Alkaline Conditions Research Articles

In-tandem Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrate to Ammonia on Ultrathin-Sheet-Assembled Iron-Nickel Alloy Nanoflowers.

The development of alternative routes for ammonia (NH3) synthesis with high Faradaic efficiency (FE) is crucial for energy conservation and to achieve zero carbon emissions. Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO3-) reduction to NH3 (e-NO3RRA) is a promising alternative to the energy-intensive, fossil-fuel-driven Haber-Bosch process. The implementation of this innovative NH3 synthesis technique requires an efficient electrocatalyst and in-depth mechanistic understanding of e-NO3RRA. In this study, we developed an ultrathin sheet (µm) iron-nickel nanoflower alloy through electrodeposition and used it for e-NO3RRA under alkaline conditions. The prepared Fe-Ni alloy exhibited an FE of 97.28 ± 1.36% at -238 mVRHE with an NH3 yield rate of 3999.1 ± 242.59 mg h-1 cm-2. Experimental electrolysis, in-situ Raman spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations showed that the adsorption and reduction of NO3- to NO2- occurred on the Fe surface, whereas subsequent hydrogenation of NO2- to NH3 occurred preferentially on the Ni surface. The catalysts exhibited comparable FE for at least 10 cycles, with a long-term stability of 216 h. Electron paramagnetic resonance results confirmed that adsorbed hydrogen was consumed during e-NO3RRA. This work introduces a sustainable, robust, and efficient Fe-Ni alloy electrocatalyst, offering an environmentally friendly approach for synthesizing NH3 from NO3--contaminated water.

Lumos: A β‐Diketone‐Derived Artificial Nucleobase Forming Inter‐Strand Complexes in DNA that Promote Lanthanoid Ion Luminescence

AbstractA novel artificial nucleobase, 1‐(3‐(hydroxymethyl)phenyl)‐3‐phenylpropane‐1,3‐dione (HdbmOR), containing a β‐diketone designed to form inter‐strand complexes that resemble metal‐mediated base pairs, was synthesized and characterized towards its lanthanoid ion binding properties. Based on UV/vis spectra, a (labile) coordination of EuIII and SmIII by the benzyl‐functionalized model ligand is proposed, allowing the detection of distinct luminescence patterns upon coordination under alkaline conditions. The compatibility of the nucleoside analog with automated solid‐phase DNA synthesis was proven by the generation of a dinucleotide. NMR spectroscopic characterization of this dinucleotide revealed a temperature‐dependent equilibrium of two conformers, which likely involve hydrogen bonding of the β‐diketone moiety and the deoxyribose and/or phosphate moieties. The antenna effect of the new ligand promoting the luminescence of EuIII is retained upon incorporation into DNA. Modification of a parallel‐stranded DNA duplex with a terminal homo base pair of HdbmOR allows, despite natural fraying of DNA, a thermal stabilization of about 3 °C upon coordination of EuIII or SmIII. Temperature‐dependent luminescence spectroscopy demonstrates a direct correlation between the thermal stability of the duplex and its luminescence intensity. The ligand extends the library of artificial nucleobases for lanthanoid‐mediated base pairs, combining the luminescence properties of lanthanoid complexes with the self‐assembly properties of DNA.

Heterogeneous Nickel Molybdenum Oxide Nanorods Conjugated Graphitic Carbon Nitride: A Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting.

The pursuit of sustainable energy solutions has driven extensive research into efficient and cost-effective water-splitting techniques. This study introduces a straightforward method employing nickel molybdenum oxide NiMoO4 (NMO) nanorods integrated with graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) sheets as promising catalysts for water splitting. The integrated coupling between NMO nanorods and g-CN leverages the distinctive properties of both materials to boost robustness as well as effectiveness in catalysis for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). We systematically optimized the nanostructure by adjusting the reduction annealing temperature during calcination to improve HER and OER activities. The NMO@g-CN-600 nanostructured catalyst demonstrates exceptional electrochemical HER activity in acidic media, with an overpotential of 148 mV at 10 mA cm-2 current density, which is approximately 2.72 times lower than that of bare NMO and 2.97 times lower than pristine g-CN catalysts. Under alkaline conditions, the NMO@g-CN-600 nanostructured catalyst exhibited superior OER activity with an overpotential of 252 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm-2, outperforming bare NMO and pristine g-CN catalysts. Additionally, the nanostructured catalyst demonstrated excellent long-term electrochemical stability with chronoamperometric testing over 50 h in both basic and acidic environments, showing low Tafel slopes for the OER and HER of 97 and 98 mV dec-1, respectively. Various analytical methods confirmed the successful synthesis and structural stability of prepared catalysts. The outstanding electrocatalytic properties of the NMO@g-CN-600 nanostructured catalyst position it as a feasible choice to platinum-group-based catalysts for overall water electrolysis.

