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At least 379 records · Page 21

Mediating Photochemical Reaction Rates at Lewis Acidic Rare Earths by Selective Energy Loss to 4f-Electron States

Manifesting chemical differences in individual rare earth (RE) element complexes is challenging due to the similar sizes of the tripositive cations and the corelike 4f shell. In this work, we disclose a new strategy for differentiating between similarly sized Dy 3+ and Y 3+ ions through a tailored photochemical reaction of their isostructural complexes in which the f-electron states of Dy 3+ act as an energy sink. Complexes RE(hfac) 3 (NMMO) 2 (RE = Dy (2-Dy) and Y (2-Y), hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate, and NMMO = N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide) showed variable rates of oxygen atom transfer (OAT) to triphenylphosphine under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, as monitored by 1 H and 19 F NMR spectroscopies. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) identified the excited state(s) responsible for the photochemical OAT reaction or lack thereof. Competing sensitization pathways leading to excited-state deactivation in 2-Dy through energy transfer to the 4f electron manifold ultimately slows the OAT reaction at this metal cation. The measured rate differences between the open-shell Dy 3+ and closed-shell Y 3+ complexes demonstrate that using established principles of 4f ion sensitization may deliver new, selective modalities for differentiating the RE elements that do not depend on cation size.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Dynamic Evolution of Palladium Single Atoms on Anatase Titania Support Determines the Reverse Water–Gas Shift Activity

Research interest in single-atom catalysts (SACs) has been continuously rising. However, the lack of understanding of the dynamic behaviors of SACs during applications hinder catalyst development and mechanistic understanding. Herein, we report on the evolution of active sites over Pd/TiO 2 -anatase SAC (Pd 1 /TiO 2 ) in the reverse water-gas shift (rWGS) reaction. Combining kinetics, in-situ characterization, and theory, we show that at T ≥ 350 °C, the reduction of TiO 2 by H 2 alters the coordination environment of Pd, creating Pd sites with partially cleaved Pd-O interfacial bonds and a unique electronic structure that exhibit high intrinsic rWGS activity through the carboxyl pathway. The activation by H 2 is accompanied by the partial sintering of single Pd atoms (Pd 1 ) into disordered, flat, ~1 nm diameter clusters (Pd n ). The highly active Pd sites in the new coordination environment under H 2 are eliminated by oxidation, which, when performed at high temperature, also re-disperses Pd n and facilitates the reduction of TiO 2 . In contrast, Pd 1 sinters into crystalline, ~5 nm particles (Pd NP ) during CO treatment, deactivating Pd 1 /TiO 2 . During the rWGS reaction, the two Pd evolution pathways co-exist. The activation by H 2 dominates, leading to the increasing rate with time-on-stream, and steady-state Pd active sites similar with the ones formed under H 2 . Finally, this work demonstrates how the coordination environment and nuclearity of metal sites on a SAC evolve during catalysis and pre-treatments, and how their activity is modulated by these behaviors. These insights on SAC dynamics and structure-function relationship are valuable to mechanistic understanding and catalyst design.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Supramolecular Metal Halide Complexes for High-Temperature Nonlinear Optical Switches

Nonlinear optical (NLO) switching materials, which exhibit reversible intensity modulation in response to thermal stimuli, have found extensive applications across diverse fields, including sensing, photoelectronics, and photonic applications. While significant progress has been made in solid-state NLO switching materials, these materials typically showcase their highest NLO performance near room temperature. However, this performance drastically deteriorates upon heating, primarily due to the phase transition undergone by the materials from non-centrosymmetric to centrosymmetric phase. Here, we introduce a new class of NLO switching materials, solid-state supramolecular compounds 18-Crown-6 ether@Cu 2 Cl 4 ·4H 2 O (1·4H 2 O), exhibiting reversible and stable NLO switching when subjected to near-infrared (NIR) photoexcitation and/or thermal stimuli. The reversible crystal structure in response to external stimuli is attributed to the presence of a weakly coordinated bridging water molecule, facilitated by hydrogen bonding/chelation interactions between the metal halide and crown-ether supramolecules. We observed an exceptionally high second-harmonic generation (SHG) signal under continuous photoexcitation, even at temperatures exceeding 110°C. In addition, the bridging water molecules within the complex can be released and recaptured in a fully reversible manner, all without requiring excessive energy input. This feature allows for precise control of SHG signal activation and deactivation through structural transformations, resulting in a high-contrast off/on ratio, reaching values in the million-fold range.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Role of H 2 O in Catalytic Conversion of C 1 Molecules

