Inverse oxide/metal catalysts: A versatile approach for activity tests and mechanistic studies

There is a general desire to improve the configuration of industrial catalysts to take advantage of the intrinsic properties of metal oxides. In recent years, a series of studies has been published examining the growth of oxide nanoparticles on metal substrates. These studies have revealed structures for the supported oxide which are different from those found in bulk phases. In addition, the oxide ? metal interactions can alter the electronic states of the oxide producing new chemical properties. On an inverse oxide/metal catalyst, the reactants can interact with defect sites of the oxide nanoparticles, metal sites, and the metal–oxide interface. In these systems, one can couple the special reactivity of the oxide nanoparticles to the reactivity of the metal to obtain high catalytic activity. Furthermore, an oxide/metal system is also an attractive model for fundamental studies. It can be used to investigate the role of the oxide in a catalytic process, and how the stability of different reaction intermediates depends on the nature of the oxide.     

稀土改性的氧化镍基低温乙烷氧化脱氢催化剂活性氧物种的Raman光谱研究

利用共沉淀法制备了几种稀土金属氧化物改性的氧化镍催化剂 ,考察了其乙烷氧化脱氢 (ODE)制乙烯的催化性能 ,讨论了不同稀土金属氧化物掺杂浓度对催化剂催化性能的影响 ,利用Raman光谱技术初步表征反应在该类催化剂上的活性氧物种为Raman谱带出现在 1 0 60cm- 1 的表面双原子超氧物种O-2 ,该谱峰的大小与催化剂的ODE性能有很好的对应关系。     

Potential application of palladium nanoparticles as selective recyclable hydrogenation catalysts

The search for more efficient catalytic systems that might combine the advantages of both homogeneous (catalyst modulation) and heterogeneous (catalyst recycling) catalysis is one of the most exciting challenges of modern chemistry. More recently with the advances of nanochemistry, it has been possible to prepare soluble analogues of heterogeneous catalysts. These nanoparticles are generally stabilized against aggregation into larger particles by electrostatic or steric protection. Herein we demonstrate the use of room temperature ionic liquid for the stabilization of palladium nanoparticles that are recyclable catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon–carbon double bonds and application of these catalysts to the selective hydrogenation of internal or terminal C=C bonds in unsaturated primary alcohols. The particles suspended in room temperature ionic liquid show no metal aggregation or loss of catalytic activity even on prolonged use.     

Successive electrodeposition of polydopamine and PtPd metal on a graphene oxide support for use as anode fuel cell catalysts

Successive electropolymerization of dopamine and electrodeposition of Pd and/or Pt on a graphene oxide (GO) support were used to prepare anode catalysts for low-temperature fuel cells. Transmission electron microscopy images were used to investigate the morphologies and distribution of the prepared catalysts, which showed the metal formed as nanoparticles on the catalysts. The GO surface was favorable for the modification with electropolymerized polydopamine (PDA) and the electrodeposition of metal catalyst nanoparticles using a simple preparation process. The PDA-loaded GO composite was used as a matrix for the dispersion of Pt and Pd nanoparticles. GO could be simultaneously modified by PDA and reduced without using reducing agents. The electrocatalytic performance of the catalysts for the oxidation of selected small molecule fuels (e.g., methanol, ethanol and formic acid) was examined. An outstanding catalytic activity and stability was found for the prepared Pt/Pd/PDA/GO composite, which was attributed to the high active surface area.     

Surface characterization and reactivity of vanadium-tin oxide nanoparticles

Surface state and reactivity of vanadium-tin mixed oxide nanoparticles (V/Sn ratios 0.05-0.2) were characterized by spectroscopic techniques and catalytic measurements. Analyses by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) revealed that the oxidation state and surface structure of vanadium oxide species and the electronic interaction between Sn and V atoms are dependent upon the vanadium content. These oxides were evaluated as catalysts for methanol oxidation in a fixed-bed reactor. Both reaction rate and formaldehyde selectivity increased with increasing the vanadium amount in catalyst. Results demonstrate that the V⁵⁺ site in the bridging V-O-Sn structure exhibits a high redox activity to facilitate the transformation of adsorbed methoxy to formaldehyde and that the vanadium dispersion plays a crucial role in the surface reactivity. A mechanism that elucidates the catalytic redox process is proposed.     

