Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Milomir Suvira, Ananya Ahuja, Pascal Lovre, Mantak Singh, Gracious Wyatt Draher, Bo Zhang
Summary: A development of off-axis, dark-field microscopy imaging tool has been reported for the dynamic process study of single H-2 nanobubbles generated at the surface of a carbon nanoelectrode. By changing the direction of incident light, the interference of background light is significantly reduced, enabling simultaneous imaging of both the nanoelectrode and nanobubble on the electrode surface or metal nanoparticles nearby. The correlated electrochemical and optical response provides novel insights into bubble nucleation and dissolution on a nanoelectrode.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ewa Wierzbicka, Marco Altomare, Mingjian Wu, Ning Liu, Tadahiro Yokosawa, Dominik Fehn, Shanshan Qin, Karsten Meyer, Tobias Unruh, Erdmann Spiecker, Leonardo Palmisano, Marianna Bellardita, Johannes Will, Patrik Schmuki
Summary: This study introduces a reduced grey brookite TiO2 photocatalyst produced by thermal hydrogenation, which exhibits remarkable noble metal-free photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The activity of this photocatalyst is significantly higher than other TiO2 polymorphs such as anatase or rutile after hydrogenation. Characterization techniques revealed that hydrogenation leads to the formation of a defective crystalline surface layer rich in Ti3+ states in brookite.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wing Kiu Yeung, Shu-Cheng Lo, Sheng-Hann Wang, Pei-Kuen Wei, Ji-Yen Cheng
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a highly specific and rapid diagnostic system. A spectral imaging-based surface plasmon resonance platform combined with an integrated microfluidic biosensor is proposed as a promising alternative for infectious diseases, offering safe and straightforward use. The use of unmodified PEG to control probe density has shown to be a particularly promising functionalization strategy in SPR spectral imaging assays for highly specific detection of COVID-19 target sequences.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liu-Kun Li, Yan-Qiu Ma, Kang-Ning Li, Wen-Li Xie, Bin Huang
Summary: In this study, the adsorption of gases (CH4, CO, H-2, NH3, and NO) onto Al12Si12 nanocages was investigated using density functional theory. Different adsorption sites were explored for each gas molecule, and the geometrical structure of the complexes changed slightly following gas adsorption. The study showed that NO had the strongest adsorption stability and the electronic properties of the nanocage were strongly affected by gas interaction.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giulia Bonfant, Davide Balestri, Jacopo Perego, Angiolina Comotti, Silvia Bracco, Matthieu Koepf, Marcello Gennari, Luciano Marchio
Summary: Suitably functionalized porous matrices have been developed as versatile platforms for catalytic applications. In this study, porous organic polymers (POPs) with phosphine oxide groups were synthesized and used as electrocatalysts. The loaded polymers showed high efficiency for hydrogen evolution reaction, indicating their potential in electrochemical activation of small molecules.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fengchun Dong, Lixia Qin, Taiyang Zhang, Xiangqing Li, Shi-Zhao Kang
Summary: It is a research hot spot to enhance the photocatalytic activity and stability of CdS-based photocatalysts for H2 evolution. In this study, SrWO4/CdS nanoparticles with CdS/SrWO4 heterojunctions were prepared and their photocatalytic performance and stability were investigated. The results showed that the introduction of SrWO4 significantly improved the photocatalytic performance of CdS. The SrWO4/CdS nanoparticles exhibited an evolution rate of H2 up to 392.5 mmol g-1 h-1, which was 5.8 times higher than that of pure CdS nanomaterial. Moreover, the SrWO4/CdS nanoparticles demonstrated excellent stability, with the evolution rate of H2 after 10 cycles being the same as that of the fresh sample and even 37% higher. In contrast, the photocatalytic activity of pure CdS nanomaterial decreased to 57% after 5 cycles. This study provides a new idea for the design and development of highly stable and efficient CdS-based photocatalysts for H2 evolution in the future.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Abdollah Yari, Foroozan Shokri
