Recent advances of MXene as promising catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction

Electrochemical reduction of N_2,as an eco-friendly alternative,not only allows the use of protons in water as a source of hydrogen under mild conditions but also can be driven by renewable electric energy.The major challenge is to identify high-efficiency electrocatalysts.MXene is a new class of 2D transition metal carbides,nitrides,and carbonitrides that have received significant attention in electrocatalysis.The investigations on MXene in electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation are rapidly proceeding,and some breakthroughs have emerged ve ry recently due to MXenes' satisfacto ry catalytic activity.Here,the recent progress concerning the MXene-based catalysts for electrochemical N_2 reduction reaction(NRR) is highlighted.In regards to giving guidelines for exploring more efficient MXene-based catalysts for the NRR,the fabrication and surface modification of MXene are discussed.Besides,the shortcomings and challenges of current research are summarized and the future research directions are prospected.     

Defect and interface engineering for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction under ambient conditions

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction(e-NRR)under ambient conditions is an emerging strategy to tackle the hydrogen-and energy-intensive operations for traditional Haber-Bosch process in industrial ammonia(NH₃)synthesis.However,the e-NRR performance is currently impeded by the inherent inertness of N₂ molecules,the extremely slow kinetics and the overwhelming competition from the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER),all of which cause unsatisfied yield and ammonia selectivity(Faradaic efficiency,FE).Defect and interface engineering are capable of achieving novel physical and chemical properties as well as superior synergistic effects for various electrocatalysts.In this review,we first provide a general introduction to the NRR mechanism.We then focus on the recent progress in defect and interface engineering and summarize how defect and interface can be rationally designed and functioned in NRR catalysts.Particularly,the origin of superior NRR catalytic activity by applying these approaches was discussed from both theoretical and experimental perspectives.Finally,the remaining challenges and future perspectives in this emerging area are highlighted.It is expected that this review will shed some light on designing NRR electrocatalysts with excellent activity,selectivity and stability.     

C2H3和NO2反应势能面的理论研究

在CCSD(T)／6—311G(d，p)／／B3LYP／6—3llG(d，p)水平上给出了反应C2H3 NO2的详细势能面信息，并列出了中间体和过渡态的几何构型．通过深入分析反应路径及反应机理，得到5个能量可行的产物和6条反应通道，其中产物C2H3O NO的形成又有利，而产物CH2CO HNO则是次要产物，其他产物在通常条件下可以忽略．     

Theoretical study on reaction mechanism of the vinyl radical with nitrogen atom

The complex triplet potential energy surface of the C₂H₃N system is investigated at the UB3LYP and CCSD(T) (single-point) levels in order to explore the possible reaction mechanism of C₂H₃ radical with N(⁴S). Eleven minimum isomers and 18 transition states are located. Possible energetically allowed reaction pathways leading to various low-lying dissociation products are obtained. Starting from the energy-rich reactant C₂H₃+N(⁴S), the first step is the attack of the N atom on the C atom having one H atom attached in C₂H₃ radical and form the intermediate C₂H₃N(1). The associated intermediate 1 can lead to product P₁ CH₂CN+H and P₂ ³CH₂+³HCN by the cleavage of C–H bond and C–C bond, respectively. The most favorable pathway for the C₂H₃+N(⁴S) reaction is the channel leading to P₁, which is preferred to that of P₂ due to the comparative lower energy barrier. The formation of P₃ ³C₂H₂+³NH through hydrogen-abstraction mechanism is also feasible, especially at high temperature. The other pathways are less competitive comparatively.     

Theoretical mechanistic study on the radical-radical reaction of ketenyl with nitrogen dioxide

The radical-radical reaction between the ketenyl radical (HCCO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) played a very important role in atmospheric and combustion chemistry. Motivated by recent laboratory characterization about the reaction kinetics of ketenyl radical with nitrogen dioxide, in this contribution, we applied the coupled cluster and density functional theory to explore the mechanism of the title reaction. These calculations indicate that the title reaction proceeds mostly through singlet pathways, less go through triplet pathways. It is found that the HCCO + NO(2) reaction initially favors formation of adduct OCCHNO(2) (1) with no barrier. Subsequently, starting from isomer 1, the most feasible pathway is ring closure of 1 to isomer O-cCCHN(O)O (2) followed by CO(2) extrusion to product HCNO + CO(2) (P(1)), which is the major product with predominant yields. Much less competitively, 1 can take the successive 1,3-H- and 1,3-OH-shift interconversion to isomer OCCNOHO (3(a), 3(b), 3(c)) and then to isomer OCOHCNO (4(a), 4(b)), which can finally take a concerted H-shift and C-C bond fission to give HCNO + CO(2) (P(1)). The least competitive pathway is the ring-closure of isomer 3(a) to form isomer O-cCCN(OH)O (5(a), 5(b)) followed by dissociation to HONC + CO(2) (P(2)) through the direct side CO(2) elimination. Because the intermediates and transition states involved in the most favorable channel all lie below the reactants, the title reaction is expected to be rapid, as is confirmed by experiment. Therefore, it can be significant for elimination of nitrogen dioxide pollutants. The present results can lead us to a deep understanding of the mechanism of the title reaction and can be helpful for understanding NO(x)-combustion chemistry.     

