scholarly journals Function-oriented Design of Robust Metal Cocatalyst for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution on Metal/Titania Composites

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Wang ◽  
Xue-Qing Gong
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transfer ◽  
Hydrogen Evolution ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Metal Layer ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Effective Electron ◽  
Photocatalytic Reactions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Right

Abstract To realize the rational design of improved catalysts is one of ultimate goals in catalysis, though practical strategies are generally in shortage, especially for the complicated photocatalytic processes. Here, we take the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as an example, and introduce a theoretical approach for designing robust metal cocatalysts supported on TiO2, using density functional theory calculations adopting on-site Coulomb correction and/or hybrid functionals. The approach starts with clarifying the individual function of each metal layer of metal/TiO2 composites in photocatalytic HER, covering both the electron transfer and surface catalysis aspects, followed by conducting a function-oriented optimization via exploring competent candidates. With this approach, we successfully determined and verified bimetallic Pt/Rh/TiO2 and Pt/Cu/TiO2 catalysts to be robust substitutes for conventional Pt/TiO2. The right metal type as well as the proper stacking sequence are demonstrated to be the key to boosting the performance. Moreover, we pioneeringly identified the tunneling barrier height as an effective electron transfer descriptor for photocatalytic reactions on metal/oxide catalysts. We believe that this study pushes forward the frontier of photocatalyst design towards higher water splitting efficiency.

scholarly journals Function-oriented design of robust metal cocatalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution on metal/titania composites

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong Wang ◽  
Xue-Qing Gong
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transfer ◽  
Hydrogen Evolution ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Metal Layer ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Functional Theory ◽  
Metal Type ◽  
Surface Catalysis ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Right

AbstractWhile the precise design of catalysts is one of ultimate goals in catalysis, practical strategies often fall short, especially for complicated photocatalytic processes. Here, taking the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as an example, we introduce a theoretical approach for designing robust metal cocatalysts supported on TiO2 using density functional theory calculations adopting on-site Coulomb correction and/or hybrid functionals. The approach starts with clarifying the individual function of each metal layer of metal/TiO2 composites in photocatalytic HER, covering both the electron transfer and surface catalysis aspects, followed by conducting a function-oriented optimization via exploring competent candidates. With this approach, we successfully determine and verify bimetallic Pt/Rh/TiO2 and Pt/Cu/TiO2 catalysts to be robust substitutes for conventional Pt/TiO2. The right metal type as well as the proper stacking sequence are demonstrated to be key to boosting performance. Moreover, we tentatively identify the tunneling barrier height as an effective descriptor for the important electron transfer process in photocatalysis on metal/oxide catalysts. We believe that this study pushes forward the frontier of photocatalyst design towards higher water splitting efficiency.

scholarly journals Nickel phlorin intermediate formed by proton-coupled electron transfer in hydrogen evolution mechanism

2015 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 485-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian H. Solis ◽  
Andrew G. Maher ◽  
Dilek K. Dogutan ◽  
Daniel G. Nocera ◽  
Sharon Hammes-Schiffer
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transfer ◽  
Proton Transfer ◽  
Hydrogen Evolution ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Strong Acid ◽  
Cyclic Voltammograms ◽  
Intramolecular Electron Transfer ◽  
Proton Coupled Electron Transfer ◽  
Proton Relay

The development of more effective energy conversion processes is critical for global energy sustainability. The design of molecular electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction is an important component of these efforts. Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions, in which electron transfer is coupled to proton transfer, play an important role in these processes and can be enhanced by incorporating proton relays into the molecular electrocatalysts. Herein nickel porphyrin electrocatalysts with and without an internal proton relay are investigated to elucidate the hydrogen evolution mechanisms and thereby enable the design of more effective catalysts. Density functional theory calculations indicate that electrochemical reduction leads to dearomatization of the porphyrin conjugated system, thereby favoring protonation at the meso carbon of the porphyrin ring to produce a phlorin intermediate. A key step in the proposed mechanisms is a thermodynamically favorable PCET reaction composed of intramolecular electron transfer from the nickel to the porphyrin and proton transfer from a carboxylic acid hanging group or an external acid to the meso carbon of the porphyrin. The C–H bond of the active phlorin acts similarly to the more traditional metal-hydride by reacting with acid to produce H2. Support for the theoretically predicted mechanism is provided by the agreement between simulated and experimental cyclic voltammograms in weak and strong acid and by the detection of a phlorin intermediate through spectroelectrochemical measurements. These results suggest that phlorin species have the potential to perform unique chemistry that could prove useful in designing more effective electrocatalysts.

