Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hao-Yu Wang, Jin-Tao Ren, Chen-Chen Weng, Xian-Wei Lv, Zhong-Yong Yuan
Summary: A Ni foam supported sisal-like porous MoO2 nanosheet array was synthesized via a simple hydrothermal and annealing process, exhibiting excellent performance in both nitrogen reduction reaction for ammonia synthesis and oxygen evolution reaction for improved efficiency in the direct N2 electrolysis process.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingshu Li, Peng Zhang, Zhiling Guo, Weidong Cao, Li Gao, Yuanbo Li, Chang Fu Tian, Qing Chen, Yunze Shen, Fazheng Ren, Yukui Rui, Jason C. White, Iseult Lynch
Summary: A single application of low-dose molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles (MoS2 NPs) can enhance soybean biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and yield by 30%, compared to conventional molybdate fertilizer. MoS2 NPs can sustainably release molybdenum and enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stresses.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaowei Wang, Yanyan Zhao, Liqun Wang, Wei Peng, Jianmin Feng, Dejun Li, Bing-Jian Su, Jenh-Yih Juang, Yanfu Ma, Yanping Chen, Feng Hou, Si Zhou, Hua Kun Liu, Shi Xue Dou, Jian Liu, Ji Liang
Summary: In this study, a carbon-supported iron electrocatalyst was reported for efficient electrochemical nitrogen reduction. The catalyst was fabricated by low-temperature potassium vapor reduction of FeF3-intercalated graphite fluoride. The unique features of the catalyst, including exposed iron nanoparticles anchored on graphene and doped with fluorine heteroatoms, enhanced the nitrogen absorption capability and resulted in high Faradic efficiency and ammonia yield rate.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuntong Sun, Shan Ding, Baokai Xia, Jingjing Duan, Markus Antonietti, Sheng Chen
Summary: It has long been believed that FeMoS structure plays a crucial role in electrochemical nitrogen fixation, but the structure of Fe bonded with heavier analogues (Se or Te) has never been explored. However, this study, based on theoretical predictions, discovers that the FeMo(Se, Te) structure, with Fe bonded to Se, exhibits enhanced N-2 electrofixation activities. Further mechanism studies provide new clues for designing versatile electrocatalytic materials for large-scale industrialization.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Jiangfeng Li, Jiaxinbeifeng Li, Jun Hu, Ping Chen
Summary: As the environment deteriorates, there is a growing need for new energy sources. Hydrogen, with its high energy density and clean nature, emerges as an ideal energy option and a promising candidate for future energy development. However, the process of producing hydrogen through water cracking presents a significant challenge, requiring a large amount of energy to overcome the reaction barrier. Mo-based composites as electrocatalysts offer a viable solution by enhancing the efficiency of water cracking and being more affordable than precious metals.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Rakesh K. Sahoo, Je Moon Yun, Kwang Ho Kim
Summary: The study reports the synthesis of dual-function molybdenum-complex carbonous sponges for electrochemical devices, demonstrating their utilization as positive and negative electrodes with outstanding specific capacitances. The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor shows high power density and energy density, along with excellent cycle stability. Additionally, the materials exhibit significant electrocatalytic capabilities for the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction in a water-splitting electrocatalyzer.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhigang Chen, Yafeng Xu, Ding Ding, Ge Song, Xingxing Gan, Hao Li, Wei Wei, Jian Chen, Zhiyun Li, Zhongmiao Gong, Xiaoming Dong, Chengfeng Zhu, Nana Yang, Jingyuan Ma, Rui Gao, Dan Luo, Shan Cong, Lu Wang, Zhigang Zhao, Yi Cui
Summary: This study successfully synthesized tungsten atomic clusters anchored on P-doped carbon materials using a thermal-migration strategy and demonstrated their excellent performance in alkaline hydrogen evolution.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ramesh Karunagaran, Diana Tran, Tran Thanh Tung, Cameron Shearer, Dusan Losic
Summary: A rapid and facile synthetic approach using pyrolysis of sulfonated aniline oligomers (SAOs) was presented to efficiently produce tailored macroporous carbon materials (MCMs) for electrocatalytic applications. The MCM catalysts synthesised through this novel process showed well-defined macroporous structures and high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) efficacy, indicating the potential of this method to streamline MCM production and enable the formation of composite materials for enhanced efficiency in various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuan Tan, Lei Yan, Chuanqi Huang, Wenna Zhang, Haifeng Qi, Leilei Kang, Xiaoli Pan, Yijun Zhong, Yong Hu, Yunjie Ding
Summary: A novel electrocatalyst Au-25-Cys-Mo was fabricated for efficient ammonia production, exhibiting high Faradaic efficiency and NH3 yield in 0.1m HCl solution. The optimized electronic structure of Mo played a crucial role in activating nitrogen and promoting the electrochemical production of ammonia. This work provides new insights for the precise fabrication of efficient NRR electrocatalysts.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hong-Wei Pi, Jinn-Jy Lin, Chi-An Chen, Po-Hsiang Wang, Yin-Ru Chiang, Chieh-Chen Huang, Chiu-Chung Young, Wen-Hsiung Li