Due to their role in controlling global climate change, the selective conversion of C 1 molecules such as CH 4 , CO, and CO 2 has attracted widespread attention. Typically, H 2 O competes with the reactant molecules to adsorb on the active sites and therefore inhibits the reaction or causes catalyst deactivation. However, H 2 O can also participate in the catalytic conversion of C 1 molecules as a reactant or a promoter. Herein, we provide a perspective on recent progress in the mechanistic studies of H 2 O-mediated conversion of C 1 molecules. We aim to provide an in-depth and systematic understanding of H 2 O as a promoter, a proton-transfer agent, an oxidant, a direct source of hydrogen or oxygen, and its influence on the catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. We also summarize strategies for modifying catalysts or catalytic microenvironments by chemical or physical means to optimize the positive effects and minimize the negative effects of H 2 O on the reactions of C 1 molecules. Finally, we discuss challenges and opportunities in catalyst design, characterization techniques, and theoretical modeling of the H 2 O-mediated catalytic conversion of C 1 molecules.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Enhanced Methanol Synthesis from CO 2 Hydrogenation Achieved by Tuning the Cu–ZnO Interaction in ZnO/Cu 2 O Nanocube Catalysts Supported on ZrO 2 and SiO 2

The nature of the Cu–Zn interaction and especially the role of Zn in Cu/ZnO catalysts used for methanol synthesis from CO 2 hydrogenation are still debated. Migration of Zn onto the Cu surface during reaction results in a Cu–ZnO interface, which is crucial for the catalytic activity. However, whether a Cu–Zn alloy or a Cu–ZnO structure is formed and the transformation of this interface under working conditions demand further investigation. Here, ZnO/Cu 2 O core–shell cubic nanoparticles with various ZnO shell thicknesses, supported on SiO 2 or ZrO 2 were prepared to create an intimate contact between Cu and ZnO. The evolution of the catalyst’s structure and composition during and after the CO 2 hydrogenation reaction were investigated by means of operando spectroscopy, diffraction, and ex situ microscopy methods. The Zn loading has a direct effect on the oxidation state of Zn, which, in turn, affects the catalytic performance. High Zn loadings, resulting in a stable ZnO catalyst shell, lead to increased methanol production when compared to Zn-free particles. Low Zn loadings, in contrast, leading to the presence of metallic Zn species during reaction, showed no significant improvement over the bare Cu particles. Therefore, our work highlights that there is a minimum content of Zn (or optimum ZnO shell thickness) needed to activate the Cu catalyst. Furthermore, in order to minimize catalyst deactivation, the Zn species must be present as ZnO x and not metallic Zn or Cu–Zn alloy, which is undesirably formed during the reaction when the precatalyst ZnO overlayer is too thin.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Ethylene Polymerizations Catalyzed by Fluorinated “Sandwich” Diimine-Nickel and Palladium Complexes

