Electronic Configuration Research Articles

Periodic Single-Metal Site Catalysts: Creating Homogeneous and Ordered Atomic-Precision Structures.

Heterogeneous single-metal-site catalysts (SMSCs), often referred to as single-atom catalysts (SACs), demonstrate promising catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability across a wide spectrum of reactions due to their rationally designed microenvironments encompassing coordination geometry, binding ligands, and electronic configurations. However, the inherent disorderliness of SMSCs at both atomic scale and nanoscale poses challenges in deciphering working principles and establishing the correlations between microenvironments and the catalytic performances of SMSCs. The rearrangement of randomly dispersed single metals into homogeneous and atomic-precisely structured periodic single-metal site catalysts (PSMSCs) not only simplifies the chaos in SMSCs systems but also unveils new opportunities for manipulating catalytic performance and gaining profound insights into reaction mechanisms. Moreover, the synergistic effects of adjacent single metals and the integration effects of periodic single-metal arrangement further broaden the industrial application scope of SMSCs. This perspective offers a comprehensive overview of recent advancements and outlines prospective avenues for research in the design and characterizations of PSMSCs, while also acknowledging the formidable challenges encountered and the promising prospects that lie ahead.

Radiative recombination model for BiSeI microcrystals: unveiling deep defects through photoluminescence

Abstract Pnictogen chalcohalides are semiconductors that have emerged as promising materials for energy conversion due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. Their electronic configuration (ns2), particularly for Bi- and Sb-based compounds, can be a key factor in efficient carrier transport and defect tolerance, similarly, to Pb-perovskites. In the present study, the Bi-containing chalcohalide, bismuth selenoiodide (BiSeI) was synthesized via isothermal heat treatment of binary precursors in evacuated quartz ampoules. The synthesized BiSeI microcrystals exhibited a characteristic needle-like morphology and a near-stoichiometric composition. Both indirect and direct band gap energies of BiSeI were determined by ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, with room temperature values of 1.17 eV and 1.29 eV, respectively. This study presents the first experimental investigation of the photoluminescence properties of BiSeI microcrystals resulting in a recombination model involving multiple defect states. This work provides valuable insights into the defect structure and recombination mechanisms within BiSeI, paving the way for further exploration of its potential in optoelectronic devices.

Iron phosphides nanoparticles strongly coupled to N-doped carbon for high-efficiency oxygen reduction and evolution

Constructing composite structures is an effective strategy for tailoring the electronic configuration and balances the adsorption/desorption capability of oxygen-containing intermediates for obtaining high-performance bifunctional catalysts. Herein, an in-situ pyrolysis strategy was used to construct Fe2P nanoparticles supported on N-doped carbon (Fe2P/NC) catalyst. The DFT indicated that the catalytic activity of the as-prepared catalyst is significantly increased by the strong electronic interaction between the Fe2P nanoparticles and the nitrogen-doped carbon, which endows the catalyst with fast electron transfer capability and optimizes the free energy between the catalyst and the adsorbed intermediate, as well as the d-band center of the material. The as-synthesized Fe2P/NC has a low potential gap ΔE (ΔE = Ej=10 – E1/2) of ca. 0.75 V, a specific capacity as high as 833 mAh·gZn-1 and cycling stability for 1320 cycles at the current density of 10 mA·cm−2. Such a synthesis strategy provides an effective route to realizing applications for portable electronic Zn-air battery-related devices.