Theoretical study on reaction mechanism of the fluoromethylene radical with nitrogen dioxide

The complex doublet potential energy surface for the reaction of 1CHF with NO2, including 14 minimum isomers and 30 transition states, is explored theoretically at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) and CCSD(T)/6-311G(d,p) (single-point) levels of theory. The initial association between 1CHF and NO2 is found to be the carbon-to-middle-nitrogen attack forming an energy-rich adduct a (HFCNO2) with no barrier, followed by concerted O-shift and C--N bond rupture leading to product P2 (NO + HFCO), which is the most abundant. In addition, a can take a 1,3-H-shift to isomer b (FCN(O)OH) followed by the dissociation to form the second feasible product P4 (OH + FCNO). The least favorable pathway is that b undergoes a concerted OH-shift to form d (HO(F)CNO), which will dissociate to product P5 (HF+OCNO) via side HF-elimination. The secondary dissociation of P5 may form product P7 (HF+NO+CO) easily. Furthermore, the 1CHF attack at the end-O of NO2 is a barrier-consumed process, and thus may only be of significance at high temperatures. The comparison with the analogous reactions 1CHCl + NO2 is discussed. The present study may be helpful for probing the mechanism of the title reaction and understanding the halogenated carbine chemistry.     

Theoretical study on reaction mechanism of the CF radical with nitrogen dioxide

The singlet potential energy surface of the [CFNO₂] system is investigated at the B3LYP and CCSD(T) (single‐point) levels to explore the possible reaction mechanism of CF radical with NO₂. The top attack of C‐atom of CF radical at the N‐atom of NO₂ molecule first forms the adduct isomer FCNO₂ 1 followed by oxygen‐shift to give trans‐OC(F)NO 2 and then to cis‐OC(F)NO 3 . Subsequently, the most favorable channel is a direct dissociation of 2 and 3 to product P₁ FCO+NO. The second and third less favorable channels are direct dissociation of 3 to product P₂ FNO+CO and isomerization of 3 to a complex NOF?CO 4 , which can easily dissociate to product P₃ FON+CO, respectively. The large exothermicity released in these processes further drives most of the three products P₁ , P₂ , and P₃ to take secondary dissociation to the final product P₁₂ F+CO+NO. Another energetically allowed channel is formation of product P₄ ¹NF+CO₂, yet it is much less competitive than P₁ , P₂ , P₃ , and P₁₂ . The present calculations can well interpret one recent experimental fact that the title reaction is quite fast yet still much slower than the analogous reaction CH+NO₂. Also, the results presented in this article may be useful for future product distribution analysis of the title reaction as well as for the analogous CCl and CBr reactions. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1907–1919, 2001     

Theoretical study on reaction mechanism of the cyanogen radical with nitrogen dioxide

The complex singlet potential energy surface for the reaction of CN with NO2, including 9 minimum isomers and 10 transition states, is explored computationally using a coupled cluster method and a density functional method. The most favorable association of CN with NO2 was found to be a barrierless carbon-to-nitrogen approach process forming an energy-rich adduct a (NCNO2) followed by C-N bond rupture along with C-O bond formation to give b1 (trans-NCONO), which can easily convert to b2 (cis-NCONO). Our results show that the product P1 (NCO + NO) is the major product, while the product P2 (CNO + NO) is a minor product. The other products may be of significance only at high temperatures. Product P1 (NCO + NO) can be obtained through path 1 P1: R --> a --> b1 (b2) --> P1 (NCO + NO), whereas the product P2 (CNO + NO) can be formed through path P2: R --> a --> b1 --> b2 --> c1 (c2) --> P2 (CNO + NO). Because the intermediates and transition states involved in the above two channels are all lower than the reactants in energy, the CN + NO2 reaction is expected to be rapid, as is confirmed by experiment. Therefore, it may be suggested as an efficient NO2-reduction strategy. These calculations indicate that the title reaction proceeds mostly through singlet pathways and less go through triplet pathways. The present results can lead us to understand deeply the mechanism of the title reaction and can be helpful for understanding NO2-combustion chemistry.     

