scholarly journals Highly efficient binary copper−iron catalyst for photoelectrochemical carbon dioxide reduction toward methane

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (3) ◽  
pp. 1330-1338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baowen Zhou ◽  
Pengfei Ou ◽  
Nick Pant ◽  
Shaobo Cheng ◽  
Srinivas Vanka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Iron Catalyst ◽  
High Current Density ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Faradaic Efficiency ◽  
High Energy Barrier ◽  
Linear Configuration

A rational design of an electrocatalyst presents a promising avenue for solar fuels synthesis from carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation but is extremely challenging. Herein, we use density functional theory calculations to study an inexpensive binary copper−iron catalyst for photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction toward methane. The calculations of reaction energetics suggest that Cu and Fe in the binary system can work in synergy to significantly deform the linear configuration of CO2 and reduce the high energy barrier by stabilizing the reaction intermediates, thus spontaneously favoring CO2 activation and conversion for methane synthesis. Experimentally, the designed CuFe catalyst exhibits a high current density of −38.3 mA⋅cm−2 using industry-ready silicon photoelectrodes with an impressive methane Faradaic efficiency of up to 51%, leading to a distinct turnover frequency of 2,176 h−1 under air mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5G) one-sun illumination.

scholarly journals Altering the rate-determining step over cobalt single clusters leading to highly efficient ammonia synthesis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sisi Liu ◽  
Mengfan Wang ◽  
Haoqing Ji ◽  
Xiaowei Shen ◽  
Chenglin Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Sites ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Ammonia Synthesis ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Property A ◽  
Strong Electron ◽  
Faradaic Efficiency ◽  
Rate Determining Step

Abstract Activation of high-energy triple-bonds of N2 is the most significant bottleneck of ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions. Here, by importing cobalt single clusters as strong electron-donating promoter into the catalyst, the rate-determining step of ammonia synthesis is altered to the subsequent proton addition so that the barrier of N2 dissociation can be successfully overcome. As revealed by density functional theory calculations, the N2 dissociation becomes exothermic over the cobalt single cluster upon the strong electron backdonation from metal to the N2 antibonding orbitals. The energy barrier of the positively shifted rate-determining step is also greatly reduced. At the same time, advanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations indicate a barrier-less process of the N2 approaching the active sites that greatly facilitates the mass transfer. With suitable thermodynamic and dynamic property, a high ammonia yield rate of 76.2 μg h–1 mg$^{-1 }_{\rm cat.}$ and superior Faradaic efficiency of 52.9% were simultaneously achieved.

scholarly journals Insights on forming N,O-coordinated Cu single-atom catalysts for electrochemical reduction CO2 to methane

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanming Cai ◽  
Jiaju Fu ◽  
Yang Zhou ◽  
Yu-Chung Chang ◽  
Qianhao Min ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Barrier ◽  
Active Sites ◽  
Theoretical Calculations ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Single Atom ◽  
Faradaic Efficiency ◽  
High Energy Barrier ◽  
Catalytic Sites ◽  
Electron Reduction ◽  
First Time

AbstractSingle-atom catalysts (SACs) are promising candidates to catalyze electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) due to maximized atomic utilization. However, products are usually limited to CO instead of hydrocarbons or oxygenates due to unfavorable high energy barrier for further electron transfer on synthesized single atom catalytic sites. Here we report a novel partial-carbonization strategy to modify the electronic structures of center atoms on SACs for lowering the overall endothermic energy of key intermediates. A carbon-dots-based SAC margined with unique CuN2O2 sites was synthesized for the first time. The introduction of oxygen ligands brings remarkably high Faradaic efficiency (78%) and selectivity (99% of ECR products) for electrochemical converting CO2 to CH4 with current density of 40 mA·cm-2 in aqueous electrolytes, surpassing most reported SACs which stop at two-electron reduction. Theoretical calculations further revealed that the high selectivity and activity on CuN2O2 active sites are due to the proper elevated CH4 and H2 energy barrier and fine-tuned electronic structure of Cu active sites.

scholarly journals Selective capture of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons using a metal-organic framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid T. Qazvini ◽  
Ravichandar Babarao ◽  
Shane G. Telfer
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Metal Organic Framework ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Time Lags ◽  
X Ray Crystallography ◽  
Metal Organic ◽  
Adsorption Of Co ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Organic Framework

AbstractEfficient and sustainable methods for carbon dioxide capture are highly sought after. Mature technologies involve chemical reactions that absorb CO2, but they have many drawbacks. Energy-efficient alternatives may be realised by porous physisorbents with void spaces that are complementary in size and electrostatic potential to molecular CO2. Here, we present a robust, recyclable and inexpensive adsorbent termed MUF-16. This metal-organic framework captures CO2 with a high affinity in its one-dimensional channels, as determined by adsorption isotherms, X-ray crystallography and density-functional theory calculations. Its low affinity for other competing gases delivers high selectivity for the adsorption of CO2 over methane, acetylene, ethylene, ethane, propylene and propane. For equimolar mixtures of CO2/CH4 and CO2/C2H2, the selectivity is 6690 and 510, respectively. Breakthrough gas separations under dynamic conditions benefit from short time lags in the elution of the weakly-adsorbed component to deliver high-purity hydrocarbon products, including pure methane and acetylene.

