantitative sorption of Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Zn and Pb are 6.2–7.4, 5.6–7.2, 5.6–9.0, 6.0–9.0, 5.7–7.0 and 5.0–6.0, respectively. These metals are desorbed (recovery 91–98%) with 4 mol dm⁻³ HNO₃. The sorption capacity of the resin is 3.37, 3.42, 3.29, 3.24, 2.94 and 3.32 mg of metal g⁻¹ of resin, respectively, for Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Zn and Pb. The effect of NaF, NaCl, NaNO₃, Na₂SO₄, and Na₃PO₄ on the sorption of these metal ions has been investigated. These electrolytes are tolerable up to 0.01 mol dm⁻³ in case of all the metal ions, except Cl⁻ which is tolerable even up to 0.1 mol dm⁻³ for Zn and 1.0 mol dm⁻³ for Pb. The preconcentration factor for Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Zn and Pb are 50, 50, 100, 65, 40 and 40 (concentration level 10–25 μg dm⁻³) respectively. Simultaneous enrichment of the six metals is possible. The method has been applied to determine Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Zn and Pb content in well water samples (RSD≤8%).     

一锅法制备Fe2O3@Fe-N-C氧还原电催化剂及其锌-空气电池的性能研究

在金属空气电池和燃料电池阴极上的氧还原反应(ORR)对相关电化学能量转换装置的整体性能有重要影响,金属-氮-碳催化剂有望替代传统的商业Pt-C成为新一代ORR电催化剂。本文通过简便的一步热解工艺合成了具有Fe-N_x活性位点和Fe₂O₃纳米颗粒共存的电催化剂,Fe₂O₃@Fe-N-C-1000催化剂在0.1 mol·L^-1 KOH溶液中表现出良好的ORR活性,半波电位为0.84 V,应用在锌-空气电池中时也具有可以和商业Pt-C媲美的性能,能量密度为88.3 mW·cm^-2,同时和Pt-C相比具有更好电化学稳定性,表现出优良的ORR应用潜力。     

Copper‐Modified Covalent Triazine Frameworks as Non‐Noble‐Metal Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction

The electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an important cathode reaction of various types of fuel cells. The development of electrocatalysts composed only of abundant elements is a key goal because currently only platinum is a suitable catalyst for ORR. Herein, we synthesized copper‐modified covalent triazine frameworks (CTF) hybridized with carbon nanoparticles (Cu‐CTF/CPs) as efficient electrocatalysts for the ORR in neutral solutions. The ORR onset potential of the synthesized Cu‐CTF/CP was 810 mV versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE; pH 7), the highest reported value at neutral pH for synthetic Cu‐based electrocatalysts. Cu‐CTF/CP also displayed higher stability than a Cu‐based molecular complex at neutral pH during the ORR, a property that was likely as a result of the covalently cross‐linked structure of CTF. This work may provide a new platform for the synthesis of durable non‐noble‐metal electrocatalysts for various target reactions.     

Structure and phase transitions in guanidinium halogenobismuthates(III)

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dilatometric and dielectric measurements have been used to study the phase transitions in [C(NH₂)₃]₃BiBr₆. The [C(NH₂)₃]₃BiBr₆ crystal undergoes four phase transitions: at 419, 429, 475 and 495 K (on heating). The high-temperature phase transition is clearly of first-order type and its high entropy effect allows classifying it as of the order–disorder type. X-ray diffraction studies showed that [C(NH₂)₃]₃BiBr₆ crystallises in monoclinic, centrosymmetric space group, C2/c. The anionic sublattice is composed of isolated BiBr₆³⁻ octahedra. The infrared between 100 and 350 K and Raman spectra at room temperature in the frequency range related to the internal vibrations of guanidinium cations were studied for [C(NH₂)₃]₃BiBr₆, [C(NH₂)₃]₃Bi₂Br₉, [C(NH₂)₃]₃BiCl₆xCl₂ and C(NH₂)₃Cl to analyse the dynamical state of cations. At room temperature, the cations in the studied guanidinium halogenobismuthates(III) are almost rigid, so the mechanism of high-temperature phase transitions is probably connected with the release of rotation of the cations.