Nickel and palladium complexes bearing “sandwich” diimine ligands with perfluorinated aryl caps have been synthesized, characterized, and explored in ethylene polymerization reactions. The X-ray crystallographic analysis of the precatalysts 16 and 6b show differences from their non-fluorinated analogues 17 and 19, with the perfluorinated aryl caps centered precisely over the nickel and palladium centers which results in higher buried volumes of the metal centers relative to the non-fluorinated analogs. The sandwich diimine palladium complexes 5a and 5b containing perfluorinated aryl caps polymerize ethylene in a controlled fashion with activities that are substantially increased compared with their non-fluorinated analogues. Migratory insertion rates in relevant methyl ethylene complexes agree with activities exhibited in bulk polymerization experiments. DFT studies suggest that facility of ethylene rotation from its preferred orientation perpendicular to the Pd-alkyl bond into a parallel in-plane conformation contributes to the higher polymerization activity for 5b relative to 18a. For these palladium systems polymer molecular weights can be controlled via hydrogen addition (hydrogenolysis) which is unusual for late transition metal-catalyzed olefin polymerizations with no catalyst deactivation occurring. Sandwich diimine nickel complexes 6a and 6b with perfluorinated aryl caps show ethylene polymerization activities that are about half that of classical tetraisopropyl-substituted catalyst 2 but again are more active than the analogous nonfluorinated sandwich complexes. Ethylene polymerizations exhibit living behavior and branched ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs) with very low molecular weight distributions (less than 1.1) are obtained. The activated nickel catalysts are stable in the absence of monomer and show good long-term stability at 25 °C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Structural Transformation and Degradation of Cu Oxide Nanocatalysts during Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction

The electrochemical CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) holds enormous potential as a carbon-neutral route to the sustainable production of fuels and platform chemicals. The durability for long-term operation is currently inadequate for commercialization, however, and the underlying deactivation process remains elusive. A fundamental understanding of the degradation mechanism of electrocatalysts, which can dictate the overall device performance, is needed. In this work, we report the structural dynamics and degradation pathway of Cu oxide nanoparticles (CuO x NPs) during the CO 2 RR by using in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The in situ SAXS reveals a reduction in the size of NPs when subjected to a potential at which no reaction products are detected. At potentials where the CO 2 RR starts to occur, CuO x NPs are agglomerated through a particle migration and coalescence process in the early stage of the reaction, followed by Ostwald ripening (OR) as the dominant degradation mechanism for the remainder of the reaction. As the applied potential becomes more negative, the OR process becomes more dominant, and for the most negative applied potential, OR dominates for the entire reaction time. The morphological changes are linked to a gradual decrease in the formation rate for multicarbon products (C 2 H 4 and ethanol). Other reaction parameters, including reaction intermediates and local high pH, induce changes in the agglomeration process and final morphology of the CuO x NPs electrode, supported by post-mortem ex situ microscopic analysis. The in situ XAS analysis suggests that the CuO x NPs reduced into the metallic state before the structural transformation was observed. The introduction of high surface area carbon supports with ionomer coating mitigates the degree of structural transformation and detachment of the CuO x NPs electrode. These findings show the dynamic nature of Cu nanocatalysts during the CO 2 RR and can serve as a rational guideline toward a stable catalyst system under electrochemical conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Selective Depolymerization for Sculpting Polymethacrylate Molecular Weight Distributions

Chain-end reactivation of polymethacrylates generated by reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) has emerged as a powerful tool for triggering depolymerization at significantly milder temperatures than those traditionally employed. In this study, we demonstrate how the facile depolymerization of poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) can be leveraged to selectively skew the molecular weight distribution (MWD) and predictably alter the viscoelastic properties of blended PBMA mixtures. By mixing polymers with thermally active chain ends with polymers of different molecular weights and inactive chain ends, the MWD of the blends can be skewed to be high or low by selective depolymerization. This approach leads to the counterintuitive principle of the “destructive strengthening” of a material. As a result, we demonstrate, as a proof of concept, the encryption of information within polymer mixtures by linking Morse code with the MWDs before and after selective depolymerization, allowing for the encoding of data within blends of synthetic macromolecules.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Intrinsically Bifunctional and Tunable Tungsten Carbide Catalysts Enable Efficient PVC-Compatible Polyolefin Hydrocracking