Experimental and theoretical studies of reaction pathways of direct propylene epoxidation on model catalyst surfaces

The direct epoxidation of propylene to propylene oxide (PO) using molecular oxygen is an attractive alternative to current production methods using chlorohydrin or hydroperoxide-mediated processes, which are environmentally harmful and expensive. Although direct ethylene epoxidation using Ag-based catalysts has been practiced industrially for decades, due to the presence of allylic hydrogen in propylene the selectivity toward epoxide is generally much lower for propylene than for ethylene. Mechanistic understanding on well-characterized surfaces of model catalysts can potentially provide guidance to effectively alter the electronic properties of the catalyst in order to increase PO selectivity. This review summarizes both experimental and theoretical studies on model catalysts for propylene epoxidation and their contributions to elucidating the reaction mechanism, intermediates, and active sites. We first show examples of experimental studies on Cu, Ag, and Au surfaces, and compare the reaction pathways and intermediates on these surfaces. Novel approaches including plasmon-mediated catalysis and utilization of shape-controlled crystal facets that open new opportunities for improving PO selectivity will also be discussed. We then describe how density functional theory (DFT) calculations have provided important insights into the reaction mechanism and active sites on Cu, Ag, and Au surfaces and clusters. Propylene oxidation pathways on other relevant metal surfaces will also be discussed. The combined experimental and computational studies elucidate the nature of surface oxygen species and the role of the oxametallacycle intermediate. We conclude by highlighting design principles and insights for guiding further development of active and selective propylene epoxidation catalysts.     

XAFS structural study of specific features of the active component of model palladium catalysts

Model low-percentage metal oxide palladium catalysts are prepared from acetate complexes of Pd and Mn to study the nature of the activity and the genesis of nanostructured membrane catalyst Pd-Mn systems. A comprehensive study of the prepared model precursor compounds; specific features of their metal components in gels and oxides; and the genesis of the active component, local structure, and charge state is performed by EXAFS and XANES. Possible versions of structural models for the stabilization of metals on oxide supports aare discussed.     

Supercritical isopropanol as a reducing agent for inorganic oxides

Preparative methods for the reduction of simple and complex metal oxides by supercritical isopropanol (SCI) were developed. Procedures for effective work with SCI under usual laboratory conditions were suggested. Optimum reaction conditions (temperature and pressure) and reagent ratios for reactions between SCI and metal oxides were found. Disperse oxides coated by fine-dispersity metals that could be used as catalysts were prepared. Simple methods for obtaining metal nanoparticles by the reduction in situ of metal oxide nanoparticles stabilized in polyethylene and synthetic silica (opal) matrices with SCI were developed.     

Role of nanostructured dual-oxide supports in enhanced catalytic activity: theory of CO oxidation over Au/IrO2/TiO2

The synergetic effect in multicomponent catalysts is a topic of profound industrial importance and intense academic interest. On a newly identified multicomponent catalyst, Au/IrO(2)/TiO(2), first-principles density-functional theory is analyzed to clarify the outstanding catalytic activity of the system for oxidative reactions at high temperatures. By comparing CO oxidation on interfaces and single-component surfaces, it is revealed that a high dispersion of a more active oxide (IrO2), on a more inert oxide (TiO2) is the key. It preserves the sintering resistance of Au supported on less active oxides, while at the same time promoting oxidative reactions that occur at the Au/active-oxide interface.     

Pd@C2N单原子催化剂用于HCOOH分解制氢的第一性原理研究

用于HCOOH分解制氢的贵金属催化剂存在着反应选择性差和资源稀缺等问题. 单原子催化可以有效改善催化剂性能并降低成本,C2N作为一种新型二维材料可为过渡金属原子提供良好的结合位点. 本文利用密度泛函理论,设计了Pd@C2N 单原子催化剂,研究了HCOOH在Pd@C2N表面上的吸附和分解制氢反应机理. 结果表明,HCOOH可在Pd原子顶位吸附,并在C2N表面N原子的协同作用下通过甲酸盐路径生成氢气. 通过比较,Pd@C2N具有比Pd (111)表面更好的催化反应活性与选择性.     

