Selective CO2 Reduction to Ethylene Mediated by Adaptive Small-molecule Engineering of Copper-based Electrocatalysts

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) over Cu catalysts exhibits enormous potential for efficiently converting CO₂ to ethylene (C₂H₄). However, achieving high C₂H₄ selectivity remains a considerable challenge due to the propensity of Cu catalysts to undergo structural reconstruction during CO₂RR. Herein, we report an in situ molecule modification strategy that involves tannic acid (TA) molecules adaptive regulating the reconstruction of a Cu-based material to a pathway that facilitates CO₂ reduction to C₂H₄ products. An excellent Faraday efficiency (FE) of 63.6 % on C₂H₄ with a current density of 497.2 mA cm⁻² in flow cell was achieved, about 6.5 times higher than the pristine Cu catalyst which mainly produce CH₄. The in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and Raman studies reveal that the hydroxyl group in TA stabilizes Cu^δ+ during the CO₂RR. Furthermore, theoretical calculations demonstrate that the Cu^δ+/Cu⁰ interfaces lower the activation energy barrier for *CO dimerization, and hydroxyl species stabilize the *COH intermediate via hydrogen bonding, thereby promoting C₂H₄ production. Such molecule engineering modulated electronic structure provides a promising strategy to achieve highly selective CO₂ reduction to value-added chemicals.     

Spatial disposition of square-planar mononuclear nodes in metal–organic frameworks for C2H2/CO2 separation

The efficient separation of acetylene (C₂H₂) from its mixture with carbon dioxide (CO₂) remains a challenging industrial process due to their close molecular sizes/shapes and similar physical properties. Herein, we report a microporous metal–organic framework (JNU-4) with square-planar mononuclear copper(ii) centers as nodes and tetrahedral organic linkers as spacers, allowing for two accessible binding sites per metal center for C₂H₂ molecules. Consequently, JNU-4 exhibits excellent C₂H₂ adsorption capacity, particularly at 298 K and 0.5 bar (200 cm³ g⁻¹). Detailed computational studies confirm that C₂H₂ molecules are indeed predominantly located in close proximity to the square-planar copper centers on both sides. Breakthrough experiments demonstrate that JNU-4 is capable of efficiently separating C₂H₂ from a 50 : 50 C₂H₂/CO₂ mixture over a broad range of flow rates, affording by far the largest C₂H₂ capture capacity (160 cm³ g⁻¹) and fuel-grade C₂H₂ production (105 cm³ g⁻¹, ≥98% purity) upon desorption. Simply by maximizing accessible open metal sites on mononuclear metal centers, this work presents a promising strategy to improve the C₂H₂ adsorption capacity and address the challenging C₂H₂/CO₂ separation.

C₂H₂/CO₂ separation is a challenging industrial process. We report a microporous MOF (JNU-4a) with square-planar mononuclear copper(ii) centers, allowing for a record high C₂H₂ capture capacity from an equimolar C₂H₂/CO₂ mixture.     

Unexpected high selectivity for acetate formation from CO2 reduction with copper based 2D hybrid catalysts at ultralow potentials

Copper-based catalysts are efficient for CO₂ reduction affording commodity chemicals. However, Cu(i) active species are easily reduced to Cu(0) during the CO₂RR, leading to a rapid decay of catalytic performance. Herein, we report a hybrid-catalyst that firmly anchors 2D-Cu metallic dots on F-doped Cu_xO nanoplates (Cu_xOF), synthesized by electrochemical-transformation under the same conditions as the targeted CO₂RR. The as-prepared Cu/Cu_xOF hybrid showed unusual catalytic activity towards the CO₂RR for CH₃COO⁻ generation, with a high FE of 27% at extremely low potentials. The combined experimental and theoretical results show that nanoscale hybridization engenders an effective s,p-d coupling in Cu/Cu_xOF, raising the d-band center of Cu and thus enhancing electroactivity and selectivity for the acetate formation. This work highlights the use of electronic interactions to bias a hybrid catalyst towards a particular pathway, which is critical for tuning the activity and selectivity of copper-based catalysts for the CO₂RR.