First principle simulation on oxidation mechanism of diethyl ether by nitrogen dioxide

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (03) ◽  
pp. 1550020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Yuan ◽  
Wei Hu ◽  
Xuhui Chi ◽  
Cuihua Li ◽  
Dayong Gui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diethyl Ether ◽  
Energy Barrier ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Oxidation Process ◽  
Oxidation Mechanism ◽  
High Energy ◽  
First Principle ◽  
Functional Theory ◽  
The Third ◽  
High Energy Barrier

The oxidation mechanism of diethyl ethers by NO2was carried out using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31+G (d, p) level. The oxidation process of ether follows four steps. First, the diethyl ether reacts with NO2to produce HNO2and diethyl ether radical with an energy barrier of 20.62 kcal ⋅ mol-1. Then, the diethyl ether radical formed in the first step directly combines with NO2to form CH3CH ( ONO ) OCH2CH3. In the third step, the CH3CH ( ONO ) OCH2CH3was further decomposed into the CH3CH2ONO and CH3CHO with a moderately high energy barrier of 32.87 kcal ⋅ mol-1. Finally, the CH3CH2ONO continues to react with NO2to yield CH3CHO , HNO2and NO with an energy barrier of 28.13 kcal ⋅ mol-1. The calculated oxidation mechanism agrees well with Nishiguchi and Okamoto's experiment and proposal.

scholarly journals Computationally aided, entropy-driven synthesis of highly efficient and durable multi-elemental alloy catalysts

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. eaaz0510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yonggang Yao ◽  
Zhenyu Liu ◽  
Pengfei Xie ◽  
Zhennan Huang ◽  
Tangyuan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Density Functional ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Alloy Formation ◽  
Functional Theory ◽  
Excellent Thermal Stability ◽  
Design And Synthesis ◽  
Highly Efficient ◽  
Computational Strategy

Multi-elemental alloy nanoparticles (MEA-NPs) hold great promise for catalyst discovery in a virtually unlimited compositional space. However, rational and controllable synthesize of these intrinsically complex structures remains a challenge. Here, we report the computationally aided, entropy-driven design and synthesis of highly efficient and durable catalyst MEA-NPs. The computational strategy includes prescreening of millions of compositions, prediction of alloy formation by density functional theory calculations, and examination of structural stability by a hybrid Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics method. Selected compositions can be efficiently and rapidly synthesized at high temperature (e.g., 1500 K, 0.5 s) with excellent thermal stability. We applied these MEA-NPs for catalytic NH3 decomposition and observed outstanding performance due to the synergistic effect of multi-elemental mixing, their small size, and the alloy phase. We anticipate that the computationally aided rational design and rapid synthesis of MEA-NPs are broadly applicable for various catalytic reactions and will accelerate material discovery.

scholarly journals Rationally designed indium oxide catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol with high activity and selectivity

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (25) ◽  
pp. eaaz2060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanshan Dang ◽  
Bin Qin ◽  
Yong Yang ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Jun Cai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Density Functional ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Catalytic Performance ◽  
Oxide Catalysts ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Experimental Realization ◽  
Successful Case ◽  
Catalytic Stability ◽  
Pure Phases

Renewable energy-driven methanol synthesis from CO2 and green hydrogen is a viable and key process in both the “methanol economy” and “liquid sunshine” visions. Recently, In2O3-based catalysts have shown great promise in overcoming the disadvantages of traditional Cu-based catalysts. Here, we report a successful case of theory-guided rational design of a much higher performance In2O3 nanocatalyst. Density functional theory calculations of CO2 hydrogenation pathways over stable facets of cubic and hexagonal In2O3 predict the hexagonal In2O3(104) surface to have far superior catalytic performance. This promotes the synthesis and evaluation of In2O3 in pure phases with different morphologies. Confirming our theoretical prediction, a novel hexagonal In2O3 nanomaterial with high proportion of the exposed {104} surface exhibits the highest activity and methanol selectivity with high catalytic stability. The synergy between theory and experiment proves highly effective in the rational design and experimental realization of oxide catalysts for industry-relevant reactions.

scholarly journals Tracking structural evolution: operando regenerative CeOx/Bi interface structure for high-performance CO2 electroreduction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruichao Pang ◽  
Pengfei Tian ◽  
Hongliang Jiang ◽  
Minghui Zhu ◽  
Xiaozhi Su ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Structural Evolution ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Active Phase ◽  
Interface Structure ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Faradaic Efficiency ◽  
Co2 Electroreduction ◽  
Water Activation

