双原子催化剂:制备、表征和应用

发展可持续和清洁的电化学能源转化技术是应对能源短缺和环境污染挑战的关键一步,燃料电池、电解电池和金属空气电池作为清洁能源储存和转换装置目前得到广泛应用推广,这些装置依靠电催化反应以及电极材料上发生的电荷转移过程来转换电能和化学能.而电催化剂是该类装置电极材料的核心部件,电催化反应的热力学和动力学过程与电催化剂的物理性质和化学状态密切相关.因此探索和开发性能优良、成本低廉的新型电催化剂,将进一步促进这些能源转化技术的商业化应用.单原子催化剂(SACs)以其暴露的活性位点、高选择性和最大限度地原子利用率而受到人们的广泛关注.然而,随着单原子表面自由能的增加,粒子在制备和催化过程中的聚集,催化活性位点的降低和催化剂负荷的相对较低,严重制约了SACs的发展和应用.考虑到SACs的缺点,为了进一步增加单原子活性位点的数量和负载,双原子催化剂(DACs)作为SACs家族成员的扩展近年来逐渐兴起,且两种金属原子(同核/异核)在DACs中的协同作用显著提高了催化剂的催化活性.本文基于当前最新的研究工作对比了同核/异核DACs的不同优势,列举了一系列包括原子层沉积法、湿化学吸附法以及高温热处理法等方法用于制备性能优异的DACs,其中高温热处理法因应用广泛被重点强调.同时,本文也对DACs的表征和识别手段进行了重点概括,包含XANES, EXAFS, IR, DFT等;详细概括和对比了当前DACs在电化学方面的主要应用,如氧还原反应(ORR)和二氧化碳还原反应.目前, DACs作为一个新兴的研究领域,由于其金属原子负载量高、活性位点比SACs更为灵活,已经在电催化领域取得了快速的发展.相对于同核DACs,原则上不同的两个金属原子会组成更多的异核DACs,因此,对于性能优异的异核DACs还有更多的可能性值得深入探索.可以预见, DACs的发展将弥补SACs的不足,在电化学能源的转换和储存方面发挥全面的优势;借助于异核DACs中不同的两个金属原子的多样性,探索以过渡金属为主的DACs,将会为节约贵金属资源及环境保护带来巨大贡献,进一步设计和优化DACs,有利于燃料电池和金属-空气电池创造出更大的经济效益和社会效益.因此,我们相信DACs的发展将成为材料研究的一个新前沿,并为合成更多的高效应用催化剂开辟一条新的途径.     

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.     

Inter-Metal Interaction of Dual-Atom Catalysts in Heterogeneous Catalysis

Dual-atom catalysts (DACs) have been a new frontier in heterogeneous catalysis due to their unique intrinsic properties. The synergy between dual atoms provides flexible active sites, promising to enhance performance and even catalyze more complex reactions. However, precisely regulating active site structure and uncovering dual-atom metal interaction remain grand challenges. In this review, we clarify the significance of the inter-metal interaction of DACs based on the understanding of active center structures. Three diatomic configurations are elaborated, including isolated dual single-atom, N/O-bridged dual-atom, and direct dual-metal bonding interaction. Subsequently, the up-to-date progress in heterogeneous oxidation reactions, hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactions, electrocatalytic reactions, and photocatalytic reactions are summarized. The structure-activity relationship between DACs and catalytic performance is then discussed at an atomic level. Finally, the challenges and future directions to engineer the structure of DACs are discussed. This review will offer new prospects for the rational design of efficient DACs toward heterogeneous catalysis.     

Comprehensive Mechanism for CO Electroreduction on Dual-Atom-Catalyst-Anchored N-Doped Graphene

Carbon neutrality has drawn increasing attention for realizing the carbon cyclization and reducing the greenhouse effect. Although the C1 products, such as CO, can be achieved with a high Faraday efficiency, the targeted production of C2 fuels as well as the mechanism have not been systematically investigated. In this work, we carry out a first-principles study to screen dual-atom catalysts (DACs) for producing C2 fuels through the electrocatalytic carbon monoxide reduction reaction (e-CORR). We find that methanol, ethanol and ethylene can be produced on both DAC−Co and DAC−Cu, while acetate can be achieved on DAC−Cu only. Importantly, methanol and ethylene are preferred on DAC−Co, while acetate and ethylene on DAC−Cu. Furthermore, we show that the explicit solvent can enhance the adsorption and influence the protonation steps, which subsequently affects the protonation and dimerization behavior as well as the performance and selectivity of e-CORR on DACs. We further demonstrate that the C−C coupling is easy to be formed and stabilized if the Integrated Crystal Orbital Hamilton Population (ICOHP) is low because of the low energy barrier. Our findings provide not only guidance on the design of novel catalysts for e-CORR, but an insightful understanding on the reduction mechanism.     

