Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tzu-Ho Wu, Kung-Yi Ni, Bo-Tau Liu, Shih-Han Wang
Summary: In this study, an electrochemical oxidation strategy was used to activate the electrochemical activity of ZnV2O4 spinel oxide, leading to enhanced capacity. The mechanism underlying the capacity activation process was explained as a hydrolysis reaction coupled with the dissolution-recrystallization process. The activated cathode demonstrated efficient ion transport kinetics, high electrochemical reversibility, and stable cycle performance in RAZIBs.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tzu-Ho Wu, Kung-Yi Ni, Bo -Tau Liu, Shih-Han Wang
Summary: In this study, an electrochemical oxidation strategy is used to activate the electrochemical activity of ZnV2O4 spinel oxide, resulting in enhanced battery performance with good cycle stability and high electrochemical reversibility.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Natthapong Pongpichayakul, Suwaphid Themsirimongkon, Suphitsara Maturost, Kanlayawat Wangkawong, Li Fang, Burapat Inceesungvorn, Paralee Waenkaew, Surin Saipanya
Summary: Catalyst composites based on carbon loaded with Pt and CeO2 have been successfully prepared for methanol oxidation in direct-methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), showing enhanced catalytic performance and reduced CO poisoning by modifying carbon surfaces with CeO2 and Pt nanoparticles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. A. Perez-Sosa, E. Ramirez-Meneses, A. Manzo-Robledo, J. Mateos-Santiago, M. A. Hernandez-Perez, V. Garibay-Febles, L. Lartundo-Rojas, G. Zacahua-Tlacuatl
Summary: In this study, metal nanoparticles were synthesized using organometallic precursors with octylamine as stabilizer and carbon Vulcan XC-72R as support to prepare Ni/C, PtNi/C, and PtPdNi/C catalysts. The PtPdNi/C catalyst exhibited superior performance in urea oxidation reaction in alkaline conditions. The study also demonstrated urea could be used as a source of protons for energy generation in fuel cell systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Junmin Huang, Jianmin Chen, Wangxi Liu, Jingwen Zhang, Junying Chen
Summary: This study successfully fabricated Cu-doped ZnS nanoframes using a rational fabrication strategy, which exhibited promising photocatalytic activity and stability for solar-light-driven hydrogen generation.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ning Rui, Rui Shi, Ramon A. Gutierrez, Rina Rosales, Jindong Kang, Mausumi Mahapatra, Pedro J. Ramirez, Sanjaya D. Senanayake, Jose A. Rodriguez
Summary: The conversion and utilization of carbon dioxide is a critical challenge for reducing greenhouse gas pollution and producing high value chemicals. ZrO2/Cu(111) is an inverse oxide/metal catalyst with high activity and stability for the hydrogenation of CO2 into methanol, affecting the reaction products significantly.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Teresa Aguilar, Ivan Carrillo-Berdugo, Rodrigo Alcantara, Javier Navas
Summary: The study confirmed the potential application of CuFe2O4-based nanofluids as heat transfer fluids in CSP plants, showing that higher thermal conductivity can be achieved in nanofluids with high concentration of nanoparticles and surfactants, resulting in up to 35% efficiency improvement.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tong Su, Bohan Xiao, Zikang Ai, Lingjie Bao, Wencheng Chen, Yuheng Shen, Qijin Cheng, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Summary: Most high-performance 8-Ga2O3 thin films are currently grown using expensive techniques such as molecular beam epitaxy, metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, and pulsed laser deposition. A custom-made plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method is designed to achieve fast and cost-effective growth of 8-Ga2O3 thin films. The plasma-enhanced thermal oxidation process results in higher growth rates and improved film quality compared to traditional thermal oxidation methods.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Haiyong Liu, Yajie Feng, Peng Li, Xiaoguang Shi, Han Zhu, Jie Shu, Qing Huang, Fangfang Ge, Feng Huang
Summary: Through experimentation, it was found that chromium-coated zirconium alloy samples oxidized in high-temperature steam can have long-term structural integrity and barrier effects, and multiple toughening mechanisms can operate under stress. Additionally, finite element simulation showed that the thin oxide scale can generate less growth stress and the thick chromium-rich layer can effectively relieve stress.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhi-Quan Wei, Shuo Hou, Shi-Cheng Zhu, Yang Xiao, Gao Wu, Fang-Xing Xiao
Summary: This study introduces a new design of electron-tunneling photosystems using transition metal chalcogenides quantum dots and insulating polymer-metal oxides, demonstrating enhanced efficiency for solar-driven photoelectrochemical water oxidation.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohan Rao Tamtam, Ravindranadh Koutavarapu, Jaesool Shim
Summary: InVO4 is a highly attractive inorganic new-generation material with potential applications in energy and environmental science. However, its catalytic activity has been limited due to inherent defects in charge carrier separation and migration. This study successfully synthesized a novel nanocomposite, which significantly improves the catalytic performance of InVO4 and shows high efficacy in decomposing tetracycline antibiotic.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohammad Ismail Hossain, Md Shahiduzzaman, Safayet Ahmed, Md Rashedul Huqe, Wayesh Qarony, Ahmed Mortuza Saleque, Md Akhtaruzzaman, Dietmar Knipp, Yuen Hong Tsang, Tetsuya Taima, Juan Antonio Zapien
