Pd/Pt core–shell nanowire arrays as highly effective electrocatalysts for methanol electrooxidation in direct methanol fuel cells

Highly ordered Pd/Pt–core–shell nanowire arrays (Pd/Pt NWAs) have been prepared by anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) template-electrodeposition and magnetron sputtering methods. Pd/Pt NWA electrode shows a very high electrochemical active surface area and high electrocatalytic activity for the methanol electrooxidation in acid medium for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The mass specific anodic peak current density is 756.7 mA mg⁻¹ Pt for the methanol oxidation on the Pd/Pt NWA electrode, an increase by a factor of four as compared to conventional E-TEK PtRu/C electrocatalysts. The mechanism of the significant enhancement of the Pd/Pt core/shell NWA nanostructure in the efficiency and electrocatalytic activity of Pt for the methanol electrooxidation in acid medium is discussed.     

Sonochemical synthesis of graphene oxide supported Pt–Pd alloy nanocrystals as efficient electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation

Pt–Pd bimetallic nanoparticles supported on graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were prepared by a sonochemical reduction method in the presence of polyethylene glycol as a stabilizing agent. The synthetic method allowed for a fine tuning of the particle composition without significant changes in their size and degree of aggregation. Detailed characterization of GO-supported Pt–Pd catalysts was carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), AFM, XPS, and electrochemical techniques. Uniform deposition of Pt–Pd nanoparticles with an average diameter of 3 nm was achieved on graphene nanosheets using a novel dual-frequency sonication approach. GO-supported bimetallic catalyst showed significant electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation. The influence of different molar compositions of Pt and Pd (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1) on the methanol oxidation efficiency was also evaluated. Among the different Pt/Pd ratios, the 1:1 ratio material showed the lowest onset potential and generated the highest peak current density. The effect of catalyst loading on carbon paper (working electrode) was also studied. Increasing the catalyst loading beyond a certain amount lowered the catalytic activity due to the aggregation of metal particle-loaded GO nanosheets.     

High loading of Pt–Ru nanocatalysts by pentagon defects introduced in a bamboo-shaped carbon nanotube support for high performance anode of direct methanol fuel cells

Bamboo-shaped carbon nanotubes (BCNTs), with a large amount of pentagon defects introduced in the walls, were explored as the support of high loaded Pt–Ru catalysts for the anode of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) in comparison with conventional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Vulcan XC carbon black. By ethylene glycol reduction, Pt–Ru catalysts with a high loading (60 wt%) and uniform particle size of 2–3 nm were uniformly deposited on BCNTs; while 60 wt% Pt–Ru catalysts on CNTs resulted in significant agglomeration. The Pt–Ru/BCNT catalyst showed the highest activity on methanol oxidation in cyclic voltammetry and highest performance as the anode in a DMFC single cell. Such an enhancement was largely ascribed to an enhanced interaction of the introduced pentagon defects with Pt–Ru, which could promote a high loading and well dispersion of Pt–Ru catalysts and the charge transfer from Pt–Ru to the tubes.     

Pt–Fe cathode catalysts to improve the oxygen reduction reaction and methanol tolerance in direct methanol fuel cells

High surface area carbon-supported Pt and bimetallic Pt–Fe catalysts are investigated for the oxygen electro-reduction reaction (ORR) in low-temperature direct methanol fuel cells (60 °C). The electrocatalysts are prepared using a combination of colloidal and incipient wetness methods allowing the synthesis of carbon-supported bimetallic nanoparticles with a particle size of about 2–3 nm. These materials are studied in terms of structure, morphology and composition using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The electrocatalytic behaviour of these catalysts for ORR is investigated by employing the rotating disc technique. An enhancement of the ORR is observed with the bimetallic Pt–Fe catalyst in the oxygen-saturated electrolyte solution, with and without methanol. Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Teresa Iwasita on the occasion of her 65th birthday in recognition of her numerous contributions to interfacial electrochemistry.     

