可持续固相合成高分散PdAg合金纳米颗粒用于电催化氢氧化和氢析出反应

固相研磨作为一种新型可持续的合成方法,近年来引起了人们广泛关注,为负载型金属合金纳米催化剂的制备提供了新思路.尽管有关合金催化剂研究取得了系列进展,但现有制备方法大多存在操作步骤复杂、形貌难以控制等问题,严重制约了合金催化剂的规模化应用.本文发展了一种可持续化策略,即于室温下在玛瑙研钵中直接研磨合成了一系列高分散在碳载体上的小尺寸PdAg合金纳米颗粒(PdAg/C).此法无需任何溶剂和有机试剂,保证了整个过程简单便捷、绿色环保,同时确保了PdAg合金纳米颗粒表面清洁无污染,利于样品的催化应用.利用TEM,XRD和XPS表征技术对系列PdAg/C样品的组成及形貌进行了深入探究.TEM结果表明,所得催化剂中金属颗粒尺寸较小(4.9±1.03 nm),且高度分散在碳载体表面.XRD结果表明,Pd9Ag1/C,Pd5Ag5/C和Pd1Ag9/C催化剂特征衍射峰位于对应的Pd/C和Ag/C衍射峰之间,且会随着Ag含量的不断增加逐渐向低角度偏移.XPS结果表明,三个催化剂中均存在Pd,Ag两种元素,且随着Ag含量的增加,它们的Pd 3d结合能逐渐正移;而随着Pd含量的不断增加,三样品的Ag 3d结合能逐渐负向偏移.由此可见,采用可持续固相合成法成功制得了碳负载的PdAg合金纳米颗粒.一系列对比实验表明,PdAg合金纳米颗粒的尺寸和分散度显著依赖于NaOH,而与碳载体的形貌、比表面积和类型无明显关系.将系列PdAg/C样品用于碱性电催化氢氧化(HOR)和析氢反应(HER)时,均展现出高的催化性能.其中,Pd9Ag1/C催化性能最佳,在HOR中,质量交换电流密度和面积交换电流密度分别为26.5 A gPd^–1和0.033 mA cmPd^–2;在HER中,电流密度为10 mA cm^–2时所需过电位仅为68 mV;此外,Pd9Ag1/C催化剂经过1000圈CV循环测试后,催化活性未显著衰减,对两个目标反应均展现出优异的电化学稳定性.PdAg/C高催化活性主要归因于两个方面:(1)PdAg合金纳米颗粒表面洁净、尺寸小且分散均匀,能提供大量可利用的活性位点;(2)Pd与Ag之间强的协同与合金效应使得催化剂具有最佳的本征活性.     

Solubility of hydrogen in PdAg and PdAu binary alloys using density functional theory

The present work deals with the study of palladium-silver (PdAg) and palladium-gold (PdAu) binary alloys over a broad range of temperatures and alloy compositions using density functional theory (DFT) to find possible conditions where the solubility of hydrogen (H) is significantly higher than that of pure palladium (Pd). Several alloy structures, such as Pd(100-x)Ag(x) with x = 14.81, 25.93, 37.04, and 48.51, Pd(100-x)Aux with x = 14.81, 25.93, and 37.04, and Pd(100-x)Cu(x) with x = 25.93 and 48.51 were considered. The lattice constants of these structures were optimized using DFT, and relaxed structures were used for the estimation of binding energy. It was found that the solubility of H in PdAg is higher than pure Pd with a maximum at approximately 30% Ag at 456 K. Also, the solubility of PdAu alloys was higher than pure Pd with a maximum at about 20% Au with a solubility 12 times higher than that of pure Pd. It was found that for a 3.7% H concentration in a PdAg alloy, a cell expansion of 0.15-0.2% occurs, which if ignored may affect the individual binding energy of the O-site by approximately 3.56% and may affect the predicted solubility by approximately 11.8%.     

Graphene nanosheets decorated with Pd,Pt,Au,and Ag nanoparticles:Synthesis,characterization,and catalysis applications

We report that noble metal nanopartcles (Pd,Pt,Au,and Ag) decorated-graphene nanosheets can be synthesized with the template of graphene oxide by a one-pot solution-based method.The resulting hybrid materials are characterized by transmission electronic microscopy,energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,scanning electronic microscopy,atomic force microscopy,X-ray diffraction,and Raman spectroscopy,which demonstrate that the metal nanoparticles have been uniformly deposited on the surfaces of graphene nanosheet...     