Solvent effects on catalytic reactions and related phenomena at liquid-solid interfaces

Catalytic reactions involve the direct interaction of reactants, intermediates and products with the catalyst surface. We not only need to control the atomic structure and electronic properties of the active site, but also explore the multiple molecular interactions that occur beyond the active site; they play an essential role in altering the binding and reactivity of surface species. In liquid-phase catalysis, solvents provide additional degrees of freedom in the design of the catalytic process for desirable activity and selectivity. The multi-faceted effects of solvents have a profound impact on the catalyst performance by restricting the mass transfer to the site, tuning the chemical potential of the surface species, competing for active sites, stabilizing the initial and transition states, and causing mechanistic changes by participating in the kinetically relevant elementary steps. This review addresses the different aspects of solvent effects, using a few prototype solid-liquid interfaces to illustrate these fundamental features. Recent experimental and computational studies that provide new insight at the molecular level are examined. Solvent structures in the proximity of the catalyst surface are discussed along with their influence in molecular binding and reaction at the solid-liquid interfaces. Furthermore, opportunities to alter such a solid-liquid interaction by tuning the wettability of the catalyst surfaces are explored.     

Materials and reaction mechanisms at anode/electrolyte interfaces for SOFCs

The present paper reviews anodic reaction mechanisms of porous cermet and model anodes at metal/oxide interfaces in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Some analytical results, electrochemical methods, and reaction models were presented at Ni–YSZ cermets and well defined model anodes. Isotope labeling/secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis techniques were applied to determine the oxygen surface reactivity of oxide electrolytes in reducing atmospheres. The technique was also applied to determine the catalytic activity of metal/oxide interfaces for CH₄ decomposition and reactivity with the reformed gases at the mesh or stripe shaped anodes on different oxides. Observed SIMS images and the electrochemical analyses were compared at the model anode/electrolyte interfaces.     

Chiral poly-rare earth metal complexes in asymmetric catalysis

Asymmetric catalysis is a powerful component of modern synthetic organic chemistry. To further broaden the scope and utility of asymmetric catalysis, new basic concepts for the design of asymmetric catalysts are crucial. Because most chemical reactions involve bond-formation between two substrates or moieties, high enantioselectivity and catalyst activity should be realized if an asymmetric catalyst can activate two reacting substrates simultaneously at defined positions. Thus, we proposed the concept of bifunctional asymmetric catalysis, which led us to the design of new asymmetric catalysts containing two functionalities (e.g. a Lewis acid and a Brønsted base or a Lewis acid and a Lewis base). These catalysts demonstrated broad reaction applicability with excellent substrate generality. Using our catalytic asymmetric reactions as keys steps, efficient total syntheses of pharmaceuticals and their biologically active lead natural products were achieved.     

Surface chemistry and microstructural analysis of CexZr1−xO2−y model catalyst surfaces

Cerium-zirconium mixed metal oxides are widely used as promoters in automotive emissions control catalyst systems (three-way catalysts). The addition of zirconium in the cubic lattice of ceria improves the redox properties and the thermal stability, thereby increasing the catalyst efficiency and longevity. The surface composition and availability of surface oxygen of model ceria-zirconia catalyst promoters was considered to develop a reference for future catalytic reactivity studies. The microstructure was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the effect of zirconium substitution on crystalline structure and grain size. Additionally, the Ce/Zr surface atomic ratio and existence of Ce³⁺ defect sites were examined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) for samples with different zirconium concentrations. The surface composition of the model systems with respect to cerium and zirconium concentration is representative of the bulk, indicating no appreciable surface species segregation during model catalyst preparation or exposure to ultrahigh vacuum conditions and analysis techniques. Additionally, the concentration of Ce³⁺ defect sites was constant and independent of composition. The quantity of surface oxygen was unaffected by electron bombardment or prolonged exposure to ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Additionally, XRD analysis did not indicate the presence of additional crystalline phases beyond the cubic structure for compositions from 100 to 25 at.% cerium, although additional phases may be present in undetectable quantities. This analysis is an important initial step for determining surface reactions and pathways for the development of efficient and sulfur-tolerant automotive emissions control catalysts.     

Etude par spectroscopie de photoelectrons des interactions metal—support dans des catalyseurs a l'iridium depose sur des oxydes metalliques

Several iridium supported catalyst were studied by means of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These catalysts contain 5 wt. % iridium impregnated from aqueous solution of hexachloroiridic acid on δ-alumina, silica, zinc oxide, titanium oxide and Ketjen silica alumina and are used in catalytic oxidation of olefins.Photoelectron spectra of oxides, impregnated oxides and hydrogen reduced catalysts have been recorded. Chemical shifts observed on impregnated oxides indicate that alumina and titanium oxide make possible the reduction of some of the hexachloroiridates ions into an iridium(III) chloro complex. This reaction is not detected with zinc oxide and silica.For the reduced catalysts, the iridium 4f doublet is shifted to higher binding energies with respect to that of unsupported iridium and the iridium lines have an anomalous breadth. We have postulated that an electronic interaction occurs between the support acting as an electron acceptor and the metal acting as an electron donor. The chemical shifts depend on the nature of the support, increasing ZnO < SiO₂ < TiO₂ < Al₂O₃, and may be correlated with the Fermi level in the metallic oxide. With silica-alumina and progressively de-aluminated silica-alumina, a simultaneous variation of the iridium chemical shift and catalytic activity is observed.     