Hydrocracking is a promising route for the chemical recycling of polyolefins (PO), converting them into short hydrocarbons over bifunctional catalysts with metal sites for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation, and Brønsted acid sites (BAS) for isomerization and C–C bond cleavage. However, PO feedstocks containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can release chlorine (Cl) under reaction conditions, deactivating conventional noble metal/zeolite catalysts. Moreover, the lack of site intimacy and the presence of micropores within conventional catalysts create challenges around the transport of high-molecular-weight, sterically encumbered polymer intermediates. Here, in this study, we report tungsten carbides (W x C) as a novel type of bifunctional catalysts that address these challenges. W/W 2 C phases on W x C offer “metal” sites, and −OH on WO x species introduces BAS in close proximity. The “metal”:BAS ratio can be tuned through carburization temperature, leading to a volcano-shaped activity trend reflecting the requirement for metal–BAS balance. Kinetic data demonstrate that each PO chain undergoes sequential cleavage, while trends in cracking ideality and selectivity follow those in short-alkane hydrocracking. On the per-BAS basis, W x C is more efficient than conventional bifunctional catalysts by more than an order of magnitude, due to enhanced polymer transport. They maintain or show increased activity with 10 wt % PVC in the substrate. This work establishes transition-metal carbides as earth-abundant bifunctional catalysts with unique site proximity and heteroatom compatibility. These features, along with the broad structure space for rational tuning, make them promising options to tackle specific challenges that polymer feedstocks present in hydrocracking.

Nwachukwu, Uchenna C. [Univ. of Akron, OH (United ↗

Active Site Dynamics in Molybdenum-Based Silica-Supported Olefin Metathesis Catalysts: Site Renewal and Decay Beyond the Chauvin Cycle

Heterogeneous olefin metathesis catalysts exhibit low active site densities and unpredictable kinetics due to dynamic active site formation and decay processes. Here, in this study, we establish a quantitative framework that captures active site generation, renewal, and decay in olefin metathesis over silica-supported molybdenum oxide catalysts, enabling a mechanistic explanation of catalytic behavior and strategies to achieve high, stable activity. Steady-state active site titrations reveal that 2,3-dimethyl-butene isomers (4MEs) cofeeding increases active site density by up to 4.3-fold, directly correlating with enhanced metathesis rates. Spectroscopic studies demonstrate that 4MEs facilitate Mo(VI) reduction to Mo(IV) and interact strongly with surface Si–OH groups, generating labile protons that promote active site formation via a 1,2-proton shift mechanism. Kinetic modeling indicates that ethylene acts as a decay promoter, shifting kinetic control away from the Chauvin cycle and suppressing metathesis activity. Comparative studies on catalysts with varying Mo loading reveal that promotion is most effective for dispersed molybdate species, with a decline at higher Mo loadings. These findings provide a unified mechanistic framework for heterogeneous olefin metathesis, offering new strategies to enhance active site accessibility, mitigate deactivation, and optimize catalyst design.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Kinetics vs Thermodynamics: Engineering Photoredox Reactivity from an Upper Excited State of Fe II

Ultrafast deactivation of metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) states into low-lying metal-centered states has long limited the utility of first-row transition-metal complexes in a broad range of applications, including photoredox catalysis. Here we bypass such limitations using a Fe II -pyridinium carbene complex to enable electron transfer reactivity directly from a higher-lying MLCT state. Time-resolved spectroscopic data revealed that the higher-energy MLCT manifold relaxes to lower-lying metal-centered states with a time constant of ca. 3 ps. The nature of the metal-centered (MC) excited state as a 3 MC (i.e., S = 1) was inferred from variable-temperature transient absorption studies. These experiments also revealed that the ground-state recovery process occurs at or very near the “Marcus barrierless regime”, thereby allowing for an estimate of its excited-state redox potential. The detailed picture of the energetics of this compound that emerged enabled fine-tuning of competing thermodynamic and kinetic pathways to effect electron transfer from the higher-energy MLCT excited state prior to relaxation to the ligand-field manifold. We believe these results open an unexplored landscape for the use of earth-abundant first-row transition-metal-based chromophores for applications in light-to-chemical energy conversion.

