Medium/High-Entropy Amalgamated Core/Shell Nanoplate Achieves Efficient Formic Acid Catalysis for Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cell

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have been attracting extensive research interests in designing advanced nanomaterials, while their precise control is still in the infancy stage. Herein, we have reported a well-defined PtBiPbNiCo hexagonal nanoplates (HEA HPs) as high-performance electrocatalysts. Structure analysis decodes that the HEA HP is constructed with PtBiPb medium-entropy core and PtBiNiCo high-entropy shell. Significantly, the HEA HPs can reach the specific and mass activities of 27.2 mA cm⁻² and 7.1 A mg_Pt⁻¹ for formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR), being the record catalyst ever achieved in Pt-based catalysts, and can realize the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) power density (321.2 mW cm⁻²) in fuel cell. Further experimental and theoretical analyses collectively evidence that the hexagonal intermetallic core/atomic layer shell structure and multi-element synergy greatly promote the direct dehydrogenation pathway of formic acid molecule and suppress the formation of CO*.     

电催化甲酸氧化中钯微粒与聚苯胺的相互作用

采用电化学、ＸＰＳ和拉曼光谱研究钯微粒修饰聚苯胺（ＰＡＮ（Ｐｄ）电极对甲酸氧化的电催化行为。由于钯与ＰＡＮ的相互作用，钯微粒在所研究的电位区间可稳定地固定于ＰＡＮ中，且甲酸在钯上的氧化明显地抑制ＰＡＮ的氧化降解，使ＰＡＮ（Ｐｄ）电极电催化甲酸氧化反应具有高的稳定性和活性。     

Efficient Conversion of Biomass to Formic Acid Coupled with Low Energy Consumption Hydrogen Production from Water Electrolysis

The development of a new electrolytic water hydrogen production coupling system is the key to realize efficient and low-cost hydrogen production and promote its practical application. Herein, a green and efficient electrocatalytic biomass to formic acid (FA) coupled hydrogen production system has been developed. In such a system, carbohydrates such as glucose are oxidized to FA using polyoxometalates (POMs) as the redox anolyte, while H₂ is evolved continuously at the cathode. Among them, the yield of glucose to FA is as high as 62.5 %, and FA is the only liquid product. Furthermore, the system requires only 1.22 V to drive a current density of 50 mA cm⁻², and the Faraday efficiency of hydrogen production is close to 100 %. Its electrical consumption is only 2.9 kWh Nm⁻³ (H₂), which is only 69 % of that of traditional electrolytic water. This work opens up a promising direction for low-cost hydrogen production coupled with efficient biomass conversion.     

Spectrophotomhtric Determination of Vanadium with Salicylic Acid in Formic Acid Medium

Abstract

A method is described for the spectrophotometric determination of vanadium by measuring its colored complex with salicylic acid in formic acid medium. Lambert-Beer's law is followed in the range of 2.0 - 32.0 μg V/ml of the final solution. Thirty-six ions were tested and did not interfore, at the established conditions.     

Atomically Dispersed Cobalt/Copper Dual-Metal Catalysts for Synergistically Boosting Hydrogen Generation from Formic Acid

The development of practical materials for (de)hydrogenation reactions is a prerequisite for the launch of a sustainable hydrogen economy. Herein, we present the design and construction of an atomically dispersed dual-metal site Co/Cu−N−C catalyst allowing significantly improved dehydrogenation of formic acid, which is available from carbon dioxide and green hydrogen. The active catalyst centers consist of specific CoCuN₆ moieties with double-N-bridged adjacent metal-N₄ clusters decorated on a nitrogen-doped carbon support. At optimal conditions the dehydrogenation performance of the nanostructured material (mass activity 77.7 L ⋅ g_metal⁻¹ ⋅ h⁻¹) is up to 40 times higher compared to commercial 5 % Pd/C. In situ spectroscopic and kinetic isotope effect experiments indicate that Co/Cu−N−C promoted formic acid dehydrogenation follows the so-called formate pathway with the C−H dissociation of HCOO* as the rate-determining step. Theoretical calculations reveal that Cu in the CoCuN₆ moiety synergistically contributes to the adsorption of intermediate HCOO* and raises the d-band center of Co to favor HCOO* activation and thereby lower the reaction energy barrier.     

Observation of Asymmetric Oxidation Catalysis with B20 Chiral Crystals**

The study of heterogeneous reactions for enantiomeric processes based on inorganic crystals has been resurgent in recent years. However, the question remains how homochirality develops in nature and chemical reactions. Here, the successful growth of B20 group PdGa single crystals with different chiral lattices enabled us to achieve enantioselective recognition of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) based on a new mechanism, namely orbital angular momentum (OAM) polarization. The orbital textures of PdGa crystals indicate large OAM polarization near the Fermi level and carrying opposite signs. A positive or negative magnetization in the [111] direction is expected depending on the chiral lattice of PdGa crystals. Due to this, the adsorption energies of PdGa crystals and DOPA molecules differ depending on how well the O-2p orbital of DOPA pairs with the Pd-4d orbital of PdGa. The results provide one possible explanation for how chirality arises in nature by providing an enantioselective route with pure inorganic crystals.     