A two-dimensional (2D) copper hybrid catalyst (Cu/Cu_xOF) composed of metallic Cu well dispersed on 2D F-doped Cu_xO nanoplates (Cu_xOF) is reported, which shows high catalytic activity toward the CO₂RR for acetate generation.     

Self-Assembly of Antiferromagnetically-Coupled Copper(II) Supramolecular Architectures with Diverse Structural Complexities

The self-assembly of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol (DFMP) and 1-amino-2-propanol (AP)/2-amino-1,3-propanediol (APD) in the presence of copper(II) ions results in the formation of six new supramolecular architectures containing two versatile double Schiff base ligands (H₃L and H₅L1) with one-, two-, or three-dimensional structures involving diverse nuclearities: tetranuclear [Cu₄(HL²⁻)₂(N₃)₄]·4CH₃OH·56H₂O (1) and [Cu₄(L³⁻)₂(OH)₂(H₂O)₂] (2), dinuclear [Cu₂(H₃L1²⁻)(N₃)(H₂O)(NO₃)] (3), polynuclear {[Cu₂(H₃L1²⁻)(H₂O)(BF₄)(N₃)]·H₂O}_n (4), heptanuclear [Cu₇(H₃L1²⁻)₂(O)₂(C₆H₅CO₂)₆]·6CH₃OH·44H₂O (5), and decanuclear [Cu₁₀(H₃L1²⁻)₄(O)₂(OH)₂(C₆H₅CO₂)₄] (C₆H₅CO₂)₂·20H₂O (6). X-ray studies have revealed that the basic building block in 1, 3, and 4 is comprised of two copper centers bridged through one μ-phenolate oxygen atom from HL²⁻ or H₃L1²⁻, and one μ-1,1-azido (N₃⁻) ion and in 2, 5, and 6 by μ-phenoxide oxygen of L³⁻ or H₃L1²⁻ and μ-O²⁻ or μ₃-O²⁻ ions. H-bonding involving coordinated/uncoordinated hydroxy groups of the ligands generates fascinating supramolecular architectures with 1D-single chains (1 and 6), 2D-sheets (3), and 3D-structures (4). In 5, benzoate ions display four different coordination modes, which, in our opinion, is unprecedented and constitutes a new discovery. In 1, 3, and 5, Cu(II) ions in [Cu₂] units are antiferromagnetically coupled, with J ranging from −177 to −278 cm⁻¹.     

Cu2O-Ag Tandem Catalysts for Selective Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to C2 Products

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to C₂ chemicals has received great attention. Here, we report the cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) nanocubes cooperated with silver (Ag) nanoparticles via the replacement reaction for a synergetic CO₂RR. The Cu₂O-Ag tandem catalyst exhibits an impressive Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 72.85% for C₂ products with a partial current density of 243.32 mA·cm⁻². The electrochemical experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the introduction of Ag improves the intermediate CO concentration on the catalyst surface and meanwhile reduces the C-C coupling reaction barrier energy, which is favorable for the synthesis of C₂ products.     

Origin of the N-coordinated single-atom Ni sites in heterogeneous electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reaction

Heterogeneous Ni–N–C single-atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted great research interest regarding their capability in facilitating the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR), with CO accounting for the major product. However, the fundamental nature of their active Ni sites remains controversial, since the typically proposed pyridinic-type Ni configurations are inactive, display low selectivity, and/or possess an unfavorable formation energy. Herein, we present a constant-potential first-principles and microkinetic model to study the CO₂RR at a solid–water interface, which shows that the electrode potential is crucial for governing CO₂ activation. A formation energy analysis on several NiN_xC_4−x (x = 1–4) moieties indicates that the predominant Ni moieties of Ni–N–C SACs are expected to have a formula of NiN₄. After determining the potential-dependent thermodynamic and kinetic energy of these Ni moieties, we discover that the energetically favorable pyrrolic-type NiN₄ moiety displays high activity for facilitating the selective CO₂RR over the competing H₂ evolution. Moreover, model polarization curves and Tafel analysis results exhibit reasonable agreement with existing experimental data. This work highlights the intrinsic tetrapyrrolic coordination of Ni for facilitating the CO₂RR and offers practical guidance for the rational improvement of SACs, and this model can be expanded to explore mechanisms of other electrocatalysis in aqueous solutions.