The 3D Nanoscale Evolution of Platinum–Niobium Oxide Fuel Cell Catalysts via Identical Location Electron Tomography

Current state‐of‐the‐art catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, comprised of platinum nanoparticles on a high surface area carbon support, are susceptible to platinum dissolution and carbon support corrosion during operation. The use of transition metal oxides in the support material is proposed to stabilize the catalyst material by minimizing platinum dissolution and carbon corrosion. Here, the 3D structural changes are tracked for a hybrid Pt–Nb oxide on carbon catalyst before and after potential cycling utilizing identical location electron tomography. Pt dissolution is observed to varying degrees in both high and low Nb oxide content structures and appreciable carbon support corrosion in the high Nb oxide content structure but not in the low Nb oxide structure.     

Catalytic properties of iron-based mixed oxides in the oxidation of methanol and olefins

The selective oxidation of alcohols and olefins is carried out commercially on complex systems based on Fe and Mo or Sb mixed oxides. The role of active phases and of the dopant in the catalysts has been elucidated using several characterization techniques and catalytic data. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

沉淀方法及铈掺杂对铜锰氧化物催化剂催化氧化CO性能的影响

研究了铈掺杂及沉淀方法对铜锰氧化物催化剂的结构特性及室温催化氧化CO性能的影响. 使用X射线衍射、N₂吸附脱附、等离子体发射光谱、程序升温还原、紫外可见漫反射以及X射线光电子能谱等手段对各催化剂进行了表征. 发现掺杂少量的铈于铜锰氧化物催化剂中,CeO₂相高度分散并能阻止催化剂的烧结和团聚,所制得的催化剂的颗粒较小,氧化还原性能提高,比表面增大,并形成了较多的活性位点,使其对CO的催化氧化性能明显提高.     

Spectroscopic analysis of the riboflavin—serum albumins interaction on silver nanoparticles

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) supported on oxides thin films are commonly used as model catalysts for studies of heterogeneous catalysis. Several 4d and 5d metal NPs (for example, Pd, Pt and Au) grown on alumina, ceria and titania have shown strong metal support interaction (SMSI), for instance the encapsulation of the NPs by the oxide. The SMSI plays an important role in catalysis and is very dependent on the support oxide used. The present work investigates the growth mechanism and atomic structure of Rh NPs supported on epitaxial magnetite Fe₃O₄(111) ultrathin films prepared on Pd(111) using the Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) technique. The iron oxide and the Rh NPs were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low-energy electron diffraction and photoelectron diffraction (PED). The combined XPS and PED results indicate that Rh NPs are metallic, cover approximately 20 % of the iron oxide surface and show height distribution ranging 3–5 ML (monolayers) with essentially a bulk fcc structure.     

CuCoMn-zeolite双功能催化剂转化生物质基合成气制取液态烃

选用四种不同的分子筛(SAPO-34, ZSM-5, Y, MCM-41)与CuCoMn(高醇合成组元)构成双功能催化剂,利用N₂吸脱附、H₂-TPR、XRD、NH₃-TPD等表征了催化剂的结构性质. 研究了催化剂在生物质基合成气一段法制取液态烃燃料的应用. 相比于CuCoMn催化剂,加入分子筛的双功能催化剂均不同程度地提高了液体烃燃料的选择性及收率,且收率按顺序递减呈CCM-ZSM-5>CCM-SAPO-34>CCM-Y>CCM-MCM-41. 同时,共沉淀法制备的CuCoMn-ZSM-5 (20wt%, Si/Al=100) 具有最佳的CO转化率(76%)及液体产物收率(30%). 相比于CuCoMn氧化物,双功能催化剂的比表面及孔容均得到提高. CCM-ZSM-5具有适中的微孔尺寸和中等强度的酸性,增加CCM-ZSM-5中ZSM-5含量或降低ZSM-5中的Si/Al比,均有利于提高酸性位的数量,主要是较弱的酸性位. 而共沉淀法制备的CCM-ZSM-5具有更好的金属分散性及还原性能.