Pt/C催化剂对甲酸电催化氧化的粒径效应

在甲醇溶剂中,利用SnCl2作为还原剂,通过控制反应条件制备了具有不同粒径Pt粒子的炭载Pt(Pt/C)催化剂.X射线衍射(XRD)和透射电子显微镜(TEM)的结果表明,Pt/C催化剂中Pt粒子具有高度的均一性和良好的分散度.电化学研究结果显示,对于甲酸的电催化氧化,Pt/C催化剂存在着明显的粒径效应.当Pt粒子粒径为3.2 nm时,Pt/C催化剂对甲酸的电催化氧化活性最佳.Pt/C催化剂对甲酸氧化的粒径效应与其表面含氧基团含量、Pt粒子的比表面积及相对结晶度相关.     

铂单晶（210）,（310）和（610）阶梯晶面在甲酸氧化中的电催化特性

通过比较甲酸在Pt(210)、Pt(310)、Pt(610)3个阶梯晶面和在Pt(110)、Pt(100)2个基础晶面上的电氧化特性,揭示了在甲酸氧化中阶梯晶面的电催化特性不仅与该面原子排列对称结构种类有关,还依赖于这些对称结构的有序范围及所处的环境。     

Pt-Se纳米空球修饰玻碳电极上甲酸的电催化氧化

以无定形硒溶胶为模板制备了不同硒覆盖度(θSe)(θSe=0.49,0.39,0.06,0)的Pt-Se和Pt纳米空球(分别记为(Pt-Se)HN和PtHN),发展了利用亚硫酸盐彻底除去核壳纳米粒子上Se的方法.对获得的纳米空球进行了形貌和结构的表征,结果表明所制备的(Pt-Se)HN粒径均匀,分散性好,球壳呈多孔结构.以其作为电催化剂制备了(Pt-Se)HN修饰的玻碳(GC)电极((Pt-Se)HN/GC),利用常规电化学方法比较该电极与PtHN/GC和商用碳载铂(Pt/C)修饰GC(Pt/C/GC)电极对甲酸的催化氧化作用,发现对甲酸氧化的活性顺序为(Pt-Se)HN/GCPtHN/GCPt/C/GC.三种电极催化甲酸氧化的机理有所不同:前者更倾向于通过弱吸附中间体直接氧化成CO2的单途径机理进行,后两者则通过强吸附和弱吸附中间体的双途径机理进行.在一定Se覆盖度条件下,(Pt-Se)HN/GC对甲酸的氧化有助催化作用.     

均相催化剂催化氧气氧化生物质制备甲酸

甲酸是一种重要的化工原料,以可再生生物质为原料,通过催化氧气氧化制备甲酸具有重要意义。对于不溶于水的生物质原料的转化,采用可溶于水的均相催化剂体系证明是有效的。本文总结了均相催化剂体系(包括含钒杂多酸、含钒杂多酸+H₂SO₄、含钒杂多酸基离子液体、NaVO₃+H₂SO₄、VOSO₄、NaVO₃-FeCl₃+H₂SO₄、FeCl₃+H₂SO₄等)在催化氧气氧化生物质(包括生物质模型化合物、纤维素、木材、秸秆和玉米芯等)制备甲酸方面的研究,分析了其转化的过程和机理。最后,指出了目前催化氧化生物质制备甲酸存在的问题和挑战。     

(PtAuPt)HN/GC的制备及对甲酸氧化的电催化性能

以Se溶胶为模板,合成了多层核壳结构的Se@Pt@Au@Pt实心纳米粒子;采用化学与电化学相结合的除硒方法制得了(PtAuPt)HN/GC,并表征了(PtAuPt-Se)HN的表面形貌、结构与组成;以甲酸为探针分子,比较了(PtAuPt)HN/GC和Pt/C/GC对甲酸氧化的电催化行为,发现(PtAuPt)HN/GC催化甲酸氧化只有1个氧化峰,峰电位和峰电流分别约为0.35V和1.22mA/cm2,而Pt/C/GC则有2个氧化峰,在0.35V时所对应的电流密度仅约为0.30mA/cm2,前者在该电位时的电流密度是后者的4倍;在0.30mA/cm2的电流密度下,(PtAuPt)HN/GC对应的电极电位为0.01V,比Pt/C/GC负移了340mV;在600s时的计时电流分别为0.06和0.02mA/cm2.(PtAuPt)HN对甲酸氧化的电催化活性不但比Pt/C高,而且具有一定的抗CO中毒性能.     

