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At least 865 records · Page 48

Tandem Nitrogen Functionalization of Porous Carbon: Toward Immobilizing Highly Active Palladium Nanoclusters for Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid

Highly dispersed palladium nanoclusters (Pd NCs) immobilized by a nitrogen (N)-functionalized porous carbon support (N-MSC-30) are synthesized by a wet chemical reduction method, wherein the N-MSC-30 prepared by a tandem low temperature heat-treatment approach proved to be a distinct support for stabilizing the Pd NCs. The prepared Pd/N-MSC-30 shows extremely high catalytic activity and recyclability for the dehydrogenation of formic acid (FA), affording the highest turnover frequency (TOF = 8414 h -1 ) at 333 K, which is much higher than that of the Pd catalyst supported on the N-MSC-30 prepared via a one-step process. This tandem heat treatment strategy provides a facile and effective synthetic methodology to immobilize ultrafine metal NPs on N-functionalized carbon materials, which have tremendous application prospects in various catalytic fields.

dehydrogenation↗

Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Dimethylamine Borane by Highly Active Thorium and Uranium Metallocene Complexes

In the thorium and uranium complexes (C 5 Me 5 ) 2 AnMe 2 , [(C 5 Me 5 ) 2 An(H)(μ-H)] 2 (An = Th, U) and [(C 5 Me 5 ) 2 U(H)] 2 dehydrogenate dimethylamine borane (Me2NH·BH3) at room temperature. Upon mild heating at 45 °C, turnover frequencies (TOFs) of 400 h –1 are obtained, which is comparable to some of the fastest Me 2 NH·BH 3 dehydrogenation catalysts known in the literature. We propose a β-hydride elimination mechanism for dehydrogenation because of the observation of Me 2 N=BH 2 , Me 2 N=BMe 2 , and Me 2 N=BHMe in the 11 B NMR spectra of catalytic and stoichiometric reactions. The similar catalytic metrics between the actinide dimethyl and hydride complexes with Me 2 NH·BH 3 indicate that the actinide hydride complexes are the active catalysts in this chemistry.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Understanding the Relationship Between Kinetics and Thermodynamics in CO 2 Hydrogenation Catalysis

Linear free-energy relationships have been identified that link the kinetic activity for catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to formate with the thermodynamic driving force for the rate-limiting steps of catalysis. Cobalt and rhodium bis(diphosphine) complexes with different hydricities (G°H-), acidities (pKa), and free energies for H2 addition (G°H2) were examined. Catalytic CO2 hydrogenation was studied under 1.8 and 20 atm of pressure (1:1 CO2:H2) at room temperature in tetrahydrofuran with a spread of turnover frequencies (TOF) ranging from 0 to 74,000 h-1. The catalysis was followed by 1H and 31P NMR in real time under all conditions to yield information about the rate determining step. Catalysts exhibiting the highest activities were found to have hydride transfer and hydrogen addition steps that were each downhill by approximately 6 to 7 kcal/mol, and the deprotonation step was thermoneutral. The research by M.S.J., A.M.A., E.S.W., and J.C.L. was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences. The research by E.B.H., M.L.H., and M.T.M. (X-ray crystallography, synthesis) was supported as part of the Center for Molecular Electrocatalysis, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences. The authors thank Dr. Samantha A. Burgess for assistance in collecting cyclic voltammetry data. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy.

