Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aniket Raut, Haoyan Fang, Yu-Chung Lin, Shi Fu, David Sprouster, Ryuichi Shimogawa, Anatoly I. Frenkel, Chulsung Bae, John C. Douglin, Jaana Lillojad, Kaido Tammeveski, Zhiqiao Zeng, Stoyan Bliznakov, Miriam Rafailovich, Dario R. Dekel
Summary: By using the complementary techniques of X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, we have discovered that Pt ion migration is a key factor in explaining the performance decay of AEMFCs. Pt+2 ions are easily formed in alkaline media and can either dissolve into the carbon support or migrate to the membrane. Unlike PEMFCs, where hydrogen cross over results in the formation of a vertical Pt line within the membrane, the ions in AEM are trapped by charged groups within the membrane, causing membrane disintegration and failure. However, when substituting the Pt/C of the cathode with a FeCo-N-C catalyst, metal ion diffusion is still observed but with the ions migrating to the anode, thereby increasing membrane stability.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Eliran R. Hamo, Brian A. Rosen
Summary: As energy demands increase and environmental issues loom, fuel cells have gained significant attention as an alternative energy source, but the primary challenge remains improving fuel cell durability. Transition metal carbides (TMCs) show promise as a substitute for carbon-based catalyst supports, but concerns about their durability during start-up and shutdown operations hinder their large-scale deployment.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Valtteri Oksanen, Sari Rautiainen, Tom Wirtanen
Summary: This study presents a nickel-bipyridine electrocatalyzed homocoupling method for synthesizing bifuran motifs, using bromine-substituted methyl furancarboxylates prepared from hemicellulose-derived furfural. The protocol utilizes sustainable carbon-based graphite electrodes in a simple setup and avoids the use of a sacrificial anode by employing triethanolamine as an electron donor. The nickel-electrocatalyzed homocoupling is applied to the preparation of bifuran-based monomers, which are isolated using precipitation.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Zeyu Zhao, Minda Zou, Hua Huang, Ximei Zhai, Harrison Wofford, Jianhua Tong
Summary: One-pot synthesized twin perovskite oxide composite of BaCe0.5Fe0.5O3-delta (BCF) exhibits triple-conducting properties for solid oxide electrochemical cells and shows promising application potential under different conditions.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Wanhyuk Chang, Eun Heui Kang, Heon Jun Jeong, Wonjoon Choi, Joon Hyung Shim
Summary: In this study, we successfully fabricated perovskite materials for anode-supported proton ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) using an inexpensive commercial thermal inkjet printer. The ceramic ink source was synthesized by dissolving PBSCF nanopowder as a pigment in ethanol and propylene glycol methyl ether-based solvents. By optimizing the cathode microstructure through grayscale control, we achieved high performance and stability in low-temperature regions, with a peak power density of 728 mWcm(-2) at 600 degrees C and maintained performance without significant degradation for 80 hours at 500 degrees C. This study proposes an efficient method for fabricating high-quality and precise PBSCF cathodes in PCFCs using inkjet printing.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xianling Wu, Dumei Wang, Xueming Kang, Dongtang Zhang, Yong Yan, Guangsheng Guo, Zaicheng Sun, Xiayan Wang
Summary: The development of methanol-tolerant catalysts is essential for commercializing fuel cells. In this study, we reported a facile synthesis of graphene-supported Pt/Bi catalysts with high oxygen reduction activity and methanol poisoning tolerance. The catalyst showed great potential in the application of direct methanol fuel cells.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Christiane Schotten, Richard A. Bourne, Nikil Kapur, Bao N. Nguyen, Charlotte E. Willans
Summary: The electrochemical generation of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) provides a mild and selective alternative to traditional synthetic methods, which usually rely on strong bases and air-sensitive materials. The use of electrons as reagents results in an efficient and clean synthesis, enabling the direct application of NHCs in various fields such as organocatalysis, synthesis, and organometallic chemistry.
ADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tasneem Elkoush, Natasha D. Reich, Michael G. Campbell
Summary: In the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of synthetically useful transformations catalyzed by silver, with dinuclear silver species commonly emerging as a key feature in these reactions. Understanding the role of dinuclear silver complexes in homogeneous catalysis can aid in the development of improved design principles for silver catalysts.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tomasz Wasiak, Dawid Janas
Summary: The need for sophisticated chemical compounds drives progress in catalysis, with nanomaterials offering a promising alternative to traditional catalysts. Particularly notable results come from using metal species arranged as 1D nanowires, facilitating chemical transformations in organic chemistry.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Youngseung Na, Prashant Khadke, Andreas Gluesen, Nicola Kimiaie, Martin Mueller, Ulrike Krewer
Summary: The electrochemical behavior of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) is influenced by the concentration of methanol. Monitoring the methanol concentration in the fuel circulation loop is crucial for the efficient operation of DMFC systems. This study presents a robust electrochemical methanol sensing technique that is not affected by temperature, cell degradation, and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) type. The proposed method achieves high accuracy and is expected to enhance the reliability and control logic of DMFC systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anil Kumar, Khyati Shukla, Salman Ahsan, Amit Paul, Nitin T. Patil
Summary: In this study, we report the first report of 1,2-difunctionalization of C-C multiple bonds using electrochemical gold redox catalysis. By adopting the electrochemical strategy, we harnessed the inherent π-activation and cross-coupling reactivity of gold catalysis to develop the oxy-alkynylation of allenoates under external-oxidant-free conditions. Detailed mechanistic investigations, including P-31 NMR, control experiments, mass studies, and cyclic voltammetric (CV) analysis, have been performed to support the proposed reaction mechanism.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chu-Hong Ou, Ying-Ming Pan, Hai-Tao Tang
Summary: In this study, we designed and synthesized a porous organic polymer with NHC as the core structure, which exhibited higher catalytic activity and recyclability compared to homogeneous NHC. The polymer successfully catalyzed the cycloaddition reaction of aldehyde and ethyl isocyanoacetate under electro-oxidation conditions. This study provides a reference for the development of new green catalytic systems.
SCIENCE CHINA-CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Saptashwa Chakraborty, Bijoyananda Mishra, Pratim Kumar Das, Sandip Pasari, Srinivas Hotha
Summary: The silver-assisted gold-catalyzed activation of alkynyl glycosyl carbonate donors is a versatile approach for the synthesis of various types of N-glycosides, including purine and pyrimidine nucleosides, asparagine glycosides, and quinolin-2-one N-glycosides. This method enables the synthesis of nucleosides that are difficult to obtain through other means. Additionally, it can be used to easily synthesize 2'-modified nucleosides and dipeptide disaccharide units of chloroviruses.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fengli Liang, Po-hung Tseng, Qiang Sun, Mengran Li, Wei Zhou, Lian X. Liu, Hao Wang, Zhonghua Zhu
Summary: This study presents a novel method to assemble SrCo0.4Fe0.5W0.1O3-δ cathode directly onto YSZ electrolyte using a highly efficient microwave plasma technique, achieving intimate contact and notably high ORR performance. The method is also effective in assembling other MIEC perovskite cathodes, enhancing cathode performance significantly.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samuel J. Cobb, Azim M. Dharani, Ana Rita Oliveira, Ines A. C. Pereira, Erwin Reisner
Summary: The electrolysis of dilute CO2 streams is hampered by low concentrations of dissolved substrate and rapid depletion at the electrolyte-electrocatalyst interface. To address this issue, a bio-inspired strategy mimicking the carboxysome in cyanobacteria is introduced. It utilizes microcompartments with nanoconfined enzymes in a porous electrode to accelerate CO2 hydration kinetics and minimize substrate depletion, enabling efficient reduction of low-concentration CO2 to formate even at atmospheric concentrations. This concept demonstrates the potential of the carboxysome as a blueprint for the reduction of low-concentration CO2 streams to chemicals.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Li-Na Ma, Zi-Han Wang, Lin Zhang, Lei Hou, Yao-Yu Wang, Zhonghua Zhu