Summary: The study presents a photon management strategy for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that is compatible with tandem and flexible PSCs. By rigorously validating through numerical modeling and analyzing the effects, the research aims to optimize device performance and enhance electrical characteristics for higher efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Piyali Chatterjee, Amit K. Chakraborty
Summary: In this study, a facile heterojunction photoanode was fabricated by depositing n-type WO3 nanoplates and p-type CoWO4 nanocuboids on a FTO glass substrate, leading to the suppression of recombination and reduction of photocorrosion. The hybrid photoanode showed improved performance in photo-electrochemical water oxidation compared to the bare WO3 electrode.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ali Raza, Usman Qumar, Arslan Ahmed Rafi, Muhammad Ikram
Summary: This article provides a detailed review of the production methods and performance of MXene photocatalysts, as well as their mixed applications with traditional photocatalysts and stability. MXenes, as co-catalysts, show great potential in environmental photocatalysis.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
D. E. Gomersall, A. J. Flewitt
Summary: The aim of this work was to optimize the reactant delivery parameters for the PECVD of p-type Cu2O films and explore an alternative to other deposition techniques. The Cu2O films deposited using PECVD showed good stability and high Hall mobility, making it a viable option for large-scale industrial application.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaokang Wan, Yunbo Xu, Xianyun Wang, Xiangjiu Guan, Yanming Fu, Chao Hu, Haowei Hu, Nai Rong
Summary: Plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition and subsequent removal of Al2O3 ultrathin overlayers on bismuth vanadate were utilized to passivate surface states and enhance PEC performance significantly. The modified BiVO4 showed a 73% increase in photocurrent density compared to unmodified BiVO4, demonstrating a novel strategy for surface modification of semiconductors in photoelectrochemical energy conversion.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Leonardo Sian, Anna Dall'Anese, Alceo Macchioni, Leonardo Tensi, Vincenzo Busico, Roberta Cipullo, Georgy P. Goryunov, Dmitry Uborsky, Alexander Z. Voskoboynikov, Christian Ehm, Luca Rocchigiani, Cristiano Zuccaccia
Summary: The solution structure and dynamics of three prototypical bis-indenyl ansa-zirconocenium methyl cations paired with a weakly coordinating anion have been investigated in different solvents. Solvent coordination stabilizes the cations and affects their dynamic processes.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Selwin Fernando, Martina Landrini, Alceo Macchioni, David L. L. Hughes, Peter H. M. Budzelaar, Luca Rocchigiani
Summary: Zirconocene cations react with Cp2WH2 to form bimetallic bridging hydride 1, which has an atypical Zr(mu-H)W structure and a modulatable coordination geometry. Reaction with Lewis bases and unsaturated substrates can shift the coordination plane of the hydride bridge. Reaction with olefins and alkynes leads to alkyl and vinyl species with perpendicular Zr and W coordination planes. The bridging hydride interaction prevents bimetallic cooperativity and sigma-bond metathesis between Zr-C and H-H bonds is the preferred pathway.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Gabriel Menendez Rodriguez, Alceo Macchioni
Summary: This review discusses the key parameters for evaluating and benchmarking electrocatalysts and explores how the performance of coordination polymer-based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts can be improved through the selection of metal ion combinations and engineering of organic linkers.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Leonardo Tensi, Anna Dall'Anese, Alfonso Annunziata, Simone Mearini, Vittorio Nofrini, Gabriel Menendez Rodriguez, Andrea Carotti, Roccaldo Sardella, Francesco Ruffo, Alceo Macchioni
Summary: In this study, [Cp*IrLnCl] complexes (L1, L2, and L3) were synthesized and characterized. L1 and L2 exhibit a single diastereoisomer, while L3 exists as interconverting diastereoisomers. These complexes serve as catalysts for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of RC(O)C(O)OH in water, showing excellent chemoselectivity and efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaokang Wan, Xianyun Wang, Dashun Lu, Yunbo Xu, Gezhong Liu, Yanming Fu, Taotao Shui, Haitao Wang, Zude Cheng
Summary: Metal-nitrides-based electrocatalysts have been extensively investigated for efficient oxygen-evolution reaction. NiCo-based nanostructures on nickel foams were prepared and modulated, showing excellent OER performance. The optimized bimetallic-nitride catalyst Ni0.3Co0.7N exhibited a small overpotential of 268 mV at 20 mA cm(-2) and a Tafel slope of 66 mV dec(-1) with good stability. The enhanced OER performance was attributed to the synergetic effect of the unique morphology and the intrinsic catalytic property of the nanostructure after nitridation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chiara Domestici, Yinqi Wu, Thomas Hilberath, Miguel Alcalde, Frank Hollmann, Alceo Macchioni
Summary: Unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) are promising biocatalysts for oxyfunctionalisation reactions, owing to their simplicity of handling, stability, and robustness. In this study, an organometallic complex [Cp*Ir(pica)NO3] was successfully used to efficiently regenerate FMNH2 from FMN, driven by NaHCOO, and then spontaneously react with O-2 to produce H2O2. The hybrid catalytic tandem of 1 and rAaeUPO PaDa-I showed excellent performances in hydroxylation, epoxidation, and sulfoxidation reactions.