Summary: A new electrochemical sensor has been developed for the detection of human breast cancer cells. The sensor utilizes a folic acid-functionalized triazine-grafted reduced graphene oxide as the modifier of a glassy carbon electrode. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity and reliability in detecting MCF-7 cells.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sikai Wang, Victor Fung, Max J. Hulsey, Xiaocong Liang, Zhiyang Yu, Jinquan Chang, Andrea Folli, Richard J. Lewis, Graham J. Hutchings, Qian He, Ning Yan
Summary: This study reports a new catalyst that efficiently converts methane and oxygen into methanol. By activating hydrogen and regulating the chemical valence state, high-efficiency catalytic oxidation of methane is achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stefan Wijker, Rico Monnink, Luc Rijnders, Linlin Deng, Anja R. A. Palmans
Summary: Single-chain polymeric nanoparticles (SCPNs) containing solvatochromic pyrazoline adducts maintain conformational and operational stability in complex media and cellular compartments. The connectivity of the adduct plays a crucial role in modulating interactions with the surrounding media.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Alvaro Munoz-Castro
Summary: The recent characterization of Au52-PAP cluster shows that it is a three-dimensional arrangement with four Au13 motifs. A new set of superatomic orbitals are formed from the superatomic shell of each constituent unit, creating a second-order superatomic shell structure. This facilitates the rationalization of cluster-assembled materials of different sizes.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yizhe Chen, Yanyun Ma, Yuqiao Zhou, Yufu Huang, Shumin Li, Yan Chen, Ranran Wang, Junping Tang, Peng Wu, Xueling Zhao, Cheng Chen, Zhigang Zhu, Shuai Chen, Kai Cheng, Donghai Lin
Summary: Developing low-cost, highly efficient, and long-term stability electrocatalysts is crucial for direct oxidation methanol fuel cells. In this study, a PtNi/NH2-rGO catalyst was successfully prepared, and it exhibited higher catalytic activity, improved durability, and faster kinetics of methanol oxidation under alkaline conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rahel Yildirim, Mehmet Gulcan
Summary: A Ru@rGO-SO3H catalyst was developed using sulfonated reduced graphene oxide support, which showed good catalytic activity and stability in hydrogen production. By analyzing the impact factors and efficiency of the catalytic reaction, the main performance parameters of the catalyst and reusability results were obtained.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stephan M. Rummelt, Paul O. Peterson, Hongyu Zhong, Paul J. Chirik
Summary: The study demonstrates the two-electron oxidative addition of aryl and alkyl halides to a reduced iron dinitrogen complex with a strong-field tridentate pincer ligand. Results show that the relative rate of oxidative addition of aryl halides varies with the halide type, and the pathways for obtaining products differ for different substrates.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fei Li, Jiuyi Zhu, Pengzhan Sun, Mingrui Zhang, Zhenqing Li, Dingxin Xu, Xinyu Gong, Xiaolong Zou, A. K. Geim, Yang Su, Hui-Ming Cheng
Summary: This study demonstrates the excellent performance of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in extracting gold from e-waste, even at minute concentrations. By controlling the protonation of the oxidized regions of rGO, gold can be extracted exclusively, without contamination by other elements.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongwei Zhu, Long Zhai, Jiangang Li, Furen Xiao
Summary: By calculating the mixing Gibbs free energy and formation enthalpy difference, it was found that (Nb1-xTix)C complex carbides exhibit higher stability compared to pure NbC and TiC. The designed lightly Ti-doped complex carbides show a decrease in formation energy with increasing Ti content, along with mechanical stability and good conductivity. Additionally, the (Nb0.8Ti0.2)C complex carbide was successfully added to 1045 steel as a refiner, displaying stable existence as a face-centered cubic structure under a transmission electron microscope.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaobei Zang, Li Lingtong, Jiaxin Meng, Lijia Liu, Yuanyuan Pan, Qingguo Shao, Ning Cao
Summary: A mixed valent manganese oxide (MnOx) cathode with superior electrochemical performance was reported to address the limited rate capability and cycle life issues in zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) associated with manganese-based cathodes. The mixed cathode system reduces charge transfer resistance, enhances Zn2+ storage, and enables the fabrication of flexible coaxial fiber ZIBs (CFZIBs) with high performance and flexibility. This study opens up new opportunities for designing ZIBs with high performance and flexibility.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ji Lei, Lo-Yueh Chang, Zhaohui Dong, Lijia Liu
