Catalysts For Oxidation Research Articles

Nitrogen-Rich Covalent Organic Polymer for Metal-Free Tandem Catalysis and Postmetalation-Actuated High-Performance Water Oxidation.

Development of high-performing catalytic materials for selective and mild chemical transformations through adhering to the principles of sustainability remains a central focus in modern chemistry. Herein, we report the template-free assembly of a thermochemically robust covalent organic polymer (COP: 1) from 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarbonyl dichloride and 2,4,6-tris(4-aminophenyl)triazine as [2 + 3] structural motifs. The two-dimensional (2D) layered architecture contains carboxamide functionality, delocalized π-cloud, and free pyridyl-N site-decked pores. Such trifunctionalization benefits this polymeric network exhibiting tandem alcohol oxidation-Knoevenagel condensation. In contrast to common metal-based catalysts, 1 represents a one of a kind metal-free alcohol oxidation reaction via extended π-cloud delocalization-mediated free radical pathway, as comprehensively supported from diverse control experiments. In addition to reasonable recyclability and broad substrate scope, the mild reaction condition underscores its applicability in benign synthesis of valuable product benzylidene malononitrile. Integration of 2,2'-bipyridyl units in this 2D COP favors anchoring non-noble metal ions to devise 1-M (M: Ni2+/ Co2+) that demonstrate outstanding electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media with high chronoamperometric stability. Electrochemical parameters of both 1-Co and 1-Ni outperform some benchmark, commercial, as well as a majority of contemporary OER catalysts. Specifically, the overpotential and Tafel slope (280 mV, 58 mV/dec) for 1-Ni is better than 1-Co (360 mV, 78 mV/dec) because of increased charge accumulation as well as a higher number of active sites compared to the former. In addition, the turnover frequency of 1-Ni is found to be 6 times higher than that of 1-Co and ranks among top-tier water oxidation catalysts. The results provide valuable insights in the field of metal-free tandem catalysis as well as promising electrochemical water splitting at the interface of task-specific functionality fuelling in polymeric organic networks.

Rational Design of Highly Phosphorescent Nanoclusters for Efficient Photocatalytic Oxidation.

Analyzing the molecular structure-photophysical property correlations of metal nanoclusters to accomplish function-oriented photocatalysis could be challenging. Here, the selective heteroatom alloying has been exploited to a Au15 nanocluster, making up a structure-correlated nanocluster series, including homogold Au15, bimetallic AgxAu15-x and CuxAu15-x, trimetallic AgxCuyAu15-x-y, and tetrametallic Pt1AgxCuyAu15-x-y. Their structure-dependent photophysical properties were investigated due to the atomically precise structures of these nanoclusters. Cu-alloyed CuxAu15-x showed intense phosphorescence and the highest singlet oxygen production efficiency. Moreover, the generation of 1O2 species from excited nanoclusters enabled CuxAu15-x as a suitable catalyst for efficient photocatalytic oxidation of silyl enol ethers to produce α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. The generality and applicability of the CuxAu15-x catalysts toward different photocatalytic oxidations were assessed. Overall, this study presents an intriguing Au15-based cluster series enabling an atomic-level understanding of structure-photophysical property correlations, which hopefully provides guidance for the fabrication of cluster-based catalysts with customized photocatalytic performance.

Activation of Peroxymonosulfate by Co-Ni-Mo Sulfides/CNT for Organic Pollutant Degradation

To explore advanced oxidation catalysts, peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation by Co-Ni-Mo/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite catalysts was investigated. A compound of NiCo2S4, MoS2, and CNTs was successfully prepared using a simple one-pot hydrothermal method. The results revealed that the activation of PMS by Co-Ni-Mo/CNT yielded an exceptional Rhodamine B decolorization efficiency of 99% within 20 min for the Rhodamine B solution. The degradation rate of Co-Ni-Mo/CNT was 4.5 times higher than that of Ni-Mo/CNT or Co-Mo/CNT, and 1.9 times as much than that of Co-Ni/CNT. Additionally, radical quenching experiments revealed that the principal active groups were 1O2, surface-bound SO4•−, and •OH radicals. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited low metal ion leaching and favorable stability. Mechanism studies revealed that Mo4+ on the surface of MoS2 participated in the oxidation of PMS and the transformation of Co3+/Co2+ and Ni3+/Ni2+. The synergism between MoS2 and NiCo2S4 reduces the charge transfer resistance between the catalyst and solution interface, thus accelerating the reaction rate. Interconnected structures composed of metal sulfides and CNTs can also enhance the electron transfer process and afford sufficient active reaction sites. Our work provides a further understanding of the design of multi-metal sulfides for wastewater treatment.