Porous sol gel silica films doped with crystalline NiO nanoparticles for gas sensing applications

A reliable sol gel route to synthesize NiO doped SiO₂ films with different NiO content is here described. The films showed detectable and reversible changes in both optical and electrical properties when exposed to some reducing/oxidizing gaseous species at temperatures in the 250°C–350°C range. A functional characterization protocol has been designed and some of the sensing properties of the materials have been investigated for detecting NO₂, CH₄, CO and H₂. An optical transmittance increase up to 2% has been detected for 1% CO in dry air atmospheres, while relative resistance response (R _R = R _gas/R _air) values up to 4.97 for 850 ppm H₂/air mixtures have been registered for conductometric gas sensing. Films at all NiO molar concentrations in the 10% NiO - 40% range showed an optical response to the target gas, while only 30% and 40% NiO films provided a detectable gas induced resistance change.     

Hydrogen reactivity of palladium nanoparticles coated with mixed monolayers of alkyl thiols and alkyl amines for sensing and catalysis applications

Palladium monolayer-protected clusters (MPCs) coated with octylamines (C8NH(2)), hexanethiolates (C6S), and mixed monolayers of C8NH(2) and C6S exhibit significantly different reactivities with hydrogen gas, depending on the relative amounts of the two ligands coating the Pd nanoparticle surface, as determined by UV-vis spectroscopy of Pd MPCs in solution and electronic measurements of films of Pd MPCs as a function of exposure time to hydrogen. The average estimated composition of the ~3.0 nm diameter Pd MPCs was Pd(919)(C6S)(192) or Pd(919)(C8NH(2))(177-x)(C6S)(x), where x was varied to be 0, 3, 10, 16, 32, or 81 by the synthesis of pure C8NH(2) Pd MPCs and subsequent liquid-phase place exchange with a varied amount of C6SH. When x = 0-10, the Pd MPCs react strongly with H(2), leading to aggregated particles in solution and large irreversible changes in the morphology of films accompanied by an increase in film conductivity by 2-5 orders of magnitude. Pd(919)(C6S)(192) MPCs are stable against significant aggregation in solution and do not exhibit large film morphology changes, but they are also not highly reactive to H(2), as determined by minimal changes in the optical properties of solutions and the small, irreversible changes in the conductivity of films in the presence of H(2). Finally, when x is 32 and 81, the Pd MPCs are fairly stable, exhibit minimal aggregation or morphology changes, and readily react with H(2) based on the significant, reversible changes in film conductivity in the presence of H(2). Pd MPCs with mixed monolayers have the benefit of high H(2) reactivity while maintaining the structural stability necessary for sensing and catalysis applications.     

Keggin ion mediated synthesis of hydrophobized Pd nanoparticles for multifunctional catalysis

Development of simple and reliable protocols for the synthesis of organically soluble catalytically active metal nanoparticles is an important aspect of research in nanomaterials. We demonstrate herein the formation of Pd nanoparticles by reduction of aqueous Pd(NO(3))(2) by photoexcited Keggin ions (phosphotungstate anions). This results in the formation of Pd nanoparticles capped with with Keggin ions that render the particles negatively charged. The Keggin ion capped Pd nanoparticles may then be phase transferred into nonpolar organic solvents such as toluene by electrostatic complexation with cationic surfactants such as octadecylamine at the liquid-liquid interface. This results in a new class of catalyst wherein both the Pd core and Keggin ion shell may be used in a range of catalytic reactions leading to a truly multifunctional catalyst dispersible in organic solvents.     

Regiospecific linear assembly of Pd nanocubes for hydrogen gas sensing

Capillary force lithography was applied to generate large area polymer patterns. A "grafting to" approach was used on the patterns to induce linear assembly of Pd nanocubes through electrostatic interaction. Pd nanoarrays with high density were subjected to a hydrogen gas sensing test. We demonstrated a feasible method to build up a miniature hydrogen sensor using self-assembly with micrometre Pd nanoarrays.     

Application of Pt@SnO2 nanoparticles for hydrogen gas sensing

We report the fabrication of Pt@SnO₂ nanoparticles using a sol–gel method. These nanoparticles are used as a sensing material. The structural and morphological characterization of the prepared Pt@SnO₂ nanoparticles was performed using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The sensor responses of SnO₂ and 1 wt% Pt/SnO₂ to 1% hydrogen gas (H₂) were 1.3 and 1.9, respectively. The sensor response of a Pt@SnO₂ core–shell sensor increased to 5.1 at room temperature; it improved by 3.9 times compared to SnO₂ and by 2.7 times compared to 1% Pt/SnO₂ in sensing 1% H₂. The response time for the prepared Pt@SnO₂ sensor was also shortened by 2.0 and 1.4 times compared to SnO₂ and 1 wt% Pt/SnO₂, respectively. The sensor response increased rapidly from 1.4 to 5.1, with an increase in H₂ concentration from 800 to 10,000 ppm (1%). We investigated the H₂‐sensing mechanism of Pt@SnO₂.     