A constant-potential first-principles and microkinetic model is developed to uncover the nature of heterogeneous Ni–N–C catalysts. It highlights the crucial role of a pyrrolic-type NiN₄ moiety in electrochemical CO₂ reduction.     

Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Ethylene and Multicarbon Alcohols via Electrolyte‐Driven Nanostructuring

Production of multicarbon products (C₂₊) from CO₂ electroreduction reaction (CO₂RR) is highly desirable for storing renewable energy and reducing carbon emission. The electrochemical synthesis of CO₂RR catalysts that are highly selective for C₂₊ products via electrolyte‐driven nanostructuring is presented. Nanostructured Cu catalysts synthesized in the presence of specific anions selectively convert CO₂ into ethylene and multicarbon alcohols in aqueous 0.1 m KHCO₃ solution, with the iodine‐modified catalyst displaying the highest Faradaic efficiency of 80 % and a partial geometric current density of ca. 31.2 mA cm^?2 for C₂₊ products at ?0.9 V vs. RHE. Operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and quasi in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements revealed that the high C₂₊ selectivity of these nanostructured Cu catalysts can be attributed to the highly roughened surface morphology induced by the synthesis, presence of subsurface oxygen and Cu⁺ species, and the adsorbed halides.     

Oxidation of isobutane catalyzed by vanadyl, copper and cesium substituted H3PMo12O40

Effects of Cs⁺, H⁺ and Cu²⁺ counterions in the vanadium containing heteropoly compounds Cs_xH_1-xVO[PMo₁₂O₄₀] and Cs_yH_0.5-yCu_0.25VO[PMo₁₂O₄₀] on the catalytic oxidation of isobutane and characterization by TGA, IR and ESR spectroscopies are reported. A high selectivity of 76% for methacrylic acid and methacrolein together has been obtained with Cs_0.75H_0.25VO[PMo₁₂O₄₀] catalysts at a reactivity of 5.3x10^-1 mmol/h cm³.     

Structural Dynamics of Isomorphic Substitution in N,N′-Diallylbenzimidazolium Copper Halide π-Complexes [C7H5N2(C3H5)2]+[Cu2Cl3?xBrx]? (x=0, 1.60, 2.33, 3)

Two new -complexes of copper(I) halides with the 1,3-diallylbenzimidazolium cation, [C₇H₅N₂(C₃H₅)₂]⁺[Cu₂Cl_1.40Br_1.60]^– and [C₇H₅N₂(C₃H₅)₂]⁺[Cu₂Br₃]^–, have been synthesized and structurally defined (space group P2 ₁/c for both; a = 22.094(6), b = 9.272(8), c = 9.22(1) , = 118.26(4)° and a = 22.267(5), b = 9.311(3), c = 9.263(2) , = 117.51(2)°). The mutual effects of chlorine–bromine substitution and the efficiency of -interactions are discussed based on XRD data for these two compounds and for the compounds [C₇H₅N₂(C₃H₅)₂]⁺[Cu₂Cl₃]^– and [C₇H₅N₂(C₃H₅)₂]⁺[Cu₂Cl_0.67Br_2.33]^– studied previously.     