Mechanisms and degradation pathways of tetracycline by Co7Fe3 nanoparticles anchored porous carbon activated peroxymonosulfate

In recent years, catalysts based on transition metals have been extensively employed for the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) in the removal of tetracycline (TC) from aquatic environments. However, the efficiency of single transition metals and heterogeneous transition metals as catalysts has been somewhat limited. In this study, different bimetallic Co-Fe catalysts embedded in a porous carbon (Co7Fe3-500/600/700/800) were synthesized using a straightforward single-step calcination process at varying temperatures, addressing the issues of poor activation performance of single transition metals and low dispersion of active components in heterogeneous transition metals. The Co7Fe3-500/600/700/800 enhanced the electronic configuration, establishing electron-rich and highly active zones that promoted electron transfer between the Co and Fe transition metals. The results showed that Co7Fe3-600, exhibited excellent PMS activation performance, removing 95.1 % of TC from the solution within 10 min. Additionally, Co7Fe3-600 showed strong adaptability and resistance to interference under various environmental conditions. DFT calculations, HPLC-MS analysis and T.E.S.T analysis were used to predict potential degradation intermediates during TC degradation and assess their biological toxicity. This research introduces an innovative strategy for formulating sophisticated bimetallic alloy catalysts and contributes fresh perspectives on the mechanisms involved in the PMS activation process by bimetallic catalysts.

Hollow carbon nanofibers with self-induced internal electric field for high-performance full-carbon sodium ion capacitors

Self-induced internal electric field (SIEF) is crucial to achieve high capacity, high rate and long cycle life of carbon anodes in Na+ storage, but it is also a huge challenge currently. Herein, a template-assisted electrospinning process and subsequent low-temperature pyrolysis method is employed to synthesize S, N co-doped hollow carbon nanofibers (SNHCF) with rich micropores and chemisorption sites. The rich micropores and interconnected macroporous in SNHCF provide large internal availability that effectively exposing the active sites, inhibiting the volume expansion and shortening the Na+ diffusion distance. Besides, S, N co-doping in the carbon skeleton can act as an electron acceptor and electron donor respectively to form a SIEF to boost adsorption of Na+. Theoretical calculation and ex-situ characterizations confirmed that S, N co-doping can regulate the electronic configuration and reduce the diffusion barrier of Na+. As a result, SNHCF anode has ultra-high specific capacity (588.2mAh g−1 at 0.05 A/g) and impressive rate performance (264.3mAh g−1 at 20 A/g). The full-carbon sodium ion capacitors assembled with SNHCF anode and activated carbon cathode exhibits high energy density (119 Wh kg−1) and ultra-long cycle stability (80.06 % capacity retention after 12,000 cycles).

C-H amination chemistry mediated by trinuclear Cu(I) sites supported by a ligand scaffold featuring an arene platform and tetramethylguanidinyl residues.

Tripodal ligands that can encapsulate single or multiple metal sites in C3-symmetric geometric configurations constitute valuable targets for novel catalysts. Of particular interest in ligand development are efforts toward incorporating apical elements that exhibit little if any electron donicity, to enhance the electrophilic nature of a trans positioned active oxidant (e.g., metal-oxo, -nitrene). The tripodal ligand TMG3trphen-Arene has been synthesized, featuring an arene platform 1,3,5-substituted with phenylene arms possessing tetramethylguanidinyl (TMG) residues. Compound [(TMG3trphen-Arene)Cu3(μ-Cl)3] has been subsequently synthesized by extracting a Cu3(μ-Cl)3 cluster from anhydrous CuCl and shown to encapsulate a crown-shaped Cu3(μ-Cl)3 fragment, supported by Cu-NTMG bonds and modest Cu3⋯arene long-range contacts. Energy decomposition analysis (EDA) indicates that electrostatic contributions to the total interaction energy far exceed those due to orbital interactions. The latter involve orbital pairings largely associated with the NTMG stabilization of the Cu3(μ-Cl)3 cluster. The independent gradient model based on the Hirshfeld partition (IGMH) corroborates that contacts between the arene platform and the Cu3 triangle are noncovalent in nature. Catalyst [(TMG3trphen-Arene)Cu3(μ-Cl)3] enables amination of sec-benzylic and tert-C-H bonds of a panel of substrates by pre-synthesized PhINTces in solvent matrices that incorporate small amounts of HFIP. The involvement of an electrophilic aminating agent is evidenced by the better yields obtained for electron-rich benzylic sites and is further supported by Hammett analysis that reveals the development of a small positive charge during C-H bond activation. A rather modest KIE effect (2.1) is obtained from intramolecular H(D) competition in the amination of ethylbenzene, at the borderline of reported values for concerted and stepwise C-H amination systems. DFT analysis of the putative copper-nitrene oxidant indicates that the nitrene N atom is bridging between two copper sites in closely spaced triplet (ground state) and broken-symmetry singlet electronic configurations.