Field Effect Modulation of Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution at Back-Gated Two-Dimensional MoS2 Electrodes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Wang ◽  
Sagar Udyavara ◽  
Matthew Neurock ◽  
C. Daniel Frisbie
Keyword(s):  
Electric Field ◽  
Hydrogen Evolution ◽  
Active Sites ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Electrode Materials ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Electronic Charge ◽  
Back Side ◽  
Gate Electrode ◽  
Conventional Manner

<div> <div> <div> <p> </p><div> <div> <div> <p>Electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution at monolayer MoS2 electrodes can be enhanced by the application of an electric field normal to the electrode plane. The electric field is produced by a gate electrode lying underneath the MoS2 and separated from it by a dielectric. Application of a voltage to the back-side gate electrode while sweeping the MoS2 electrochemical potential in a conventional manner in 0.5 M H2SO4 results in up to a 140-mV reduction in overpotential for hydrogen evolution at current densities of 50 mA/cm2. Tafel analysis indicates that the exchange current density is correspondingly improved by a factor of 4 to 0.1 mA/cm2 as gate voltage is increased. Density functional theory calculations support a mechanism in which the higher hydrogen evolution activity is caused by gate-induced electronic charge on Mo metal centers adjacent the S vacancies (the active sites), leading to enhanced Mo-H bond strengths. Overall, our findings indicate that the back-gated working electrode architecture is a convenient and versatile platform for investigating the connection between tunable electronic charge at active sites and overpotential for electrocatalytic processes on ultrathin electrode materials.</p></div></div></div><br><p></p></div></div></div>

scholarly journals Interfacial chemical bond and internal electric field modulated Z-scheme Sv-ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 photocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuehua Wang ◽  
Xianghu Wang ◽  
Jianfeng Huang ◽  
Shaoxiang Li ◽  
Alan Meng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Charge Transfer ◽  
Electric Field ◽  
Hydrogen Evolution ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Monochromatic Light ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Internal Electric Field ◽  
Apparent Quantum Yield ◽  
Paramagnetic Resonance ◽  
High Hydrogen

AbstractConstruction of Z-scheme heterostructure is of great significance for realizing efficient photocatalytic water splitting. However, the conscious modulation of Z-scheme charge transfer is still a great challenge. Herein, interfacial Mo-S bond and internal electric field modulated Z-scheme heterostructure composed by sulfur vacancies-rich ZnIn2S4 and MoSe2 was rationally fabricated for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Systematic investigations reveal that Mo-S bond and internal electric field induce the Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism as confirmed by the surface photovoltage spectra, DMPO spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance spectra and density functional theory calculations. Under the intense synergy among the Mo-S bond, internal electric field and S-vacancies, the optimized photocatalyst exhibits high hydrogen evolution rate of 63.21 mmol∙g−1·h−1 with an apparent quantum yield of 76.48% at 420 nm monochromatic light, which is about 18.8-fold of the pristine ZIS. This work affords a useful inspiration on consciously modulating Z-scheme charge transfer by atomic-level interface control and internal electric field to signally promote the photocatalytic performance.

scholarly journals Spectroscopic evidence for direct flavin-flavin contact in a bifurcating electron transfer flavoprotein

2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (36) ◽  
pp. 12618-12634
Author(s):  
H. Diessel Duan ◽  
Nishya Mohamed-Raseek ◽  
Anne-Frances Miller
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transfer ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Protein Denaturation ◽  
Rhodopseudomonas Palustris ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Functional Theory ◽  
Electron Transfer Flavoprotein ◽  
Midpoint Potential ◽  
Ct Complex