Modulating Surface Oxygen Valence States via Interfacial Potential in BiVO4/CoOx/Au Photoanode for Enhanced Selective Photoelectrochemical Oxidation of Glycerol to Dihydroxyacetone

AbstractThe concept of photoelectrochemical conversion of biomass into industrially valuable chemicals presents a compelling strategy to supplant the lower‐value oxygen evolution typically associated with photoanodes. Here, a surface potential manipulation method by regulating the surface oxygen valence states is put forward, which is demonstrated to be effective in enhancing the selective photoelectrochemical oxidation of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This involves the concurrent establishment of a BiVO4/CoOx heterojunction and a BiVO4/Au Schottky junction, aiming to fine‐tune the BiVO4 photoanode's surface potential and improve both its charge carrier separation and interfacial transfer kinetics. The BiVO4/CoOx/Au photoanode exhibits a photocurrent density of 6.15 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Meanwhile, selective glycerol oxidation efficiency achieves a DHA evolution rate of 339.74 mmol m−2 h−1 and a selectivity exceeding 60%. Experiments and theoretical analysis underscore the pivotal role played by the surface potential in mediating glycerol and DHA adsorption and desorption processes. Additionally, the diminished surface potential attributed to the CoOx and Au amendments is responsible for the decreased Gibbs free energy of the dehydrogenation's rate‐limiting step involving the intermediate carbon species. This work demonstrates a method to design glycerol oxidation catalysts by modulating the interfacial molecular adsorption/desorption by surface potential regulation.

A novel MOF-808 derived material for oxidative desulfurization: the synergistic effect of hydrophobicity and electron transfer.

A functionalized modified metal-organic framework material, T-MOF-808, was synthesized through hydrophobic modification with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and chlorotrimethylsilane (TMCS). Then a supported oxidative desulfurization catalyst, [C12Py]3(NH4)3Mo7O24/T-MOF-808(s), was prepared by using a heteropoly acid ionic liquid as the active component. The prepared samples were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, etc. [C12Py]3(NH4)3Mo7O24/T-MOF-808(s) was used in the oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT). At the same time, the effects of different loadings of the active component, oxygen sulfur ratios, reaction temperatures, and reaction time were also investigated. [C12Py]3(NH4)3Mo7O24/T-MOF-808-15%(s) could oxidize 100% of DBT in 40 min at 60 °C. Significantly, the catalyst exhibited no discernible decline in catalytic activity after 14 runs. In addition, the efficiency of sulfur removal was 85.76% in actual diesel oil. It was found that the cooperative impact of hydrophobic modification and electron transfer makes an important contribution to the high activity. The hydrophobic modification provides a novel approach for using MOF materials in the oxidative desulfurization process.

Promotion of Different Active Phases in MnOX-CeO2 Catalysts for Simultaneous NO Reduction and o-DCB Oxidation

AbstractMnOX-CeO2 catalysts with different Mn and Ce content were prepared to evaluate the effect of metal content on catalytic properties and activity in the simultaneous NO reduction and o-DCB oxidation, in order to elucidate the most active species for the process. Catalytic properties were evaluated by ICP-AES, XRD, skeletal FTIR, STEM-HAADF, XPS, N2-physisorption, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD and pyridine-FTIR. Catalysts with 85%Mn and 15%Ce molar content have been found to be the most active. Their excellent catalytic performance is related to the coexistence of Mn in different phases, i.e., Mn species strongly interacting with Ce and segregated Mn species. The effect of the preparation methods has also been deeply investigated: Co-precipitation method (CP) leads to Mn segregation as Mn2O3, whereas sol-gel preparation method (SG) promotes the formation of an amorphous powder. The synergy between segregated Mn2O3 species and Mn species in high interaction with Ce (resulting in a mixed oxide phase) leads to the presence of Mn with different oxidation states. This effect, together with the high oxygen mobility caused by structural defects, enhances redox, acidic and oxidative properties. The improvement of catalytic properties with Mn content also favors NO reduction side-reactions, with N2O and NO2 being the most important by-products, whereas it limits the production of chlorinated organic by-products in o-DCB oxidation.

