Deactivation of Cu‐Exchanged Automotive‐Emission NH3‐SCR Catalysts Elucidated with Nanoscale Resolution Using Scanning Transmission X‐ray Microscopy

To gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of catalyst durability for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO_x with an ammonia reductant, we employed scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy (STXM) to study Cu‐exchanged zeolites with the CHA and MFI framework structures before and after simulated 135 000‐mile aging. X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) measurements were performed at the Al K‐ and Cu L‐edges. The local environment of framework Al, the oxidation state of Cu, and geometric changes were analyzed, showing a multi‐factor‐induced catalytic deactivation. In Cu‐exchanged MFI, a transformation of Cu^II to Cu^I and Cu_xO_y was observed. We also found a spatial correlation between extra‐framework Al and deactivated Cu species near the surface of the zeolite as well as a weak positive correlation between the amount of Cu^I and tri‐coordinated Al. By inspecting both Al and Cu in fresh and aged Cu‐exchanged zeolites, we conclude that the importance of the preservation of isolated Cu^II sites trumps that of Brønsted acid sites for NH₃‐SCR activity.     

Post-Nickelation of a Crystalline Trinuclear Copper Organic Framework for Synergistic Photocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Conversion

Rational regulation of electronic structures and functionalities of framework materials still remains challenging. Herein, reaction of 4,4′,4′′-nitrilo-tribenzhydrazide with tris(μ₂-4-carboxaldehyde-pyrazolato-N,N′)-tricopper (Cu₃Py₃) generates the crystalline copper organic framework USTB-11(Cu). Post-modification with divalent nickel ions affords the heterometallic framework USTB-11(Cu,Ni). Powder X-ray diffraction and theoretical simulations reveal their two-dimensional hexagonal structure geometry. A series of advanced spectroscopic techniques disclose the mixed Cu^I/Cu^II state nature of Cu₃Py₃ in USTB-11(Cu,Ni) with a uniform bistable Cu₃⁴⁺(Cu^I₂Cu^II) : Cu₃⁵⁺(Cu^ICu^II₂) (ca. 1 : 3) oxidation state, resulting in a significantly improved formation efficiency of the charge-separation state. This endows the Ni sites with enhanced activity and USTB-11(Cu,Ni) with outstanding photocatalytic CO₂ to CO performance with a conversion rate of 22 130 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ and selectivity of 98 %.     

Impact of N-Truncated Aβ Peptides on Cu- and Cu(Aβ)-Generated ROS: CuI Matters!

In vitro Cu(Aβ_1–x)-induced ROS production has been extensively studied. Conversely, the ability of N-truncated isoforms of Aβ to alter the Cu-induced ROS production has been overlooked, even though they are main constituents of amyloid plaques found in the human brain. N-Truncated peptides at the positions 4 and 11 (Aβ_4–x and Aβ_11–x) contain an amino-terminal copper and nickel (ATCUN) binding motif (H₂N-Xxx-Zzz-His) that confer them different coordination sites and higher affinities for Cu^II compared to the Aβ_1–x peptide. It has further been proposed that the role of Aβ_4–x peptide is to quench Cu^II toxicity in the brain. However, the role of Cu^I coordination has not been investigated to date. In contrast to Cu^II, Cu^I coordination is expected to be the same for N-truncated and N-intact peptides. Herein, we report in-depth characterizations and ROS production studies of Cu (Cu^I and Cu^II) complexes of the Aβ_4–16 and Aβ_11–16 N-truncated peptides. Our findings show that the N-truncated peptides do produce ROS when Cu^I is present in the medium, albeit to a lesser extent than the unmodified counterpart. In addition, when used as competitor ligands (i.e., in the presence of Aβ_1–16), the N-truncated peptides are not able to fully preclude Cu(Aβ_1–16)-induced ROS production.     