Molecular Recognition Regulates Coordination Structure of Single-Atom Sites

Coordination engineering for single-atom sites has drawn increasing attention, yet its chemical synthesis remains a tough issue, especially for tailorable coordination structures. Herein, a molecular recognition strategy is proposed to fabricate single-atom sites with regulable local coordination structures. Specifically, a heteroatom-containing ligand serves as the guest molecule to induce coordination interaction with the metal-containing host, precisely settling the heteroatoms into the local structure of single-atom sites. As a proof of concept, thiophene is selected as the guest molecule, and sulfur atoms are successfully introduced into the local coordination structure of iron single-atom sites. Ultrahigh oxygen reduction electrocatalytic activity is achieved with a half-wave potential of 0.93 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Furthermore, the strategy possesses excellent universality towards diversified types of single-atom sites. This work makes breakthroughs in the fabrication of single-atom sites and affords new opportunities in structural regulation at the atomic level.     

Boosting Electrocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction via Self-Relaxation of Asymmetric Coordination in Fe-Based Single Atom Catalyst

Addressing the limitations arising from the consistent catalytic behavior observed for various intermediates during the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR) poses a significant challenge in the optimization of catalytic activity. In this study, we aimed to address this challenge by constructing an asymmetric coordination Fe single atom catalyst (SCA) with a dynamically evolved structure. Our catalyst, consisting of a Fe atom coordinated with one S atom and three N atoms (Fe−S₁N₃), exhibited exceptional selectivity (CO Faradaic efficiency of 99.02 %) and demonstrated a high intrinsic activity (TOF of 7804.34 h⁻¹), and remarkable stability. Using operando XAFS spectra and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, we elucidated the self-relaxation of geometric distortion and dynamic evolution of bond lengths within the catalyst. These structure changes enabled independent regulation of the *COOH and *CO intermediate adsorption energies, effectively breaking the linear scale relationship and enhancing the intrinsic activity of CO₂RR. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamic evolution of SACs and paves the way for targeted catalyst designs aimed to disrupt the linear scaling relationships.     

单原子层Pd壳的Pt3Ni纳米立方体的甲酸氧化性能

通过一种结合了CO辅助合成Pt₃Ni纳米立方粒子和单原子层Cu壳欠电位沉积再置换为Pd的方法,成功制备出了具有单原子层Pd壳和Pt₃Ni纳米立方粒子核结构的Pt₃Ni@Pd/C催化剂。电感耦合等离子体元素分析、X射线衍射和透射电子显微镜法被用于研究表征此种Pt₃Ni@Pd/C催化剂,结果显示大部分Pt₃Ni纳米粒子的表面都由{100}族的晶面所构成。而且在这些{100}族的晶面上,单原子层Pd壳通过电沉积的外延生长,也获得了{100}族的晶面。本文进一步对Pt₃Ni@Pd/C作为甲酸氧化电催化剂的性能进行了研究,并与商业Pd/C和原Pt₃Ni/C催化剂进行了比较。结果显示,由于Pt₃Ni@Pd/C的单原子层Pd壳的结构和所暴露出的Pd{100}族的晶面,Pt₃Ni@Pd/C催化剂具有优异的甲酸氧化电催化性能。与原Pt₃Ni/C催化剂相比较,Pt₃Ni@Pd/C催化剂的贵金属质量比活性提高到了7.5倍。此外,与商业Pd/C催化剂相比,Pt₃Ni@Pd/C催化剂的比表面活性和Pd质量比活性也分别提高到了2.5和8.3倍。     

A Revisit to the Role of Bridge-adsorbed Formate in the Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Formic Acid at Pt Electrodes (cited: 2)

The mechanism and kinetics of electrocatalytic oxidation of formic acid at Pt electrodes is discussed in detail based on previous electrochemical in-situ ATR-FTIRS data [Langmuir 22, 10399 (2006) and Angewa. Chem. Int. Ed. 50, 1159 (2011)]. A kinetic model withformic acid adsorption (and probably the simultaneous C-H bond activation) as the rate determining step, which contributes to the majority of reaction current for formic acid oxi-dation, was proposed for the direct pathway. The model simulates well the IR spectroscopic results obtained under conditions where the poisoning effect of carbon monoxide (CO) is negligible and formic acid concentration is below 0.1 mol/L. The kinetic simulation predicts that in the direct pathway formic acid oxidation probably only needs one Pt atom as active site, formate is the site blocking species instead of being the active intermediate. We review in detail the conclusion that formate pathway (with either 1st or 2nd order reaction kinetics) is the direct pathway, possible origins for the discrepancies are pointed out.     