Three‐Component Gallium(III)‐Promoted Addition of Halide Anions and Acetylenes to Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes

A new strategy for the three‐component addition of halide anions and acetylenes to donor–acceptor cyclopropanes (DACs) is presented. This reaction, which occurs with high E selectivity, is promoted by gallium(III) salts and based on the 1,2‐zwitterionic reactivity of DACs. It opens up a new group of processes involving DACs. The reaction occurs readily with a broad range of substrates and is tolerant of various functional groups. This methodology makes it possible to assemble highly functionalized vinyl halides, which are very convenient building blocks in organic synthesis. A possible mechanism of this reaction and its stereochemical aspects are discussed in detail.     

Advanced electron microscopy characterization of nanostructured heterogeneous catalysts.

Heterogeneous catalysis is one of the oldest nanosciences. Although model catalysts can be designed, synthesized, and, to a certain degree, characterized, industrial heterogeneous catalysts are often chemically and physically complex systems that have been developed through many years of catalytic art, technology, and science. The preparation of commercial catalysts is generally not well controlled and is often based on accumulated experiences. Catalyst characterization is thus critical to developing new catalysts with better activity, selectivity, and/or stability. Advanced electron microscopy, among many characterization techniques, can provide useful information for the fundamental understanding of heterogeneous catalysis and for guiding the development of industrial catalysts. In this article, we discuss the recent developments in applying advanced electron microscopy techniques to characterizing model and industrial heterogeneous catalysts. The importance of understanding the catalyst nanostructure and the challenges and opportunities of advanced electron microscopy in developing nanostructured catalysts are also discussed.     

XAFS技术在单原子电催化中的应用

X射线吸收精细谱学(XAFS)技术是从20世纪80年代开始逐渐发展起来的一种材料表征技术, 具有对中心吸收原子的局域结构和化学环境敏感的特征, 非常适合表征单原子催化剂. 本文从XAFS技术的原理和特点出发, 深入探讨了该技术在电催化水分解、 燃料电池阴极反应和二氧化碳电化学还原等多个单原子催化应用场景下的独特作用, 并展望了XAFS技术在单原子电催化领域的未来发展与应用前景, 以期为更深入明确的单原子催化剂结构表征和电催化机理描述提供指导.     

Bimetallic dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles as catalysts: a review of the research advances

Bimetallic dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) are important materials, because they have demonstrated improvement in performance compared to the monometallic DENs in many systems when they are used as catalysts. This tutorial review focuses on the recent research advances in bimetallic DENs with respect to their synthesis, characterization, and applications as catalysts. Bimetallic DENs can be made mainly via three routes: co-complexation, sequential loading, and partial displacement. The research in bimetallic DENs has been significantly promoted by the advancement of characterization instruments. The performances of bimetallic DENs as homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in organic synthesis have been compared with both monometallic DENs and their physical mixtures. It is concluded that the synergistic electronic effect in bimetallic nanoparticles enhances their catalytic activities.     

Study of Supported Bimetallic Pd-Pt Catalysts. Characterization and Catalytic Activity for Toluene Hydrogenation

Bimetallic Pd-Pt catalysts were prepared either by a surface redox reaction (RC catalysts) or by coimpregnation (CI catalysts). RC bimetallic catalysts show a higher sulfur resistance in the course of toluene hydrogenation in the presence of thiophene compared to monometallic palladium and CI bimetallic catalysts. A characterization of the RC catalysts by IR and EXAFS allows to propose a structure of the Pd-Pt crystallites which would explain these results.     

Temperature-programmed reduction study on carbon-supported platinum-gold alloy catalysts

Alloy catalysts of Pt-Au/C with different Pt/Au ratios were prepared by the precipitation-deposition of metal chlorides and reduced by H(2) at 470 K. The surface composition of alloy crystallites deposited on the prepared catalysts was characterized by a technique of temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). In the characterization, O(2) was chemisorbed on the reduced catalysts and the chemisorbed O(2) was reduced by TPR. A low-temperature routine (LT) in the temperature range between 120 and 430 K was used for the TPR characterization. Monometallic catalysts of Au/C and Pt/C showed a reduction peak in the LT-TPR at reduction temperature (T(r))=145 and 240 K, respectively. T(r) from alloyed catalysts fell in the range and increased monotonously with their Pt/Au ratios. Interior Pt atoms in deposited alloy particles tended to segregate toward their surface during oxidation treatment at elevated temperatures.     