Theoretical study on reaction mechanism of the ketenylidene radical with nitrogen dioxide

The complex doublet potential-energy surface for the reaction of CCO with NO2, including 8 minimum isomers and 17 transition states, is explored theoretically using the coupled cluster and density functional theory. The association of CCO with NO2 was found to be a barrierless process forming an energy-rich adduct a (OCCNO2) followed by oxygen shift to give b (O2CCNO). Our results show that the product P1 (CO2 + CNO) is the major product with absolute yield, while the product P4 (2CO + NO) is the minor product with less abundance. The other products may be undetectable. The product P1 (CO2 + CNO) can be obtained through R --> a --> b --> P1 (CO2 + CNO), whereas the product P4 (2CO + NO) can be obtained through two channels R --> a--> b --> c --> (d, g) --> P2 (OCNO + CO) --> P4 (2CO + NO) and R --> a --> b --> f --> P3 (c-OCC-O + NO) --> P4 (2CO + NO). Because the intermediates and transition states involved in the above three channels are all lower than the reactants in energy, the CCO + NO2 reaction is expected to be rapid, which is consistent with the experimental measurement in quality. The present study may be helpful for further experimental investigation of the title reaction.     

Theoretical study on the reaction mechanism of the methyl radical with nitrogen oxides

The radical-molecule reaction mechanism of CH3 with NOx (x = 1, 2) has been explored theoretically at the B3LYP/6-311Gd,p and MC-QCISD (single-point) levels of theory. For the singlet potential energy surface (PES) of the CH3 + NO2 reaction, it is found that the carbon to middle nitrogen attack between CH3 and NO2 can form energy-rich adduct a (H3CNO2) with no barrier followed by isomerization to b1 (CH3ONO-trans), which can easily convert to b2 (CH3ONO-cis). Subsequently, starting from b (b1, b2), the most feasible pathway is the direct N-O bond cleavage of b (b1, b2) leading to P1 (CH3O + NO) or the 1,3-H-shift and N-O bond rupture of b1 to form P2 (CH2O + HNO), both of which may have comparable contribution to the reaction CH3 + NO2. Much less competitively, b2 can take a concerted H-shift and N-O bond cleavage to form product P3 (CH2O + HON). Because the intermediates and transition states involved in the above three channels are all lower than the reactants in energy, the CH3 + NO2 reaction is expected to be rapid, as is consistent with the experimental measurement in quality. For the singlet PES of the CH3 + NO reaction, the major product is found to be P1 (HCN + H2O), whereas the minor products are P2 (HNCO + H2) and P3 (HNC +H2O). The CH3 + NO reaction is predicted to be only of significance at high temperatures because the transition states involved in the most feasible pathways lie almost above the reactants. Compared with the singlet pathways, the triplet pathways may have less contributions to both reactions. The present study may be helpful for further experimental investigation of the title reactions.     

Modulation effect in adjacent dual metal single atom catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction

Nitrogen reduction reaction（NRR） is a clean mode of energy conversion and the development of highly efficient NRR electrocatalysts under ambient conditions for industrial application is still a big challenge.Metal-nitrogen-carbon（M-N-C） has emerged as a class of single atom catalyst due to the unique geometric structure, high catalytic activity, and clear selectivity. Herein, we designed a series of dual metal single atom catalysts containing adjacent M-N-C dual active centers（MN₄/M’N...     

The electrochemical reduction of some fused ring systems

The electrochemical reduction of some fused ring systems containing four carbonyl moieties has been studied in alcoholic aqueous media. A mechanism has been proposed and clarified in which one carbonyl is reduced to a methylene group via an uptake of four electrons.     

Theoretical study of the reaction from 6-methylidene penem to seven-membered ring intermediates

A sort of beta-lactamase inhibitor, 6-methylidene penem can inhibit both class A and class C serine beta-lactamase. Its inhibition mechanism involves yielding a seven-membered ring intermediate after acylation of the serine. Density functional theory (DFT) method was used on the molecular model to determine the mechanism of producing the seven-membered ring intermediate. Solvent effects were considered via polarizable continuum model (PCM). Moreover, a water-assisted process was considered in the hydrogen transfer process. The results show that the seven-membered ring intermediate can be obtained via two possible mechanisms, namely, concerted mechanism and stepwise mechanism. In stepwise mechanism, a new thiirane intermediate which has never been reported was found. The product of stepwise mechanism, e, has five tautomerics, and they can be tautomerized by hydrogen transfer.     

