Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yong Yan, Roong Jien Wong, Zhirui Ma, Felix Donat, Shibo Xi, Syed Saqline, Qianwenhao Fan, Yonghua Du, Armando Borgna, Qian He, Christoph R. Muller, Wei Chen, Alexei A. Lapkin, Wen Liu
Summary: The catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol can be improved by doping tungsten into CeO2, resulting in a Cu/CeW0.25Ox catalyst with enhanced activity and selectivity. Experimental investigation reveals that this promotion effect is attributed to the reduction of Ce4+ to Ce3+ by W-doping, the suppression of oxygen vacancy formation on CeO2, and the activation of the formate pathway for CO2 hydrogenation. This catalyst design strategy differs from conventional CeO2-supported catalysts.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuaishuai Zhang, Lingling Zhang, Li Liu, Xiang Chu, Xiao Wang, Shuyan Song, Hongjie Zhang
Summary: In this study, an interface engineering strategy is demonstrated to enhance the catalytic performance of MnO2 catalysts by coupling CeO2 promoters on the surface. The CeMn-x (x = 0.1, 0.5, and 1) mixed-metal oxide catalysts with a Ce/Mn ratio of 0.5/10 exhibit excellent catalytic activity, achieving a relatively low T-100 (the temperature for 100% HCHO conversion) of 95 degrees C. The increased oxygen vacancies, outstanding redox ability, and strong interaction between CeO2 and MnO2 are responsible for the enhanced catalytic activity of CeMn. This study provides novel insight into the design of MnOx catalysts for the purification of HCHO at low temperatures.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Weiqi Liao, Minnan Yue, Junyi Chen, Ziwei Wang, Jieqiong Ding, Yuxing Xu, Yu Bai, Xiaochun Liu, Aiping Jia, Weixin Huang, Zhenhua Zhang
Summary: Metal-oxide interfaces of finely tuned Rh/CeO2 catalysts were employed for CO2 hydrogenation, with the catalytic activity determined by CeO2 morphologies and the product selectivity by the nature of supported Rh species. Decreased Rh particle size weakened metallicity, suppressing the Sabatier reaction and resulting in low CH4 selectivity. Conversely, an enhanced reverse water-gas shift process contributed to improved catalytic CO2 efficiency. Higher reaction temperatures led to increased CH4 selectivity at fine Rh particles, likely due to enhanced H-spillover effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Weiqi Liao, Minnan Yue, Junyi Chen, Ziwei Wang, Jieqiong Ding, Yuxing Xu, Yu Bai, Xiaochun Liu, Aiping Jia, Weixin Huang, Zhenhua Zhang
Summary: Rh/CeO2 catalysts with finely tuned interfacial structures were used for CO2 hydrogenation by altering the CeO2 morphologies and Rh particle sizes. The catalytic activity is determined by the density of interfacial oxygen vacancies that vary with the CeO2 morphologies, while the product selectivity depends on the nature of supported Rh species. Decreasing Rh particle size weakens the metallicity, suppressing the Sabatier reaction and resulting in low CH4 selectivity. Enhanced reverse water-gas shift process, more easily catalyzed than the Sabatier reaction, contributes to the promotion of catalytic CO2 efficiency. CH4 selectivity increases with the rise in reaction temperature at fine Rh particles, attributed to the enhanced H-spillover effect at high temperatures. Spectroscopic results confirm CO2 hydrogenation proceeds through a redox mechanism, generating adsorbed CO intermediate that is either further hydrogenated into CH4 or desorbs directly into CO.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuki Saito, Shu Kobayashi
Summary: The application of heterogeneous catalysts in continuous-flow enantioselective hydroacylation reactions was studied. Catalysts were prepared by mixing supports and rhodium complexes, and showed excellent activity and enantioselectivity. Under optimized conditions, the catalysts exhibited high turnover numbers and could be applied to various substrates. Furthermore, sequential-flow reactions with other heterogeneous catalysts were demonstrated for the synthesis of biologically active molecules and functional materials.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xincheng Cao, Feng Long, Qiaolong Zhai, Jiaping Zhao, Junming Xu, Jianchun Jiang
Summary: The MoOx modified Ni/CeO2 catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance in converting fatty acids into alcohols under mild reaction conditions. NiMoO4 was identified as the main active phase in the bimetallic catalyst, with electronic interaction between Ni and MoOx providing synergistic catalysis sites. The introduction of Mo species also provided oxygen vacancy sites for fatty acid adsorption, contributing to high conversion activity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sergio Lopez Rodriguez, Arantxa Davo-Quinonero, Jeronimo Juan-Juan, Esther Bailon-Garcia, Dolores Lozano-Castello, Agustin Bueno-Lopez