A remarkable charge transfer (CT) band is described in the bifurcating electron transfer flavoprotein (Bf-ETF) from Rhodopseudomonas palustris (RpaETF). RpaETF contains two FADs that play contrasting roles in electron bifurcation. The Bf-FAD accepts electrons pairwise from NADH, directs one to a lower-reduction midpoint potential (E°) carrier, and the other to the higher-E° electron transfer FAD (ET-FAD). Previous work noted that a CT band at 726 nm formed when ET-FAD was reduced and Bf-FAD was oxidized, suggesting that both flavins participate. However, existing crystal structures place them too far apart to interact directly. We present biochemical experiments addressing this conundrum and elucidating the nature of this CT species. We observed that RpaETF missing either FAD lacked the 726 nm band. Site-directed mutagenesis near either FAD produced altered yields of the CT species, supporting involvement of both flavins. The residue substitutions did not alter the absorption maximum of the signal, ruling out contributions from residue orbitals. Instead, we propose that the residue identities modulate the population of a protein conformation that brings the ET-flavin and Bf-flavin into direct contact, explaining the 726 nm band based on a CT complex of reduced ET-FAD and oxidized Bf-FAD. This is corroborated by persistence of the 726 nm species during gentle protein denaturation and simple density functional theory calculations of flavin dimers. Although such a CT complex has been demonstrated for free flavins, this is the first observation of such, to our knowledge, in an enzyme. Thus, Bf-ETFs may optimize electron transfer efficiency by enabling direct flavin-flavin contact.

scholarly journals Engineering single-atomic ruthenium catalytic sites on defective nickel-iron layered double hydroxide for overall water splitting

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Panlong Zhai ◽  
Mingyue Xia ◽  
Yunzhen Wu ◽  
Guanghui Zhang ◽  
Junfeng Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Evolution ◽  
Water Splitting ◽  
Layered Double Hydroxide ◽  
Hydrogen Evolution Reaction ◽  
Active Sites ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Single Atom ◽  
Nickel Iron ◽  
Double Hydroxide

AbstractRational design of single atom catalyst is critical for efficient sustainable energy conversion. However, the atomic-level control of active sites is essential for electrocatalytic materials in alkaline electrolyte. Moreover, well-defined surface structures lead to in-depth understanding of catalytic mechanisms. Herein, we report a single-atomic-site ruthenium stabilized on defective nickel-iron layered double hydroxide nanosheets (Ru1/D-NiFe LDH). Under precise regulation of local coordination environments of catalytically active sites and the existence of the defects, Ru1/D-NiFe LDH delivers an ultralow overpotential of 18 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for hydrogen evolution reaction, surpassing the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Density functional theory calculations reveal that Ru1/D-NiFe LDH optimizes the adsorption energies of intermediates for hydrogen evolution reaction and promotes the O–O coupling at a Ru–O active site for oxygen evolution reaction. The Ru1/D-NiFe LDH as an ideal model reveals superior water splitting performance with potential for the development of promising water-alkali electrocatalysts.

scholarly journals Exposing unsaturated Cu1-O2 sites in nanoscale Cu-MOF for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (18) ◽  
pp. eabg2580
Author(s):  
Weiren Cheng ◽  
Huabin Zhang ◽  
Deyan Luan ◽  
Xiong Wen (David) Lou
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Evolution ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Metal Organic Framework ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Active Centers ◽  
Functional Theory ◽  
Hollow Nanostructure ◽  
Metal Organic ◽  
X Ray Absorption ◽  
A Current

Conductive metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have been recently considered as effective electrocatalysts. However, they usually suffer from two major drawbacks, poor electrochemical stability and low electrocatalytic activity in bulk form. Here, we have developed a rational strategy to fabricate a promising electrocatalyst composed of a nanoscale conductive copper-based MOF (Cu-MOF) layer fully supported over synergetic iron hydr(oxy)oxide [Fe(OH)x] nanoboxes. Owing to the highly exposed active centers, enhanced charge transfer, and robust hollow nanostructure, the obtained Fe(OH)x@Cu-MOF nanoboxes exhibit superior activity and stability for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Specifically, it needs an overpotential of 112 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a small Tafel slope of 76 mV dec−1. X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy combined with density functional theory calculations unravels that the highly exposed coordinatively unsaturated Cu1-O2 centers could effectively accelerate the formation of key *H intermediates toward fast HER kinetics.