Design of Knölker‐Type Catalysts for the Anomeric Oxidation of Unprotected Mono‐ and Disaccharides

AbstractKnölker complexes have been recently used to perform the catalytic C1‐oxidation of unprotected sugars into sugar lactones. This oxidation method remained limited by the stability of the catalyst with the polyhydroxylated substrates. Our objective is now to overcome these limitations and extend this method to more challenging substrates such as disaccharides. We proposed in this paper two original designs of Knölker‐type complexes conceived to promote secondary H‐bond interactions with the OH groups of the substrates to stabilise the system and favour the transformation. In total, 8 novel pre‐catalysts were synthesised, fully characterised and applied in the anomeric oxidation of several sugar derivatives. Two of these new complexes proved to be more efficient than the Knölker complex for the oxidation of disaccharides. Moreover, a preliminary DFT study revealed the presence of H‐bonds interactions between the substrate and the oxygen atom on the ligand arm of the best complexes suggesting a beneficial role of this heteroatom on the catalytic efficiency.

Inside Back Cover: Highly Active Oxidation Catalysts through Confining Pd Clusters on CeO2 Nano‐Islands

Inside Back Cover: Highly Active Oxidation Catalysts through Confining Pd Clusters on CeO₂ Nano‐Islands

Inside Back Cover: Highly Active Oxidation Catalysts through Confining Pd Clusters on CeO2 Nano‐Islands

Inside Back Cover: Highly Active Oxidation Catalysts through Confining Pd Clusters on CeO₂ Nano‐Islands

Recent Advances of Monolithic Metal Mesh‐based Catalysts for CO Oxidation

Recent Advances of Monolithic Metal Mesh‐based Catalysts for CO Oxidation

Ceria nanocatalyst supported oxidative organic transformations of aromatic alcohols and p-nitrotoluene.

Hydrothermally derived nanocubes of CeO2 (10 nm) were explored as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in the partial oxidation of aromatic alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes and aerobic oxidation of p-nitrotoluene to p-nitrobenzoic acid. CeO2 nanocatalyst was characterized by XRD, TEM, EDS, XPS, BET, FT-IR, TGA and UV-vis spectroscopy. TEM/HRTEM micrographs reveals the morphology with mostly cubic shaped nanostructures with exposed highly active {100} and {110} facets. Surface area of nanoceria determined by BET and found to be 33.8 m2/g. To demonstrate the universality of the catalytic system, the selective oxidation of different substrates of benzylic alcohol and complete oxidation of p-Nitrotoluene was investigated under mild conditions. Absolute selectivity towards their respective aldehydes was found to be 99.50% (benzaldehyde), 90.18% (p-chlorobenzaldehyde), 99.71% (p-nitrobenzaldehyde), 98.10% (p-fluorobenzaldehyde), 94.66% (p-anisaldehyde) and 86.14% (cinnamaldehyde). Moreover, the catalytic oxidative transformation of nitrotoluene results 100% conversion with 99.29% selectivity towards nitrobenzoic acid.

La(FeCuMnMgTi)O3 High-Entropy Oxide Nanoparticles as Highly Efficient Catalysts for Solvent-Free Aerobic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol.

In this work, a solid-state method for the synthesis of perovskite La(FeCuMnMgTi)O3 high-entropy oxide (HEO) nanoparticles is detailed. Additionally, the high performance of these nanoparticles as catalysts in the aerobic and solvent-free oxidation of benzyl alcohol is demonstrated. The structural features of HEO nanoparticles are studied by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The La(FeCuMnMgTi)O3 nanoparticles demonstrate excellent benzyl alcohol conversion rates and selectivity for benzaldehyde, reaching 10.6% conversion and 52.8% selectivity after reaction for only 4 h and ≤75.6% conversion after 24 h. In addition, the as-prepared HEO catalyst displays robust stability in benzyl alcohol oxidation. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the adsorption energy of benzaldehyde on the HEO surface is lower than that of the benzoic acid. This, in turn, hinders the gradual conversion of benzaldehyde to benzoic acid on the surface of HEO and retains benzaldehyde as the main product.

Unveiling the Promoting Mechanism of H2 Activation on CuFeOx Catalyst for Low-Temperature CO Oxidation.