Summary: Caesium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) were synthesized using a room-temperature sonochemical method. Introducing EuBr2 during the synthesis process resulted in zero-dimensional Cs4PbBr6 nanocrystals with blue emission band, and higher overall photo-luminescence quantum yield. The modification with EuBr2 influenced the crystallization process and surface properties of the PNCs, leading to unique luminescence properties.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shanlin Li, Ruguang Ma, Jingcong Hu, Zichuang Li, Lijia Liu, Xunlu Wang, Yue Lu, George E. Sterbinsky, Shuhu Liu, Lei Zheng, Jie Liu, Danmin Liu, Jiacheng Wang
Summary: To achieve a zero-carbon economy, advanced anode catalysts are needed for hydrogen production and biomass upgrading using renewable energy. This study focuses on the electrochemical oxidation of nickel-metalloids to create oxyanion-coordinated amorphous nickel oxyhydroxides. The results show that substitution with phosphorus enhances the electrooxidation activity of methanol.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gaoxin Lin, Qiangjian Ju, Lijia Liu, Xuyun Guo, Ye Zhu, Zhuang Zhang, Chendong Zhao, Yingjie Wan, Minghui Yang, Fuqiang Huang, Jiacheng Wang
Summary: By caging alkali-metal Na cations in open voids, a high density of distorted lattices and defects are successfully formed in Na-TiO2(B) nanomaterials. This allows efficient anchoring and dispersion of RuMo nanoparticles for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction. The caged Na ions enhance the hydrophilicity of the substrate, leading to stronger synergy in water dissociation and hydrogen desorption, resulting in a significantly increased catalytic activity compared to Pt/C.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hao Xu, Yimeng Li, Shijun Meng, Lijia Liu, Hua Song
Summary: A new catalytic route for elemental sulfur-assisted methane activation has been developed, enabling high methane conversion and controlled product selectivity, which has great potential in environmental and economic benefits.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hao Xu, Peng He, Zhaofei Li, Shijun Meng, Yimeng Li, Lo-Yueh Chang, Lijia Liu, Xiaodong Wen, Brittney A. Klein, Vladimir K. Michaelis, Jizhen Qi, Dongchang Wu, Xi Liu, Hua Song
Summary: This study demonstrates a novel desulfurization process using methane as a regulator and generating CS2 as a sulfur-containing product. The catalytic mechanism is proposed and supported by experimental evidence.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wenping Li, Mingyuan Cao, Shijun Meng, Zhaofei Li, Hao Xu, Lijia Liu, Hua Song
Summary: The catalyst role in performance improvement in hydrogen production by water splitting using catalytic non-thermal plasma (NTP) reactors was explored. An optimized catalyst, 0.2 wt.% Au/(10 wt.% TiO2/SBA-15), achieved a high hydrogen production rate of 1.03 mL min-1 and a water conversion of 36.9%, which is 245% higher than the NTP reactor without catalyst packing. Surface properties of the catalysts, such as specific surface area, pore volume, and water adsorption amount, were investigated and correlated with the catalyst performance. A hypothetical reaction mechanism and a catalyst design principle were proposed based on these findings.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Amelia T. Yuan, Lijia Liu, Lo-Yueh Chang, Martin J. Stillman
Summary: At physiological pH, bismuth binds to apo-MT3 and forms a novel Bi2S5 species with a bridging cysteine, resulting in a bright yellow color from absorption at 460 nm. The binding affinity and structure of Bi3+ in apo-MT3 were investigated using various spectroscopic techniques, revealing the formation of a highly cooperative Bi(2)MT3 species that is coordinated by three cysteinyl thiolates, with one thiolate bridging between two Bi3+ ions. This discovery highlights the presence of bridging cysteines for bismuth in MT3 and the first reported Bi cluster in a metalloprotein.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Optics
Wai-Tung Shiu, Xincheng Li, Lo-Yueh Chang, Jeng-Lung Chen, Yung-Yang Lin, Bi-Hsuan Lin, George E. Sterbinsky, Tianpin Wu, John A. Mcleod, Lijia Liu
Summary: This study compares the optical properties of Cr-doped ZnGa2O4 nanoparticles synthesized at different temperatures, and finds that the synthesis temperature strongly influences the formation of Ga species, and explains the energy transfer mechanism behind the observed photoluminescence with different excitation energy dependencies.