ALTERNATIVE EXPLANATION OF FILLING THE ELECTRONIC LAYERS OF ATOMS OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS

The article provides a new approach to the formation of periods in Mendeleev's periodic system. Reconfiguration of the periods in the Mendeleev table using the newly proposed formula and the newly proposed quantum states for the outer electron shells of atoms of chemical elements is proposed. Purpose of work: Further development of the alternative theory of creation of electronic shells of atoms of chemical elements in D.I.Mendeleev's table. Results and discussions. The following order of formation of electron layers is proposed: principle quantum number (n), then the quantum state of the electrons forming the electronic configuration of the subperiods (first and second), and only then the remaining quantum orbitals (s, d, f and p). First and second new quantum states and a new formula for calculating the number of electrons in the outer electron shell of element periods and subperiods were proposed. The new level of electronic counting (II) and the new quantum number proposed by us allow to change the understanding of the internal structure of chemical elements without changing the general appearance and order of arrangement of chemical elements in D.I.Mendeleev's table itself, and therefore its contents. An important advantage of the proposed alternative model is that it takes into account and relies on already known, classical data for most of its main operational characteristics and is an extension of this important topic for classical chemistry theory. Therefore, the change in the number of periods, the introduction of a new quantum number in the form of D.I.Mendeleev's table, outwardly it does not differ much, but requires the necessary additional explanation. Concept. The proposed alternative approach to the structure and electronic structure of atomic shells of chemical elements in the periods and groups of D.I.Mendeleev's periodic system was recently developed by the authors and has good prospects for development primarily in the following directions: - identification of possible patterns of changes in the characteristics of chemical and physical properties of elements; - development of an accompanying model of the electronic structure of electronic shells of atoms of chemical elements of the proposed alternative model.

Electrospun Lithium Porous Nanosorbent Fibers for Enhanced Lithium Adsorption and Sustainable Applications.

Electrospun nanosorbent fibers specifically designed for efficient lithium extraction were developed, exhibiting superior physicochemical properties. These fibers were fabricated using a polyacrylonitrile/dimethylformamide matrix, with viscosity and dynamic mechanical analysis showing that optimal interactions were achieved at lower contents of layered double hydroxide. This meticulous adjustment in formulation led to the creation of lithium porous nanosorbent fibers (Li-PNFs-1). Li-PNFs-1 exhibited outstanding mechanical attributes, including a yield stress of 0.09 MPa, a tensile strength of 2.48 MPa, and an elongation at a break of 19.7%. Additionally, they demonstrated pronounced hydrophilicity and hierarchical porous architecture, which greatly favor rapid wetting kinetics and lithium adsorption. Morphologically, they exhibited uniform smoothness with a diameter averaging 546 nm, indicative of orderly crystalline growth and a dense molecular arrangement. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory using Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package revealed modifications in the spatial and electronic configurations of polyacrylonitrile due to hydrogen bonding, facilitating lithium adsorption capacity up to 13.45 mg/g under optimal conditions. Besides, kinetics and isotherm showed rapid equilibrium within 60 min and confirmed the chemical and selective nature of Li+ uptake. These fibers demonstrated consistent adsorption performance across multiple cycles, highlighting their potential for sustainable use in industrial applications.

Proton vs Electron: The Dual Role of Redox-Inactive Metal Ions in Permanganate Oxidation Kinetics.