The effect of H2 activation on the performance of CuFeOx catalyst for low-temperature CO oxidation was investigated. The characterizations of XRD, XPS, H2-TPR, O2-TPD, and in situ DRIFTS were employed to establish the relationship between physicochemical property and catalytic activity. The results showed that the CuFeOx catalyst activated with H2 at 100 °C displayed higher performance, which achieved 99.6% CO conversion at 175 °C. In addition, the H2 activation promoted the generation of Fe2+ species, and more oxygen vacancy could be formation with higher concentration of Oα species, which improved the migration rate of oxygen species in the reaction process. Furthermore, the reducibility of the catalyst was enhanced significantly, which increased the low-temperature activity. Moreover, the in situ DRIFTS experiments revealed that the reaction pathway of CO oxidation followed MvK mechanism at low temperature (<175 °C), and both MvK and L-H mechanism was involved at high temperature. The Cu+-CO and carbonate species were the main reactive intermediates, and the H2 activation increased the concentration of Cu+ species and accelerated the decomposition carbonate species, thus improving the catalytic performance effectively.

A broad-spectrum oxidation capability Ru-CeO2 catalyst for efficient synergistic selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Selective oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes by molecular oxygen is one of the most important transformations in multiphase catalysis. In this paper, a catalyst with selective oxidation ability was designed and synthesized for the selective catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol. N-doped carbon materials were prepared by high-temperature calcination using hydrothermal reaction products of citric acid and melamine as a carbon source, and a bimetallic catalyst supported by Ru-CeO2 was constructed using the mixture as the carrier for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. The results showed that the introduction of CeO2 could effectively improve the oxidizing ability and catalytic activity of the catalyst. The Ru-Ce0.05/NC170–600 catalyst was able to convert 85.5 % benzyl alcohol into benzaldehyde at 140 °C, 6 h, and 2 MPa, and the selectivity for benzaldehyde was 100 %. It was demonstrated by DFT that it was theoretically feasible to generate benzaldehyde by extracting hydrogen atoms from benzyl alcohol molecules. Further, the selective oxidation experiments on other alcohols showed that the catalyst has high activity for the oxidation of various alcohols to generate the corresponding carbonyl products, and it is a catalyst with broad-spectrum selective oxidation ability. In this study, a green synthesis route of benzaldehyde was proposed to solve the problems in the traditional process. Meanwhile, it provides a new idea for the synthesis of carbonyl products by selective oxidation of alcohols.

Accelerating alcohol oxidation kinetics for electrochemical biomass upgrading via photoinduced active CuIII-O generation

Copper-based compounds exhibit broad prospects in the electrocatalytic oxidation of biomass for sustainable production of high-value-added chemicals due to their passivated oxygen evolution reaction (OER) competitiveness. However, the sluggish reaction kinetics remain the main challenge in constraining their scalable application. Herein, a highly selective electrooxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2, 5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) on CuO is achieved via photoinduced surface reconstruction. The experimental results confirmed that the photogenerated hole accumulation on the surface of CuO with matched valence band position can promote the CuOOH active phase generation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and the overall relationship between structure and selectivity indicate the CuOOH species can accelerate the spontaneous dehydrogenation process of hydroxyl group. Therefore, the activated CuO electrode under illumination can effectively regulate the conversion of 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA) key intermediates and exhibits accelerated reaction kinetics, FDCA yield increased by 17.79 % compared to dark condition. Additionally, a general enhancement effect on the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and furfuryl alcohol was also revealed. This work introduces photoassistance effect for the first time in HMF oxidation, opening up prospects for the application of photoelectric synergy in biomass value-added conversion and providing insights into the activity mechanism of Cu-based catalysts in organic oxidation.

Photoredox Cascade Catalysts for Solar Hydrogen Production from Sustainable Hydrogen Sources.

Visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production has been extensively studied as a clean and sustainable energy resource. Although sacrificial electron donors (SEDs) are commonly used to evaluate photocatalytic activity, their irreversible decomposition forces charge separation, which disrupts the inherent dual productivity of photocatalysis, that is, the formation of both the reduction and oxidation products. To achieve highly efficient photoinduced charge separation without SED decomposition, the layer-by-layer assembly of redox-active photosensitizing dyes and electron mediators through Zr4+-phosphonate bonds has been extensively studied as an artificial mimic of the electron transport chain in natural photosynthesis. This concept paper presents an overview of photoredox cascade catalytic (PRCC) systems comprising multiple Ru(II)-trisbipyridine-type dyes and mediator layers on Pt-loaded TiO2 nanoparticles for H2 production from redox reversible electron donors (RREDs). The PRCC structure-activity relationship for photocatalytic H2 production is briefly discussed in terms of layer thickness, surface structure and modification, and cooperativity with molecular oxidation catalysts. Finally, new insights into the design of efficient dual-production photocatalysts based on the PRCC structure are presented.

