Forming and Gathering of SnO2 Nanoparticles on External Surface of High Silica TON, MFI and FAU Type Zeolites

Tin dioxide （SnO2） nano-particles were prepared on high silica TON, MFI and FAU type zeolites by impregnation of SnC12 solution and subsequent calcination at 873 K. XRD and SAED were used to characterize the crystalline phase, and TEM was used to characterize the morphology, the particle size and the agglomerative state of the formed nano-materials. The nano-particles, which possess 8 nm, 10-80 nm and 6 nm in size, were found to form on the outer surface of TON, MFI and FAU zeolites, respectively. SnO2 microcapsules and SnOz netlike nanostructure were obtained by decomposition of SnO2-TON and SnO2-MFI in 40% hydrofluoric acid at room temperature. Compared with the nano-particles formed on NaY zeolite, the special morphology and the agglomerative state of SnO2 nanostructures on TON and MFI type zeolites with one and two dimension channel system indicate that the heterogeneous framework, surface structure and property perform important function for forming and growing SnO2 nanostructure on the outer surface of the zeolites.     

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.     

Fabrication of b‐Oriented MFI Zeolite Films under Neutral Conditions without the Use of Hydrogen Fluoride

The fabrication of MFI zeolite films with particular b‐axis orientation is especially fascinating. Unlike the conventional alkaline or hydrofluoric acid (HF) assisted neutral synthesis route, here we develop a novel neutral synthesis solution system of TPABr/fumed silica/H₂O without the use of HF and successfully synthesize highly b‐oriented MFI zeolite films on glass‐plate substrates by secondary growth. The localized weak alkaline environment created by the dissolved Na₂O species from the substrate is identified as the key factor for the depolymerization of fumed silica and subsequently the in‐plane growth of zeolite seed layers. Continuous b‐oriented MFI films can also be synthesized on other substrates in the presence of a glass plate or a trace amount of NaOH, which making our neutral synthesis route promising for the direct synthesis of MFI zeolite films and membranes on various substrates.     

The Proportion of Fe‐NX,N Doping Species and Fe3C to Oxygen Catalytic Activity in Core‐Shell Fe‐N/C Electrocatalyst

A bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst composed of iron carbide (Fe₃C) nanoparticles encapsulated by nitrogen doped carbon sheets is reported. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X‐ray absorption near edge structure revealed the presence of several kinds of active sites (Fe?N_x sites, N doping sites) and the modulated electron structure of nitrogen doped carbon sheets. Fe₃C@N‐CSs shows excellent oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction catalytic activity owing to the modulated electron structure by encapsulated Fe₃C core via biphasic interfaces electron interaction, which can lower the free energy of intermediate, strengthen the bonding strength and enhance conductivity. Meanwhile, the contribution of the Fe?N_x sites, N doping sites and the effect of Fe₃C core for the electrocatalytic oxygen reaction is originally revealed. The Fe₃C@N‐CSs air electrode‐based zinc‐air battery demonstrates a high open circuit potential of 1.47 V, superior charge‐discharge performance and long lifetime, which outperforms the noble metal‐based zinc‐air battery.     

C−C Bond Formation in Syngas Conversion over Zinc Sites Grafted on ZSM‐5 Zeolite

Despite significant progress achieved in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) technology, control of product selectivity remains a challenge in syngas conversion. Herein, we demonstrate that Zn²⁺‐ion exchanged ZSM‐5 zeolite steers syngas conversion selectively to ethane with its selectivity reaching as high as 86 % among hydrocarbons (excluding CO₂) at 20 % CO conversion. NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and X‐ray fluorescence indicate that this is likely attributed to the highly dispersed Zn sites grafted on ZSM‐5. Quasi‐in‐situ solid‐state NMR, obtained by quenching the reaction in liquid N₂, detects C₂ species such as acetyl (‐COCH₃) bonding with an oxygen, ethyl (‐CH₂CH₃) bonding with a Zn site, and epoxyethane molecules adsorbing on a Zn site and a Brønsted acid site of the catalyst, respectively. These species could provide insight into C?C bond formation during ethane formation. Interestingly, this selective reaction pathway toward ethane appears to be general because a series of other Zn²⁺‐ion exchanged aluminosilicate zeolites with different topologies (for example, SSZ‐13, MCM‐22, and ZSM‐12) all give ethane predominantly. By contrast, a physical mixture of ZnO‐ZSM‐5 favors formation of hydrocarbons beyond C₃₊. These results provide an important guide for tuning the product selectivity in syngas conversion.     