Summary: Researchers have developed a new metal-organic framework (MOF) material that shows excellent selectivity for separating acetylene from multicomponent mixtures. The material has unique tubular channels and open metal sites that enhance the interactions with acetylene molecules, resulting in high-purity acetylene separation.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kaixi Wang, Shuo Wang, Kwan San Hui, Junfeng Li, Chenyang Zha, Duc Anh Dinh, Zongping Shao, Bo Yan, Zikang Tang, Kwun Nam Hui
Summary: A 3D quasi-parallel structure consisting of dense Pt nanoparticles immobilized on oxygen vacancy-rich NiOx heterojunctions has been developed as an alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst. The catalyst exhibits extraordinary HER performance with a low overpotential, high mass activity, and long durability. When combined with NiFe-layered double hydroxide, the assembled alkaline electrolyzer requires extremely low voltage and can operate stably for a long time.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Muhammad Zafran Raja Mohammed, Zi Wei Ng, Aditya Putranto, Zong Yang Kong, Jaka Sunarso, Muhammad Aziz, Sharif H. H. Zein, Jannata Giwangkara, Ivan Butar
Summary: This study proposes a new process design for producing glucose and furfural from palm oil empty fruit bunches. A simulation is used to develop a process flow diagram and analyze the economics of the plant. The findings show a production capacity of 10 kilotons per year of glucose and 4.96 kilotons per year of furfural, with positive NPV, IRR, and ROI.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Songchen Xie, Ngie Hing Wong, Jaka Sunarso, Qiang Guo, Chunguang Hou, Zhiguang Pang, Yuelian Peng
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics of CaSO4 scaling and evaluated the efficiency and mechanisms of different cleaning reagents. The results showed that three cleaning solutions had similar cleaning efficiencies of approximately 96% at the surface scaling stage, but only the commercial detergent exhibited high efficiency (89%) at the pore scaling stage. Furthermore, periodic cleaning with the commercial detergent at the surface scaling stage followed by drying could completely restore the PTFE membrane performance, achieving 90% total water recovery in a 43.5-hour continuous concentration test.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dan Guo, Xinpan Luo, Lu Cai, Ngie Hing Wong, Jaka Sunarso, Nana Li
Summary: In this study, PVDF membranes with enhanced mechanical strength, water flux, and electrical conductivity were prepared using conductive knitted fabrics as the supporting matrix. The composite membranes exhibited higher tensile strength and water flux compared to PVDF membranes. This research highlights the potential of developing reinforced hydrophobic membranes using conductive knitted fabric.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhenyu Sun, Yi Ding, Cuie Wang, Peng Mao, Beibei Wang, Ran Ran, Wei Zhou, Kaiming Liao, Zongping Shao
Summary: This study proposes a simple, scalable, and inexpensive electrode engineering and recycling strategy for rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) based on magnetic binder engineering of cobalt-implanted electrocatalysts. By manipulating the electrode with magnets, the ZAB can cycle for 1200 hours, and its anti-pulverization behavior is revealed through in situ observation. The cobalt-implanted electrocatalysts can also be recycled from spent ZABs using a magnetic force-separation method, and the recycled electrocatalysts exhibit considerably prolonged cycling stability for over 500 hours. These findings not only enhance battery performance but also provide sustainable solutions for recycling electrocatalysts for various applications beyond ZABs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shazed Aziz, Xi Zhang, Sina Naficy, Bidita Salahuddin, Edwin W. H. Jager, Zhonghua Zhu
Summary: Helical plants have the ability to respond to natural stimuli, and scientists have replicated this capability in artificial muscles. However, these shape-mimicked actuators are not adaptive to changing environmental conditions. In this study, a unique microstructural biomimicking approach is used to create artificial muscles that can replicate the hydrotropism and thermotropism of helical plants. These self-adaptive muscle yarns have rapid movement and can autonomously close a window in wet climates.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Hai Wang, Jingsheng He, Huimin Xiang, Ran Ran, Wei Zhou, Wei Wang, Zongping Shao
Summary: Mixed Pb-Sn narrow-band-gap perovskite solar cells have attracted attention due to their low cost, high power conversion efficiency, and potential as a replacement for commercial silicon-based solar cells. However, these cells suffer from low efficiency, poor stability, and high Voc loss. Additive engineering strategies, such as stabilizing Sn2+ cations and controlling film properties, have been proposed to improve the efficiency and stability of these cells.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Fayun Wu, Cuie Wang, Kaiming Liao, Zongping Shao