Redox-inactive metal-ion-driven modulation of the oxidation behavior of high-valent metal-oxo complex has garnered significant interest in biological and chemical synthesis; however, their role in permanganate (Mn(VII)) oxidation for the removal of organic pollutants has been largely neglected. Here, we uncover the impact of six metal ions (i.e., Ca2+, Mg2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Al3+, and Sc3+) presenting in water environments on Mn(VII) activity. These ions uniformly boost the electron and oxygen transfer capabilities of Mn(VII) while impeding proton transfer, as evidenced by electrochemical tests, thioanisole probe analysis, and the kinetic isotope effect. The observed effects are intricately linked to the Lewis acidity of the metal ions. Further mechanistic insights reveal that Mn(VII) can interact with metal ions without direct reduction. Such interactions modify the electronic configuration of Mn(VII) and create an acidic microenvironment, thus increasing its electrophilicity and the energy barrier for the abstraction of proton from organic substrates. More importantly, the efficacy of Mn(VII) in removing phenolic pollutants is regulated by these ions through changing the driving force for proton and electron transfer, i.e., facilitated at pH > 4.5 and inhibited at lower pH. The contribution of active Mn intermediates is also discussed to reveal the oxidative mechanism of the metal ion/Mn(VII) system. These findings not only facilitate the rational design of Mn(VII) oxidation conditions in the presence of metal ions for water decontamination but also offer an alternative paradigm for enhancing electrophilic oxidation.

The structural and electronic configuration of an amorphous silica surface, from its liquid to glassy state

Through classical molecular dynamics computational simulations, the surface of amorphous silica (vitreous silica) was generated for a system comprising 64 SiO2 molecules (192 atoms) via the classical three-body glass potential. Starting from the liquid state of silica at 3400 K, it was cooled in three different ways at intervals of 200, 400, and 2000 K, with a cooling rate of 4.4 K/ps and establishing relaxation at intermediate temperatures, yielding three groups of surfaces from 3400 to 1400 K. Subsequently, these systems underwent sudden cooling from 1400 to 300 K via the Andersen and Nosé‒Hoover thermostats, followed by relaxation at 300 K via a microcanonical ensemble (NVE constant). Each surface that underwent relaxation was analyzed through ab initio molecular dynamics for the following three physical properties, which are temperature dependent. The average electric charges of oxygen and silicon. Microstructures on the outermost part of the surface were observed and comprised nonbridging oxygen atoms, undercoordinated silicon, and N-membered rings (3 ≤ N ≤ 5). The radial distribution functions were analyzed for all surfaces. Below 2000 K, a type of freezing is observed in all the structures because of the glass transition. All analyses were performed at zero pressure.

Weakening O-Intermediates Adsorption Strength Over the Pd Metallene via Lewis-Acidic Site Modulation for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction.

The reasonable design and modulation of the electronic properties of Pd metallene are acknowledged as a promising avenue for enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs), yet they remain a formidable challenge. Herein, a thin-sheet structure of Zr-doped Pd metallene (PdZr metallene) with abundant defects is proposed using a facile wet-chemical approach for efficient and highly durable ORR electrocatalysis. Multiple microstructural analyses uncover that orchestrated electronic and oxophilic regulation of PdZr metallene via Lewis-acidic Zr site modulation could concurrently optimize the electronic configuration of Pd, downshift the d-band center of Pd, and, thus, promote the intrinsic activity. Benefiting from the unique two-dimensional morphology and electronic structure optimization facilitated by the Zr coupling effect, the resultant PdZr metallene demonstrates significantly enhanced ORR electrocatalytic performance in basic solutions, with a high half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.87 V and commendable stability for 30 000 s, surpassing those of Pd metallene and various advanced Pd-based catalysts reported in the literature. Encouragingly, the PdZr metallene-based AEMFC achieves an increased maximum power density (90.4 mW cm-2) and impressive robustness over 12 h in an alkaline environment, manifesting the practical application of PdZr metallene in AEMFCs. This study showcases the applicability of PdZr metallene via Lewis acid site regulation for fabricating highly active electrocatalysts for high-performance AEMFCs.