charge transfer↗

Control of Molecular Bonding Strength on Metal Catalysts with Organic Monolayers for CO 2 Reduction

The development of separate levers for controlling the bonding strength of different reactive species on catalyst surfaces is challenging but essential for the design of highly active and selective catalysts. For example, during CO 2 reduction, production of CO often requires balancing a trade-off between the adsorption strength of the reactant and product states: weak binding of CO is desirable from a selectivity perspective, but weak binding of CO 2 leads to low activity. Here in this paper, we demonstrate a new method of controlling both CO 2 adsorption and CO desorption over supported metal catalysts by employing a single self-assembly step where organic monolayer films were deposited on the catalyst support. Binding of phosphonic acid monolayers on supported Pt and Pd catalysts weakened CO binding via a through-support effect. The weakened CO adsorption was generally accompanied by decreased adsorption and reactivity of CO 2 . However, by the incorporation of basic amine functions at controlled positions in the modifying film, strong CO 2 adsorption and hydrogenation reactivity could be restored. Thus, both through-surface and through-space interactions could be manipulated by design of the organic modifiers. After surface modification, the catalysts exhibited significantly improved selectivity (up to ~99% at conversions near 50%) and activity toward CO production. Moreover, the rate of deactivation was notably reduced due to prevention of CO poisoning.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Visible-Light-Driven, Iridium-Catalyzed Hydrogen Atom Transfer: Mechanistic Studies, Identification of Intermediates, and Catalyst Improvements

The harvesting of visible light is a powerful strategy for the synthesis of weak chemical bonds involving hydrogen that are below the thermodynamic threshold for spontaneous H 2 evolution. Piano-stool iridium hydride complexes are effective for the bluelight- driven hydrogenation of organic substrates and contrathermodynamic dearomative isomerization. In this work, a combination of spectroscopic measurements, isotopic labeling, structure–reactivity relationships, and computational studies has been used to explore the mechanism of these stoichiometric and catalytic reactions. Photophysical measurements on the iridium hydride catalysts demonstrated the generation of long-lived excited states with principally metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) character. Transient absorption spectroscopic studies with a representative substrate, anthracene revealed a diffusion-controlled dynamic quenching of the MLCT state. The triplet state of anthracene was detected immediately after the quenching events, suggesting that triplet–triplet energy transfer initiated the photocatalytic process. The key role of triplet anthracene on the post-energy transfer step was further demonstrated by employing photocatalytic hydrogenation with a triplet photosensitizer and a HAT agent, hydroquinone. DFT calculations support a concerted hydrogen atom transfer mechanism in lieu of stepwise electron/proton or proton/electron transfer pathways. Kinetic monitoring of the deactivation channel established an inverse kinetic isotope effect, supporting reversible C(sp 2 )–H reductive coupling followed by rate-limiting ligand dissociation. Mechanistic insights enabled design of a piano-stool iridium hydride catalyst with a rationally modified supporting ligand that exhibited improved photostability under blue light irradiation. The complex also provided improved catalytic performance toward photoinduced hydrogenation with H 2 and contra-thermodynamic isomerization.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Reacting CO 2 with Light Alkanes to Value-Added Products