Nature‐Inspired, Heat & Noise‐Insulation, Highly Robust MOFs‐Based Hybrid Fire‐Retardant Coatings with Easy‐Recycling Feature

AbstractFlexible polyurethane foams are widely used in building and vehicle interiors due to their lightweight and high resilience. However, most foams are non‐biodegradable or fireproof, leading to serious white foam pollution and safety problems. Here, FPUF made of a porous MOF material loaded with flame retardant elements as a coating is reported, which realizes fire protection, isolation of heat and noise, and recovery of foam. The results show that FPUF‐3 exhibited excellent fire and smoke suppression effects, and PHRR, CO production, and CO2 production are reduced by 28.5%, 54.5%, and 21.4%, respectively. The FPUF‐3 shows a longer heat preservation effect and can reduce the common noise decibel by >35%. In addition, the coating exhibits excellent stability under extreme acid–base conditions and has longer durability and effectiveness under alkaline conditions. Furthermore, the separation and recovery of FPUF and coating can be realized by ethanol solvent, and the recovery rate of coating can reach >80%, the foam still has the original high elasticity and lightweight characteristics. It provides a sustainable and practical solution for effectively improving the noise reduction, fire prevention, and heat insulation capabilities of FPUF.

Oxygen Evolution Enhancement of Nickel (Hydr)Oxide via Iron Coordination Compound in Alkaline Conditions.

This study investigates the complex dynamics of the oxygen-evolution reaction (OER) in systems involving Ni(Fe) (hydr)oxides and the iron coordination compound Fe phthalocyanine-4,4',4″,4‴-tetrasulfonate. It offers a novel perspective on the interaction between nickel hydroxide and the Fe compound during the OER process. The Fe complex facilitates the controlled release of trace Fe ions into the Ni (hydr)oxides as it undergoes degradation or demetalation within the Ni(II)/(III) potential range. Once the electrode surface reaches saturation with Fe, additional contributions from Fe have minimal impact on OER activity, and the turnover frequency rapidly reaches its maximum value (approximately 1 s-1) under cyclic voltammetry. In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals that the interaction between the iron complex and the electrode surface, as well as the amount of complex deposited or adsorbed, depends on the applied potential of the electrode. Changes in the electrode's potential influence how the Fe complex binds to the surface, through mechanisms such as electrostatic attraction, chemical bonding, or other interactions. This underscores the critical role of potential control in optimizing electrode surface modifications and enhancing the efficiency of electrochemical processes involving the iron complex.

Synthesis, structural, optical and dielectric characterizations of Mn1-xCuxFe2O4 for dye removal in alkaline conditions

Synthesis, structural, optical and dielectric characterizations of Mn1-xCuxFe2O4 for dye removal in alkaline conditions

A Potassium Methyl Silicate/MnO2 Composite for the Rapid Removal of Dyes from Water