Isolation of the Copper Redox Steps in the Standard Selective Catalytic Reduction on Cu‐SSZ‐13

Operando X‐ray absorption experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are reported that elucidate the role of copper redox chemistry in the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO over Cu‐exchanged SSZ‐13. Catalysts prepared to contain only isolated, exchanged Cu^II ions evidence both Cu^II and Cu^I ions under standard SCR conditions at 473 K. Reactant cutoff experiments show that NO and NH₃ together are necessary for Cu^II reduction to Cu^I. DFT calculations show that NO‐assisted NH₃ dissociation is both energetically favorable and accounts for the observed Cu^II reduction. The calculations predict in situ generation of Brønsted sites proximal to Cu^I upon reduction, which we quantify in separate titration experiments. Both NO and O₂ are necessary for oxidation of Cu^I to Cu^II, which DFT suggests to occur by a NO₂ intermediate. Reaction of Cu‐bound NO₂ with proximal NH₄⁺ completes the catalytic cycle. N₂ is produced in both reduction and oxidation half‐cycles.     

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.     

A Supported Copper Hydroxide on Titanium Oxide as an Efficient Reusable Heterogeneous Catalyst for 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Organic Azides to Terminal Alkynes

An easily prepared supported copper hydroxide on titanium oxide (Cu(OH)_x/TiO₂) showed high catalytic performance for the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of organic azides to terminal alkynes in non‐polar solvents under anaerobic conditions. The reactions of various combinations of organic azides (four examples, including aromatic and aliphatic ones) and terminal alkynes (eleven examples, including aromatic, aliphatic, and double bond‐containing ones) exclusively proceeded to give the corresponding 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazole derivatives in a completely regioselective manner. For the transformation of benzyl azide and ethynylbenzene with 0.12 mol % of Cu(OH)_x/TiO₂, the turnover frequency was 505 h^?1 and the turnover number reached up to 800. These values were the highest among those with previously reported heterogeneous catalysts including Cu(OH)_x/Al₂O₃. The observed catalysis was truly heterogeneous and the retrieved catalyst after the reaction could be reused at least three times with retention of its high catalytic performance. It was confirmed by the UV/Vis spectrum of Cu(OH)_x/TiO₂ and the amount of diyne formed that the Cu^II species in Cu(OH)_x/TiO₂ were reduced to Cu^I species by the alkyne–alkyne homocoupling at the initial stage of the reaction (during the pretreatment of Cu(OH)_x/TiO₂ with an alkyne). The catalytic reaction rate for the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition linearly increased with an increase in the amount of in situ generated Cu^I species. Therefore, the in situ generated Cu^I species would be the catalytically active species for the present 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition.     

Low-Temperature H2 Reduction of Copper Oxide Subnanoparticles

Subnanoparticles (SNPs) with sizes of approximately 1 nm are attractive for enhancing the catalytic performance of transition metals and their oxides. Such SNPs are of particular interest as redox-active catalysts in selective oxidation reactions. However, the electronic states and oxophilicity of copper oxide SNPs are still a subject of debate in terms of their redox properties during oxidation reactions for hydrocarbons. In this work, in situ X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements of Cu₂₈O_x SNPs, which were prepared by using a dendritic phenylazomethine template, during temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) with H₂ achieved lowering of the temperature (T₅₀=138 °C) reported thus far for the Cu^II→Cu^I reduction reaction because of Cu−O bond elongation in the ultrasmall copper oxide particles.     

Copper‐Binding Motifs: Structural and Theoretical Aspects

In this paper, we report the results of a study involving the coordination geometries of Cu^I, Cu^II, and Cu^III crystal structures in the Cambridge Structural Database, and on Cu binding sites in proteins taken from the Protein Data Bank. The motifs used to bind two bridged Cu ions are also described. In addition, we report the results of ab initio molecular‐orbital calculations performed on a variety of model Cu^I/Cu^II complexes (Cu^I/Cu^II?X_nY_m (X, Y=NH₃, SH₂); n+m=4; n=0–4) to provide data on the structural and energetic changes that occur in isolated complexes when the oxidation state of the Cu ion is changed from II to I while the coordination number is conserved. The use of such simple ligands in these calculations eliminates constraints on the geometric changes that may be imposed by more‐complicated ligands.     

Catalytic properties of spinel-type complex oxides in oxidation reactions

The catalytic activity of M^IM^II ₂O₃ spinel-type complex oxides (M^I = Cu, Ni, Mn, Zn, Mg, Co, M^II = Co, Cr, Al) in the oxidation of CO and ethylbenzene has been investigated. The Co-containing catalysts were more active than the Cr- and Al-containing catalysts. The nature of the cation influenced the catalytic activity. Higher activities were observed for the catalysts containing two transition elements. A correlation between the catalytic and adsorption properties was established.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 10, pp. 1730–1732, October, 1994.     