Catalytic conversion of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into value-added products is a promising strategy to mitigate global carbon emissions. Concurrently, the shale gas revolution has provided an abundant supply of light alkanes (methane, ethane, propane, and butane), presenting a unique opportunity to employ these underutilized hydrocarbons as an effective, low-cost hydrogen source for CO 2 reduction. In this Perspective, we summarize past efforts, current state, and future opportunities for reacting CO 2 with light alkanes to generate a diverse range of value-added products. Compared with direct alkane conversion, the introduction of CO 2 fundamentally alters reaction thermodynamics and kinetics, enabling selective C–H and C–C bond activation while suppressing catalyst deactivation from coke formation. Building on decades of research in dry reforming and CO 2 -assisted dehydrogenation, recent advances in catalyst design have enabled CO 2 -assisted dehydrogenation processes that approach chemical equilibrium for the selective production of olefins and syngas. Importantly, advances in catalyst design and reactor engineering have further expanded the product scope beyond gas-phase (syngas and olefins) to include liquid-phase (oxygenates and aromatics), and solid-phase products (carbon nanomaterials). We highlight key catalyst design principles for controlling reaction pathways and discuss major challenges and opportunities in developing selective and versatile platforms for the simultaneous upgrading of CO 2 and light alkanes.

CO2↗

Three-dimensional strain dynamics govern the hysteresis in heterogeneous catalysis

Understanding catalysts strain dynamic behaviours is crucial for the development of cost-effective, efficient, stable and long-lasting catalysts. Here, we reveal in situ three-dimensional strain evolution of single gold nanocrystals during a catalytic CO oxidation reaction under operando conditions with coherent X-ray diffractive imaging. We report direct observation of anisotropic strain dynamics at the nanoscale, where identically crystallographically-oriented facets are qualitatively differently affected by strain leading to preferential active sites formation. Interestingly, the single nanoparticle elastic energy landscape, which we map with attojoule precision, depends on heating versus cooling cycles. The hysteresis observed at the single particle level is following the normal/inverse hysteresis loops of the catalytic performances. This approach opens a powerful avenue for studying, at the single particle level, catalytic nanomaterials and deactivation processes under operando conditions that will enable profound insights into nanoscale catalytic mechanisms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A contorted nanographene shelter

Nanographenes have kindled considerable interest in the fields of materials science and supramolecular chemistry as a result of their unique self-assembling and optoelectronic properties. Encapsulating the contorted nanographenes inside artificial receptors, however, remains challenging. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a trigonal prismatic hexacationic cage, which has a large cavity and adopts a relatively flexible conformation. It serves as a receptor, not only for planar coronene, but also for contorted nanographene derivatives with diameters of approximately 15 Å and thicknesses of 7 Å. A comprehensive investigation of the host-guest interactions in the solid, solution and gaseous states by experimentation and theoretical calculations reveals collectively an induced-fit binding mechanism with high binding affinities between the cage and the nanographenes. Notably, the photostability of the nanographenes is improved significantly by the ultrafast deactivation of their excited states within the cage. Encapsulating the contorted nanographenes inside the cage provides a noncovalent strategy for regulating their photoreactivity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Reaction inhomogeneity coupling with metal rearrangement triggers electrochemical degradation in lithium-rich layered cathode

High-energy density lithium-rich layered oxides are among the most promising candidates for next-generation energy storage. Unfortunately, these materials suffer from severe electrochemical degradation that includes capacity loss and voltage decay during long-term cycling. Present research efforts are primarily focused on understanding voltage decay phenomena while origins for capacity degradation have been largely ignored. Here, we thoroughly investigate causes for electrochemical performance decline with an emphasis on capacity loss in the lithium-rich layered oxides, as well as reaction pathways and kinetics. Advanced synchrotron-based X-ray two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging techniques are combined with spectroscopic and scattering techniques to spatially visualize the reactivity at multiple length-scales on lithium- and manganese-rich layered oxides. These methods provide direct evidence for inhomogeneous manganese reactivity and ionic nickel rearrangement. Coupling deactivated manganese with nickel migration provides sluggish reaction kinetics and induces serious structural instability in the material. Our findings provide new insights and further understanding of electrochemical degradation, which serve to facilitate cathode material design improvements.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