Redox-active ionic-liquid-assisted one-step general method for preparing gold nanoparticle thin films: applications in refractive index sensing and catalysis

We describe a general one-step facile method for depositing gold nanoparticle (GNP) thin films onto any type of substrates by the in situ reduction of AuCl(3) using a newly designed redox-active ionic liquid (IL), tetrabutylphosphonium citrate ([TBP][Ci]). Various substrates such as positively charged glass, negatively charged glass/quartz, neutral hydrophobic glass, polypropylene, polystyrene, plain paper, and cellophane paper are successfully coated with a thin film of GNPs. This IL ([TBP][Ci]) is prepared by the simple neutralization of tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide with citric acid. We also demonstrate that the [TBP][Ci] ionic liquid can be successfully used to generate GNPs in an aqueous colloidal suspension in situ. The deposited GNP thin films on various surfaces are made up of mostly discrete spherical GNPs that are well distributed throughout the film, as confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy. However, it seems that some GNPs are arranged to form arrays depending on the nature of surface. We also characterize these GNP thin films via UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. The as-formed GNP thin films show excellent stability toward solvent washing. We demonstrate that the thin film of GNPs on a glass/quartz surface can be successfully used as a refractive index (RI) sensor for different polar and nonpolar organic solvents. The as-formed GNP thin films on different surfaces show excellent catalytic activity in the borohydride reduction of p-nitrophenol.     

Highly enhanced electrochemiluminescence based on synergetic catalysis effect of enzyme and Pd nanoparticles for ultrasensitive immunoassay

An immunosensor based on the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of luminol was proposed by coupling enzymatic reaction to in situ generate coreactant with Pd nanoparticles as catalyst for the ECL reaction, which was successfully applied for the ultrasensitive detection of α-1-fetoprotein with a low detection limit of 33 fg mL(-1).     

Electrodeposition and characterization of Pd nanoparticles doped amorphous hydrogenated carbon films

Palladium (0) nanoparticles incorporated hydrogenated amorphous carbon (Pd/a-C:H) films were synthesized on single crystal silicon (100) substrates by electrochemical deposition route using methanol and camphor as carbon source, and Pd nanoparticles as dopant. The characterization results indicate that Pd nanocrystalline particles with diameter in the range of 1–5 nm dispersed in the amorphous carbon matrix. Compared with pure a-C:H films, the introduction of Pd nanoparticles didn't change the structure of carbon films. At the end, the growth mechanism of the Pd/a-C:H composite films was discussed.     

Single-step biofriendly synthesis of surface modifiable, near-spherical gold nanoparticles for applications in biological detection and catalysis

There is an increased interest in understanding the toxicity and rational design of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for biomedical applications in recent years. Such efforts warrant reliable, viable, and biofriendly synthetic methodology for GNPs with homogeneous sizes and shapes, particularly sizes above 30 nm, which is currently challenging. In the present study, an environmentally benign, biofriendly, single-step/single-phase synthetic method using dextrose as a reducing and capping agent in a buffered aqueous solution at moderate temperature is introduced. The resulting GNPs are near-spherical, stable, catalytically active, place exchangeable, and water-soluble within the size range of 10-120 nm. The added advantage of the biologically friendly reaction medium employed in this new synthetic approach provides a method for the direct embedment/integration of GNPs into biological systems such as the E. coli bacterium without additional capping ligand or surface modification processes.     

Optical and morphological characterization of bispyrazole thin films for gas sensing applications

The optical gas recognition capabilities of thin film layer of 4-[bis[(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]-amino]phenol deposed on quartz substrates were studied. The dynamic gas responses to the following analytes have been investigated as air pollutants (SO₂, NO₂, CO, CH₄ and NH₃). The spin-coated bispyrazole layer appears to have reversible response towards SO₂ and a very low and irreversible response to NO₂. The selectivity of the thin film based on bispyrazole layer with respect to other analytes was also examined and the present data show that the thin sensing layer in the presence of CO, CH₄ and NH₃ in low concentration does not influence its optical properties.     