Theoretical study on the ring-opening isomerization reaction mechanism of the ring isomers of N8H8

Ring-opening isomerization from ring-shaped isomers to chain-shaped isomers of N(8)H(8) has been studied by a density function B3LYP method at 6-311+ +G** level. 20 ring-shaped isomers have been found to be able to transform into chain-shaped isomers, with 20 possible transition states got by ring-opening structure optimization. Furthermore, the ring-openings have been found in the longer N-N single bond by analyzing the length change of N-N bond of ring-shaped isomers in ring-opening processes. In addition, with the activation energies in ring-opening processes, the differences of the activation energies in isomerization between the isomers have been found according to the classification of rings. The activation energies in ring-opening isomerization of six-membered ring-shaped isomers are higher than that of the four-membered ring-shaped isomers. It indicates that six-membered ring-shaped isomers difficult in ring-opening in the isomerization are the steadiest ring-shaped isomers of N(8)H(8) while four-membered ring-shaped isomers easy in ring-opening are the most unstable.     

Insights into electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction mechanisms:Combined effect of single transition-metal and boron atom

Developing single-atom catalysts (SACs) for electrochemical devices is a frontier in energy conversion.The comparison of stability,activity and selectivity betw...     

Theoretical study on SH2 reaction of methyl radical with three‐membered ring

Bimolecular homolytic substitution (S_H2) reactions of the methyl radical with a series of three‐membered ring compounds have been given a systematic theoretical study. These reactions proceed predominantly via the backside displacement. The formation of the new radical product is thermodynamically favorable probably due to the release of the ring strain. Natural bond orbital analysis reveals that SOMO → σ*(C‐X) (X= C, N, O) interaction plays a major role in these S_H2 reactions, which shows the methyl radical mainly acts as a nucleophilic radical. In addition, according to the activation strain model analysis, an expected single correlation has not been obtained between the reactant distortion enthalpies and the overall activation enthalpies. However, these reactions can be divided into three groups and each group exhibits a good linear correlation. Marcus theory can thoroughly account for this phenomenon. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Theoretical study on the lowest-frequency mode of the flavin ring

The dynamic aspects along the normal vibrational motions of the lowest frequencies in the oxidized, radical, and reduced states of flavin (isoalloxazine) have been studied. In comparison with the twist motions in the oxidized state, the butterfly motions in the radical and reduced states turned out to bring more significant variations to the frontier molecular orbital energies and to the charge distributions on the atoms of the pyrazine ring in isoalloxazine. It can be considered that the electron transfers from and to the isoalloxazine ring can be adjusted or controlled by these variations. In the reduced states the electron release from the molecule, and in the radical states the electron release from or acceptance by the molecule, could be impelled by the butterfly motions, while in the oxidized state the electron acceptance by the molecule could be accelerated slightly by the twist motion. Received: 30 September 1998 / Accepted: 20 January 1999 / Published online: 7 June 1999     

Mechanistic study of the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction on Pt(111) using density functional theory

Density functional theory (DFT) was used to study the electrolyte solution effects on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on Pt(111). To model the acid electrolyte, an H(5)O(2)(+) cluster was used. The vibrational proton oscillation modes for adsorbed H(5)O(2)(+) computed at 1711 and 1010 cm(-1), in addition to OH stretching and H(2)O scissoring modes, agree with experimental vibrational spectra for proton formation on Pt surfaces in ultrahigh vacuum. Using the H(5)O(2)(+) model, protonation of adsorbed species was found to be facile and consistent with the activation barrier of proton transfer in solution. After protonation, OOH dissociates with an activation barrier of 0.22 eV, similar to the barrier for O(2) dissociation. Comparison of the two pathways suggests that O(2) protonation precedes dissociation in the oxygen reduction reaction. Additionally, an OH diffusion step following O protonation inhibits the reaction, which may lead to accumulation of oxygen on the electrode surface.     

First-principles study on Fe2B2 as efficient catalyst for nitrogen reduction reaction

Ammonia (NH₃) is considered an attractive candidate as a clean, highly efficient energy carrier. The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) can reduce energy input and carbon footprint; therefore, rational design of effective electrocatalysts is essential for achieving high-efficiency electrocatalytic NH₃ synthesis. Herein, we report that the enzymatic mechanism is the more favourable pathway for NRR, due to lower limiting potential (−0.44 V), lower free energy (only 0.02 eV) of the first hydrogenation step (*N–N to *NH–N), and more electron transfer from Fe₂B₂ to the reaction species. In addition, both vacancies and dopants can be helpful in reducing the reaction energy barrier of the potential-determining step. Therefore, we have demonstrated that Fe₂B₂ is a potential new candidate for effective NRR and highlighted its potential for applications in electrocatalytic NH₃ synthesis.