Direct Visualisation of the Surface Atomic Active Sites of Carbon-Supported Co3O4 Nanocrystals via High-Resolution Phase Restoration

The atomic arrangement of the terminating facets on spinel Co₃O₄ nanocrystals is strongly linked to their catalytic performance. However, the spinel crystal structure offers multiple possible surface terminations depending on the synthesis. Thus, understanding the terminating surface atomic structure is essential in developing high-performance Co₃O₄ nanocrystals. In this work, we present direct atomic-scale observation of the surface terminations of Co₃O₄ nanoparticles supported on hollow carbon spheres (HCSs) using exit wavefunction reconstruction from aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy focal-series. The restored high-resolution phases show distinct resolved oxygen and cobalt atomic columns. The data show that the structure of {100}, {110}, and {111} facets of spinel Co₃O₄ exhibit characteristic active sites for carbon monoxide (CO) adsorption, in agreement with density functional theory calculations. Of these facets, the {100} and {110} surface terminations are better suited for CO adsorption than the {111}. However, the presence of oxygen on the {111} surface termination indicates this facet also plays an essential role in CO adsorption. Our results demonstrate direct evidence of the surface termination atomic structure beyond the assumed stoichiometry of the surface.     

Adsorption equilibrium at the metal-oxide film interface in the oxidation reactions of Ni,Cr, and their alloys

An adsorption thermodynamic model of the oxidation of Ni-Cr alloys is proposed. According to this model, the adsorption of the alloy component with a lower surface energy (Ni) at the alloy-oxide film interface shifts the equilibrium of the solid-phase reaction 3NiO + 2Cr = Cr₂O₃ + 3Ni (1) toward the enrichment of the oxide film in NiO. It was demonstrated that the total Gibbs energy change for reaction (1) can be presented as ΔG _{T, S} = ΔG _T + ΔG _S, where ΔG _T < 0 is the contribution from the Gibbs energy of the thermochemical reaction of oxidation of Ni and Cr atoms and ΔG _S > 0 is the contribution from the surface Gibbs energy of formation of the alloy associated with the replenishment of the surface layer of the alloy during its oxidation. Calculations of ΔG _S are based on the published data on the surface energy of the pure metal ΔG _S ^o and results of authors’ theoretical studies. It was found that the dependence of \({{a_{NiO}^3 } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{a_{NiO}^3 } {a_{Cr_2 O_3 } }}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {a_{Cr_2 O_3 } }}\) on the content of Cr in the alloy determined from calculated equilibrium characteristic of reaction (1) at 1373 K proved to be in satisfactory agreement with the available experimental data on the composition of the oxide film on Ni-Cr alloys. In addition, the values of the potentials of metal-oxide Ni and Cr electrodes in an aqueous solution at 298 K are calculated, which nearly coincide with the published values of the Flade potential for the passivation of these metals.     

C‐oriented and {010} Facets Exposed BiVO4 Nanowall Films: Template‐Free Fabrication and their Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Properties

Vertically aligned BiVO₄ nanowall films on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass have been fabricated through a template‐free hydrothermal method for the first time. Based on the structural understanding of both BiVO₄ and ITO, the lattice matches ({020}_BiVO4 and {040}_ITO, {200}_BiVO4 and {004}_ITO, respectively) and the similarity of metal atomic arrangement parallel to {001} planes turn out to be crucial for the fabrication of the nanowalls. Consequently, the growth of a BiVO₄ film begins from heteroepitaxy and undergoes an Ostwald ripening process to form an extended network, resulting in a c‐orientation and exposing {010} facets. Through this process, it is much easier to obtain a range of nanowall films with different packing densities, as the surface state of ITO glass is alterable by adjusting the concentration of acid. The films can be directly used as an electrode, which exhibits an excellent response to visible light, especially light with low intensity, allowing for the electrical interconnection, highly active surface, appropriate orientation, and a good contact with the substrate. There are great benefits in improving the technique for detecting the weak light source signals.     