Pt Ternary Alloy with Rare Earth Metal - Pt5Ce-Co Intermetallic Nanoparticles as Highly Active Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in PEMFCs

Alloying with rare earth elements is an important direction of exploring in Pt-based alloy design in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), due to its special electronic configurations. Here we reported a ternary intermetallic alloy Pt5Ce-Co/C. The electronic valence state of Pt alloys was modified by the unique 4f orbital and the contraction effect of Ce, plus the additional active sites provided by the Co incorporation, optimizing the adsorption energy of the reaction intermediates, and effectively improving the electrocatalytic performance. The Pt5Ce-Co/C achieved 2.8 A∙mgPt -1 of mass activity in ORR catalysis, which can maintain 1.4 A∙mgPt -1 after 30k of accelerated stress test (AST). For membrane electrode assembly test, Pt5Ce-Co/C shows an initial mass activity of 724 mA∙mgPt -1, and a current density of 1876 mA∙cm-2 at 0.7 V under heavy-duty vehicle testing. This work provides an avenue to design advanced PGM ternary alloys by incorporating rare-earth metals to promote the catalyst performance.

Unveiling F-coordination tuning of dense Fe-N4 active sites via nitrogen fixation over advanced electrocatalysts

The manuscript presents a significant advancement in the field of electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation by unveiling the role of fluorine coordination in tuning the activity of atomically dispersed iron-nitrogen (Fe-N4) active sites within porous carbon (PC). The innovative approach employs chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to fabricate F-Fe-NC active sites, which, upon fluorination, modulate the electronic configuration of iron, enhancing nitrogen adsorption and activation. The F-Fe-NC catalyst demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) performance, achieving an ammonia yield rate (RNH3) of 125.49 μg h−1 mgcat.−1 and a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 25.19 %. In-situ electrochemical mass spectrometry and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were utilized to dissect the NRR kinetics and elucidate the underlying reaction mechanism, identifying the potential-determining step. The study introduces a novel, high-performance catalyst for electrocatalytic NRR and provides a practical strategy for optimizing the active-site microenvironment, laying the groundwork for the future commercial application of electrocatalytic NRR processes.

Nitrosation mechanisms, kinetics, and dynamics of the guanine and 9-methylguanine radical cations by nitric oxide-Radical-radical combination at different electron configurations.

As a precursor to various reactive nitrogen species formed in biological systems, nitric oxide (•NO) participates in numerous processes, including enhancing DNA radiosensitivity in ionizing radiation-based radiotherapy. Forming guanine radical cations is another common DNA lesion resulting from ionization and oxidation damage. As such, the interaction of •NO with guanine radical cations (G•+) may contribute to the radiosensitization of •NO. An intriguing aspect of this process is the participation of multiple spin configurations in the reaction, including open-shell singlet 1,OS[G•+(↑)⋯(↓)•NO], closed-shell singlet 1,CS[G(↑↓)⋯NO+], and triplet 3[G•+(↑)⋯(↑)•NO]. In this study, the reactions of •NO with both unsubstituted guanine radical cations (in the 9HG•+ conformation) and 9-methylguanine radical cations (9MG•+, a guanosine-mimicking model compound) were investigated in the absence and presence of monohydration of radical cations. Kinetic-energy dependent reaction product ions and cross sections were measured using an electrospray ionization guided-ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. The reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and dynamics were comprehended by interpreting the reaction potential energy surface using spin-projected density functional theory, coupled cluster theory, and multiconfiguration complete active space second-order perturbation theory, followed by RRKM kinetics modeling. The combined experimental and computational findings revealed closed-shell singlet 1,CS[7-NO-9MG]+ as the major, exothermic product and triplet 3[8-NO-9MG]+ as the minor, endothermic product. Singlet biradical products were not detected due to high reaction endothermicities, activation barriers, and inherent instability.