Bimetallic Cu–Pt/nanoporous carbon composite as an efficient catalyst for methanol oxidation

A novel bimetallic Cu–Pt nanoparticle supported onto Cu/indirectly carbonized nanoporous carbon composite (Cu–Pt/ICNPCC) was prepared through a two-step process: first, carbonization of furfuryl alcohol-infiltrated MOF-199 [metal–organic framework Cu₃(BTC)₂ (BTC?=?1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylate)], without removing the Cu metal with HF aqueous solution; second, the partial galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) of Cu nanoparticles by Pt^IV upon immersion in a platinum(IV) chloride solution. The synthesized materials characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electrochemical methods. The EDS result revealed that part of Cu nanoparticles have been substituted by Pt nanoparticles after GRR. The methanol oxidation at the surface of Cu–Pt/ICNPCC was investigated by cyclic voltammetry method in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ and indicated good electro-catalytic activity towards methanol oxidation (E_p?=?0.85 V vs. NHE and j_f?=?1.00 mA cm^?2). It is suggested that this improvement is attributed to the effect of proper Cu/ICNPCC for fine dispersion, efficient adhesion, and prevention of Pt coalescing.     

Iodine as a mild and efficient catalyst for the diastereoselective synthesis of δ-silyloxy-γ-lactones

Aldehydes undergo smooth nucleophilic addition with 2-trimethylsilyloxyfuran in the presence of 10 mol % of iodine under mild and neutral conditions to produce the corresponding δ-silyloxy-α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactones in high yields and with moderate diastereoselectivity. ortho-Substituted benzaldehydes afford the syn-isomer predominantly. The use of iodine makes this procedure quite simple, more convenient and cost-effective.     

A highly efficient and BH4−-tolerant Eu2O3-catalyzed cathode for direct borohydride fuel cells

Eu₂O₃ as a cathodic electrocatalyst was for the first time investigated and found to exhibit not only a high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction, but also a strong tolerance to the attack of BH₄^?. Based on these experimental findings, a simple membraneless direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC) is assembled and exhibits a peak power density of 66.4 mW cm^? 2 at 0.495 V under ambient condition by using the Eu₂O₃-catalyzed cathode and hydrogen storage alloy anode. Since this new configuration of DBFCs can operate very well without the help of expensive cation-exchange membranes, it may provide a simple way to construct cost-effective and high efficient DBFCs for a number of portable applications.     

Studies of surface alloy as high efficient electrocatalyst for glyoxylic acid synthesis

运用电化学方法，研制了三种表面合金（ＰｂＳｂＰｔ／ＧＣ，ＳｂＰｔ／ＧＣ，ＰｂＰｔ／ＧＣ）电催化剂，发现在草酸还原生成乙醛酸的电有机合成中这些表面合金电催化剂有较高的活性，其起始还原电位分别比在Ｐｂ阴极上（１．１Ｖ）提前了０．４８～０．７０Ｖ。这三种表面合金电催化剂的活性次序为：ＰｂＳｂＰｔ／ＧＣ＞ＳｂＰｔ／ＧＣ＞ＰｂＰｔ／ＧＣ。红外光谱结果表明，在这些表面合金电极上草酸还原产物主要为乙醛酸。     

A highly efficient procedure for the synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives using polyvinylpolypyrrolidone supported triflic acid catalyst （PVPP.OTf）

A polyvinylpolypyrrolidone supported triflic acid was shown to be useful as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the rapid and efficient synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives in good-to-excellent yields. The catalyst is easily prepared, air-stable, reusable, and easily removed from the reaction mixtures.     

β-Cyclodextrin for design of alumina supported cobalt catalysts efficient in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Addition of β-cyclodextrin during catalyst preparation strongly affects the structure and catalytic performance of alumina supported cobalt catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Impregnation of the support with solutions containing β-cyclodextrin leads to higher metal dispersion and spectacularly enhances both reaction rate and heavy hydrocarbons productivity in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.     

Preparation of palladium nanoparticles–titanium electrodes as a new anode for direct methanol fuel cells

Pd nanoparticle/Ti electrodes are prepared by electroless plating of palladium on titanium plates. The morphology and surface analysis of Pd nanoparticle/Ti electrodes are investigated using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. The results indicate that palladium nanoparticles are homogeneously deposited on the surface of titanium plates. The electro-catalytic activity of Pd nanoparticle/Ti electrodes in the methanol electro-oxidation is studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry methods. The results show that the electro-catalytic oxidation of methanol on the Pd nanoparticle/Ti electrode improved compare to pure palladium electrode and confirmed the better electro-catalytic activity and stability of these new electrodes.     