Postsynthetic Metal and Ligand Exchange in MFU‐4l: A Screening Approach toward Functional Metal–Organic Frameworks Comprising Single‐Site Active Centers

The isomorphous partial substitution of Zn²⁺ ions in the secondary building unit (SBU) of MFU‐4l leads to frameworks with the general formula [M_xZn_(5–x)Cl₄(BTDD)₃], in which x≈2, M=Mn^II, Fe^II, Co^II, Ni^II, or Cu^II, and BTDD=bis(1,2,3‐triazolato‐[4,5‐b],[4′,5′‐i])dibenzo‐[1,4]‐dioxin. Subsequent exchange of chloride ligands by nitrite, nitrate, triflate, azide, isocyanate, formate, acetate, or fluoride leads to a variety of MFU‐4l derivatives, which have been characterized by using XRPD, EDX, IR, UV/Vis‐NIR, TGA, and gas sorption measurements. Several MFU‐4l derivatives show high catalytic activity in a liquid‐phase oxidation of ethylbenzene to acetophenone with air under mild conditions, among which Co‐ and Cu derivatives with chloride side‐ligands are the most active catalysts. Upon thermal treatment, several side‐ligands can be transformed selectively into reactive intermediates without destroying the framework. Thus, at 300 °C, Co^II‐azide units in the SBU of Co‐MFU‐4l are converted into Co^II‐isocyanate under continuous CO gas flow, involving the formation of a nitrene intermediate. The reaction of Cu^II‐fluoride units with H₂ at 240 °C leads to Cu^I and proceeds through the heterolytic cleavage of the H₂ molecule.     

Synthesis and characterization of 2CuCN·DMSO and [CuII(DMSO)6][CuI 6(CN)8] 3-D framework compounds

Two novel complexes of CuCN were characterized by using a single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique and Raman spectroscopy. In the structure of 2CuCN·DMSO ligand molecule demonstrates unique bridging mode, being bound to two Cu^I centers via oxygen and sulfur atoms. The bridging role of both CN groups and DMSO molecules results in the formation of (CuCN·DMSO)_n framework. Along the channels of the network are running infinite zig-zag (CuCN)_n chains, which are bound to the framework by elongated Cu…(CN) bonds. A mixed-valence [Cu^II(DMSO)₆][Cu^I ₆(CN)₈] compound is composed of 3-D [Cu^I ₆(CN)₈]_n anionic framework and located in the channels of partially disordered [Cu^II(DMSO)₆]²⁺ cations.     

Intermolecular interaction and magnetic coupling mechanism of a mixed-valence CuIICuI tetranuclear complex with iodide bridge

A tetranuclear Cu^ICu^II mixed oxidation state complex, [Cu^II ₂(μ-I)₂Cu^I ₂(μ-I)₂(phenP)₂I₂] (phenPE: 2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline), has been prepared and its crystal structure is determined by X-ray crystallography. In the complex, Cu^II is a distorted square pyramid and Cu^I is a distorted trigonal planar coordination environment; Cu^II and Cu^I are bridged by iodide. It is rare to form a Cu^II-iodide bond and for Cu^II and Cu^I to be bridged by iodide. In the crystal, there is a slipped π–π stacking between adjacent Cu^II complexes, which resulted in the formation of the 1-D chain along the c axis. The fitting for the variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data gave magnetic coupling constant 2J?=??1.16?cm^?1 and it may be ascribed to the intermolecular π–π magnetic coupling pathway.     