Summary: This study provides evidence supporting the bacteria-first hypothesis in the origin of nitrogen fixation. The researchers found that in the phylogenetic trees of nitrogen-fixing proteins, the earliest lineages are bacterial sequences and the archaeal sequences are nested inside bacterial sequences. Additionally, they observed that most Nif archaea carry bacterial Mo transporter proteins. Isotopic data also support the bacteria-first hypothesis.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haiyan Xie, Kai Wang, Dingzhou Xiang, Songling Li, Zhiliang Jin
Summary: Graphdiyne (GDY) was prepared and introduced into NiCo2O4 to form a NiCo2O4@GDY p-n heterojunction. The heterojunction exhibited excellent photocatalytic hydrogen performance, with a hydrogen evolution rate 4.84 and 6.91 times higher than GDY and NiCo2O4, respectively. The improved efficiency can be attributed to the built-in electric field and the unique nanocage structure of NiCo2O4, which promotes the transfer and separation of photoexcitons and enhances sunlight utilization. The possible mechanism was explained through experimental and theoretical calculations.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jannik Junge, Tobias A. Engesser, Felix Tuczek
Summary: Molybdenum dinitrogen complexes have been widely studied as model systems for nitrogenase, while tungsten complexes have generally been found to be catalytically inactive. In this study, a tungsten complex supported by a pentadentate tetrapodal phosphine ligand was shown to primarily catalyze the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) during N2 fixation, contrasting with its molybdenum analogue which mediates the nitrogen reduction reaction (N2RR). DFT calculations were used to investigate the possible mechanisms behind the N2RR and HER activities exhibited by the Mo- and W-pentaPod complexes, and the most favorable pathways were identified.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kai Wang, Zi-Hao Deng, Si-Jun Xie, Dan-Dan Zhai, Hua-Yi Fang, Zhang-Jie Shi
Summary: Ammonia and nitric acid are key platform chemicals to introduce nitrogen into organic molecules in chemical industry, however gaseous N-2 would be a more direct and available source of nitrogen. Here, the authors report a direct catalytic nitrogenation to afford valuable arylamines and N-heterocycles from organohalides using dinitrogen (N-2) as the nitrogen source.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Nithiya Jeromiyas, Chun-Mao Lin, Lee Yu-Chieh, Ching-Hui Chen, Veerappan Mani, Rameshkumar Arumugam, Sheng-Tung Huang
Summary: A highly efficient electrocatalyst Gd3+ doped molybdenum selenide with carbon nanofibers (Gd-MoSe2/CNF) was synthesized for electrocatalytic sensing of H2S, showing excellent sensitivity and performance. The method was successfully applied in monitoring endogenous H2S secreted by HeLa cells.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaocheng Fan, Bei Li, Chunling Zhu, Feng Yan, Yujin Chen
Summary: This research developed a RuNi/MoC@NC nanowire catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline seawater, showing high efficiency and stability. The catalyst, when used with nickel foam and nickel-iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe LDH) electrolyzer, could achieve full water splitting with long-term stability.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Huaiyan Wang, Chunli Guo, Xiaochuan Ren, Yuyu Zhang, QuanXin Shi, Zhongchao Bai, Nana Wang
Summary: Researchers synthesized a structurally stable composite electrode with highly hydrophilic components and nanostructures, leading to improved performance and demonstrating ultra-long cycle life and high energy density.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongdong Wang, Dan Lv, Huili Peng, Nana Wang, Hongxia Liu, Jian Yang, Yitai Qian
Summary: This study improves the performance of metallic Zn as an anode material for batteries, especially at low temperatures, by regulating the desolvation and nucleation processes and using ZnF2-Ag nanoparticles-coated Zn foils.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Hanwen Liu, Wei-Hong Lai, Yaojie Lei, Huiling Yang, Nana Wang, Shulei Chou, Hua Kun Liu, Shi Xue Dou, Yun-Xiao Wang
Summary: Sodium-sulfur batteries hold great potential for rechargeable batteries due to their low cost, abundant resources, and high energy density. While significant progress has been made in the development of electrodes, there is a lack of understanding regarding the impacts of different electrolytes on electrode interfaces and overall battery mechanisms. This review comprehensively discusses multiple kinds of electrolytes and the interfaces between electrolytes and electrodes in room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries, and presents challenges and recent progress in sulfur electrochemical mechanisms and future prospects for electrolyte optimization, cathode and anode improvement, and interfacial enhancement.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Erdong Jing, Liang Chen, Shoudong Xu, Wenzhi Tian, Ding Zhang, Nana Wang, Zhongchao Bai, Xianxian Zhou, Shibin Liu, Donghong Duan, Xiangyun Qiu
Summary: The use of VN/NG composite material to modify separators can effectively improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries, such as enhancing rate performance and cycling stability. The research results show that VN/NG has good catalytic effects, which play a key role in improving battery performance.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chunting Wang, Long Su, Nana Wang, Dan Lv, Dongdong Wang, Jian Yang, Yitai Qian