Summary: The study showed a dual effect of Pr-doped Ru/CeO2 catalysts on CO2 methanation, with low Pr content enhancing oxygen mobility but high Pr content hindering CO2 dissociation. At high temperatures, Pr improves oxygen mobility which promotes CO2 dissociation, balancing out the negative effects of hindering dissociation at the interface.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Eduard Karakhanov, Anton Maximov, Anna Zolotukhina
Summary: This article reviews the recent advances and applications of dendritic catalysis in the past two decades, with a focus on heterogeneous dendrimer-based catalysts. Three main approaches to synthesizing immobilized heterogeneous dendrimer-based catalysts are considered, and magnetically separable dendritic catalysts are also discussed. These dendritic catalysts can be stored as powders and easily separated from the reaction medium, maintaining efficiency similar to homogeneous dendritic catalysts.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stefan Ilic, Jonathan L. Gesiorski, Ravindra B. Weerasooriya, Ksenija D. Glusac
Summary: The catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide is important for carbon recycling technologies. The main challenge is product selectivity. Efforts have been made to develop catalysts that can suppress unwanted reactions and direct the reaction towards the desired products. This article summarizes recent findings on the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters that control the transfer of hydrides from metal-free sources to CO2. The article also discusses approaches to the regeneration of the hydrides through electrochemical and photochemical methods.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jinshi Dong, Dekun Li, Yutao Zhang, Panpan Chang, Qianqian Jin
Summary: This paper investigates the facet-dependent propane oxidation performance of Pt-CeO2 catalysts using CeO2 materials with different morphologies. The nano-lamellar CeO2 with mainly exposed (110) facet exhibits the best catalytic activity among the various catalysts. The amount of oxygen vacancies and Pt size/Pt charge, influenced by ageing and reduction pretreatments, have significant effects on the performances of Pt-CeO2 catalysts. The research provides insights into the electronic interactions between metal and active surfaces, contributing to the development of more efficient exhaust catalysts.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haohao Ji, Liangliang Lin, Kuan Chang
Summary: Plasma-assisted catalytic decomposition of CO2 over CeO2 nanocatalysts with different morphologies (cube, rod, and hexagon) was investigated. Among them, CeO2 nanorods (CeO2-R) exhibited the highest CO2 conversion. The better performance of CO2 activation over CeO2-R was attributed to the abundant oxygen vacancies on its (110) crystal plane. The CO2 molecules adsorbed on oxygen vacancies over CeO2-R were partly activated and more easily decomposed in the plasma, resulting in higher CO2 conversion.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yan-Yang Qin, Ya-Qiong Su
Summary: The study investigated the influence of highly dispersed Pt on CeO2(110) on CO oxidation activity, finding that a structure with two Pt atoms replacing a surface Ce atom exhibited higher activity due to coordinative unsaturation of one Pt atom and the presence of a neighboring two-fold O atom. This highly stable and active structure suggests a potential for effective catalysis on ceria surfaces.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruiyan Sun, Yuhe Liao, Shao-Tao Bai, Mingyuan Zheng, Cheng Zhou, Tao Zhang, Bert F. Sels
Summary: This review comprehensively summarizes the latest advancements in heterogeneous catalysis of CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid/formate, highlighting nanostructured and single atom catalysts based on noble metals. Key factors related to catalytic activity are emphasized, providing a strong foundation for rational catalyst design.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yanyan Zhao, Sheng Dai, Ke R. Yang, Sufeng Cao, Kelly L. Materna, Hannah M. C. Lant, Li Cheng Kao, Xuefei Feng, Jinghua Guo, Gary W. Brudvig, Maria Flytzani-Stephanopoulos, Victor S. Batista, Xiaoqing Pan, Dunwei Wang
Summary: Atomically dispersed catalysts have shown high activity for selective oxidation of carbon monoxide with excess hydrogen, but their stability is not ideal. This study demonstrates that introducing a structural component to minimize the diffusion of the active metal center significantly improves stability without compromising activity. By using a dinuclear iridium heterogeneous catalyst as a study platform, two types of oxygen species, interfacial and bridge, are identified to work together for both activity and stability. This work provides important insights into the synergistic effect between the active metal center and the supporting substrate, with potential broad applications for atomically dispersed catalysts.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiyang Fan, Shiying Li, Li Zhang, Pengfei Wang, Sen Wang