carbon dioxide↗

The Role of Seven-Coordination in Ru-Catalyzed Water Oxidation

A family of Ru complexes based on the pentadentate ligand t5a 3– ((2,5-bis(6-carboxylatopyridin-2-yl)pyrrol-1-ide) and pyridine (py) that includes {Ru II (Ht5a-κ-N 2 O)(py) 3 } (1H II (κ-N 2 O)), {Ru III (t5a-κ-N 3 O 1.5 )(py) 2 } (2 III (κ-N 3 O 1.5 )), and {Ru IV (t5a-κ-N 3 O 2 )(py) 2 }+ ({2 IV (κ-N3O 2 )}+) has been prepared and thoroughly characterized. Complexes 1HII(κ-N 2 O), 2 III (κ-N 3 O 1.5 ), and {2 IV (κ-N 3 O 2 )}+ have been investigated in solution by spectroscopic methods (NMR, UV–vis) and in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and complemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The redox properties of complex 2 III (κ-N 3 O 1.5 ) have been studied by electrochemical methods (CV and DPV), showing its easy access to high oxidation states, thanks to the trianionic nature of the t5a 3– ligand. Under neutral to basic conditions complex {2 IV (κ-N3O 2 )}+ undergoes aquation, generating {Ru IV (OH)(t5a-κ-N 2 O)(py) 2 } (2 IV (OH)(κ-N 2 O)). Further oxidation of the complex forms {Ru V (O)(t5a-κ-N 2 O)(py) 2 } (2 V (O)(κ-N 2 O)), which is a very efficient water oxidation catalyst, reaching a TOF MAX value of 9400 s –1 at pH 7.0, as measured via foot of the wave analysis. The key to fast kinetics for the catalytic oxidation of water to dioxygen by 2 V (O)(κ-N 2 O) is due not only to the easy access to high oxidation states but also to the intramolecular hydrogen bonding provided by the noncoordinated dangling carboxylate at the transition state, as corroborated by DFT calculations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Morphology and CO Oxidation Activity of Pd Nanoparticles on SrTiO 3 Nanopolyhedra

Single crystal SrTiO 3 nanocuboids having primarily TiO 2 -(001) surfaces and nanododecahedra having primarily (110) surfaces were created by two separate hydrothermal synthesis processes. Pd nanoparticles grown on the two sets of STO nanopolyhedra by atomic layer deposition show different morphologies and CO oxidation performance. Transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering show that 2-3 nm Pd nanoparticles with 3-5 nm interparticle distances decorate the STO surfaces. When the number of ALD cycles increases, the growth of the Pd nanoparticles is more significant in size on TiO 2 -(001)-STO surfaces, while that on (110)-STO surfaces is more predominant in number. High resolution electron microscopy images show that single crystal and multiply twinned Pd nanoparticles coexist on both types of the STO nanopolyhedra and exhibit different degrees of adhesion. The CO oxidation reaction, which was employed to determine the dependence of catalytic activity, demonstrated that the Pd catalytic performance was dominated by the coverage of CO, which is more directly related to Pd nanoparticle size than to shape. CO turnover frequency analysis and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy show that regardless of the shape or degrees of wetting, larger Pd nanoparticles (~ 3 nm) have lower catalytic activity due to high CO coverage on nanoparticle facets. Smaller nanoparticles (~ 2 nm) have more edge and corner sites and present 2-3 times higher TOF at 80 and 100 degrees C.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Adsorption and Destruction of the G-Series Nerve Agent Simulant Dimethyl Methylphosphonate on Zinc Oxide

Organophosphorus chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are extremely toxic compounds that are nominally mitigated with gas mask filtration employing metal oxide impregnated activated carbon filtration material. To develop more effective sorbents, it is important to understand the surface chemistry between these organophosphorus compounds and the individual components that make up these filtration materials. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to investigate the adsorption and decomposition mechanisms between a sarin simulant molecule, dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), and zinc oxide, which is a component found in current filtration materials. Theoretical calculations show that DMMP readily adsorbs to a pristine and hydroxylated ZnO ($101\bar 0$) surface with average adsorption energies of 132 and 65 kJ mol –1 , respectively. Experimental diffuse reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) reveals that ZnO adsorbs water and readily hydroxylates under ambient conditions, which can facilitate adsorption through hydrogen bonding of the P$=$O to ZnO surface hydroxyls. FTIR gas phase analysis also reveals that DMMP decomposes in the presence of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) to produce methanol at room temperature. Assuming a fully hydroxylated surface of ZnO, DFT calculations reveal several plausible mechanisms for DMMP decomposition to form methanol with an activation energy barrier of 99.6 kJ mol –1 . Finally, on the basis of this energy barrier to decompose DMMP, a turnover frequency (TOF) of only 3.5 × 10 –7 s –1 is calculated assuming full coverage of DMMP on the ZnO nanoparticles tested. This value is qualitatively consistent with experimental results.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Controls of Microstructure and Chemical Reactivity on the Replacement of Limestone by Fluorite Studied Using Spatially Resolved Small Angle X-ray and Neutron Scattering