The Dissociation Constant of Antimonic Acid at 10–40 °C

The hydrolytic behavior of antimonic acid, Sb(OH)₅^o, was experimentally investigated, at fixed temperatures within the range 10–40 °C, by both titration of dilute Na-antimonate solutions with HClO₄ and single-point pH measurements of diluted Sb(OH)₅^o solutions. The thermodynamic constants, K _a, for the reaction:

Specific heat capacity and thermodynamic properties of CuTeO3 and HgTeO3

Tellurites of CuTeO₃ and HgTeO₃ are synthesized and their specific molar heat capacities are experimentally determined for the first time. The tellurites discussed in the present paper are used for preparation of optical glasses with special properties for optoelectronics, nuclear and power industries. The tellurites synthesized are prepared for chemical analysis, differential thermal analysis and X-ray analysis. The use of the tellurites studied is related to knowing their thermodynamic properties like specific molar heat capacity (C _p,m), enthalpy \( \left( {\Delta_{{{\text {T}}^{\prime}}}^{\text{T}} H_{\text{m}}^{0} } \right), \) entropy \( \left( {\Delta_{{{\text {T}}^{\prime}}}^{\text{T}} S_{\text{m}}^{0} } \right) \) and Gibbs energy \( \left( { - \Delta_{{{\text {T}}^{\prime}}}^{\text{T}} G_{\text{m}}^{0} } \right) \) . The temperature dependences of their molar heat capacities are determined using the least squares method. The thermodynamic properties are calculated: entropy, enthalpy and Gibbs function.     

Thermodynamic properties of thiosamarates of calcium and barium and phases based on them

Effect of the nature of the alkaline-earth metal on the electrolytic and thermodynamic properties intrinsic to ternary thiosamarates of barium and calcium, which are capable of forming sulfide-conductive solid electrolytes, is considered. The thermodynamic property are examined by resorting to various modifications of the EMF method in concentration circuits with transfer. Dependence of the activity of binary CaS, BaS, and Sm₂S₃ in ternary MeSm₂S₄ on the composition of solid solutions is investigated with simultaneous determination of cationic and anionic transport numbers. The tendency of variations in the partial molar dissolution enthalpy \(\Delta \bar H_{Sm_2 S_3 } \) in thiosamarates of alkaline-earth metals is studied as a function of the doping-additive content. The vacancy mechanism of the defect formation in the phases under investigation is confirmed. Thermodynamics of the formation of ternary BaSm₂S₄ out of binary sulfides is explored and \(\Delta H_{fBaSm_2 S_4 }^0 \) is determined for the first time ever.     

Thermodynamics of Re-Solvation of Cadmium Ions in Water-Acetone Solvents

On the basis of a method of differences of Volta-potentials at 298.15 K the real primary effect of an environment of cadmium ions and the real Gibbs energy for the transport of Cd²⁺ out of water into a water-acetone solvent (Me₂CO) are determined. The surface potential at the nonaqueous solvent/gas phase interface \(\Delta \chi _{H_2 O}^S\) is obtained. This quantity is taken into account when calculating chemical thermodynamic characteristics for cadmium ions and the surface potential at the gas phase/acetone interface \(\Delta \chi ^{\operatorname{Me} _2 \operatorname{O} } = - 0.337\operatorname{V}\). Thermodynamic characteristics of the over-solvation of a II-I electrolyte with those for a I-I electrolyte are compared.     

Calculating activation energy of amorphous phase with the Lambert W function

A new approach for determining the activation energy of amorphous alloys is developed. Setting the second order differential coefficient of heterogeneous reaction rate equation of non-isothermal heating as zero at extreme points of DSC curve, we obtain the new correlation taking form:

Skeletal Ni Catalysts Prepared from Amorphous Ni–Zr Alloys: Enhanced Catalytic Performance for Hydrogen Generation from Ammonia Borane