Summary: Conversion of CO2 into value-added chemicals is a potential way to achieve carbon neutrality. Doping Ni/CeO2 catalyst with Mn or In using the sol-gel method significantly enhances product selectivity and conversion rate, while reducing the amount of the precious metal nickel used.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yu Bu, Xu Wang, Xiuming Bu, Zhengyi Mao, Zhou Chen, Zebiao Li, Fengqian Hao, Johnny C. Ho, Jian Lu
Summary: Achieving high strength, deformability and toughness in polymers is a challenging task. This study introduces a self-assembling nacre-like polymer composite that exhibits extremely high toughness and increased strength. The composite demonstrates remarkable mechanical properties, surpassing previously reported values for polymer composites.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shaoce Zhang, Dong Chen, Ying Guo, Rong Zhang, Yuwei Zhao, Zhaodong Huang, Jun Fan, Johnny C. Ho, Chunyi Zhi
Summary: This study introduces the piezoelectric effect of electron-rich BaTiO3 with oxygen vacancies to enhance the performance of electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR). By combining with metal particles (Ru, Pd and Pt), the catalyst achieves a maximal Faradaic efficiency of 95.3% and NH3 yield rate of 6.87 mg h(-1) mg(cat)(-1). The piezoelectricity modulates the interface between metal nanoparticles and BaTiO3, enabling unobstructed electron transfer and abundant hydrogen radical production. This process suppresses the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and promotes the hydrogenation of reaction intermediates in NO3RR.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunchao Xu, Yiming Shi, Chuan Qian, Pengshan Xie, Chenxing Jin, Xiaofang Shi, Gengming Zhang, Wanrong Liu, Changjin Wan, Johnny C. Ho, Jia Sun, Junliang Yang
Summary: In this study, a novel optically readable organic electrochemical synaptic transistor (OR-OEST) strategy is proposed. The electrochemical doping mechanism of the device is systematically investigated, and basic biological synaptic behaviors that can be read by optical means are successfully achieved. The flexible OR-OESTs can electrically switch the transparency of semiconductor channel materials in a nonvolatile manner, enabling multilevel memory through optical readout. Moreover, the OR-OESTs are applied for preprocessing photonic images, such as contrast enhancement and denoising, and achieve a recognition rate of over 90% when fed into an artificial neural network.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
You Meng, Xiaocui Li, Xiaolin Kang, Wanpeng Li, Wei Wang, Zhengxun Lai, Weijun Wang, Quan Quan, Xiuming Bu, SenPo Yip, Pengshan Xie, Dong Chen, Dengji Li, Fei Wang, Chi-Fung Yeung, Changyong Lan, Chuntai Liu, Lifan Shen, Yang Lu, Furong Chen, Chun-Yuen Wong, Johnny C. Ho
Summary: The authors explore the unique multi-scale van der Waals interactions in one-dimensional tellurium systems to overcome the restrictions imposed by chemical bonds. They succeed in synthesizing wafer-scale van der Waals nanomeshes composed of self-welding Te nanowires on various substrates at a low temperature, which exhibit improved transport and photoelectric properties. These Te vdWs nanomesh electronics hold great promise in meeting emerging technological demands.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yunpeng Xia, Jiajia Zha, Haoxin Huang, Huide Wang, Peng Yang, Long Zheng, Zhuomin Zhang, Zhengbao Yang, Ye Chen, Hau Ping Chan, Johnny C. C. Ho, Chaoliang Tan
Summary: This study explores the effect of different crystal phases of MoTe2 as the charge-trapping layer in 2D van der Waals heterostructure-based flash memory devices. It is found that the device based on MoS2/h-BN/1T'-MoTe2 exhibits better performance than the device based on MoS2/h-BN/2H-MoTe2, including a larger memory window, faster switching speed, and higher extinction ratio. This research demonstrates that the crystal phase of 2D TMDs has a significant impact on the performance of nonvolatile flash memory devices based on 2D vdW heterostructures.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhengxun Lai, Zixin Zeng, You Meng, Yuxuan Zhang, Yi Shen, Wei Wang, Dengji Li, Dong Chen, Di Yin, Sai-Wing Tsang, SenPo Yip, Johnny C. Ho
Summary: A facile slow-evaporating solvent method is demonstrated to synthesize high-quality organic-inorganic halide perovskite films. Compared with the conventional spin-coating method, the films fabricated by this method show higher crystallinity, oriented lattice, smoother surface morphology, and lower trap density. The photodetector manufactured with this method-based film also performs better than those by the spin-coating method.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaocui Li, You Meng, Wanpeng Li, Jun Zhang, Chaoqun Dang, Heyi Wang, Shih-Wei Hung, Rong Fan, Fu-Rong Chen, Shijun Zhao, Johnny C. Ho, Yang Lu
Summary: All-inorganic lead halide perovskites (CsPbX3) have attracted attention for energy conversion due to their outstanding performance and enhanced environmental stability. In this study, single-crystal CsPbX3 micropillars were successfully morphed into various shapes without causing cleavage or cracks. This exceptional plasticity is enabled by the slips of partial dislocations on multiple {110} planes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiuming Bu, Di Yin, Dong Chen, Quan Quan, Zhe Yang, Senpo Yip, Chun-Yuen Wong, Xianying Wang, Johnny C. Ho