Metal ion catalysed aquation of carboxylatoamine cobalt(III) complexes. Kinetics of copper(II) catalysed aquation ofcis(diformato)bis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) ion

Summary The aquation ofcis-[(en)₂Co(CO₂H)₂]⁺ tocis-[(en)₂Co(OH₂)(CO₂H)]²⁺ is catalysed by Cu²⁺ and the rate equation, –d[complex]_t/dt=(k_Cu[Cu²⁺]+k_H [H⁺]) [complex)_T is valid at [Cu²⁺]_T=0.01–0.1, I=0.5 and [HClO₄]=0.005 mol dm^–3. The rate measurements are reported at 30, 35, 40 and 45°C and the rate and activation parameters for the Cu²⁺ and H⁺-catalysed paths are: k_H(35°C)=(2.44±0.09)×10^–2 dm³ mol^–1 s^–1, H=83±13 kJ mol^–1, S=–8±42 JK^–1 mol^–1, k _Cu (35°C)=(3.30±0.09)×10^–3 dm³ mol^–1 s^–1, H=73.2±6.1 kJ mol^–1, S=–55±20 JK^–1 mol^–1. The formate-bridged innersphere binuclear complex,cis-[(en)₂Co{(O₂CH)₂Cu}]³⁺ may be involved as the catalytically active intermediate in the copper(II)-catalysed path, just as the corresponding H⁺-bridged species presumed to be present in the acidcatalysed path.     

Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 to Syngas with Controllable CO/H2 Ratios over Co and Ni Single‐Atom Catalysts

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to yield synthesis gas (syngas, CO and H₂) has been considered as a promising method to realize the net reduction in CO₂ emission. However, it is challenging to balance the CO₂RR activity and the CO/H₂ ratio. To address this issue, nitrogen‐doped carbon supported single‐atom catalysts are designed as electrocatalysts to produce syngas from CO₂RR. While Co and Ni single‐atom catalysts are selective in producing H₂ and CO, respectively, electrocatalysts containing both Co and Ni show a high syngas evolution (total current >74 mA cm^?2) with CO/H₂ ratios (0.23–2.26) that are suitable for typical downstream thermochemical reactions. Density functional theory calculations provide insights into the key intermediates on Co and Ni single‐atom configurations for the H₂ and CO evolution. The results present a useful case on how non‐precious transition metal species can maintain high CO₂RR activity with tunable CO/H₂ ratios.     

Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 to Syngas with Controllable CO/H2 Ratios over Co and Ni Single-Atom Catalysts

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to yield synthesis gas (syngas, CO and H₂) has been considered as a promising method to realize the net reduction in CO₂ emission. However, it is challenging to balance the CO₂RR activity and the CO/H₂ ratio. To address this issue, nitrogen-doped carbon supported single-atom catalysts are designed as electrocatalysts to produce syngas from CO₂RR. While Co and Ni single-atom catalysts are selective in producing H₂ and CO, respectively, electrocatalysts containing both Co and Ni show a high syngas evolution (total current >74 mA cm⁻²) with CO/H₂ ratios (0.23–2.26) that are suitable for typical downstream thermochemical reactions. Density functional theory calculations provide insights into the key intermediates on Co and Ni single-atom configurations for the H₂ and CO evolution. The results present a useful case on how non-precious transition metal species can maintain high CO₂RR activity with tunable CO/H₂ ratios.     

Boosting CO2 Electroreduction to Multi-carbon Products via Oxygen-rich Vacancies and Ce4+−O2−−Cu+ Structure in Cu/CeO2 for Stabilizing Cu+