Open‐Pore Two‐Dimensional MFI Zeolite Nanosheets for the Fabrication of Hydrocarbon‐Isomer‐Selective Membranes on Porous Polymer Supports

Two‐dimensional zeolite nanosheets that do not contain any organic structure‐directing agents were prepared from a multilamellar MFI (ML‐MFI) zeolite. ML‐MFI was first exfoliated by melt compounding and then detemplated by treatment with a mixture of H₂SO₄ and H₂O₂ (piranha solution). The obtained OSDA‐free MFI nanosheets disperse well in water and can be used for coating applications. Deposits made on porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) supports by simple filtration of these suspensions exhibit an n‐butane/isobutane selectivity of 5.4, with an n‐butane permeance of 3.5×10^?7 mol m^?2 s^?1 Pa^?1 (ca. 1000 GPU).     

Unraveling the Nature of Sites Active toward Hydrogen Peroxide Reduction in Fe‐N‐C Catalysts

Fe‐N‐C catalysts with high O₂ reduction performance are crucial for displacing Pt in low‐temperature fuel cells. However, insufficient understanding of which reaction steps are catalyzed by what sites limits their progress. The nature of sites were investigated that are active toward H₂O₂ reduction, a key intermediate during indirect O₂ reduction and a source of deactivation in fuel cells. Catalysts comprising different relative contents of FeN_x C_y moieties and Fe particles encapsulated in N‐doped carbon layers (0–100 %) show that both types of sites are active, although moderately, toward H₂O₂ reduction. In contrast, N‐doped carbons free of Fe and Fe particles exposed to the electrolyte are inactive. When catalyzing the ORR, FeN_x C_y moieties are more selective than Fe particles encapsulated in N‐doped carbon. These novel insights offer rational approaches for more selective and therefore more durable Fe‐N‐C catalysts.     

Coupling Mo2C with Nitrogen‐Rich Nanocarbon Leads to Efficient Hydrogen‐Evolution Electrocatalytic Sites

In our efforts to obtain electrocatalysts with improved activity for water splitting, meticulous design and synthesis of the active sites of the electrocatalysts and deciphering how exactly they catalyze the reaction are vitally necessary. Herein, we report a one‐step facile synthesis of a novel precious‐metal‐free hydrogen‐evolution nanoelectrocatalyst, dubbed Mo₂C@NC that is composed of ultrasmall molybdenum carbide (Mo₂C) nanoparticles embedded within nitrogen‐rich carbon (NC) nanolayers. The Mo₂C@NC hybrid nanoelectrocatalyst shows remarkable catalytic activity, has great durability, and gives about 100 % Faradaic yield toward the hydrogen‐evolution reaction (HER) over a wide pH range (pH 0–14). Theoretical calculations show that the Mo₂C and N dopants in the material synergistically co‐activate adjacent C atoms on the carbon nanolayers, creating superactive nonmetallic catalytic sites for HER that are more active than those in the constituents.     

Effects of Spatial Constraints and Brønsted Acid Site Locations on para‐Terphenyl Ionization and Charge Transfer in Zeolites

The locations of Brønsted acid sites (BAS) in the channels of medium‐pore zeolites have a significant effect on the spontaneous ionization of para‐terphenyl (PP₃) insofar as spatial constraints determine the stability of transition states and charge‐transfer complexes relevant to charge separation. The ionization rates and ionization yield values demonstrate that a strong synergy exists between the H⁺ polarization energy and spatial constraints imposed by the channel topology. Spectroscopic and modeling results show that PP₃ incorporation, charge separation, charge transfer and charge recombination differ dramatically among zeolites with respect to channel structure (H‐FER, H‐MFI, H‐MOR) and BAS density in the channel. Compartmentalization of ejected electrons away from the initial site of ionization decreases dramatically the propensity for charge recombination. The main mode of PP₃^.+ decay is hole transfer to form AlO₄H^.+ ??? PP₃ charge‐transfer complexes characterized by intense absorption in the visible range. According to the nonadiabatic electron‐transfer theory, the small reorganization energy in constrained channels explains the slow hole‐transfer rate.     

Alcohol Dehydrations over ZSM‐5 Type Zeolites,Montmorillonite Clays and Pillared Montmorillonites

The reactions of aliphatic alcohols (ethanol, 1‐propanol and 2‐propanol) were studied at 1 atm and 150–300°C by using ZSM‐5 type zeolites, montmorillonites, and pillared montmorillonites. With H‐ZSM‐5 (X) Y zeolites, the total number of acid sites increases with a decrease of Si0₂/Al₂O₃ molar ratio (X) and calcining temperature (Y). In addition, apparent increase in the ratio of strong to weak acid sites occurs with increasing X or decreasing Y. The acidities of M‐ZSM‐5 (51) 600 zeolites follow the sequence: Li = Na < K < Cs. Pillared clays exhibit both larger surface areas and more acid sites than the clays. The alcohol conversions decrease in the order of 2‐propanol < 1‐propanol < ethanol, in accordance with the relative stabilities of the corresponding carbenium ions. The catalytic activities are parallel to the total number of catalyst acid sites and the reaction temperature. Favorable formations of ethers are observed at low reaction temperature and small contact time on a catalyst with weak acid strength. Simple consecutive reactions and combined pathway of parallel and consecutive reactions are proposed, respectively, for the dehydration of ethanol and for those of 1‐propanol and 2‐propanol.     

Stoichiometric and Catalytic C−C and C−H Bond Formation with B(C6F5)3 via Cationic Intermediates

This work showcases a new catalytic cyclization reaction using a highly Lewis acidic borane with concomitant C−H or C−C bond formation. The activation of alkyne‐containing substrates with B(C₆F₅)₃ enabled the first catalytic intramolecular cyclizations of carboxylic acid substrates using this Lewis acid. In addition, intramolecular cyclizations of esters enable C−C bond formation as catalytic B(C₆F₅)₃ can be used to effect formal 1,5‐alkyl migrations from the ester functional groups to unsaturated carbon–carbon frameworks. This metal‐free method was used for the catalytic formation of complex dihydropyrones and isocoumarins in very good yields under relatively mild conditions with excellent atom efficiency.     

One‐Pot Synthesis of Zeolitic Strong Solid Bases: A Family of Alkaline‐Earth Metal‐Containing Silicalite‐1

Fabricating stable strong basic sites in well‐preserved crystallized zeolitic frameworks still remains a difficult issue. Here, we reported a family of MFI‐type metallosilicate zeolites, AeS‐1 (Ae: alkaline‐earth metal ions of Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba; S‐1: silicalite‐1) through a direct one‐pot hydrothermal method involving the acidic co‐hydrolysis/condensation of the silica precursor with the Ae salts. Step‐by‐step full characterizations were designed and conducted for in‐depth discussion of the Ae status in AeS‐1. Strong basicity (H_≈22.5–26.5) was detected in AeS‐1. The basicity was further confirmed by CO₂ sorption measurements, ¹³C NMR spectra of chloroform‐adsorbed samples, and ¹H→¹³C and ¹H→²⁹Si cross‐polarization magic‐angle spinning NMR spectra of ethyl cyanoacetate‐adsorbed samples. The results of Knoevenagel condensations demonstrated the excellent solid base catalysis of AeS‐1, which showed high activity, reusability, and shape‐selectivity, all of which are explained by Ae‐derived zeolitic intracrystalline strong basic sites.     

High resolution adsorption isotherms of N2 and Ar for nonporous silicas and MFI zeolites

The high resolution adsorption isotherms of N₂ (77.4 K) and Ar (87.3 K) have been measured for two nonporous silicas with different silanol contents (3.3 and 0.35 OH/nm²) and for two MFI zeolite with different Al contents (Si/Al=12.5 and 500). Silanol groups and Al sites (acid sites) gives the significant effect on the N₂ isotherms at submonolayer, but the Ar isotherms are independent of silanols and Al sites. The Ar isotherms, therefore, are preferable in calculation of microporosity of zeolites. The N₂ and Ar isotherms for MFI zeolite (Si/Al=500) have been measured at temperatures of 77–94 K, from which the differential adsorption energies of N₂ and Ar are calculated. The interaction of N₂ with channel surface of MFI zeolite is greater than that of Ar in the range of α _s =0.1–0.7. The hystereses are detected for the N₂ isotherm in p/p ^o=0.1–0.3 at 77.4 K and for the Ar isotherm in p/p ^o=3×10⁻⁴–2×10⁻³ at 87.3 K. However, it is difficult to explain the hysteresis phenomenon using differential adsorption energy.     

On the Influence of Oxygen on the Degradation of Fe‐N‐C Catalysts

Fe‐N‐C catalysts containing atomic FeN_x sites are promising candidates as precious‐metal‐free catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The durability of Fe‐N‐C catalysts in fuel cells has been extensively studied using accelerated stress tests (AST). Herein we reveal stronger degradation of the Fe‐N‐C structure and four‐times higher ORR activity loss when performing load cycling AST in O₂‐ vs. Ar‐saturated pH 1 electrolyte. Raman spectroscopy results show carbon corrosion after AST in O₂, even when cycling at low potentials, while no corrosion occurred after any load cycling AST in Ar. The load‐cycling AST in O₂ leads to loss of a significant fraction of FeN_x sites, as shown by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses, and to the formation of Fe oxides. The results support that the unexpected carbon corrosion occurring at such low potential in the presence of O₂ is due to reactive oxygen species produced between H₂O₂ and Fe sites via Fenton reactions.     

Construction and Electrochemical Property Studies of DNA Duplexes Tethered to Gold Electrode via Au−C Bond

Effective linkage of DNA onto metal surfaces plays a crucial role in the applications of DNA as electrochemical recognition, signal output and amplification devices for gene and protein detections, specific analyte recognitions, catalysis, and so on. Here we report a promising and operationally simple approach for the construction of double‐stranded DNA‐linked Au interface via Au?C bond (RdsDNA‐C?Au), upon efficient in situ cleavage of trimethylsilyl end group of 4‐[(trimethylsilyl) ethynyl] benzoic acid and subsequent dehydration condensation between NH₂‐modified DNA and benzoic acid. Due to the introduction of large conjugated π group (4‐carboxyphenylethynyl) as the “bridge bond”, the conductivity of the RdsDNA‐C?Au interface is greatly improved. As a result, under commonly used DNA packing density (>0.5 pmol cm^?2), the surface‐confined electron transfer at the interface is simply mediated by the stacked‐bases of dsDNA, independent of the orientation of dsDNA (tethered to the electrode at 5′‐ or 3′‐end). Also, compared to the traditional RdsDNA‐S?Au interface via alkanethiol linker, the RdsDNA‐C?Au interface displays more sensitive electrochemical response and excellent stability. Due to the better stability, conductivity and simple electron transfer mechanism, the RdsDNA‐C?Au interface is anticipated to be widely used in electrochemistry‐involved molecular recognitions, gene and protein detections with higher sensitivity and accuracy.     

An Unexpected Fluctuating Reactivity for Odd and Even Carbon Numbers in the TiO2‐Based Photocatalytic Decarboxylation of C2‐C6 Dicarboxylic Acids

The degradation behaviours of five straight‐chain dicarboxylic acids (from ethanedioic acid to hexanedioic acid) were compared in aqueous TiO₂‐based photocatalysis. When all other conditions were identical, the degradation rates were found to fluctuate regularly with the parity of the number of carbon atoms. Dicarboxylic acids with an even number of carbon atoms (e‐DAs) always degraded more slowly than those acids with an odd number of carbon atoms (o‐DAs). This unusual fluctuation in the reactivity for the degradation of dicarboxylic acids by TiO₂‐based photocatalysis is very closely related to the different pre‐coordination modes of the acids with the photocatalyst. Attenuated total reflection FTIR (ATR‐FTIR) of e‐DAs labelled with ¹³C showed that both carboxyl groups of the acid coordinate to TiO₂ through bidentate chelating forms. In contrast, only one carboxyl group of the o‐DAs coordinated to TiO₂ in a bidentate chelating manner, whereas the other formed a monodentate binding linkage. The bidentate chelating form with bilateral symmetric coordination did not favour degradation. Isotope‐labelling experiments were performed with ¹⁸O₂ to observe the different ways in which incorporated oxygen entered the initial decarboxylated products of e‐ and o‐DAs. For the degradation of butanedioic acid, (45.9±0.5) % of the oxygen in the formed propanedioic acid came from H₂O, whereas for pentanedioic acid, (97.4±0.2) % of the oxygen in the formed butanedioic acid came from H₂O. Our results demonstrate that in TiO₂‐based photocatalysis, the reactivity of active species, such as ^. OH/h_vb⁺, is far from non‐selective and that the attacks of these active species on organic substrates are significantly affected by the coordination patterns of the substrates on the TiO₂ surface.     