Steering intermediates coverage of W-doped Fe3N for efficient kinetic promotion in water splitting by lattice and electronic configuration engineering

The development of catalysts that promote kinetic processes represents a significant frontier in the field of catalyst design. Here, a facile strategy is employed to fabricate W-Fe3N@NC. The incorporation of W results in effective lattice and electronic configuration engineering, providing a favorable environment for the in-situ formation of high-valent Fe4+ and the lattice contraction. The kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are fully improved by steering the intermediate coverages and binding energies. W-Fe3N@NC exhibits superior HER performance at universal pH range and a significantly enhanced alkaline OER performance. Density functional theory (DFT) analysis verifies the lattice and electronic engineering and indicates that the higher valence state and weakened adsorption of the intermediates boost the activity of OER and HER. This study offers new insights into effective electrocatalyst design through lattice and electronic engineering, and provides a basis for further exploration of the kinetic promotion mechanism of catalysts.

Constructing hollow cobalt sulfide nanocages strung by manganese molybdate nanorods for high-efficiency supercapacitors and electrocatalytic methanol oxidation

Constructing core-shell heterostuctures with rationally designed nanoarchitectures and components is a promising strategy to pursuit high-efficiency energy storage and conversion in supercapacitors (SCs) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Herein, a multi-dimensional MnMoO4@CoS core-shell heterostructure is designed and synthesized by stringing metal-organic framework-derived hollow CoS nanocages with MnMoO4 nanorods. Such heterostructure provides more electroactive sites and enhanced structural stability. Theory calculations unveil that the work function difference between MnMoO4 and CoS induces the charge redistribution and modulate interfacial electronic configuration in the MnMoO4/CoS heterojunction. Meanwhile, a interfacial built-in electrical field is established, enhancing interfacial charge transfer efficiency and promoting the surface adsorption of electrolyte ions. By integrating all these advantages, the MnMoO4@CoS electrode demonstrates enhanced rate capacities (933 C g−1 at 1 A g−1 and 623 C g−1 at 10 A g−1) and cycling durability (90.3 % capacity retention after 10,000 cycles) compared to bare MnMoO4 and CoS electrodes. Moreover, the MnMoO4@CoS electrode exhibits an appreciable electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation, with a current density of 294.8 mA cm−2 at 10 mV s−1 and 96.6 % current retention after 10,000 s. Our work offers a fundamental guideline for designing and engineering core-shell heterostructures with desirable electrochemical performance for SCs and DMFCs.

Investigating the optoelectronic properties of Mn and Fe doped CuAlS₂ for intermediate band solar cell applications

Chalcopyrites demonstrate compelling features for optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices, attributed to their valuable properties. Their remarkable light-absorption capabilities and well-suited band gap render them so attractive for applications in these fields. By allowing low-energy sub-bandgap photons to pass through and reducing the thermalisation loss from high-energy photons, intermediate-band materials address the primary problems in solar cells. This approach allows for more efficient use of the solar spectrum, helping solar cells exceed the traditional efficiency limits defined by the Shockley-Queisser limit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the electronic and optical characteristics of CuAlS2 systems doped with transition metals (TM = Mn, Fe) using the Full Potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave approach within the framework of Density Functional Theory. A stable phase within the systems was observed upon replacing the Al atom with TM. The functionality of the intermediate band was governed by the 3d electronic characteristics of the TM3+ ion and its electronic configuration. The optical properties of CuAlS2 doped with Mn and Fe were analysed by calculating the dielectric function, refractive index, reflectivity, and absorption coefficient. Furthermore, the introduction of Mn and Fe through doping led to the creation of an intermediate band, enhancing visible light absorption and power conversion efficiency. Consequently, the optical spectrum of Mn-doped CuAlS2 and Fe-doped CuAlS2 compounds exhibits additional absorption peaks, accompanied by a significant improvement in absorption intensity. Our findings highlighted the need for continued and futuristic research into the scalability of these materials for practical applications in solar cells, optoelectronics, and spintronic devices. This investigation suggests that Mn-doped CuAlS2 holds the highest potential due to its high charge carriers and low recombination rate, indicating enhanced performance in CuAlS2-based intermediate band solar cells.