Summary: Metal-air batteries generate electrical energy by combining metal and oxygen, and they are considered a promising technology due to their high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the difficulties in decomposing the discharge products result in a high overpotential. Recent research has shown that semiconductors can capture solar energy and improve the battery reaction by increasing electron migration rate. This review paper discusses the fundamentals of photoelectrochemistry, photocathode design principles, various photocatalysts, challenges caused by light, and perspectives for the development of high-performance light-assisted metal-air batteries.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jie Miao, Jian Song, Junyu Lang, Yuan Zhu, Jie Dai, Yan Wei, Mingce Long, Zongping Shao, Baoxue Zhou, Pedro J. J. Alvarez, Lizhi Zhang
Summary: Five-nitrogen coordinated Mn (MnN5) sites effectively activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) by cleaving the O-O bond into high-valent Mn(IV)-oxo species, with nearly 100% selectivity. This finding highlights the importance of high coordination numbers in single-atom catalysts (SACs) for efficient PMS activation and informs the design of next-generation environmental catalysts.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuangshuang Zhu, Ao Yang, Zong Yang Kong, Shirui Sun, Mengna Bai, Jaka Sunarso
Summary: Most of the current research on extractive distillation focuses on direct sequence extractive distillation (DED), while there is limited information on the design and control of indirect sequence extractive distillation (IED). This study examines the control performance of a heat-integrated IED for the separation of tetrahydrofuran (THF)/ethyl acetate (EtAc)/water. Three control strategies (CS 1, CS 2, and CS 3) are developed and compared, with CS 3 showing the best ability to maintain the purity of all three products close to the desired specification, even under feed flow and composition disturbances.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dongliang Liu, Wanqing Chen, Chuan Zhou, Meijuan Fei, Fengli Liang, Yuxing Gu, Meigui Xu, Ran Ran, Wei Zhou
Summary: In this study, a novel cathode SrY0.05W0.05Co0.9O3-delta and CO2-induced surface in-situ reconfiguration optimization strategy were developed to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction activity in solid oxide fuel cells. Nanoscale SrCO3 particles and oxide nanoparticles were successfully produced after switching the atmosphere from CO2 to air, resulting in improved oxygen reduction reaction kinetics and reduced resistance. However, the classic cathode Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-delta showed a strong interaction with CO2, preventing the transformation of BaCO3 into nanoparticles and complete decomposition.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Liangshuang Fei, Hainan Sun, Xiaomin Xu, Yu Li, Ran Ran, Wei Zhou, Zongping Shao
Summary: Significant progress has been made in the discovery of bifunctional electrocatalysts for energy storage and conversion systems, particularly for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and urea oxidation reaction (UOR). Various materials engineering strategies have been developed to improve the catalytic performance, but the mechanisms of reported bifunctional catalysts vary depending on the types of materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and understanding of bifunctional electrocatalysts for OER/UOR, and discusses future research directions to achieve sustainable energy and environmental goals.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Penghui Yan, Hong Peng, John Vogrin, Hesamoddin Rabiee, Zhonghua Zhu
Summary: Catalytic conversion of CO2 to renewable fuels and green chemicals is a promising approach, but the uncontrollable C-C coupling limits the selectivity of desired products. This review focuses on recent advancements in CO2 hydrogenation over zeolite-based catalysts, with an emphasis on the selectivity of targeted products. The role of zeolite properties and recent progress in designing and modifying zeolite materials for enhanced CO2 conversion and targeted product selectivity are comprehensively reviewed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xi Zhang, Shazed Aziz, Bidita Salahuddin, Zhonghua Zhu
Summary: Thermoresponsive hydrogels are intelligent materials that show rapid volumetric shape deformation in response to temperature change. They have great potential for various applications including soft robotics, medical devices, sensors, and smart textiles.