Summary: The binder chemistry in Na/K ion batteries has a significant impact on electrochemical performance. Commercial TiO2 nanoparticles were used as a model to investigate the binder chemistry in ethers, using polyvinylidene difluoride (PVdF) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as examples. The electrode with CMC as the binder exhibited superior electrochemical performance, especially in terms of initial coulombic efficiency. The poor performance of the PVdF binder electrode was mainly attributed to electrochemical defluorination, resulting in the formation of NaF over the electrode. Furthermore, similar improvements in binder chemistry were observed for various anode materials in Na/K-ion batteries.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chenggang Wang, Shunshun Zhao, Xinxin Song, Nana Wang, Huili Peng, Jie Su, Suyuan Zeng, Xijin Xu, Jian Yang
Summary: This article investigates the application of MoO3 material in rechargeable proton batteries and suppresses material dissolution by coating a ultrathin TiO2 shell on MoO3 nanorods. The experimental results show that MoO3@TiO2 exhibits excellent electrochemical performance at high rates and high mass loadings.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Dan Lv, Dongdong Wang, Nana Wang, Hongxia Liu, Shaojie Zhang, Yansong Zhu, Kepeng Song, Jian Yang, Yitai Qian
Summary: In this study, N/F co-doped TiO2/carbon microspheres were synthesized as an anode material for Na-ion batteries, achieving high tap density and large volumetric capacity while exhibiting excellent rate performance and cycling stability.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Crystallography
Yanjun Zhai, Shuli Zhou, Linlin Guo, Xiaole Xin, Suyuan Zeng, Konggang Qu, Nana Wang, Xianxi Zhang
Summary: Ce-doped CoP@NC with a hollow polyhedron structure shows superior electrochemical performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The materials were synthesized by ionic-exchange and low-temperature phosphorization treatment using ZIF-67 as a template. The hollow polyhedron structure, steady carbon network, and Ce-doping contribute to the improved cyclability and rate-capability of the electrode.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lijuan Yue, Chao Peng, Chunli Guo, Xinyuan Zhou, Gang Li, Nana Wang, Jiansheng Zhang, Jiaqing Liu, Zhongchao Bai, Xiu Song Zhao
Summary: Finding a suitable electrode material is crucial for the large-scale applications of Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). In this study, microcuboids of Na3V2-xFex(PO4)(2)O2F were synthesized and showed improved electronic conductivity and charge transfer kinetics, resulting in higher initial capacity and better capacity retention.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yanli Zhou, Qi Han, Yan Liu, Yifei Wang, Fuyi Jiang, Nana Wang, Zhongchao Bai, Shixue Dou
Summary: Sodium and potassium ions batteries (SIBs, PIBs) have attracted wide concerns as the ideal substitutes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used in large-scale energy storage, thanks to their similar working principle to LIBs, rich abundance, and low cost. However, the shortage of suitable anode materials poses a key challenge in the field of Na+/K+ storage. Molybdenum chalcogenides have drawn great attention as anode materials for SIBs/PIBs due to their special electronic/crystal structures and high specific capacities. However, their volumetric fluctuation and low electrical conductivity are the main obstacles that hinder their performance.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qian Yao, Yansong Zhu, Cheng Zheng, Nana Wang, Dongdong Wang, Fang Tian, Zhongchao Bai, Jian Yang, Yitai Qian, Shixue Dou
Summary: By molecular engineering of the polymer binders and cross-linking treatment, the mechanical properties and electrochemical stability of sodium-ion batteries can be improved, resulting in extended cycle life and enhanced Coulombic efficiency.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chen Wang, Lutao Li, Lingbo Xiao, Zheng Lu, Ruonan Wang, Yu Xu, Rujun Tang, Qiang Zhang, Longzhi Li, Zhongchao Bai, Guifu Zou
Summary: The metallic electrode interfacial properties greatly influence the performance of photovoltaic devices. The interaction between the aluminum electrode and PCBM in two-dimensional perovskite photovoltaic devices is investigated. It is found that the aluminum oxide dielectric layer formed at the interface contributes to achieving a high voltage in these devices. Further optimization of the device performance can be achieved by regulating the aluminum oxide layer. The capacitive effect of the aluminum oxide dielectric layer is responsible for this high voltage response. This work serves as a reference for future research on the electrode/PCBM interface in perovskite photovoltaic devices.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Yaqian Dong, Yaohui Zhang, Nana Wang, Guifu Zou, Qiang Zhang, Shengquan Gan, Liang He, Zhongchao Bai
Summary: A one-dimensional Fe7S8@N-C nanocomposite was synthesized and showed excellent rate performance and cycling stability as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries, attributed to the synergistic effects of one-dimensional N-doped carbon and ultra-small Fe7S8 particles.
BATTERIES & SUPERCAPS
(2022)