AbstractDye wastewater causes significant harm to the environment and human health. Adsorption is one of the most effective technologies for treating dye wastewater owing to its straightforward operation, strong applicability, and low cost. However, traditional adsorbents have drawbacks, including complicated preparation processes, low adsorption capacity, and challenges with separation, recovery, and regeneration, which fail to meet practical application requirements. Therefore, the development of adsorbents with high adsorption capacity, easy separation, and reusability is urgently required for the treatment of dye‐contaminated wastewater. Potassium methyl silicate (PMS)@MnO2 complex particles (PMS@MnO2) were successfully synthesized by adding a PMS solution to a potassium permanganate (KMnO4) solution at a molar ratio of PMS to MnO2 of 1:1. The PMS@MnO2 complex is rich in functional groups and exhibits good hydrophobicity. The PMS@MnO2 complex particles demonstrated excellent adsorptive capacity (989.1 mg/g) for methylene blue (MB) with rapid degradation, achieving over 75% of their adsorptive capacity within 5 min. The adsorption process was found to be pH‐responsive and exothermic. Under neutral and alkaline conditions, the negative charges in the oxygen‐containing groups on PMS@MnO2 combine with the positive charges in the nitrogen atoms of MB via electrostatic forces. However, under acidic conditions, MB was adsorbed via hydrogen bonding and n‐π interaction between MB and PMS@MnO2. The spent adsorbent was reused for at least five cycles.

Adsorption and Photodegradation of Organic Compounds in Wastewater by Hierarchical Organic Molecular Sieves

AbstractDyes with aromatic structures are known for their persistence and high toxicity. Once these dyes enter aquatic environments, they pose significant threats to both the ecosystem and human health. In this study, N,N‐dimethylethylenediamine(DMEN) was used as a template to synthesize the ZIF‐8 material, characterized by a high specific surface area and high mesoporosity. The hierarchical ZIF‐8 material is utilized to remove dyes from simulated wastewater. It can adsorb organic dye molecules and harmful metal ions from dye‐laden wastewater. And the two processes do not exhibit significant interference with each other. The results indicate that the hierarchical ZIF‐8 exhibits excellent adaptability to wastewater environments with high salinity and extreme pH levels. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of hierarchical ZIF‐8 for methylene blue is twice that of microporous ZIF‐8, and its photocatalytic efficiency is enhanced by 30% compared to microporous ZIF‐8. Moreover, the photocatalytic performance significantly improves under alkaline conditions: at a pH of 12, the degradation rate of methylene blue reaches 96.9%. The study found that hierarchical ZIF‐8 primarily follows the photocatalytic reaction mechanism during the catalytic degradation of methylene blue. Hierarchical ZIF‐8 demonstrates significant potential for application in textile wastewater treatment.

3D-Porous Carbon Nitride Through Proton Regulation and Photocatalytic Synergy for Efficient Uranium Extraction From Seawater.

Extracting uranium from seawater is crucial for tapping oceanic resources vital to future energy supply. This study synthesized a novel nitrogen vacancy carbon nitride (NCN) grafted polyethyleneimine (PEI) composite material (NCNP). Experiments and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that NCNP effectively hinders the diffusion of uranyl ions (UO2 2+) to the NCN surface, thereby inhibiting electron transfer reactions. This is primarily achieved by the PEI layer, which repels UO2 2+ and prevents its direct contact with the NCN surface. Water-soluble O2 can still diffuse to the NCN surface for reduction reactions, ensuring the reduction performance of NCNP. The introduction of PEI enhances the proton affinity of the material. Under acidic conditions, protons (H+) bind with PEI, reducing competition between protons and uranyl ions for adsorption on the NCN surface. Under alkaline conditions, protons detach from PEI, facilitating H2O2 generation and promoting uranium extraction. This dynamic proton regulation allows NCNP to perform effectively under varying pH conditions. Experimental results show that NCNP achieves a uranium extraction capacity of 498.7mgg-1 in uranium-spiked simulated seawater, which is significantly higher than that of unmodified carbon nitride (CN), which is one of the highest performances for simulating seawater uranium extraction.

Identification and pharmacological characterization of pH-sensitive chloride channels in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda.