JOURNAL OF LUMINESCENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rui-Ting Gao, Lijia Liu, Yanbo Li, Yang Yang, Jinlu He, Xianhu Liu, Xueyuan Zhang, Lei Wang, Limin Wu
Summary: By dispersing Ru and P diatomic sites onto hematite, an efficient photoelectrode was constructed using the concept of correlated single-atom engineering, resulting in improved charge carrier transportation dynamics and increased efficiency for photoelectrochemical water splitting.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chun Hu, Kaihang Yue, Jiajia Han, Xiaozhi Liu, Lijia Liu, Qiunan Liu, Qingyu Kong, Chih-Wen Pao, Zhiwei Hu, Kazu Suenaga, Dong Su, Qiaobao Zhang, Xianying Wang, Yuanzhi Tan, Xiaoqing Huang
Summary: This study presents a fast method to synthesize quinary high-entropy ruthenium iridium-based oxide catalyst with abundant grain boundaries, which exhibits enhanced activity and stability for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The integration of foreign metal elements and grain boundaries improves the performance of the catalyst by breaking the limits of thermodynamic solubility. This work provides a pathway for designing high-performance OER electrocatalysts by integrating various components and grain boundaries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wai-Tung Shiu, Lo-Yueh Chang, Yingying Jiang, Mohsen Shakouri, Yu-Hao Wu, Bi-Hsuan Lin, Lijia Liu
Summary: Near-infrared emitting persistent luminescence nanoparticles have attracted attention for bioimaging and biosensing applications. In this study, a drug carrier with persistent luminescence properties was designed by forming a composite of Cr-doped zinc gallate and amorphous calcium phosphate. The composite retained the persistent luminescence properties of Cr-doped zinc gallate, and the migration of Zn2+ from the composite led to different luminescence mechanisms compared to pure Cr-doped zinc gallate.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Min Xu, Botong Chen, Qi Wang, Yuan Zhang, Yuhao Wang, Steffen Duhm, Lijia Liu
Summary: In this study, it is confirmed through experiments and analysis that CH3 typically binds to Pb in MAPbBr(3) films, forming CH3-Pb species.
MRS COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zichuang Li, Ruguang Ma, Qiangjian Ju, Qian Liu, Lijia Liu, Yufang Zhu, Minghui Yang, Jiacheng Wang
Summary: The study successfully distributed N-coordinated Fe single atoms over axial carbon micropores and formed dangling-FeN4 centers (d-FeN4). Compared with FeN4 and commercial Pt/C, the unique d-FeN4 demonstrated higher intrinsic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in HClO4. Theoretical calculation and electronic structure characterization showed that d-FeN4 endows central Fe with medium spin, which facilitates the formation of the singlet state of oxygen-containing species during the ORR and results in faster kinetics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shanlin Li, Peijie Ma, Chunlang Gao, Lijia Liu, Xunlu Wang, Mohsen Shakouri, Roman Chernikov, Kaiwen Wang, Danmin Liu, Ruguang Ma, Jiacheng Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates a paired electrochemical refinery driven by renewable electricity for simultaneous cathodic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) and anodic glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR), producing high value-added ammonia and formic acid. The non-noble NiCu-OH nanocomposite precatalyst exhibits efficient and stable performance in both cathode and anode electrocatalysis, and can be reconstructed to active catalysts under operating conditions. The paired electrochemical refinery with the reconstructed NiCu-based catalysts achieves continuous production of ammonium and formate at a low potential, offering a new paradigm for chemical upgradation with non-noble electrocatalysts.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)