Cu is a promising electrocatalyst for the CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) to produce high-value C₂₊ products. Due to the fierce competition of the hydrogen evolution reaction, the slow diffusion of CO₂, and the high energy barrier of the C−C coupling reaction, it is still challenging to achieve high activity and high selectivity to produce multi-carbon products on copper-based electrocatalysts. In this work, we synthesized Cu/CeO₂ catalysts with varying amounts of Cu doping, aiming at effectively converting CO₂ into C₂₊ products through electroreduction. At a copper doping level of 9.77 wt%, the catalyst exhibited a current density of 16.8 mA cm⁻² using a standard H-type cell, achieving a C₂₊ faradaic efficiency (FE) of 78.3 %. Through additional experiments and material characterization, we confirmed that controlling the Cu loading on the surface of CeO₂ is an effective way to regulate the ratio of Cu⁺ to Cu⁰ active sites and the number of oxygen vacancies. Furthermore, the strong electron interaction between Ce⁴⁺−O²⁻−Cu⁺ structure can stabilize Cu⁺ species and enhance the overall stability of the catalyst. This strategy enhances the selectivity towards C₂₊ products and effectively suppresses the competing hydrogen evolution reaction.     

Complete Low‐Temperature Transformation and Dissolution of the Three Main Components in Corn Straw

The conversion of biomass faces the challenge of mass and heat transfer, as well as the exertion of heterogeneous catalyst, because raw biomass exists usually in solid state. In this work, the simultaneous transformation and dissolution of the three main components (hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin) in corn straw were achieved in ethanol/ valerolactone (GVL)/H₂O (10 : 10 : 40, v/v/v) co‐solvent system. With the assistance of AlCl₃ ⋅ 6H₂O, the conversion of hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose was >96 % at 170 °C. The conversion of solid biomass into fluid, overcoming the mass transfer restrictions between solid biomass and solid catalysts, provides new raw materials to further upgrading. H₂O could penetrate inside the crystalline cellulose to swell even dissolve it, while ethanol and GVL acted as media to dissolve especially the G unit in lignin. The H⁺ derived from AlCl₃ ⋅ 6H₂O hydrolysis could break the linkages of lignin‐hemicellulose and glycosidic bond in saccharides, and aluminum chloride promoted the next degradation of polysaccharides to small molecules. Consequently, as high as 33.2 % yield of levulinic acid and 42.2 % yield of furfural were obtained. The cleavage of β‐O‐4 and C_β−C_γ bonds in lignin produced large amounts of lignin‐derived dimers and trimers. The total yield of monomeric phenols is up to 8 %.     

Solid-solute phase equilibria in aqueous solutions,VIII: The standard gibbs energy of La2(CO3)3·8H2O

The solubilities of lanthanum carbonate La₂(CO₃)₃·8H₂O in solutionsS ₀([H⁺]=H mol kg^–1, [Na⁺]=(I–H) mol kg^–1, [ClO ₄ ^– ]=I mol kg^–1) at various fixed partial pressures of CO₂ have been investigated at 25.0 °C. The hydrogen ion molality and the total molality of La(III) ion in equilibrium with the solid phase were determined by e.m.f. and analytical methods, respectively. The stoichiometric solubility constants

Efficient electroreduction of CO2 to C2+ products on CeO2 modified CuO

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ into multicarbon (C₂₊) products powered by renewable electricity offers one promising method for CO₂ utilization and promotes the storage of renewable energy under an ambient environment. However, there is still a dilemma in the manufacture of valuable C₂₊ products between balancing selectivity and activity. In this work, cerium oxides were combined with CuO (CeO₂/CuO) and showed an outstanding catalytic performance for C₂₊ products. The faradaic efficiency of the C₂₊ products could reach 75.2% with a current density of 1.21 A cm⁻². In situ experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that the interface between CeO₂ and Cu and the subsurface Cu₂O coexisted in CeO₂/CuO during CO₂RR and two competing pathways for C–C coupling were promoted separately, of which hydrogenation of *CO to *CHO is energetically favoured. In addition, the introduction of CeO₂ also enhanced water activation, which could accelerate the formation rate of *CHO. Thus, the selectivity and activity for C₂₊ products over CeO₂/CuO can be improved simultaneously.

CO₂ can be efficiently converted into C₂₊ products on CeO₂ modified CuO catalysts and the faradaic efficiency could reach 75.2% with a current density of 1.21 A cm⁻².     