Lewis acid-mediated reactions of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes with diazo esters

The reactions of diazo esters with 2-arylcyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylates, the represen- tatives of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes (DACs), mediated by Sc(OTf)₃, SnCl₄, and GaCl₃ proceeded with nitrogen elimination to give the C—C coupling products. No products of the formal [3+3] cycloaddition of diazo compounds to DACs were formed but the main reaction direction was addition of diazo ester to either 1,3- or 1,2-zwitterions generated upon Lewis acid-mediated cyclopropane ring opening giving rise to new 1,4- and 1,3-zwitterionic inter- mediates. The formed intermediates underwent further fragmentations and rearrangements to give substituted cyclopropanedi-, -tri-, and -tetracarboxylates. Mechanistic aspects of the observed reactions were discussed.     

Sulfur‐33 Isotope Tracing of the Hydrodesulfurization Process: Insights into the Reaction Mechanism,Catalyst Characterization and Improvement

The novel approach based on ³³S isotope tracing is proposed for the elucidation of hydrodesulfurization (HDS) mechanisms and characterization of molybdenum sulfide catalysts. The technique involves sulfidation of the catalyst with ³³S‐isotope‐labeled dihydrogen sulfide, followed by monitoring the fate of the ³³S isotope in the course of the hydrodesulfurization reaction by online mass spectrometry and characterization of the catalyst after the reaction by temperature‐programmed oxidation with mass spectrometry (TPO‐MS). The results point to different pathways of thiophene transformation over Co or Ni‐promoted and unpromoted molybdenum sulfide catalysts, provide information on the role of promoter and give a key for the design of new efficient HDS catalysts.     

Sulfur‐33 Isotope Tracing of the Hydrodesulfurization Process: Insights into the Reaction Mechanism,Catalyst Characterization and Improvement

The novel approach based on ³³S isotope tracing is proposed for the elucidation of hydrodesulfurization (HDS) mechanisms and characterization of molybdenum sulfide catalysts. The technique involves sulfidation of the catalyst with ³³S‐isotope‐labeled dihydrogen sulfide, followed by monitoring the fate of the ³³S isotope in the course of the hydrodesulfurization reaction by online mass spectrometry and characterization of the catalyst after the reaction by temperature‐programmed oxidation with mass spectrometry (TPO‐MS). The results point to different pathways of thiophene transformation over Co or Ni‐promoted and unpromoted molybdenum sulfide catalysts, provide information on the role of promoter and give a key for the design of new efficient HDS catalysts.     

钴负载的凹凸棒土催化剂的制备、表征及其催化氧化性能

利用浸渍法制备了一系列不同钴含量的凹凸棒土催化剂,使用X射线衍射(XRD),X射线光电子能谱(XPS)和红外光谱(IR),详细研究了催化剂的构效关系,结果表明钴和载体发生作用形成了CoAl2O4和CoFe2O4两种晶相.研究了催化剂在无溶剂条件下对环己烯的催化氧化性能,实验结果表明Co-AT-1(钴含量0.46%)催化剂对环己烯氧化表现出较好的催化活性.催化剂的有效活性成分是CoFe2O4.     

Research Progress and Application of Single-Atom Catalysts: A Review

Due to excellent performance properties such as strong activity and high selectivity, single-atom catalysts have been widely used in various catalytic reactions. Exploring the application of single-atom catalysts and elucidating their reaction mechanism has become a hot area of research. This article first introduces the structure and characteristics of single-atom catalysts, and then reviews recent preparation methods, characterization techniques, and applications of single-atom catalysts, including their application potential in electrochemistry and photocatalytic reactions. Finally, application prospects and future development directions of single-atom catalysts are outlined.     

Catalytic Antibodies

The vast binding repertoire of the immune system has been exploited for the generation of tailor-made biological catalysts. A number of strategies have been developed to generate catalytic antibodies that carry out a wide range of reactions with exquisite specificities. The generation and characterization of these novel catalysts is not only providing new insights into the nature of biological recognition and catalysis, but may also lead to novel catalysts for applications in chemistry, biology, and medicine.     