Poly[tetraamminecopper(II) bis[tris(μ2‐cyanido‐κ2C,N)dicuprate(I)]]: a unique CuI–CuII mixed‐valence complex containing anionic cuprous cyanide layers and [Cu(NH3)4]2+ cations

The title compound, {[Cu(NH₃)₄][Cu(CN)₃]₂}_n, features a Cu^I–Cu^II mixed‐valence CuCN framework based on {[Cu₂(CN)₃]⁻}_n anionic layers and [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺ cations. The asymmetric unit contains two different Cu^I ions and one Cu^II ion which lies on a centre of inversion. Each Cu^I ion is coordinated to three cyanide ligands with a distorted trigonal–planar geometry, while the Cu^II ion is ligated by four ammine ligands, with a distorted square‐planar coordination geometry. The interlinkage between Cu^I ions and cyanide bridges produces a honeycomb‐like {[Cu₂(CN)₃]⁻}_n anionic layer containing 18‐membered planar [Cu(CN)]₆ metallocycles. A [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺ cation fills each metallocyclic cavity within pairs of exactly superimposed {[Cu₂(CN)₃]⁻}_n anionic layers, but there are no cations between the layers of adjacent pairs, which are offset. Pairs of N—H...N hydrogen‐bonding interactions link the N—H groups of the ammine ligands to the N atoms of cyanide ligands.     

Multivariate Analysis of Coupled Operando EPR/XANES/EXAFS/UV–Vis/ATR-IR Spectroscopy: A New Dimension for Mechanistic Studies of Catalytic Gas-Liquid Phase Reactions

Operando EPR, XANES/EXAFS, UV-Vis and ATR-IR spectroscopic methods have been coupled for the first time in the same experimental setup for investigation of unclear mechanistic aspects of selective aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol by a Cu/TEMPO catalytic system (TEMPO=2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl). By multivariate curve resolution with alternating least-squares fitting (MCR-ALS) of simultaneously recorded XAS and UV-Vis data sets, it was found that an initially formed (bpy)(NMI)Cu^I- complex (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine, NMI=N-methylimidazole ) is converted to two different Cu^II species, a mononuclear (bpy)(NMI)(CH₃CN)Cu^II-OOH species detectable by EPR and ESI-MS, and an EPR-silent dinuclear (CH₃CN)(bpy)(NMI)Cu^II(μ-OH)₂ ⋅ Cu^II (bpy)(NMI) complex. The latter is cleaved in the further course of reaction into (bpy)(NMI)(HOO)Cu^II-TEMPO monomers that are also EPR-silent due to dipolar interaction with bound TEMPO. Both Cu monomers and the Cu dimer are catalytically active in the initial phase of the reaction, yet the dimer is definitely not a major active species nor a resting state since it is irreversibly cleaved in the course of the reaction while catalytic activity is maintained. Gradual formation of non-reducible Cu^II leads to slight deactivation at extended reaction times.     

Cu/CuxS-Embedded N,S-Doped Porous Carbon Derived in Situ from a MOF Designed for Efficient Catalysis

The reasonable design of the precursor of a carbon-based nanocatalyst is an important pathway to improve catalytic performance. In this study, a simple solvothermal method was used to synthesize [Cu(TPT)(2,5-tdc)] ⋅ 2H₂O (Cu-MOF), which contains N and S atoms, in one step. Further in-situ carbonization of the Cu-MOF as the precursor was used to synthesize Cu/Cu_xS-embedded N,S-doped porous carbon (Cu/Cu_xS/NSC) composites. The catalytic activities of the prepared Cu/Cu_xS/NSC were investigated through catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP). The results show that the designed Cu/Cu_xS/NSC has exceptional catalytic activity and recycling stability, with a reaction rate constant of 0.0256 s⁻¹, and the conversion rate still exceeds 90 % after 15 cycles. Meanwhile, the efficient catalytic reduction of dyes (CR, MO, MB and RhB) confirmed its versatility. Finally, the active sites of the Cu/Cu_xS/NSC catalysts were analyzed, and a possible multicomponent synergistic catalytic mechanism was proposed.     

Structural characterization of two copper(II) complexes with oxime-type ligands

Two new linear Cu^II complexes [Cu(L¹)₂] (I) (HL¹ = (E)-3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy benzaldehyde O-methyl oxime) and [Cu(L²)₂] (II) (HL² = (E)-3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy benzaldehyde O-ethyl oxime) are synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, and X-ray diffraction methods. X-ray crystallographic analyses indicate that complexes I and II have a similar structure consisting of one Cu^II ion and two L⁻ units. In the complexes, the Cu^II ion lying on an inversion centre is four-coordinated in a trans-CuN₂O₂ square planar geometry by two phenolate O and two oxime N atoms from two symmetry-related N,O-bidentate oxime-type ligands. However, the crystal structure of the two complexes is different: complex I forms an infinite three-dimensional supramolecular network structure through intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π...π interaction, while complex II forms an infinite one-dimensional supramolecular structure through intermolecular hydrogen bonds.     