The pH-sensitive chloride channels (pHCls) are unique to invertebrates and play crucial roles in fluid regulation, food selection, and intake. In this study, we identified and isolated two cDNAs encoding the SfpHCl1 and SfpHCl2 subunits from the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Both subunits exhibited similar expression patterns. When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, SfpHCl1 and SfpHCl2 formed functional chloride channels with reversal potentials indicative of chloride selectivity. Shifts in extracellular pH from acidic to alkaline conditions induced inward currents in both SfpHCl1 and SfpHCl2, with EC50 values of pH 8.24 and 8.49, respectively. Zinc ions (Zn2⁺) and the insecticide emamectin benzoate (EB) also activated concentration-dependent inward currents in these channels, whether expressed individually or co-expressed. Notably, SfpHCl1 and SfpHCl2 channels exhibited significant differences in their activation and deactivation time constants. Molecular docking simulations indicated that Zn2⁺ binds to both SfpHCl1 and SfpHCl2 through three hydrogen bonds, while EB interacts with these channels via hydrogen bonds and a salt bridge. These findings elucidate the biophysical and pharmacological characteristics of pH-sensitive, zinc-gated chloride channels, which, being exclusive to invertebrates, present a promising target for the development of highly specific insecticides.

Treatment of high concentration phenol wastewater by low-frequency ultrasonic cavitation and long-term pilot scale study.

Acoustic cavitation is an advanced, eco-friendly oxidation technology effective in removing organic pollutants from water. However, research on its use for degrading phenol, a common and challenging phenolic pollutant, is limited. This study explores the optimal conditions for phenol degradation using acoustic cavitation and assesses its practical application through extensive pilot tests. Results from batch tests show that low-frequency (15kHz) ultrasonic cavitation effectively treats high concentrations of phenol (1000mgL-1). Aeration and acidic pH enhance removal efficiency, while alkaline conditions inhibit degradation. Analysis of total organic carbon (TOC), degradation products, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) reveals that the primary intermediates are substituted benzenes and alkanes. Long-term pilot tests demonstrated the device's effectiveness in phenol removal and its operational stability over 180 days. The study also establishes a relationship between removal efficiency, hydraulic retention time (HRT), and operating costs, highlighting the feasibility of low-frequency ultrasonic cavitation for treating high-concentration phenolic wastewater and its potential role in the pretreatment stage of biochemical processes.

Solubilization effects of egg yolk granules induced by weakly alkaline treatment.

Egg yolk granules (EYGs) are water-insoluble components of egg yolk that are rich in protein and phospholipids. Improving the solubility of EYGs is crucial for their development and utilization. The solubilization of EYGs in a weak alkaline environment (pH7.5-8.5) was investigated through physicochemical properties, microstructure analysis, and metabolomics. The results reveal a significant reduction in the average particle size of EYGs, ranging from 70.49 to 91.28nm in weakly alkaline conditions. Microstructure and spectroscopic analyses indicate conformational changes in EYGs under these conditions, facilitating the solubilization of proteins, calcium, phosphorus and other components. Furthermore, metabolomics analyses confirms that depolymerization of EYGs promotes the release of glycerophospholipids. These findings underscore the beneficial effects of weakly alkaline conditions on the solubility of EYGs.

Regulation of Ni3S2@NiS Heterostructure Grown on Industrial Nickel Net for Improved Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

A novel all-in-one catalytic electrode containing a Ni3S2@NiS heterostructure (Ni3S2@NiS/Ni-Net) was in situ synthesized on an industrial nickel net (Ni-Net) using a one-step solvothermal method, in which ethanol was the solvent and thioacetamide was the sulfur source, respectively. The effects of the addition amount of the sulfur source on the composition, morphology, and electronic structure of the Ni3S2@NiS heterostructures and their electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activities were investigated. When 2 mmol of sulfur source was introduced, the prepared Ni3S2@NiS/Ni-Net electrode with a nanorod-like structure required overpotentials of 207 and 322 mV to drive the current densities of 100 and 500 mA/cm2, respectively, in 1 M KOH solution, and only needed the overpotential of 429 mV to deliver 1000 mA/cm2. Meanwhile, the Ni3S2@NiS/Ni-Net electrode can operate stably at a high current density of 90 mA/cm2 under harsh alkaline conditions for at least 100 h. The results show that the Ni3S2@NiS/Ni-Net electrode has high activity and stable HER performance at a high current density, which provides a new idea for the development of high-efficiency electrodes for industrial alkaline hydrogen production.