Ozone- and thermally activated films of palladium monolayer-protected clusters for chemiresistive hydrogen sensing

Here we describe the chemiresistive H2-sensing properties of drop-cast films comprised of 3.0 nm average diameter hexanethiolate-coated Pd monolayer-protected clusters (C6 Pd MPCs) bridging a pair of electrodes separated by a 23 microm gap. The gas-sensing properties were measured for 9.6-0.11% H2 in a H2/N2 mixture. The sensing mechanism is based on changes in the resistance of the film upon reaction of Pd with H2 to form PdH(x), which is known to be larger in volume and more resistive than pure Pd. As-prepared Pd MPC films are highly insensitive to H2, requiring O3 and thermal treatment to enhance changes in film resistance in the presence of H2. Exposure to O3 for 15 min followed by activation in 100% H2 leads to an increase in film conductivity in the presence of H2, with a detection limit of 0.11% H2. When exposed to temperatures of 180-200 degrees C, the conductivity of the film increases and a decrease in conductivity occurs in the presence of H2 with a detection limit of 0.21%. The sensing behavior reverses after further heating to 260 degrees C, exhibiting an increase in conductivity in the presence of H2 as in O3-treated films and a detection limit of 0.11%. The sensitivity of the variously treated films follows the order O3 > high temp > low temp, and the response times at 1.0% H2 range from 10 to 50s, depending on the treatment. FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy provide information about the C6 monolayer, Pd metal, and film morphology, respectively, as a function of O3 and heat treatment to aid in understanding the observed sensing behavior. This work demonstrates a simple chemical approach toward fabricating a fast, reversible sensor capable of detecting low concentrations of H2.     

Reactivity series for s-BuLi/diamine-mediated lithiation of N-Boc pyrrolidine: applications in catalysis and lithiation of N-Boc piperidine

Using competition experiments between a range of ligands and (-)-sparteine, a reactivity series for N-Boc pyrrolidine lithiation using s-BuLi/diamines has been constructed; the results indicate that the s-BuLi/(+)-sparteine surrogate complex is more reactive than s-BuLi/(-)-sparteine and this has been exploited in the selection of ligand pairs for ligand exchange catalytic asymmetric lithiation of N-Boc pyrrolidine and lithiation of N-Boc piperidine.     

In situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles on porous polyacrylonitrile nanofibers for sensing applications

A simple and cost-effective method was reported to synthesize small size (6 nm) gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospun nanofibers (AuNPs/PAN). The formation of AuNPs is attributed to the in situ reduction of Au(III) to Au(0) by 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde doped in the PAN nanofibers. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) confirmed that the AuNPs/PAN nanofibers showed good conductivity. The AuNPs/PAN nanofibers were used to immobilize tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) ions (Ru(bpy)(3)(2+)) to form an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor. The AuNPs on the PAN nanofibers exhibited an excellent catalytic effect on the ECL of Ru(bpy)(3)(2+) which could be employed to detect low concentrations of phenolic compounds. The linear response range of the ECL sensor to hydroquinone is 0.55-37 μM with limit of detection of 80 nM (S/N = 3). This sensor has been successfully applied to determine the hydroquinone content in photographic developer samples. Our work provides a very simple and cost-effective method to synthesize AuNPs on polymer nanofibers which shows great potential in the field of electrocatalysis and chemo/biosensors.     

One-step synthesis of gold nanoparticles using azacryptand and their applications in SERS and catalysis

A new aqueous-phase method for the preparation of stable gold nanoparticles by using 1,4,7,10,13,16,21,24-octaazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane (azacryptand) as both reductant and stabilizer is reported. Reduction of HAuCl(4) with azacryptand at room temperature yields nano-sized particles within a short time. The obtained gold nanoparticles have been characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Comparison of FT-IR spectra of azacryptand before and after reaction revealed that azacryptand molecules reduce gold ions as the amino moieties in the molecules are oxidized to imino groups. The prepared gold nanoparticles show efficient surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties and can effectively catalyze reduction of 4-nitrophenol by sodium borohydride in aqueous solution.     

Micro-Raman analysis of titanium oxide/carbon nanotubes-based nanocomposites for hydrogen sensing applications

Titanium oxide/carbon nanotubes-based nanocomposites (TiO₂/CNTs, prepared by sol-gel method, and 2%Pt/TiO₂/CNTs, obtained by wetness impregnation of the TiO₂/CNTs base material with a solution of platinum acetylacetonate) have been recently used as active layer in hydrogen sensing devices at near room temperature, obtaining quite different responsiveness. The microstructure of these hybrid materials is here systematically investigated by micro-Raman spectroscopy at 2.41 eV. The results show that regardless of the nominal C/Ti molar ratio (3.6 or 17.0) only the anatase phase of titania is formed. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that phonon confinement is fully responsible for the large blue-shift (∼10 cm⁻¹) and broadening (∼20 cm⁻¹) of the lowest-frequency Raman mode with respect to bulk anatase. The average size (4.3-5.0 nm) of TiO₂ crystallites, resulting from Raman spectra fitting, is in excellent agreement with those inferred from transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements.