Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction on cost-effective oxide-derived copper and transition metal–nitrogen–carbon catalysts

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) either to generate multicarbon (C₂₊) or single carbon (C₁) value-added products provides an effective and promising approach to mitigate the high CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere and promote energy storage. However, cost-effectiveness of catalytic materials limits practical application of this technology in the short term. Herein, we summarize and discuss recent and advanced works on cost-effective oxide-derived copper catalysts for the generation of C₂₊ products (hydrocarbons and alcohols) and transition metal–nitrogen–doped carbon electrocatalytic materials for C₁ compounds production from CO₂RR. We think they represent suitable electrocatalyst candidates for scaling up electrochemical CO₂ conversion. This short review may provide inspiration for the future design and development of innovative active, cost-effective, selective and stable electrocatalysts with improved properties for either the production of C₂₊ (alcohols, hydrocarbons) or carbon monoxide from CO₂RR.     

Electrochemical reduction of UO2 to U in a LiCl–KCl-Li2O molten salt

An electrochemical reduction of UO₂ to U in a LiCl–KCl-Li₂O molten salt has been investigated in this study. A diagram showing equilibrium potentials (relative to Cl₂/Cl^?) plotted versus the negative logarithms of oxide-ion activity (pO^2?) was constructed. The crushed UO₂ pellets in the cathode basket of an electrolytic reducer were successfully reduced to U. The reduction of UO₂ is proved to proceed mainly through chemical reaction with in situ generated Li and K at the cathode. The control of cathode potential is essential to prevent the deposition and subsequent vaporization of K metal at the cathode for the applications of a LiCl–KCl-Li₂O molten salt as an electrolyte for the metal production from its oxide sources.     

Electrochemical reduction process of bilirubin in dimethylformamide

The electrochemical reduction behavior of bilirubin (BR) at platinum electrode in DMF was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, in situ electron spin resonance spectroscopy and in situ rapid scanning thin layer spectroelectrochemistry. Experimental results revealed that thereduction of BR firstly undergoes an ECE process: BR-+e BR-dimerize (BR)22- +e(BR)23-. The generated (BR)23- can be re-oxidized to BR and then to purpurin (Pu) by a series of oxidation processes:(BR)23- -e (BR)22- -2e 2BR, BR --2e BV --2e Pu. However, the re-reduction reactions of Pu are not the reverse processes. The different reduction mechanisms are discussed in detail.     

Evaluation of novel ZnO–Ag cathode for CO2 electroreduction in solid oxide electrolyser

CO₂ and steam/CO₂ electroreduction to CO and methane in solid oxide electrolytic cells (SOEC) has gained major attention in the past few years. This work evaluates, for the very first time, the performance of two different ZnO–Ag cathodes: one where ZnO nanopowder was mixed with Ag powder for preparing the cathode ink (ZnO_mix–Ag cathode) and the other one where Ag cathode was infiltrated with a zinc nitrate solution (ZnO_inf –Ag cathode). ZnO_mix–Ag cathode had a better distribution of ZnO particles throughout the cathode, resulting in almost double CO generation while electrolysing both dry CO₂ and H₂/CO₂ (4:1 v/v). A maximum overall CO₂ conversion of 48% (in H₂/CO₂) at 1.7 V and 700 °C clearly indicated that as low as 5 wt% zinc loading is capable of CO₂ electroreduction. It was further revealed that for ZnO_inf –Ag cathode, most of CO generation took place through RWGS reaction, but for ZnO_mix–Ag cathode, it was the synergistic effect of both RWGS reaction and CO₂ electrolysis. Although ZnO_inf –Ag cathode produced trace amount of methane at higher voltages, with ZnO_mix–Ag cathode, there was absolutely no methane. This seems to be due to strong electronic interaction between Zn and Ag that might have suppressed the catalytic activity of the cathode towards methanation.

     

Site-Selective Electrochemical C−H Carboxylation of Arenes with CO2

Herein, a direct, metal-free, and site-selective electrochemical C−H carboxylation of arenes by reductive activation using CO₂ as the economic and abundant carboxylic source was reported. The electrocarboxylation was carried out in an operationally simple manner with high chemo- and regioselectivity, setting the stage for the challenging site-selective C−H carboxylation of unactivated (hetero)arenes. The robust nature of the electrochemical strategy was reflected by a broad scope of substrates with excellent atom economy and unique selectivity. Notably, the direct and selective C−H carboxylation of various challenging arenes worked well in this approach, including electron-deficient naphthalenes, pyridines, simple phenyl derivatives, and substituted quinolines. The method benefits from being externally catalyst-free, metal-free and base-free, which makes it extremely attractive for potential applications.     

Selective catalytic reduction of NO with CO on Pt/W–Ce–Zr catalysts

Various Pt catalysts (Pt/ZrO₂, Pt/CeO₂, Pt/CeZrO, Pt/WO₃/ZrO₂ and Pt/WO₃/CeZrO) were prepared and characterized, and their catalytic reduction reactions of NO by CO, with or without the presence of excess oxygen, were investigated. The results of temperature-programmed experiments showed that CO could be easily oxidized over Pt/CeO₂ and Pt/CeZrO while the introduction of WO₃ into the catalyst (Pt/WO₃/CeZrO) inhibited the reduction of catalyst surface; NO could not dissociate over those catalysts in oxidized state but after CO reduction at a low temperature, NO dissociation took place only over Pt/CeO₂ and Pt/CeZrO catalysts. For NO + CO reaction, those easily reduced catalysts Pt/CeO₂ and Pt/CeZrO exhibited better catalytic performances, and NO could be rapidly converted below 350 °C. For the reaction with the presence of excess O₂, the NO conversions were significantly inhibited, but better NO conversions were obtained over the tungstate-contained catalysts when compared with Pt/CeO₂ and Pt/CeZrO. The higher activities of Pt/W–Ce–Zr catalysts were attributed to their high acidities.     

Electrochemical reduction synthesis of In–Sb nanoropes and terraced micropyramids

Here we report that the nanoropes and terraced micropyramids of In–Sb semiconductors can be successfully synthesized at room temperature. The electrochemical route shows a simple, quick and economical method for the preparation of various In–Sb semiconductor nanostructures. The possible formation mechanisms of In–Sb nanoropes and terraced micropyramids are proposed in this paper. The UV–vis absorption spectra of the prepared In–Sb nanoropes and terraced micropyramids were recorded to reveal the correlation between the optical properties and the morphologies of the samples.     

Carbon monoxide reduction in solid oxide fuel cell–mini gas turbine hybrid power system

In this paper, combined heat and power frameworks employing solid oxide fuel cell power module and a small-scale gas turbine are presented. The offered system is utilized as heat and power supply for residential consumers with a carbon dioxide sorption circulating fluidized bed. As well a favorable solution for the high penalties associated with CO₂ capture and reuse of the CO contents is offered. The combined heat and power system considered by a different arrangement in order to high proficiency, controllability, heat recovery and high capacity of energy. In the proposed system, the unburned product from the solid oxide fuel cell is re-extracted and utilized as a fuel source. The suggested system is analyzed by the first and second law of thermodynamics. During this study, comprehensive calculations of chemistry and thermal within the fuel cell are performed to get accurate results. The impact of various parameters, for example fuel and oxidant rate, carbon dioxide removal, operating pressure, compressor parameter on work and heat output of the cycle as well as the discharge of carbon dioxide contamination, is investigated. The optimal pressure ratio of the compressor to minimize the carbon dioxide production is found.

     

Novel core–shell SDC/amorphous Na2CO3 nanocomposite electrolyte for low-temperature SOFCs

Novel core–shell SDC (Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_1.9)/amorphous Na₂CO₃ nanocomposite was prepared for the first time. The core–shell nanocomposite particles are smaller than 100 nm with amorphous Na₂CO₃ shell of 4–6 nm in thickness. The nanocomposite electrolyte shows superionic conductivity above 300 °C, where the conductivity reaches over 0.1 S cm⁻¹. Such high conductive nanocomposite has been applied in low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LTSOFCs) with an excellent performance of 0.8 W cm⁻² at 550 °C. A new potential approach of designing and developing superionic conductors for LTSOFCs was presented to develop interface as ‘superionic highway’ in two-phase materials based on coated SDC.     

Enhanced thermal properties of Li2CO3–Na2CO3–K2CO3 nanofluids with nanoalumina for heat transfer in high-temperature CSP systems

Nanofluids of Li₂CO₃–Na₂CO₃–K₂CO₃ improved by three nano-Al₂O₃ samples are firstly prepared by means of two-step aqueous method to enhance thermal properties for high-temperature heat transfer, when used as heat transfer fluids and thermal energy systems for concentrating solar power systems. Specific heat of ternary carbonates containing Al₂O₃ of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.0, 1.4 and 2.0 mass% is measured, and nanofluids with 1.0 mass% of 20-nm Al₂O₃, 1.0 mass% of 50-nm Al₂O₃ and 0.8 mass% of 80-nm Al₂O₃ are selected as superior candidates. The maximum enhancement of specific heat is 18.5% in solid and 33.0% in liquid, 17.9% in solid and 22.7% in liquid, 13.2% in solid and 17.5% in liquid for nanofluids containing 20-, 50- and 80-nm Al₂O₃. Thermal conductivity is, respectively, improved by 23.3, 28.5 and 30.9% under the addition of Al₂O₃. New chemical bonds and crystals are scarcely formed in composites through FT-IR and XRD determination. SEM images certify that nano-Al₂O₃ are homogeneously mixed into nanofluids and this structure may be a critical incentive for enhancing thermal properties. There are no significant changes with respect to the heat flow, melting/freezing point and latent heat after the 30 circles of determination. Briefly, it can be speculated that these nanofluids will exhibit tremendous potential in the coming applications of heat transfer and thermal storage for concentrating solar power systems.

     

Preparation and surface characterization of Pt–Au/C cathode catalysts with ceria modification for oxygen reduction reaction

Alloy catalysts of Pt₅₀Au₅₀/Ce_xC with various Ce additions (x) were prepared for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The characterization of the alloy structures, surface species, and electro-catalytic activities of prepared alloy catalysts were performed by XRD, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and rotating disc electrode (RDE) technique, respectively. The ORR activity of Pt₅₀Au₅₀/C alloy catalyst with a promotion of 15% CeO₂ was enhanced significantly in comparison to the commercial Pt/C catalyst within the mixed kinetic-diffusion control region. The addition of CeO₂ decreased the particle sizes, increased the dispersion and enhanced the surface segregation of Pt which resulting in an alloy surface with a moderate oxophilicity on alloy catalysts.     

Self-Accelerating Effect in a Covalent–Organic Framework with Imidazole Groups Boosts Electroreduction of CO2 to CO

Solvent effect plays an important role in catalytic reaction, but there is little research and attention on it in electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (eCO₂RR). Herein, we report a stable covalent-organic framework (denoted as PcNi-im ) with imidazole groups as a new electrocatalyst for eCO₂RR to CO. Interestingly, compared with neutral conditions, PcNi-im not only showed high Faraday efficiency of CO product (≈100 %) under acidic conditions (pH ≈ 1), but also the partial current density was increased from 258 to 320 mA cm⁻². No obvious degradation was observed over 10 hours of continuous operation at the current density of 250 mA cm⁻². The mechanism study shows that the imidazole group on the framework can be protonated to form an imidazole cation in acidic media, hence reducing the surface work function and charge density of the active metal center. As a result, CO poisoning effect is weakened and the key intermediate *COOH is also stabilized, thus accelerating the catalytic reaction rate.     

The Stabilization Effect of CO2 in Lithium–Oxygen/CO2 Batteries

The lithium (Li)–air battery has an ultrahigh theoretical specific energy, however, even in pure oxygen (O₂), the vulnerability of conventional organic electrolytes and carbon cathodes towards reaction intermediates, especially O₂⁻, and corrosive oxidation and crack/pulverization of Li metal anode lead to poor cycling stability of the Li-air battery. Even worse, the water and/or CO₂ in air bring parasitic reactions and safety issues. Therefore, applying such systems in open-air environment is challenging. Herein, contrary to previous assertions, we have found that CO₂ can improve the stability of both anode and electrolyte, and a high-performance rechargeable Li–O₂/CO₂ battery is developed. The CO₂ not only facilitates the in situ formation of a passivated protective Li₂CO₃ film on the Li anode, but also restrains side reactions involving electrolyte and cathode by capturing O₂⁻. Moreover, the Pd/CNT catalyst in the cathode can extend the battery lifespan by effectively tuning the product morphology and catalyzing the decomposition of Li₂CO₃. The Li–O₂/CO₂ battery achieves a full discharge capacity of 6628 mAh g⁻¹ and a long life of 715 cycles, which is even better than those of pure Li–O₂ batteries.     

Chemically dealloyed Pt–Au–Cu ternary electrocatalysts with enhanced stability in electrochemical oxygen reduction

We report simple synthesis of ternary Pt–Au–Cu catalysts consisting of active Pt-rich shell and Pt transition-metal alloy core for use as highly active and durable electrocatalysts in oxygen reduction reactions. The ternary Pt–Au–Cu catalysts were synthesized by chemical coreduction followed by thermal treatment and chemical dealloying. During synthesis, thermal treatment formed metal particles into high-degree alloys, and chemical dealloying led to selective dissolution of soluble Cu species from the outer surface layer of the thermally treated alloy particles, resulting in Pt-based alloys@Pt-rich surface core–shell configuration. Compared with a commercial Pt/C catalyst, our Pt_1?xAu _x Cu₃/C-AT catalysts exhibited approximately 2.4-fold enhanced performance in oxygen reduction reactions. Among the catalysts employed in this work, Pt_0.97Au_0.3Cu₃/C-AT showed the highest performance in terms of mass activity, specific activity, and electrochemically active surface area loss with negligible change during 10,000 potential cycles. The synthesis details, electrochemical characteristics, oxygen reduction reaction performance, and durability of the chemically dealloyed ternary Pt–Au–Cu catalysts are presented and discussed.     

Thermal–electrical–structural performances of hot heat exchanger with different internal fins of thermoelectric generator for low power generation application

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - In this study, an electro-thermo-structural coupled numerical analysis is conducted to evaluate the thermal, electrical, and structural performances of...     

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.     

Highly Efficient Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia in Strong Acid Conditions with Fe2M-Trinuclear-Cluster Metal–Organic Frameworks

Nitrate-containing industrial wastewater poses a serious threat to the global food security and public health safety. As compared to the traditional microbial denitrification, electrocatalytic nitrate reduction shows better sustainability with ultrahigh energy efficiency and the production of high-value ammonia (NH₃). However, nitrate-containing wastewater from most industrial processes, such as mining, metallurgy, and petrochemical engineering, is generally acidic, which contradicts the typical neutral/alkaline working conditions for both denitrifying bacteria and the state-of-the-art inorganic electrocatalysts, leading to the demand for pre-neutralization and the problematic hydrogen evaluation reaction (HER) competition and catalyst dissolution. Here, we report a series of Fe₂M (M=Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) trinuclear cluster metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that enable the highly efficient electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonium under strong acidic conditions with excellent stability. In pH=1 electrolyte, the Fe₂Co-MOF demonstrates the NH₃ yield rate of 20653.5 μg h⁻¹ mg⁻¹_site with 90.55 % NH₃-Faradaic efficiency (FE), 98.5 % NH₃-selectivity and up to 75 hr of electrocatalytic stability. Additionally, successful nitrate reduction in high-acidic conditions directly produce the ammonium sulfate as nitrogen fertilizer, avoiding the subsequent aqueous ammonia extraction and preventing the ammonia spillage loss. This series of cluster-based MOF structures provide new insights into the design principles of high-performance nitrate reduction catalysts under environmentally-relevant wastewater conditions.     

Tautomeric reaction equilibrium of ethyl acetoacetate in CO2–n-pentane and CO2–ethanol mixed solvents in the critical region

The tautomeric equilibrium constant K_C of ethyl acetoacetate (EAA) in CO₂–n-pentane and CO₂–ethanol was studied by UV–VIS spectroscopy at 308.2 K over the pressure range from 6.5 to 9.0 MPa. This work focuses on how the tautomeric equilibrium changes with pressure and composition of the mixed solvents in the near critical region. The results showed that the effect of pressure on K_C was very limited at pressures much higher than the phase separation pressures. However, the K_C increased sharply as the pressure approached the critical point or the bubble point of the mixed solvents.     

Understanding cathode materials in aqueous zinc–organic batteries

Organic electrode materials (OEMs) are being investigated as promising candidates for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) owing to their environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and structural diversity, and tunability. Understanding the correlation between structural regulation of OEMs and their electrochemical property in AZIBs is vital to rational design of OEMs. Herein, we first discuss the fundamentals of the energy storage mechanism of OEMs. Then, strategies to improve the electrochemical performance, including the specific capacity, voltage, rate capability, and cycling stability, are elaborated from the perspective of molecular engineering. Finally, we share our views on the remaining challenges and prospects of OEMs in AZIBs.