Article
Polymer Science
Gaia Urciuoli, Francesco Zaccaria, Cristiano Zuccaccia, Roberta Cipullo, Peter H. M. Budzelaar, Antonio Vittoria, Christian Ehm, Alceo Macchioni, Vincenzo Busico
Summary: This study presents a new class of molecular cocatalysts, exemplified by AlHAl, for catalytic olefin polymerization. A variant of AlHAl, called s-AlHAl, with enhanced solubility in aliphatic hydrocarbons, was successfully used as an activator/scavenger in ethylene/1-hexene copolymerization in a high-temperature solution process.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaokang Wan, Dashun Lu, Xianyun Wang, Gezhong Liu, Yanming Fu, Chao Hu, Nai Rong, Haitao Wang, Zude Cheng
Summary: A novel hybrid structure of bimetallic dicyanamide decorated BiVO4 has been developed to accelerate interfacial water oxidation kinetics. Two types of bimetallic dicyanamides, CoNi(dca)2 and CoFe(dca)2, were coated on BiVO4 photoanodes and showed enhanced PEC performance compared to Co(dca)2 or Ni(dca)2 as cocatalysts. The optimized Co0.9Ni0.1(dca)2/BiVO4 photoanode exhibited a high photocurrent density of 2.58 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE, which was 2.5 times that of bare BiVO4. The improvement in PEC performance was attributed to favorable interfacial charge transfer and improved charge injection efficiencies. This work presents a feasible strategy for designing a modified BiVO4-based photoanode system for enhanced water oxidation efficiency.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Angela Dibenedetto, Alceo Macchioni
Summary: The CIRCC is an international consortium consisting of 17 universities and 75 research units in Italy. It focuses on developing new chemical reactions, catalytic systems, and their potential industrial applications. This article introduces the consortium to EurJIC readers and summarizes the scientific articles featured in the Institute Feature dedicated to CIRCC.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lorenzo Baldinelli, Gabriel Menendez Rodriguez, Iolanda D'Ambrosio, Amalia Malina Grigoras, Riccardo Vivani, Loredana Latterini, Alceo Macchioni, Filippo De Angelis, Giovanni Bistoni
Summary: In this study, the role of tunable 3d configuration of metal centers in determining the catalytic activity of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was investigated. The authors used electrochemical and spectroscopic measurements combined with a computational protocol to shed light on this issue. One-dimensional coordination polymers based on Fe, Co and Ni were selected as a case study, and the results demonstrated the fundamental importance of electronic structure effects in modulating ligand binding energies and increasing catalyst efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Leonardo Tensi, Luca Rocchigiani, Gabriel Menendez Rodriguez, Edoardo Mosconi, Cristiano Zuccaccia, Filippo De Angelis, Alceo Macchioni
Summary: The reaction mechanism of nicotine amide dinucleotide hydrogenation (NAD(+) to NADH) catalyzed by Cp*Ir(pyridine-2-sulfonamidate) complexes in the presence of phosphonic acid has been elucidated. The enhanced performance of these catalysts stems from the hemilability of the pyridine ligand, which is displaced during P-H bond activation and facilitates the generation of the metal-hydride intermediate. Experimental results are supported by DFT calculations showing the importance of hydrogen bonding interactions in the activation of phosphite anions. Direct comparison between the unsubstituted catalyst and the 6-aminopyridine-2-sulfonamidate derivative reveals the molecular origin of the latter's superior performance, paving the way for the intelligent design of better catalysts for NADH regeneration.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