Synthesis of ϵ‐Caprolactam from Cyclohexanone Oxime Using Zeolites Hβ, HZSM‐5, and Alumina Pillared Montmorillonite

The Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime (CHO) to ?‐caprolactam (?‐C) was studied in a plug flow reactor at 300–400°C under atmospheric pressure by using Hβ, ZSM‐5, and alumina pillared montmorillonite. With Hβ(X) Y zeolites, raising the SiO₂/Al₂O₃ molar ratio (X) results in the enhancement of catalyst acid strength with concomitant decrease of the total acid amount. In creasing the calcination temperature (Y) causes remarkable diminution of catalyst surface area, acid strength, and acid amount. A similar trend was found for AlPMY catalysts. In there action of CHO, the initial catalytic activity correlates well with the total acid amount of various catalysts except for Hβ(10) Y (Y > 600°C). The reaction proceeds on both Brönsted and Lewis acid sites and the catalyst deactivation most likely occurs at the strong Brönsted acid sites. The effect of solvents in the feed on the catalytic results was also investigated; it was found that polar solvents such as ethanol or n‐butanol give high ?‐C yield and longer catalyst life time. In the reaction of CHO/C₂H₅OH over Hβ(10)800 at 400°C and W/F 74.6 gh/mol, the CHO conversion and ?‐C yield remain 100% and 92%, respectively, for at least 20 h time‐on‐stream. The reaction paths and the mechanism for ?‐C formation are proposed.     

Zur Kristallstruktur von Rb2C2 und Cs2C2

On the Crystal Structure of Rb₂C₂ and Cs₂C₂ By reaction of rubidium or caesium solved in liquid ammonia with acetylene AC₂H with A = Rb, Cs was obtained, which was subsequently converted into the binary acetylide A₂C₂ in vacuum at temperatures of 520 K (Rb₂C₂) and 470 K (Cs₂C₂) using a surplus of the respective alkali metal. The crystal structures of the very air sensitive compounds were solved and refined by a combination of both neutron and X‐ray powder diffraction data. Rb₂C₂ as well as Cs₂C₂ coexist in two modifications. The hexagonal modification (P 6 2m, Z = 3) crystallises in the known Na₂O₂ structure type with two crystallographic independent sites for the C₂^2– dumbbells. For the orthorhombic modification (Pnma, Z = 4) a new structure type was found, which is related to the PbCl₂ structure type with ordered C₂^2– dumbbells occupying the Pb sites. Temperature dependent investigations between 4 K and the decomposition temperature by the means of neutron and X‐ray powder diffraction resulted in a very complex dynamic disorder of the C₂ dumbbells, which is still not completely understood. The frequencies of the C–C stretching vibration determined by the help of Raman spectroscopy fit nicely to the results obtained for other alkali metal acetylides and alkali metal hydrogen acetylides. These results seem to indicate that the electronegativity of the alkali metal has a strong influence on the frequency of the C–C stretching vibration.     

Highly Dispersed SiOx/Al2O3 Catalysts Illuminate the Reactivity of Isolated Silanol Sites

The reaction of γ‐alumina with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) vapor at low temperatures selectively yields monomeric SiO_x species on the alumina surface. These isolated (‐AlO)₃Si(OH) sites are characterized by PXRD, XPS, DRIFTS of adsorbed NH₃, CO, and pyridine, and ²⁹Si and ²⁷Al DNP‐enhanced solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The formation of isolated sites suggests that TEOS reacts preferentially at strong Lewis acid sites on the γ‐Al₂O₃ surface, functionalizing the surface with “mild” Brønsted acid sites. For liquid‐phase catalytic cyclohexanol dehydration, these SiO_x sites exhibit up to 3.5‐fold higher specific activity than the parent alumina with identical selectivity.     

Distance Synergy of MoS2‐Confined Rhodium Atoms for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution

Perturbing the electronic structure of the MoS₂ basal plane by confining heteroatoms offers the opportunity to trigger in‐plane activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The key challenge consists of inducing the optimum HER activity by controlling the type and distribution of confined atoms. A distance synergy of MoS₂‐confined single‐atom rhodium is presented, leading to an ultra‐high HER activity at the in‐plane S sites adjacent to the rhodium. By optimizing the distance between the confined Rh atoms, an ultra‐low overpotential of 67 mV is achieved at a current density of 10 mA cm^?2 in acidic solution. Experiments and first‐principles calculations demonstrate a unique distance synergy between the confined rhodium atoms in tuning the reactivity of neighboring in‐plane S atoms, which presents a volcanic trend with the inter‐rhodium distance. This study provides a new strategy to tailor the activity of MoS₂ surface via modulating the distance between confined single atoms.