Fluid-mineral interactions can alter the pore structure and mineral composition of earth materials, sometimes leading to complete replacement of one mineral phase by another. A quantitative understanding of these processes is needed for the prediction of contaminant transport in nuclear waste management, oil and gas exploration, geothermal energy production and in many geological processes. Currently, a detailed understanding of how the original microstructure and chemical reactivity is affecting the replacement rate and porosity development is lacking which would enable the prediction of contaminant transport. Here, we present a systematic experimental study of limestone replacement in the model system calcite-fluorite varying both the texture and chemical reactivity of the parent rock. By combining X-ray ((U)SAXS) and neutron (ultra) small-angle scattering ((U)SANS) we quantified changes in the porosity as a function of depth within the sample and time. By shielding the samples with a set of annular Cd-masks during neutron scattering, we obtained spatially-resolved porosity information. Microstructural changes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and composition changes were accessed using chemical imaging by Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF—SIMS) and SEM-Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The replacement of limestone via fluorite takes place via advantageous pathways enhancing the available reactive surface area, e.g. fractures, accessible, interconnected porosity, non-connected porosity grain boundaries and twin boundaries. The results presented in this paper emphasize the importance of a detailed structural and textural assessment of the starting material both in experimental studies and in nature to make accurate predictions about reaction rates.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Passively Sampled Environmental Films Show Geographic Variability and Host a Variety of Microorganisms

Environmental films are ubiquitous coatings that form on virtually all surfaces exposed to the troposphere. This work analyzes large molecular weight species in native environmental films acquired at three collection sites in the vicinity of Iowa City, Iowa, USA that include an urban residence, a wooded area, and a metropolitan building rooftop. The films are developed for up to twelve months on polished silicon wafer substrates housed in flat-plate passive samplers. Film composition was assessed by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance secondary ion mass spectrometry (FTICR-SIMS), and spatially resolved chemical morphology was analyzed via timeof- flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) imaging. Mass analysis spanning up to m/z 2,000 included detection of a variety of organic and inorganic compounds. We characterize MS data with PCA to identify variability between the collection sites and the respective films generated therein, where we detected a variety of organic and biotically generated species consistent with fungal and bacterial microorganisms. Here, the film collection site as well as deposition time contribute to spectral variability, suggesting that geographic location as well as seasonal diversity may affect composition. SIMS analyses were complemented with microscopy and SYBR-Safe staining to highlight biological microorganisms within the films, which include evidence of fungi, protozoa, and bacteria. SIMS imaging also reveals domains concentrated with fragments indicative of proteinaceous macromolecules and microbial biomass, characteristic of biological presence within the film.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Oxygen Evolution on Mechanically Strained TiO2/NiTi: Implications of Compositional Heterogeneity at (Photo)Electrocatalytic Interfaces

The adsorption and activation energetics underpinning small molecule conversion on heterogeneous (photo)electrocatalysts are intrinsically tied to catalyst surface properties. Absent compositional characterization techniques with sufficient interface sensitivity, however, (photo)electrochemical performance can be misinterpreted in the context of bulk or near-surface material properties. Here we provide a fundamental investigation of the convoluting role of near-surface compositional heterogeneity in the interpretation of (photo)electrochemical alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity, highlighting challenges in correlating composition measured by surface- and near-surface-sensitive probes. TiO2 thin films grown by air-annealing the superelastic alloy Nitinol (TiO2/NiTi) crack under tensile mechanical strain, increasing the number of electrochemically active Ni sites (Ni site density) that are probed via voltammetric features corresponding to Ni3+/Ni2+ redox events. (Photo)electrochemical OER kinetics trend with Ni site density, with overpotentials and Tafel slopes decreasing for Ni site densities < 1013 Ni/cm2geo and asymptotically approaching the performance of the base NiTi substrate for Ni site densities > 1013 Ni/cm2geo. Photoelectrochemical fill factors follow similar Ni site density dependent trends. When probing unstrained TiO2/NiTi, Ni site densities are two orders of magnitude higher when comparing near-surface-sensitive techniques (e.g., X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), and scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS)) to surface-sensitive electrochemical measurements. This result highlights the challenge of correlating kinetic performance with intrinsic surface properties of electrochemical interfaces in the presence of near-surface compositional heterogeneity. Further, it reinforces the importance of fundamental investigations of surfaces with well-controlled composition and structure and the need for physically grounded and self-consistent interpretation of multiple near-surface characterization techniques.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Functionalized Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films for Stable and Efficient Electrochemical Water Oxidation under Near-Neutral Conditions