Highly Active Oxidation Catalysts through Confining Pd Clusters on CeO2 Nano‐Islands

AbstractCeO2‐supported noble metal clusters are attractive catalytic materials for several applications. However, their atomic dispersion under oxidizing reaction conditions often leads to catalyst deactivation. In this study, the noble metal cluster formation threshold is rationally adjusted by using a mixed CeO2‐Al2O3 support. The preferential location of Pd on CeO2 islands leads to a high local surface noble metal concentration and promotes the in situ formation of small Pd clusters at a rather low noble metal loading (0.5 wt %), which are shown to be the active species for CO conversion at low temperatures. As elucidated by complementary in situ/operando techniques, the spatial separation of CeO2 islands on Al2O3 confines the mobility of Pd, preventing the full redispersion or the formation of larger noble metal particles and maintaining a high CO oxidation activity at low temperatures. In a broader perspective, this approach to more efficiently use the noble metal can be transferred to further systems and reactions in heterogeneous catalysis.

Highly efficient Ag/Ce–Zr catalyst for catalytic oxidation of NVOCs: balance of redox ability and acidity

Highly efficient Ag/Ce–Zr catalyst for catalytic oxidation of NVOCs: balance of redox ability and acidity

Kinetic Study and Catalytic Activity of Cr3+ Catalyst Supported on Calcium Silicate Hydrates for VOC Oxidation.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are pollutants that pose significant health and environmental risks, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. Catalytic oxidation emerges as a viable method for converting VOCs into non-toxic end products. This study focuses on synthesizing a catalyst based on calcium silicate hydrates with chromium ions in the CaO-SiO2-Cr(NO3)3-H2O system under hydrothermal conditions and evaluating its thermal stability and catalytic performance. A catalyst with varying concentrations of chromium ions (10, 25, 50, 100 mg/g Cr3+) was synthesized in unstirred suspensions under saturated steam pressure at a temperature of 220 °C. Isothermal curing durations were 8 h, 16 h, and 48 h. Results of X-ray diffraction and atomic absorption spectroscopy showed that hydrothermal synthesis is effective for incorporating up to 100 mg/g Cr3+ into calcium silicate hydrates. The catalyst with Cr3+ ions (50 mg/g) remained stable up to 550 °C, beyond which chromatite was formed. Catalytic oxidation experiments with propanol and propyl acetate revealed that the Cr3+ catalyst supported on calcium silicate hydrates enhances oxygen exchange during the heterogeneous oxidation process. Kinetic calculations indicated that the synthesized catalyst is active, with an activation energy lower than 65 kJ/mol. This study highlights the potential of Cr3+-intercalated calcium silicate hydrates as efficient catalysts for VOC oxidation.

3-(Sulfamic acid)-propyltriethoxysilane on biochar nanoparticles as a practical, biocompatible, recyclable and chemoselective nanocatalyst in organic reactions.

Recyclable and inexpensive catalysts, waste regeneration, use of available and safe solvents are important principles of green chemistry. Therefore, in this project, biochar nanoparticles (BNPs) were synthesized by the pyrolysis method from chicken manure. Then, 3-(sulfamic acid)-propyltriethoxysilane (SAPES) was immobilized on the surface of BNPs (SAPES@BNPs). The prepared catalyst (SAPES@BNPs) was used as a commercial, practical, biocompatible and reusable catalyst in the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides. Further, the catalytic application of SAPES@BNPs was explored in the multicomponent synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans under mild and green conditions. BNPs were characterized using SEM, TGA and XRD techniques. SAPES@BNPs were characterized using SEM, FT-IR spectroscopy, WDX, EDS, TGA, and XRD techniques. Particle size distribution was obtained by histogram graph. SAPES@BNPs can be recovered and reused several times. The purity of the products was studied using NMR spectroscopy.