炭载Pd-Pb合金纳米粒子对甲酸电催化氧化的影响

通过浸渍还原方法制备了具有不同化学计量比的炭载Pd-Pb合金纳米粒子催化剂. XRD和TEM测试结果表明, Pd-Pb合金纳米粒子的晶格常数随Pb元素含量的增加而增加, 相应的粒子尺寸随Pb元素含量的增加而减小. 循环伏安、CO溶出和计时电流等电化学测试结果表明, 炭载Pd-Pb合金纳米粒子催化剂对甲酸氧化的电催化活性随Pb含量的增加而降低.     

炭载Pd-Ni合金纳米粒子对甲酸的电催化氧化

通过液相还原法制备了具有不同原子比例的Pd-Ni/C催化剂,并且使用X射线衍射（XRD）、透射电子显微镜(TEM)和X射线光电子能谱(XPS) 等表征手段对制备的催化剂进行了表征,总结了Ni的掺杂对Pd-Ni合金纳米粒子的尺寸及晶体结构的影响。电化学测试结果表明：适量的Ni的掺杂不但能够增强催化剂对甲酸催化氧化的活性,而且还能够提高催化剂的稳定性。因此,Pd-Ni/C催化剂是一类具有潜在应用前景的直接甲酸燃料电池阳极催化剂     

Boosting Selective Oxidation of Ethylene to Ethylene Glycol Assisted by In situ Generated H2O2 from O2 Electroreduction

Ethylene glycol is a useful organic compound and chemical intermediate for manufacturing various commodity chemicals of industrial importance. Nevertheless, the production of ethylene glycol in a green and safe manner is still a long-standing challenge. Here, we established an integrated, efficient pathway for oxidizing ethylene into ethylene glycol. Mesoporous carbon catalyst produces H₂O₂, and titanium silicalite-1 catalyst would subsequently oxidize ethylene into ethylene glycol with the in situ generated H₂O₂. This tandem route presents a remarkable activity, i.e., 86 % H₂O₂ conversion with 99 % ethylene glycol selectivity and 51.48 mmol g_ecat⁻¹ h⁻¹ production rate at 0.4 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. Apart from generated H₂O₂ as an oxidant, there exists ⋅OOH intermediate which could omit the step of absorbing and dissociating H₂O₂ over titanium silicalite-1, showing faster reaction kinetics compared to the ex situ one. This work not only provides a new idea for yielding ethylene glycol but also demonstrates the superior of in situ generated H₂O₂ in tandem route.     

L-脯氨酸稳定的铱催化苯乙酮及其衍生物不对称加氢反应

以L-脯氨酸为稳定剂制备了负载型金属铱催化剂, 并用于苯乙酮及其衍生物不对称加氢反应. 考察了载体以及L-脯氨酸的量对催化剂性能的影响, 以透射电镜(TEM)和X射线光电子能谱(XPS)对催化剂进行了表征. 结果表明L-脯氨酸对金属铱粒子具有较好的分散和稳定作用. 通过考察反应条件发现: 碱金属离子对反应有较大影响; L-脯氨酸与手性修饰剂对催化活性和对映选择性存在一定的协同促进作用. 在手性二胺(1S,2S)-1,2- 二苯基乙二胺 ((1S,2S)-DPEN) 修饰下, 催化剂 5% (w, 质量分数)Ir/15( 脯氨酸与铱的摩尔比)(L-Proline)-γ-Al2O3催化苯乙酮不对称加氢获得了71.3%的对映选择性(ee), 2?-(三氟甲基)苯乙醇的对映选择性达到了79.8%. 该催化剂制备方法简单, 不需要膦配体做稳定剂, 催化剂性能稳定, 通过简单的离心分离可循环使用5次而无明显的活性和对映选择性降低.     

甲酸在Aucore@Ptshell/Pt电极上电催化氧化的原位SERS

用化学还原法合成了Aucore@Ptshell纳米粒子, 并用扫描电子显微镜(SEM)及X射线衍射(XRD)等技术对纳米粒子进行表征; 采用电化学原位表面增强拉曼光谱(SERS)技术对甲酸的电催化氧化过程进行了研究, 成功地获得了甲酸在Aucore@Ptshell/Pt电极上解离吸附的原位SERS. 结果显示, 在开路电位时, 甲酸能在Aucore@Ptshell/Pt电极表面自发氧化, 解离生成强吸附中间体COad和弱吸附中间体HCOOad, 在电位为+0.10 V时检测到氧化产物CO2的谱峰. 研究结果表明, Aucore@Ptshell/Pt电极对甲酸的氧化具有较高的催化活性和较强的SERS效应, 甲酸在Aucore@Ptshell/Pt电极上的电催化氧化过程遵循双途径机理.