Impact of ionomers on porous Fe-N-C catalysts for alkaline oxygen reduction in gas diffusion electrodes

Alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) offer a promising alternative to the traditional fossil fuel due to their ability to use inexpensive platinum group metal (PGM)-free catalysts, which could potentially replace Platinum-based catalysts. Iron coordinated in nitrogen-doped carbon (Fe-N-C) single atom electrocatalysts offer the best Pt-free ORR activities. However, most research focuses on material development in alkaline conditions, with limited attention on catalyst layer fabrication. Here, we demonstrate how the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance of a porous Fe-N-C catalyst is affected by the choice of three different commercial ionomers and the ionomer-to-catalyst ratio (I/C). A Mg-templated Fe-N-C is employed as a catalyst owing to the electrochemical accessibility of the Fe sites, and the impact of ionomer properties and coverage were studied and correlated with the electrochemical performance in a gas-diffusion electrode (GDE). The catalyst layer with Nafion at I/C = 2.8 displayed the best activity at high current densities (0.737 ± 0.01 VRHE iR-free at 1 A cm⁻²) owing to a more homogeneous catalyst layer, while Sustainion displayed a higher performance in the kinetic region at the same I/C. These findings provide insights into the impact of catalyst layer optimization to achieve optimal performance in Fe-N-C based AEMFCs.

Aryne Generation from o-Triazenylarylboronic Acids Induced by 1,2-Diols and 4-Nitrophenol.

Arynes are important synthetic intermediates that are usually generated under alkaline conditions. We developed a method for generating arynes using two hydroxy compounds as activators. o-Triazenylarylboronic acids generate (hetero)arynes when activated by a combination of ethylene glycol, pinacol, and p-nitrophenol; these arynes then react with a range of arynophiles under slightly acidic conditions that complement the conventional basic conditions with unique chemoselectivities observed even in the presence of excess hydroxy compounds.

Humic Acid with Vertical Adsorption Conformation Enhanced the Transport of Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Colloids.

Humic acid (HA) enhances colloidal transport in porous media, yet the mechanisms by which the HA adsorption conformation affects colloid transport remain unclear. This study investigated the influence of HA on the transport of petroleum-hydrocarbon-contaminated soil colloids (TPHs-SC) in saturated sand columns. The presence of TPHs on the colloidal surface occupied adsorption sites, hindering HA from forming a horizontal adsorption conformation, as observed on uncontaminated soil colloids (SC). Instead, a vertical adsorption conformation was formed, reducing the overall adsorption of HA. Vertically adsorbed HA increased the colloidal diffuse double-layer potential and extended the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek energies between colloids and water-bearing media. This was evidenced by higher ζ potentials (-28.5 to -34.0 mV) and enhanced TPHs-SC transport compared to SC (ζ potentials ranging from -25.2 to -29.5 mV) in the presence of HA, particularly under alkaline conditions. Additionally, weak van der Waals and electrostatic interactions between TPHs near colloidal surfaces and free HA/TPHs formed a zonal distribution, facilitating the cotransport of colloids with TPHs. These findings underscore the significance of the HA adsorption conformation in TPHs-SC transport and provide insights into the critical mechanisms from an environmental structural chemistry perspective.

Integrated Two‐in‐one Strategy for Efficient Neutral Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis via Phosphorous Doping in 2D Mesoporous Carbon Carriers

Herein, we demonstrate a two‐in‐one strategy for efficient neutral electrosynthesis of H2O2 via two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e−ORR), achieved by synergistically fine‐modulating both the local microenvironment and electronic structure of indium (In) single atom (SA) sites. Through a series of finite elemental simulations and experimental analysis, we highlight the significant impact of phosphorous (P) doping on an optimized 2D mesoporous carbon carrier, which fosters a favorable microenvironment by improving the mass transfer and O2 enrichment, subsequently leading to an increased local pH levels. Consequently, an outstanding 2e−ORR performance is observed in neutral electrolytes, achieving over 95% selectivity for H2O2 across a broad voltage range of 0.1 to 0.5 V vs RHE. In a flow cell, the production rate of H2O2 exceeds 22.54 mol gcat‐1 h‐1 while maintaining high stability at industrial‐level current densities. These results are comparable to, if not better than, those achieved under alkaline conditions. Further analysis, both experimental and theoretical, indicates that the P dopant occupies the second coordination sphere of the In SA, which shows optimized OOH* binding strength for an enhanced 2e‐ ORR kinetic.