scholarly journals Comprehensive Evaluation of Transition Metal Doped Ni3N to Construct High-Efficiency Hydrogen Evolution Catalyst

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Wang ◽  
Zepeng Lv ◽  
Xuewei Lv ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Jie Dang
Keyword(s):  
Transition Metal ◽  
Hydrogen Evolution ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Dft Calculation ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Alkaline Electrolyte ◽  
Metal Doped

Abstract Density functional theory (DFT) calculation indicators (ΔG, densities of state, D-band and bader charge) are commonly used to predict and analyze the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of catalysts, and most studies discuss only one or few of these indicators’ impact on catalysis, but still no report has comprehensively evaluated the influence of all these indicators on catalytic performance. Herein, foreseen by comprehensive consideration first, we report transition metal doped Ni3N nanosheets combined on Ni foam for utra-efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution. For dual transition metals doped Ni3N, Co,V-Ni3N exhibits remarkable HER performance with a significantly low overpotential of only 10 mV in alkaline electrolyte and 41 mV in alkaline seawater electrolyte at 10 mA cm− 2; while for single transition metal doped Ni3N, V-Ni3N exhibits the best performance with an overpotential of 15 mV and a Tafel slope of 37 mV dec− 1. Our work highlights the importance of comprehensive evaluation of DFT calculation indexes, and opens up a new method for the rational design of efficient and low-cost catalysts.

scholarly journals First-Principles Mechanistic Insights into the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Ni2P Electrocatalyst in Alkaline Medium

Catalysts ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 307
Author(s):  
Russell W. Cross ◽  
Nelson Y. Dzade
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Evolution ◽  
Hydrogen Evolution Reaction ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Hydrogen Adsorption ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Transition Metal Doping ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Functional Theory ◽  
Alkaline Conditions ◽  
Modification Of The Surface

Nickel phosphide (Ni2P) is a promising material for the electrocatalytic generation of hydrogen from water. Here, we present a chemical picture of the fundamental mechanism of Volmer–Tafel steps in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity under alkaline conditions at the (0001) and (10 1 ¯ 0) surfaces of Ni2P using dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations. Two terminations of each surface (Ni3P2- and Ni3P-terminated (0001); and Ni2P- and NiP-terminated (10 1 ¯ 0)), which have been shown to coexist in Ni2P samples depending on the experimental conditions, were studied. Water adsorption on the different terminations of the Ni2P (0001) and (10 1 ¯ 0) surfaces is shown to be exothermic (binding energy in the range of 0.33−0.68 eV) and characterized by negligible charge transfer to/from the catalyst surface (0.01−0.04 e−). High activation energy barriers (0.86−1.53 eV) were predicted for the dissociation of water on each termination of the Ni2P (0001) and (10 1 ¯ 0) surfaces, indicating sluggish kinetics for the initial Volmer step in the hydrogen evolution reaction over a Ni2P catalyst. Based on the predicted Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption (ΔGH*) at different surface sites, we found that the presence of Ni3-hollow sites on the (0001) surface and bridge Ni-Ni sites on the (10 1 ¯ 0) surface bind the H atom too strongly. To achieve facile kinetics for both the Volmer and Heyrovsky–Tafel steps, modification of the surface structure and tuning of the electronic properties through transition metal doping is recommended as an important strategy.

Two dimensional MoS2 meets porphyrins via intercalation to enhance the electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen evolution

Nanoscale ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 3780-3785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ik Seon Kwon ◽  
In Hye Kwak ◽  
Hafiz Ghulam Abbas ◽  
Hee Won Seo ◽  
Jaemin Seo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Density Functional Theory ◽  
Hydrogen Evolution ◽  
Hydrogen Evolution Reaction ◽  
Electrocatalytic Activity ◽  
Density Functional ◽  
Density Functional Theory Calculations ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Functional Theory ◽  
Spin Polarized

Mn-Porphyrin-MoS2 exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction, which is supported by spin-polarized density functional theory calculations.

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