多相催化时空演变的全生命周期表征策略

可持续发展的化学工业需要新型高效的催化材料和催化过程,尤其需要生态友好、本质安全的新催化过程,其本质是提高合适反应器内催化剂的选择性、活性和稳定性.因此,通过原位技术实时表征反应状态下的催化剂结构并同步测试催化性能,有助于全面研究真实反应条件下催化剂及其表面物种随时间的演变过程,深入理解催化剂构效关系的本质,为开发新一代催化技术提供科学依据.迄今,在实际催化体系中实现催化剂从活化、运行到失活的全生命周期表征仍存在巨大挑战.本文综述了分子筛、金属、金属氧化物三类典型催化剂在甲醇制烯烃、费托合成、丙烷脱氢等催化反应中的全生命周期时空演变,分析了所采用的表征研究策略,以期为新型工业催化的应用基础研究提供启示.据文献报道,甲醇制烯烃反应案例主要利用了原位紫外-可见光谱和固态核磁共振光谱等获得SAPO-34分子筛催化剂从诱导期、自催化期到失活期的表面烃池物种性质和动态演变;费托合成反应案例主要利用了同步辐射X射线衍射计算机断层扫描和X射线吸收光谱等技术研究单个毫米级Co/γ-Al2O3催化剂颗粒在还原条件和费托合成条件下的催化剂结构演变;丙烷脱氢反应案例主要结合原位的紫外-可见和拉曼光纤探头分析了CrOx/Al2O3催化剂在700 ml固定床反应器中不同床层积炭的时空演变.这些研究案例表明,因受限于表征仪器的时空分辨率和适用工况,多数重要的催化反应尚未完全实现工业条件下的全生命周期表征;但通过合理简化非关键变量,可以获得近似工业条件下的多相催化时空演变规律,这些原位表征研究拓展了多相催化的新认识新发现.着眼未来,近似工业反应条件的原位表征、多尺度的原位表征装置设计、反应条件下的计算模拟等策略将在催化研发中发挥重要作用.这些全生命周期表征策略反映了催化研究范式的转变,但将其应用于工业实践仍面临许多科学和工程的挑战.从实际应用角度看,还需综合考虑原位表征技术的成本、安全性和准确性,重视催化剂颗粒及反应器尺度的原位表征,不断推进新型催化剂的研发.     

钼基复合氧化物在异丁烯选择氧化制甲基丙烯醛反应中的催化性能

研究了添加不同助剂对钼基复合氧化物催化剂对异丁烯选择性氧化制备甲基丙烯醛反应的影响. 结合XRD, TPR 和FTIR等表征手段对催化剂的结构进行了研究. 结果表明, 加入适量的铋能够提高催化剂的性能, 铁和钴元素能明显改变催化剂结构和表面性能, 从而提高异丁烯的转化率和甲基丙烯醛的选择性. 同时发现某种特定晶相及晶相之间的协同作用是提高催化剂性能的关键.筛选出在最佳催化剂上异丁烯的转化率为99.9%, 甲基丙烯醛的选择性为88.7%.     

CuY制备方法对其催化甲醇氧化羰基化活性中心的影响

以Cu(NO₃)₂为铜源,以NaY和HY分子筛为载体,通过溶液离子交换法和等体积浸渍法制备了不同的无氯CuY催化剂,并进行了气相甲醇氧化羰基化催化活性研究。通过浸渍法制备的催化剂Cu含量为10%,而以NaY和铜氨溶液离子交换制备的催化剂Cu含量只有6.3%,但其催化活性和选择性均较好。通过催化剂的Cu元素分析、低温氮吸附-脱附、XRD、H₂-TPR、XPS和TPD等表征表明,溶液离子交换法制备的催化剂,Cu物种以离子的形式高度分散于分子筛骨架结构中,较好地保持了分子筛晶体结构,并对甲醇有较强的吸附能力,催化活性较高,而将等体积浸渍Cu(NO₃)₂溶液后的HY或NaY分子筛,在400 ℃焙烧过程中,发生了固体离子交换反应,形成了连接于分子筛骨架的Cu²⁺,但以HY为载体更容易进行固体离子交换,未交换的铜物种以CuO的形式分散到分子筛表面。在600 ℃高温活化中,催化剂中Cu²⁺可部分还原为活性物质Cu⁺,但以NaY和铜氨溶液离子交换制备的催化剂Cu²⁺自还原能力最大。     

低温液相合成甲醇铜基催化剂的表征

采用X－射线衍射（XRD）和X－光电子能谱／Auger电子能谱（XPS／AES）方法，表征了部分催化剂的体相和表面物理化学性质。结果表明，具有较高催化活性的催化剂（CuCl或铜铬氧化物催化剂）均具有较多＋1价的铜；而催化剂中含有的Cu^2 ，将影响其催化活性；经过氢气高压还原处理或者使用后的催化剂中金属铜的含量明显增多，同时活性也大为降低，所有铜铬氧化物中的铬均为＋3价。