Skeletal Ni catalysts were prepared from Ni–Zr alloys, which possess different chemical composition and atomic arrangements, by a combination of thermal treatment and treatment with aqueous HF. Hydrogen generation from ammonia borane over the skeletal Ni catalysts proceeded efficiently, whereas the amorphous Ni–Zr alloy was inactive. Skeletal Ni prepared from amorphous Ni₃₀Zr₇₀ alloy had a higher catalytic activity than that prepared from amorphous Ni₄₀Zr₆₀ and Ni₅₀Zr₅₀ alloys. The atomic arrangement of the Ni–Zr alloy also strongly affected the surface structure and catalytic activities. Thermal treatment of the amorphous Ni–Zr alloys at a temperature slightly lower than the crystallization temperature led to an increase of the number of surface‐exposed Ni atoms and an enhancement of the catalytic activities for hydrogen generation from ammonia borane. The skeletal Ni catalysts also showed excellent durability and recyclability.     

Investigations of the distribution of elements in phases present in G-AlMg5Si cast alloy with EDX/WDX spectrometers and AES

Summary The mechanical properties of the most aluminium alloys depend strongly on their chemical composition, casting methods and the heat treatment. Alloys of the type G-AlMg₅Si are known for good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. Under the trade mark Hydronalium (Hy 511) they are used for the production of cylinder heads for air-cooled Diesel engines. To obtain better chemical characteristics, titanium is added to the alloy. This paper deals with the results obtained during investigations about the distribution of elements in the binary eutectic Mg₂Si and the ternary eutectic as well as with the distribution of titanium in samples of Hy 511, obtained during casting of cylinder heads. Studies of the distribution of the elements were performed using EDX/WDX spectrometers, and the distribution of titanium was studied also with Auger electron spectroscopy.     

Near-Enantiopure Trimerization of 9-Ethynylphenanthrene on a Chiral Metal Surface

Enantioselectivity in heterogeneous catalysis strongly depends on the chirality transfer between catalyst surface and all reactants, intermediates, and the product along the reaction pathway. Herein we report the first enantioselective on-surface synthesis of molecular structures from an initial racemic mixture and without the need of enantiopure modifier molecules. The reaction consists of a trimerization via an unidentified bonding motif of prochiral 9-ethynylphenanthrene (9-EP) upon annealing to 500 K on the chiral Pd₃-terminated PdGa{111} surfaces into essentially enantiopure, homochiral 9-EP propellers. The observed behavior strongly contrasts the reaction of 9-EP on the chiral Pd₁-terminated PdGa{111} surfaces, where 9-EP monomers that are in nearly enantiopure configuration, dimerize without enantiomeric excess. Our findings demonstrate strong chiral recognition and a significant ensemble effect in the PdGa system, hence highlighting the huge potential of chiral intermetallic compounds for enantioselective synthesis and underlining the importance to control the catalytically active sites at the atomic level.     

Near‐Enantiopure Trimerization of 9‐Ethynylphenanthrene on a Chiral Metal Surface

Enantioselectivity in heterogeneous catalysis strongly depends on the chirality transfer between catalyst surface and all reactants, intermediates, and the product along the reaction pathway. Herein we report the first enantioselective on‐surface synthesis of molecular structures from an initial racemic mixture and without the need of enantiopure modifier molecules. The reaction consists of a trimerization via an unidentified bonding motif of prochiral 9‐ethynylphenanthrene (9‐EP) upon annealing to 500 K on the chiral Pd₃‐terminated PdGa{111} surfaces into essentially enantiopure, homochiral 9‐EP propellers. The observed behavior strongly contrasts the reaction of 9‐EP on the chiral Pd₁‐terminated PdGa{111} surfaces, where 9‐EP monomers that are in nearly enantiopure configuration, dimerize without enantiomeric excess. Our findings demonstrate strong chiral recognition and a significant ensemble effect in the PdGa system, hence highlighting the huge potential of chiral intermetallic compounds for enantioselective synthesis and underlining the importance to control the catalytically active sites at the atomic level.     