The application of Co3S4@NCNT/NCHS with excellent bifunctional catalytic activity in aqueous and flexible Zn-air batteries

In this work, we prepared a hybrid structure Co3S4@NCNT/NCHS using SiO2 nanospheres as a template. The structure is supported by hollow carbon spheres (NCHS), which are coated by Co3S4 nanoparticles and cross-linked N-doped carbon nanotubes. The combination of Co3S4 with N-doped carbon material significantly improves the electrocatalytic activity. In addition, the presence of N-doped carbon nanotubes induces more defects, which can regulate the electronic configuration of the material and improve its electrical conductivity. Therefore, Co3S4@NCNT/NCHS has good catalytic performance. At 10 mA cm−2, the OER overpotential of Co3S4@NCNT/NCHS is only 230 mV, which is lower than that of the commercial catalyst RuO2, and the ORR half-wave potential can reach 0.80 V. In the battery discharge test, Co3S4@NCNT/NCHS based ZABs can discharge continuously for 71.5 h, the specific capacity of 790.12 mA h g−1, power density of 113.09 m W cm−2, better than Pt/C+RuO2 battery. When the current density is 3 mA cm−2, ZABs assembled with Co3S4@NCNT/NCHS as catalyst can maintain a voltage gap of 0.62 V to 0.63 V within 300 h without significant change. When the current density is increased to 5 mA cm−2, ZABs based on Co3S4@NCNT/NCHS can be stably cycled for 300 h at a voltage gap between 0.80 V and 0.82 V.

Reconstruction of Ferromagnetic/Paramagnetic Cobalt‐Based Electrocatalysts under Gradient Magnetic Fields for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution

AbstractThe rational manipulation of the surface reconstruction of catalysts is a key factor in achieving highly efficient water oxidation, but it is a challenge due to the complex reaction conditions. Herein, we introduce a novel in situ reconstruction strategy under a gradient magnetic field to form highly catalytically active species on the surface of ferromagnetic/paramagnetic CoFe2O4@CoBDC core–shell structure for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). We demonstrate that the Kelvin force from the cores’ local gradient magnetic field modulates the shells’ surface reconstruction, leading to a higher proportion of Co2+ as active sites. These Co sites with optimized electronic configuration exhibit more favorable adsorption energy for oxygen‐containing intermediates and lower the activation energy of the overall catalytic reaction. As a result, a significant enhancement in OER performance is achieved with a large current density increment about 128 % at 1.63 V and an overpotential reduction by 28 mV at 10 mA cm−2 after reconstruction. Interestingly, after removing the external magnetic field, the activity could persist for over 100 h. This work showcases the directional surface reconstruction of catalysts under a gradient magnetic field for enhanced water oxidation.

Zero‐Bias Anti‐Ohmic Behaviour in Diradicaloid Molecular Wires

AbstractOpen‐shell materials bearing multiple spin centres provide a key route to efficient charge transport in single‐molecule electronic devices. They have narrow energy gaps, and their molecular orbitals align closely to the Fermi level of the metallic electrodes, thus allowing efficient electronic transport and higher conductance. Maintaining and stabilising multiple open‐shell states—especially in contact with metallic electrodes—is however very challenging, generally requiring a continuous chemical or electrochemical potential to avoid self‐immolation of the open‐shell character. To overcome this issue, we designed, synthesised, and measured the conductance of a series of bis(indeno) fused acenes, where stability is imparted by a close‐shell quinoidal conformation in resonance with the diradical electronic configuration. We show here that these compounds have anti‐ohmic behaviour, with conductance increasing with increasing molecular length, at an unprecedented rate and across the entire bias window ( ). Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations support our findings, showing the rapidly narrowing HOMO–LUMO gap, unique to these diradicaloid structures, is responsible for the observed behaviour. Our results provide a framework for achieving efficient transport in neutral compounds and demonstrate the promise that diradicaloid materials have in single‐molecule electronics, owing to their great stability and unique electronic structure.