The development of molecularly modified metal− organic frameworks (MOFs) for electrochemical water oxidation has emerged as a promising strategy for efficient artificial photosynthesis. In this study, a ruthenium-based water oxidation catalyst (WOC) was incorporated into the UiO-67 framework, forming RuM−UiO-67 films grown directly on conductive FTO substrates. These modified films demonstrate efficient water oxidation activity at near-neutral pH (pH 6), operating at a low overpotential of ∼600 mV. The catalyst exhibits a turnover frequency (TOF) of (0.32 ± 0.02) s −1 at 1.5 V versus the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) in buffered solution (pH 6) for the oxygen evolution reaction. Notably, incorporation into the MOF results in a 12-fold increase in electroactive surface coverage compared to a monolayer of the same catalyst on bare FTO. Faradaic efficiency analysis revealed incomplete conversion to O 2 , and follow-up iodometric analysis confirmed the formation of H 2 O 2 as a competing two-electron oxidation product during electrocatalysis. These results highlight the utility of MOF-based architectures for maximizing the catalyst accessibility and stability under electrochemical water oxidation conditions.

catalysts↗

High-Spatial-Resolution Quantitative Chemomechanical Mapping of Organic Composite Cathodes for Sulfide-Based Solid-State Batteries

Understanding the chemo-mechanical behaviors of electrodes, particularly at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces, is critical for improving the performance of all-solid-state batteries. However, due to the instability of electrolyte materials under ambient conditions, such characterizations are challenging, particularly for sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries. Herein, by combining time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) and in-SEM nanoindentation measurements, a systematic quantitative investigation of the chemo-mechanical behaviors of pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone (PTO) /Li 6 PS 5 Cl composite cathodes is carried out. Chemical and quantitative mechanical information of the composite cathode were collected with high spatial resolution after developing and implementing an air-free characterization protocol. By directly connecting the Young’s modulus and hardness with the Li distribution in the composite cathode, a comprehensive chemo-mechanical mapping of the PTO/ Li 6 PS 5 Cl composite cathode has been established. Furthermore, this work improves our knowledge of the critical chemo-mechanical phenomena that occur at the cathode/electrolyte interfaces in all-solid-state batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Li 3– x Zr x (Ho/Lu) 1– x Cl 6 Solid Electrolytes Enable Ultrahigh-Loading Solid-State Batteries with a Prelithiated Si Anode

We report two new families of lithium metal chloride solid electrolytes Li 3–x Zr x (M) 1–x Cl 6 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8; M = Ho or Lu) with ionic conductivities of up to 1.8 mS cm –1 and a low activation energy of 0.34 eV. Structural elucidation via high-resolution neutron diffraction determines the Li ion distribution in trigonal Li 3 HoCl 6 , orthorhombic-I Li 3 LuCl 6 , and orthorhombic-II Li 2.4 Zr 0.6 (Ho/Lu) 0.4 Cl 6 . The last compound exhibits well-connected Li-ion pathways and abundant Li-ion carriers/vacancies to promote diffusion. All-solid-state batteries with Li 2.6 Zr 0.4 (Ho/Lu) 0.6 Cl 6 solid electrolytes and NCM85 cathodes exhibit stable cycling up to 4.6 V vs Li + /Li, which is even preserved up to 4.8 V. Stable cathode interphases are formed for both electrolytes upon cycling to 4.3, 4.6, and 4.8 V cutoff potentials, as identified by a ToF-SIMS analysis. Solid-state cells with a prelithiated Li 0.7 Si anode exhibit a significantly increased initial coulombic efficiency of 94.5% compared to Si and a high areal capacity of up to 16.3 mAh·cm –2 .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Local A-Site Phase Segregation Leads to Cs-Rich Regions Showing Accelerated Photodegradation in Mixed-Cation Perovskite Semiconductor Films

We use hyperspectral photoluminescence microscopy to study compositional heterogeneity and its influence on the stability of mixed-cation (formamindinium (FA) and cesium) FA 1-x Cs x Pb(I 0.9 Br 0.1 ) 3 lead halide perovskites with different Cs contents. We observe substantial microscale heterogeneity in the photoluminescence. By correlating photoluminescence maps with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) imaging, we show that the redder-photoluminescence regions of the perovskite film are associated with Cs-rich compositions. X-ray diffraction measurement and confocal Raman spectroscopy provide evidence for the presence of d-phase CsPbI x Br 3-x in these regions. Photo-aging tests show that these Cs-rich clusters undergo faster photoluminescence decay than the rest of the film. These observations highlight the importance of local heterogeneities and their influence on the stability of halide perovskite semiconductors being studied for optoelectronics.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Cyclopropenimine superbases: Competitive initiation processes in lactide polymerization