Summary: In this study, ternary Ni2P/MoNiP2/MoP crystalline/amorphous heterostructure nanowires were prepared on a conductive substrate using a facile H-2-assisted method. The content of the MoNiP2 phase and the crystallinity of the MoP phase can be tuned by controlling the H-2 concentration. The obtained electrocatalyst exhibits superior alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction performance, with high stability and optimized hydrogen adsorption/desorption kinetics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ke Xu, Yu Sun, You Wang, Bing Du, Xiaolong Li, Sai Zhang
Summary: We found that the catalytic activity of benzoic acid hydrogenation to cyclohexanecarboxylic acid is influenced by the initial surface fraction of Pd2+ in Pd nanoparticles. Additionally, we proposed a mechanism for the deactivation of Pd/C catalyst in benzoic acid hydrogenation, which involves a decrease in the fraction of Pd2+ in a strongly reducing atmosphere.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sujit Kumer Shil, Fei Wang, Kingsley O. Egbo, Ying Wang, Cheuk Kai Gary Kwok, Sai-W. Tsang, Johnny C. Ho, Kin Man Yu
Summary: This work reports the synthesis and properties of Pb-free all-inorganic Cs3Sb2X9 perovskite thin films (X = I, Br) by a two-step CVD approach. These films exhibit good crystallinity and high exciton binding energies with large Stokes shifts. The optical bandgaps and refractive indices of the films were also determined. Photoconductive devices fabricated using these films exhibited commendable performance with high responsivity and detectivity, as well as stable switching properties. The long-term stability of the thin films, even without encapsulation, suggests their potential for various optoelectronic devices.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xia Shen, Qihang Lv, Qian Yang, Jie Fan, Xiaohang Song, Pengfei Guo, Pu Li, Johnny C. C. Ho, Kin Man Yu
Summary: A two-step growth of CdSxSe1-x alloy nanoribbon heterostructures along the lateral direction by an improved two-step magnetic-pulling chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method is reported. Photoluminescence spectrum and 2D emission mapping at the junctions show two different emission bands at 555 and 603 nm, which show agreement with the structural characterization results. Additionally, photodetectors based on these achieved nanoribbons exhibit great performance of high responsivity, high external quantum efficiency, fast response speed, and high I-on/I-off ratio.
ADVANCED PHOTONICS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenbin Li, Junhao Ding, Xiao Chen, You Wang, Xu Song, Sai Zhang
Summary: This study presents a monolithic CuNi alloy catalyst with ordered microchannels and a unique lattice structure fabricated using 3D printing technology. The catalyst exhibits enhanced mass and heat transfer efficiencies and shows excellent catalytic performance and stability in the reverse water-gas shift reaction.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yong Zou, Zhaoming Xia, You Wang, Yuxuan Liu, Sai Zhang, Yongquan Qu
Summary: This article describes the reconstruction of frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) site on the CeO2(110) surface to form (La, Ce)-O upon La-doping. The (La, Ce)-O FLP site with tailored local Lewis acid-base property and increased spatial distance between the Lewis acid and base facilitates the tandem transformation of styrene and CO2 through weakened adsorption of CO2 while maintaining activation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yong Zou, Yuxuan Liu, Sai Zhang, Yongquan Qu
Summary: This study successfully achieved efficient oxidation of toluene and condensation with malononitrile using cobalt-doped nanorods of ceria with dual active-sites. The presence of oxygen vacancies and cobalt species promoted the activation of both O2 and C(sp(3))-H, enabling the synthesis of benzylidenemalononitrile under mild conditions. Experimental and theoretical simulations revealed that the oxidation of C(sp(3))-H and condensation with malononitrile were facilitated by the spillover of active oxygen species and the presence of cobalt sites.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guofa Dong, Tingting Chen, Fengyan Xie, Donglin Xue, Tingyan Liu, Long Chen, Jianrong Xia, Shaowu Du, Fengyun Wang, Feng Xie, Johnny C. Ho
Summary: In this study, highly efficient and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting were developed using NiFeP composites supported on Ni foam. The unique heterostructures in the composite contribute to its high electrocatalytic activity in hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. The composite shows promising potential for large-scale application in hydrogen energy utilization.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