BISPHENYLENECOSAN as highly selective Cs+ extraction agent

A new reagent for the highly selective extraction of cesium (e-1,7–2,2)4,8–8,4-(bis--o-phenylene)bisdicarbollidocobalt(1–)ate, [(C₂B₉H₉)₂(C₆H₄)₂Co]^–, abbreviated as BISPHECOSAN is described in this paper. The choice of organic solvent and solubilizer, dependence of distribution ratio of Cs⁺ on acidity and other parameters are studied. The extraction mechanism based on selective binding of Cs⁺ cation between two phenylene rings is presented and factors influencing the chemical stability of the reagent are determined.     

A Sn-stabilized Cuδ+ electrocatalyst toward highly selective CO2-to-CO in a wide potential range

Current techno-economic evaluation manifests that the electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (eCO₂RR) to CO is very promising considering its simple two-electron transfer process, minimum cost of electricity, and low separation cost. Herein, we report a Sn-modification strategy that can tune the local electronic structure of Cu with an appropriate valence. The as-prepared catalysts can alter the broad product distribution of Cu-based eCO₂RR to predominantly generate CO. CO faradaic efficiency (FE) remained above 96% in the wide potential range of −0.5 to −0.9 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) with CO partial current density up to 265 mA cm⁻². The catalyst also had remarkable stability. Operando experiments and density functional theory calculations demonstrated that the surface Cu^δ+ sites could be modulated and stabilized after introducing Sn. The Cu^δ+ sites with low positive valence were conducive to regulating the binding energy of intermediates and resulted in high CO selectivity and maintained the stability of the catalyst. Additionally, scaling up the catalyst into a membrane electrode assemble system (MEA) could achieve a high overall current of 1.3 A with exclusive and stable CO generation.

Sn-stabilized Cu^δ+ electrocatalysts have been prepared, achieving highly selective CO₂-to-CO in a wide potential range. The modifier Sn could tune the electronic structure of Cu, resulting in high reactivity and selectivity for CO production.     

A Copper(II)-Lanthanoid(III)-Glycine Complex with High-Nuclearity, [{La6Cu26gly18(μ 3-OH)30(H2O)24 (ClO4)}(ClO4)21·26H2O] n

The 1-D complex with high-nuclearity [{La₆Cu₂₆gly₁₈( ₃-OH)₃₀(H₂O)₂₄(ClO₄)} (ClO₄)₂₁·26H₂O] _n was synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The inner core of the basic unit is an octahedron with La³⁺ ions at its vertexes and Cu²⁺ ions at the meddles of the twelve edges. Two additional Cu²⁺ ions are connected to each La³⁺ vertex to form a [La₆Cu₂₄] unit, and adjacent units are interconnected by a pair [Cu(gly)₂] bridges to give a polymeric chain structure.     

Amide-bridged conjugated organic polymers: efficient metal-free catalysts for visible-light-driven CO2 reduction with H2O to CO

The visible-light-driven photoreduction of CO₂ to value-added chemicals over metal-free photocatalysts without sacrificial reagents is very interesting, but challenging. Herein, we present amide-bridged conjugated organic polymers (amide-COPs) prepared via self-condensation of amino nitriles in combination with hydrolysis, for the photoreduction of CO₂ with H₂O without any photosensitizers or sacrificial reagents under visible light irradiation. These catalysts can afford CO as the sole carbonaceous product without H₂ generation. Especially, amide-DAMN derived from diaminomaleonitrile exhibited the highest activity for the photoreduction of CO₂ to CO with a generation rate of 20.6 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹. Experiments and DFT calculations confirmed cyano/amide groups as active sites for CO₂ reduction and second amine groups for H₂O oxidation, and suggested that superior selectivity towards CO may be attributed to the adjacent redox sites. This work presents a new insight into designing photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis.

Amino nitrile-derived conjugated organic polymers can realize the photoreduction of CO₂ with water to CO without H₂ generation efficiently.