Hierarchical Ni−Al hydrotalcite supported Pt catalyst for efficient catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde at room temperature

Catalytic oxidation at room temperature is recognized as the most promising method for formaldehyde (HCHO) removal. Pt-based catalysts are the optimal catalyst for HCHO decomposition at room temperature. Herein, flower-like hierarchical Pt/NiAl-LDHs catalysts with different [Ni²⁺]/[Al³⁺] molar ratios were synthesized via hydrothermal method followed by NaBH₄ reduction of Pt precursor at room temperature. The flower-like hierarchical Pt/NiAl-LDHs were composed of interlaced nanoplates and metallic Pt nanoparticles (NPs) approximately 3–4 nm in diameter were loaded on the surface of the Pt/NiAl-LDHs with high dispersion. The as-prepared Pt/NiAl21 nanocomposite was highly efficient in catalyzing oxidation of HCHO into CO₂ at room temperature. The high activity of the hierarchical Pt/NiAl21 nanocomposite was maintained after seven recycle tests, suggesting the high stability of the catalyst. Based on in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) studies, a reaction mechanism was put forward about HCHO decomposition at room temperature. This work provides new insights into designing and fabricating high-performance catalysts for efficient indoor air purification.     

Ceric ammonium nitrate supported HY-zeolite：An efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 1, 8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes

Ceric ammonium nitrate （CAN） supported HY-zeolite has been used as an efficient catalyst for the one- pot synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes from the readily available 1,3-diketone and aromatic aldehydes under solvent-free conditions. The present methodology is cost-effective in addition to other advantages like high yields of products in shorter reaction time and simple workup procedure without the use of any injurious solvents.     

Bismuth triflate：A highly efficient catalyst for the synthesis of bio-active coumarin compoundsvia one-pot multi-component reaction

A series of coumarin-chalcone hybrid compounds and coumarins linked to pyrazoline was synthe-sized in good yield and short time using a simple and efficient method. This method involved the one-pot reaction of salicylaldehyde, an α-ketoester and an aromatic aldehyde (in the case of the coumarin-chalcone derivatives) in addition to hydrazine hydrate (in the case of the pyrazolyl cou-marins) in the presence of a catalytic amount of bismuth triflate [Bi(OTf)3, 5 mol%]. The synthesized compounds showed scavenging activity towards the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. All compounds were characterized using IR,1H NMR and13C NMR spectroscopy.     

Plasma generation in liquid as a new efficient synthesis approach of titania–zinc ferrite nano(photo)catalyst

In the past years, an important problem that requires solutions at the global scale is the environmental pollution. This work describes a possible approach toward finding such solutions based on nanophotocatalysts with improved activity. Thus, the present study reports a new and efficient synthesis procedure for titania–zinc ferrite nanocomposite with enhanced photodegradation activity. The method is based on the liquid phase plasma technique and follows a bottom-up scheme. The resulted materials have been compared with those synthesized by the ultrasound-assisted method. Using the plasma-assisted procedures in the fabrication of an efficient nano(photo)catalyst decreases considerably the reaction time. The liquid phase plasma generates nanoparticles with enhanced structural, textural, and morphological properties as demonstrated by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen sorption, transmission electron microscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering.     

Molecular iodine: a highly efficient catalyst in the synthesis of quinolines via Friedländer annulation

A mild and efficient route for the synthesis of quinolines and polycyclic quinolines via Friedl?nder annulation, utilizing molecular iodine (1 mol%) as a new catalyst, is described.     

Superparamagnetic iron oxide as an efficient catalyst for the one-pot, solvent-free synthesis of α-aminonitriles

Superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ is shown to act as a very efficient catalyst for the one-pot, three-component synthesis of α-aminonitriles from aldehydes, amines, and TMSCN. The catalyst is easily recovered by the use of an external magnet and reused in several reactions without any noticeable loss of activity. The products are obtained rapidly at room temperature in good purity upon separation of the catalyst and evaporation of the volatiles of the reaction mixture.     

Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane as an efficient organobase catalyst for the synthesis of β-phosphonomalonates

Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (THAM) is a highly efficient and recyclable organobase catalyst for the nucleophilic phosphonylation of benzylidene malononitrile under solvent-free conditions. This new catalytic methodology is applicable without a solvent, eco-friendly, economically viable, avoids conventional isolation procedures, and has a facile work-up procedure and wide scope. THAM is an inexpensive, commercially available, non-toxic, and biodegradable novel organocatalyst. Furthermore, it can be reused in up to five cycles without loss in catalytic activity, and no chromatographic separation is needed to obtain the desired products.     

β-Cyclodextrin as an efficient catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives in water

Various 4H-benzo[b]pyran derivatives were synthesized via a one-pot three-component condensation of arylaldehyde, malononitrile and dimedone in water using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as an efficient catalyst. This method provides several advantages, including mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity, high yields and minimal pollution of the environment.