Cyclopropenimine superbases were employed in this study to catalyze the ring-opening polymerization of lactide. Polymerization occurred readily in the presence and absence of alcohol initiators. Polymerizations in the absence of alcohol initiators revealed a competitive initiation mechanism involving deprotonation of lactide by the cyclopropenimine to generate an enolate. NMR and MALDI-TOF analysis of the poly(lactides) generated from cyclopropenimines in the absence of alcohol initiators showed acylated lactide and hydroxyl end groups. Finally, model studies and comparative experiments with guanidine and phosphazene catalysts revealed the subtle influence of the nature of the superbase on competitive initiation processes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Unraveling Dimensional Tuning: From 2D to 3D in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced 2e – Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with a two-dimensional (2D) topology have recently emerged as promising catalyst systems for the electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) from oxygen (O 2 ). However, designing 2D catalysts to achieve higher H 2 O 2 selectivity presents a significant challenge because of the extensive layer stacking and the aggregated active sites located in the basal planes. It results in lower atom utilization, which requires attention. In this study, we present two functionally similar COFs: one with a 2D rhombus topology (2D@BT_TPA-COF) and another with a three-dimensional (3D) noninterpenetrated pts topology (3D@BT_TPA-COF). Both COFs were utilized for the 2e – oxygen reduction reaction (2e – ORR). Tunning the dimensionality from 2D to 3D resulted in an increase in H 2 O 2 selectivity from approximately ~56% to approximately ~96% (at 0.4 V) and a rise in the turnover frequency (TOF) from 0.05 to 0.08 s –1 at 0.3 V. Nonaggregated active site distribution over 3D topology, featuring higher active site exposure, provides better access to the O 2 /electrolyte and facilitates electron transfer leading to higher 2e – ORR activity and selectivity compared to the 2D counterpart.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Gradient elution moving boundary electrophoresis enables rapid analysis of acids in complex biomass-derived streams

Biomass conversion processes such as pretreatment, liquefaction, and pyrolysis often produce complex mixtures of intermediates that are a substantial challenge to analyze rapidly and reliably. To characterize these streams more comprehensively and efficiently, new techniques are needed to track species through biomass deconstruction and conversion processes. Here, we present the application of an emerging analytical method, gradient elution moving boundary electrophoresis (GEMBE), to quantify a suite of acids in a complex, biomass-derived streams from alkaline pretreatment of corn stover. GEMBE offers distinct advantages over common chromatography-spectrometry analytical approaches in terms of analysis time, sample preparation requirements, and cost of equipment. As demonstrated here, GEMBE is able to track 17 distinct compounds (oxalate, formate, succinate, malate, acetate, glycolate, protocatechuate, 3-hydroxypropanoate, lactate, glycerate, 2-hydroxybutanoate, 4-hydroxybenzoate, vanillate, p-coumarate, ferulate, sinapate, and acetovanillone). The lower limit of detection was compound dependent and ranged between 0.9 and 3.5 umol/L. Results from GEMBE were similar to recent results from an orthogonal method based on GCxGC-TOF/MS. Altogether, GEMBE offers a rapid, robust approach to analyze complex biomass-derived samples, and given the ease and convenience of deployment, may offer an analytical solution for online tracking of multiple types of biomass streams.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Proteomics for Microbial Forensics

Mass spectrometry-based proteomics is a powerful tool for the detection and characterization of microbes of forensic and national security concern. Both targeted and untargeted proteomics methods have been developed for the taxonomic classification of unknown microbial samples. Targeted proteomics assays are can be designed for specific microbes of security concern. Untargeted, library-based matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry is now extensively used in the medical field for microbial identification. Several research groups have developed data analysis pipelines for organism identification/taxonomic classification from untargeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) data, an application which has some overlap with the field of metaproteomics. This chapter reviews these organism identification techniques. However, organism identification/classification is also commonly done by whole genome sequencing. Using examples from published literature, this chapter also highlights several examples of how proteomics approaches can provide information that cannot be acquired from DNA sequencing alone, such as distinguishing laboratory-adapted bacteria from closely-related wild isolates, and characterizing the growth medium of bacteria and the host cells of virus particles.

proteomics, microbial forensics, mass spectrometry↗