Sorption of benzene vapors to flexible metal–organic framework [Zn2(bdc)2(dabco)]

The isotherms of benzene sorption by the metal–organic coordination polymer [Zn₂(bdc)₂(dabco)] were studied within the temperature range 25–90 °C at pressures up to 75 torr. The maximal benzene content in [Zn₂(bdc)₂(dabco)] at room temperature was demonstrated to correspond to the composition [Zn₂(bdc)₂(dabco)]·3.8C₆H₆. It was established that the process of benzene desorption from the substance under investigation occurs in three stages. (1) Evaporation of benzene from the phase of variable composition (phase C) with compression and distortion of the unit cell (the composition of the phase C varies from [Zn₂(bdc)₂(dabco)]·3.8C₆H₆ to [Zn₂(bdc)₂(dabco)]·3.2C₆H₆). (2) The transformation of the phase C into phase P. The phase P has the same unit cell geometry as that for the empty framework. The maximal benzene content is [Zn₂(bdc)₂(dabco)]·1.0C₆H₆. (3) Benzene evaporation from the phase P of variable composition. We studied the temperature dependences of the equilibrium vapor pressure of benzene for the samples with compositions [Zn₂(bdc)₂(dabco)]·3.0(3)C₆H₆ and [Zn₂(bdc)₂(dabco)]·2.0(3)C₆H₆ within the temperature range 290–370 K. The thermodynamic parameters of benzene vaporization were determined for the latter compound ( $ \Updelta {\text{H}}_{{{\text{av}} .}}^{o} = 49\left( 1 \right) \,{\text{kJ }}\left( {{\text{moleC}}_{6} {\text{H}}_{6} } \right)^{ - 1} $ ; $ \Updelta {\text{S}}_{{{\text{av}} .}}^{^\circ } = 100\left( 3 \right)\, {\text{J}}\left( {{\text{moleC}}_{6} {\text{H}}_{6} {\text{K}}} \right)^{ - 1} $ ; $ \Updelta {\text{G}}_{298}^{^\circ } = 19.0\left( 2 \right)\, {\text{kJ}}\left( {{\text{moleC}}_{6} {\text{H}}_{6} } \right)^{ - 1} $ ).     

Morphology‐Engineered Highly Active and Stable Ru/TiO2 Catalysts for Selective CO Methanation

Ru/TiO₂ catalysts exhibit an exceptionally high activity in the selective methanation of CO in CO₂‐ and H₂‐rich reformates, but suffer from continuous deactivation during reaction. This limitation can be overcome through the fabrication of highly active and non‐deactivating Ru/TiO₂ catalysts by engineering the morphology of the TiO₂ support. Using anatase TiO₂ nanocrystals with mainly {001}, {100}, or {101} facets exposed, we show that after an initial activation period Ru/TiO₂‐{100} and Ru/TiO₂‐{101} are very stable, while Ru/TiO₂‐{001} deactivates continuously. Employing different operando/in situ spectroscopies and ex situ characterizations, we show that differences in the catalytic stability are related to differences in the metal–support interactions (MSIs). The stronger MSIs on the defect‐rich TiO₂‐{100} and TiO₂‐{101} supports stabilize flat Ru nanoparticles, while on TiO₂‐{001} hemispherical particles develop. The former MSIs also lead to electronic modifications of Ru surface atoms, reflected by the stronger bonding of adsorbed CO on those catalysts than on Ru/TiO₂‐{001}.     

Facet‐Dependent Electrical Conductivity Properties of Silver Oxide Crystals

Ag₂O cubes, truncated octahedra, rhombic dodecahedra, and rhombicuboctahedra were synthesized in aqueous solution. Two tungsten probes were brought into contact with a single particle for electrical conductivity measurements. Strongly facet‐dependent electrical conductivity behaviors have been observed. The {111} faces are most conductive. The {100} faces are moderately conductive. The {110} faces are nearly non‐conductive. When electrodes contacted two different facets of a rhombicuboctahedron, asymmetrical I–V curves were obtained. The {111} and {110} combination gives the best I–V curve expected for a p‐n junction with current flowing in one direction through the crystal but not in the opposite direction. Density of states (DOS) plots for varying number of different lattice planes of Ag₂O match with the experimental results, suggesting that the {111} faces are most electrically conductive. The thicknesses of the thin surface layer responsible for the facet‐dependent properties of Ag₂O crystals have been determined.