Cu3(CN)4(NH3)2Hg(CN)2: a novel inter­penetrating framework formed from CuI,CuII, HgII and cyanide bridges

The title compound, poly[diammine­hexa‐μ‐cyano‐di­copper(I)­copper(II)­mercury(II)], [Cu₃Hg(CN)₆(NH₃)₂]_n, has a novel threefold‐inter­penetrating structure of three‐dimensional frameworks. This three‐dimensional framework consists of two‐dimensional network Cu₃(CN)₄(NH₃)₂ complexes and rod‐like Hg(CN)₂ complexes. The two‐dimensional network complex contains trigonal–planar Cu^I (site symmetry m) and octa­hedral Cu^II (site symmetry 2/m) in a 2:1 ratio. Two types of cyanide group form bridges between three coordination sites of Cu^I and two equatorial sites of Cu^II to form a two‐dimensional structure with large hexa­gonal windows. One type of CN⁻ group is disordered across a center of inversion, while the other resides on the mirror plane. Two NH₃ mol­ecules (site symmetry 2) are located in the hexa­gonal windows and coordinate to the remaining equatorial sites of Cu^II. Both N atoms of the rod‐like Hg(CN)₂ group (Hg site symmetry 2/m and CN⁻ site symmetry m) coordinate to the axial sites of Cu^II. This linkage completes the three‐dimensional framework and penetrates two hexa­gonal windows of two two‐dimensional network complexes to form the threefold‐inter­penetrating structure.     

Copper(II) and Sodium(I) Complexes based on 3,7‐Diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐5‐oxide: Synthesis,Characterization, and Catalytic Activity

The reaction of 3,7‐diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (DAPTA) with metal salts of Cu^II or Na^I/Ni^II under mild conditions led to the oxidized phosphane derivative 3,7‐diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐5‐oxide (DAPTA=O) and to the first examples of metal complexes based on the DAPTA=O ligand, that is, [Cu^II(μ‐CH₃COO)₂(κO‐DAPTA=O)]₂ ( 1 ) and [Na(1κOO′;2κO‐DAPTA=O)(MeOH)]₂(BPh₄)₂ ( 2 ). The catalytic activity of 1 was tested in the Henry reaction and for the aerobic 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐mediated oxidation of benzyl alcohol. Compound 1 was also evaluated as a model system for the catechol oxidase enzyme by using 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol as the substrate. The kinetic data fitted the Michaelis–Menten equation and enabled the obtainment of a rate constant for the catalytic reaction; this rate constant is among the highest obtained for this substrate with the use of dinuclear Cu^II complexes. DFT calculations discarded a bridging mode binding type of the substrate and suggested a mixed‐valence Cu^II/Cu^I complex intermediate, in which the spin electron density is mostly concentrated at one of the Cu atoms and at the organic ligand.     

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.     

Adapting Synthetic Models of Heme/Cu Sites to Energy-Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction

In nature, cytochrome c oxidases catalyze the 4e⁻ oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the heme/Cu site, in which Cu^I is used to assist O₂ activation. Because of the thermodynamic barrier to generate Cu^I, synthetic Fe-porphyrin/Cu complexes usually show moderate electrocatalytic ORR activity. We herein report on a Co-corrole/Co complex 1-Co for energy-efficient electrocatalytic ORR. By hanging a Co^II ion over Co corrole, 1-Co realizes electrocatalytic 4e⁻ ORR with a half-wave potential of 0.89 V versus RHE, which is outstanding among corrole-based electrocatalysts. Notably, 1-Co outperforms Co corrole hanged with Cu^II or Zn^II. We revealed that the hanging Co^II ion can provide an electron to improve O₂ binding thermodynamically and dynamically, a function represented by the biological Cu^I ion of the heme/Cu site. This work is significant to present a remarkable ORR electrocatalyst and to show the vital role of a second-sphere redox-active metal ion in promoting O₂ binding and activation.