Integrated Two-in-one Strategy for Efficient Neutral Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis via Phosphorous Doping in 2D Mesoporous Carbon Carriers.

Herein, we demonstrate a two-in-one strategy for efficient neutral electrosynthesis of H2O2 via two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e-ORR), achieved by synergistically fine-modulating both the local microenvironment and electronic structure of indium (In) single atom (SA) sites. Through a series of finite elemental simulations and experimental analysis, we highlight the significant impact of phosphorous (P) doping on an optimized 2D mesoporous carbon carrier, which fosters a favorable microenvironment by improving the mass transfer and O2 enrichment, subsequently leading to an increased local pH levels. Consequently, an outstanding 2e-ORR performance is observed in neutral electrolytes, achieving over 95% selectivity for H2O2 across a broad voltage range of 0.1 to 0.5 V vs RHE. In a flow cell, the production rate of H2O2 exceeds 22.54 mol gcat-1 h-1 while maintaining high stability at industrial-level current densities. These results are comparable to, if not better than, those achieved under alkaline conditions. Further analysis, both experimental and theoretical, indicates that the P dopant occupies the second coordination sphere of the In SA, which shows optimized OOH* binding strength for an enhanced 2e- ORR kinetic.

Synergistically Enhanced Co-Adsorption of Reactant and Hydroxyl on Platinum-Modified Copper Oxide for High-Performance HMF Oxidation.

Electrochemical oxidation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) provides an environmentally friendly route for producing the sustainable polymer monomer 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Thus, precisely adjusting the synergistic adsorption among key reactive species, such as HMF and OHads, on the carefully designed catalyst surface is essential for achieving satisfactory catalytic performance for HMF oxidation to FDCA as it is closely related to the adsorption strength and configuration of the reaction substrates. This kind of regulation will ultimately facilitate the improvement of HMF oxidation performance. In this work, Pt nanoparticles modified CuO nanowires (denoted as Pt/CuO@CF) are constructed for the selective electrooxidation of HMF to FDCA under alkaline conditions. The well-designed Pt/CuO@CF demonstrates highly impressive catalytic performance across a range of HMF concentrations, ranging from the commonly used concentrations to higher levels typically not explored (10, 25, 50, 75, and 100mm) with high FEFDCA (all above 95%) and outstanding long-term stability (15 cycles). In situ experimental characterizations confirm that the designed heterogeneous interface between Pt and CuO enhances the enrichment of HMF and OHads species on the catalyst surface. Theoretical calculations reveal the anchored Pt nanoparticles reduce the adsorption barrier for HMF and OHads, thereby promoting the highly selective oxidation of HMF to FDCA.

Self-Supported α-MoB/β-MoB2 Ceramic Electrodes for Efficient High-Current-Density Hydrogen Evolution in Acidic, Neutral, and Alkaline pH-Values.

This paper describes the production and high-current-density hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance in the whole pH range (from acidic to basic pH values) of self-supported α-MoB/β-MoB2 ceramic electrodes, aiming for use in industrial electrocatalytic water splitting. Tape-casting and phase-inversion process, followed by sintering, were employed to synthesize self-supported β-MoB2 ceramic electrodes, which exhibited well arranged large finger-like pores, providing numerous active sites and channels for electrolyte entry and hydrogen release. The reaction between β-MoB2 and the sintering aid of MoO3 in situ produces α-MoB/β-MoB2 heterojunctions, which significantly improve the electrocatalytic performance. At a current density of 1000 mA·cm-2, the ceramic electrode manifested an overpotential of 289 mV and 294 mV in acidic and alkaline aqueous solutions, respectively, and a stable operation over time (>100 h). The electrode also performed well in a neutral solution, with an overpotential of 354 mV at 100 mA·cm-2. Theoretical (DFT) calculations demonstrated that the α-MoB/β-MoB2 heterojunction alters the electronic configuration of β-MoB2, favoring an effective electron transfer mechanism; thereby, the adsorption free energy of hydrogen ions is close to zero, and the adsorption and dissociation of water molecules under alkaline and neutral conditions are significantly enhanced.