Abstract Unveiling the structural evolution and working mechanism of catalysts under realistic operating conditions is crucial for the design of efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 electroreduction, yet remains highly challenging. Here, by virtue of operando structural measurements at multiscale levels, it is identified under CO2 electroreduction conditions that an as-prepared CeO2/BiOCl precatalyst gradually evolves into CeOx/Bi interface structure with enriched Ce3+ species, which serves as the real catalytically active phase. The derived CeOx/Bi interface structure compared to pure Bi counterpart delivers substantially enhanced performance with a formate Faradaic efficiency approaching 90% for 24 hours in a wide potential window. The formate Faradaic efficiency can be further increased by using isotope D2O instead of H2O. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the regenerative CeOx/Bi interfacial sites can not only promote water activation to increase local *H species for CO2 protonation appropriately, but also stabilize the key intermediate *OCHO in formate pathway.

scholarly journals The Stone–Wales transformation: from fullerenes to graphite, from radiation damage to heat capacity

2016 ◽  
Vol 374 (2076) ◽  
pp. 20150317 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. I. Heggie ◽  
G. L. Haffenden ◽  
C. D. Latham ◽  
T. Trevethan
Keyword(s):  
Heat Capacity ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Local Density ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Functional Theory ◽  
High Temperature Heat Capacity ◽  
Bond Rotation ◽  
Buckminster Fullerene ◽  
Equilibrium Concentrations

The Stone–Wales (SW) transformation, or carbon-bond rotation, has been fundamental to understanding fullerene growth and stability, and ab initio calculations show it to be a high-energy process. The nature and topology of the fullerene energy landscape shows how the I h -C 60 must be the final product, if SW transformations are fast enough, and various mechanisms for their catalysis have been proposed. We review SW transformations in fullerenes and then discuss the analogous transformation in graphite, where they form the Dienes defect, originally posited to be a transition state in the direct exchange of a bonded atom pair. On the basis of density functional theory calculations in the local density approximation, we propose that non-equilibrium concentrations of the Dienes defect arising from displacing radiation are rapidly healed by point defects and that equilibrium concentrations of Dienes defects are responsible for the divergent ultra-high-temperature heat capacity of graphite. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Fullerenes: past, present and future, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Buckminster Fullerene’.

scholarly journals Ultrahigh sensitive Raman spectroscopy for subnanoscience: Direct observation of tin oxide clusters

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. eaax6455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akiyoshi Kuzume ◽  
Miyu Ozawa ◽  
Yuansen Tang ◽  
Yuki Yamada ◽  
Naoki Haruta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Tin Oxide ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Atomic Scale ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Surface Enhanced Raman

Subnanometric metal clusters exhibit anomalous catalytic activity, suggesting innovative applications as next-generation materials, although identifying and characterizing these subnanomaterials in atomic detail remains a substantial challenge because of the severely weak signal intensity for the conventional analytical methods. Here, we report a subnanosensitive vibrational technique established based on the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, demonstrating the first-ever detailed vibrational characterization of subnanomaterials. Furthermore, combining with density functional theory calculations, we reveal that inherent surface structures of the tin oxide subnanoclusters determine the size-specific spectral and catalytic characteristics of these clusters. The high-sensitivity characterization methodology elaborated here can provide a comprehensive understanding of the chemical and structural natures of subnanomaterials, which facilitate the rational design of subnanomaterials on the atomic scale for practical applications, such as in catalysts, biosensors, and electronics.

scholarly journals Promoting CO2 methanation via ligand-stabilized metal oxide clusters as hydrogen-donating motifs

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuhang Li ◽  
Aoni Xu ◽  
Yanwei Lum ◽  
Xue Wang ◽  
Sung-Fu Hung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Metal Oxide ◽  
Active Sites ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Copper Catalyst ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Adsorbed Hydrogen ◽  
Co2 Methanation ◽  
Faradaic Efficiency ◽  
Metal Oxide Clusters

AbstractElectroreduction uses renewable energy to upgrade carbon dioxide to value-added chemicals and fuels. Renewable methane synthesized using such a route stands to be readily deployed using existing infrastructure for the distribution and utilization of natural gas. Here we design a suite of ligand-stabilized metal oxide clusters and find that these modulate carbon dioxide reduction pathways on a copper catalyst, enabling thereby a record activity for methane electroproduction. Density functional theory calculations show adsorbed hydrogen donation from clusters to copper active sites for the *CO hydrogenation pathway towards *CHO. We promote this effect via control over cluster size and composition and demonstrate the effect on metal oxides including cobalt(II), molybdenum(VI), tungsten(VI), nickel(II) and palladium(II) oxides. We report a carbon dioxide-to-methane faradaic efficiency of 60% at a partial current density to methane of 135 milliampere per square centimetre. We showcase operation over 18 h that retains a faradaic efficiency exceeding 55%.

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