Simple Chemical Reduction Research Articles

Flexible paper-based Ag dendritic SERS chips for rapid in situ detection of thiram residues on pear skin.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful, highly efficient analytical technique capable of providing label-free, non-invasive, rapid, and ultrasensitive molecular detection down to the single-molecule level. Despite its advantages, SERS remains largely confined to laboratory settings due to the complexities of substrate fabrication and challenges in analyzing real-world samples. Developing flexible SERS substrates that achieve both high fabrication efficiency and high sensing performance, while being practical for field applications, is critical for advancing SERS toward broader, real-world use. In this study, we present a novel paper-based Ag dendritic SERS chip, fabricated via a simple chemical reduction process that directly forms Ag dendritic nanostructures on cellulose fibers. This chip substrate demonstrates exceptional sensitivity for the detection of thiram pesticide, with a detection limit as low as 7.76 × 10-11 M. The chip substrate also exhibits outstanding reliability, with reproducibility and repeatability both less than 5%. Furthermore, the flexible nature of the paper substrate enables it to conform to curved surfaces and be in direct contact with analytes, exemplified by its ability to adhere to and retrieve thiram from pear skin using a novel "paste-and-peel-off" technique. The substrate shows remarkable performance for thiram detection on pear skin, with sharp recovery rates ranging from 90% to 105%. With its facile fabrication, excellent sensitivity, high reliability, and practical applicability in non-invasive sampling, the paper-based Ag dendritic SERS substrate offers significant potential as an advanced substrate to bring SERS out of the laboratory and closer to real-world applications.

Revealing the mechanism of bifunctional PtLa electrocatalyst for highly efficient methanol oxidation, hydrogen evolution, and coupling reaction

The development of clean energy solutions, such as fuel cells and hydrogen energy, is crucial for addressing the global energy shortage. Platinum (Pt)-based catalysts are widely used in fuel cells and hydrogen energy generation (for example, via water electrolysis). However, reducing the amount of Pt used while maintaining the catalytic performance of such catalysts is essential. Herein, PtLa catalysts (PtxLay/C) doped with rare earth element lanthanum (La) with different Pt/La atomic ratios were synthesized using a simple chemical reduction method, resulting in Pt65La35/C, Pt78La22/C, Pt97La3/C, and Pt100/C. These PtxLay/C catalysts exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability in methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and their coupling reaction as MOR||HER under alkaline conditions. The mechanism by which La doping enhances the electrocatalytic properties and stability of Pt-based catalysts was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-STEM), in-situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and operando Raman spectroscopy. For HER, La doping facilitated the adsorption and activation of H2O at Pt sites, improving water dissociation and *OH desorption and reducing Pt poisoning by *OH. This enhances both the catalytic performance and stability of PtxLay/C for HER. Pt78La22/C exhibited a considerably lower overpotential of only 111 mV at 100 mA cm−2 compared to commercial 20 wt% Pt/C (Pt/C-Johnson Matthey (JM)), which requires 153 mV. For MOR, La promotes CO bond cleavage and reduces CO adsorption at the Pt sites, thereby enhancing both the performance and stability of the catalysts. The mass activity (MA) of Pt78La22/C for MOR is 4.44 A mg−1Pt, which is 12.33 times higher than that of Pt/C-JM (0.36 A/mgPt), and surpasses those of Pt65La35/C, Pt97La3/C, and Pt100/C (2.93, 0.24, and 2.91 A mg−1Pt, respectively). Additionally, Pt78La22/C exhibited outstanding catalytic performance for MOR||HER, with a current density of 20 mA cm−2 at 1.030 V, demonstrating good stability with negligible voltage changes after a 15 h chronoamperometry (CA) testing. This study provides a new strategy for synthesizing Pt-based catalysts with enhanced efficiency and low-energy input for HER||MOR.

Platinum/Stainless-Steel mesh electrode fabrication via Chemically thermal reduction for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

Platinum-based electrodes continue to be extensively studied, with a key focus on decreasing their cost. This research addresses this challenge by depositing platinum (Pt) nanoparticles onto a cost-effective stainless steel mesh (SSM) substrate for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Pt nanoparticles were deposited on SSM (Pt/SSM) using a simple chemical thermal reduction method. The effects of varying the concentration of the K2PtCl4 precursor on Pt deposition and catalytic performance were investigated. Results showed that higher precursor concentrations led to increased Pt loading and improved HER activity, although the loading remained lower than that of commercial electrodes (0.011 mg/cm2). The optimized Pt/SSM, prepared with a 2 mM K2PtCl4 solution, achieved a low overpotential of 101 mV and a Tafel slope of 53 mV/decade in 0.5 M H2SO4, with excellent stability. These findings highlight the potential of Pt/SSM electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen production and emphasize the importance of electrolyte conditions in optimizing performance.

Novel design of nickel cobalt boride nanosheets-decorated molybdenum disulfide hollow spheres as efficient battery-type materials of hybrid supercapacitors

Transition metal borides (TMBs) with high theoretical capacitances and excellent electronic properties have attracted much attention as a promising active material of supercapacitors (SCs). However, TMB nanoparticles are prone to conduct self-aggregation, which significantly deteriorates the electrochemical performance and structural stability. To address the severe self-aggregation in TMBs and improve the active material utilization, it is imperative to provide a conductive substrate that promotes the dispersion of TMB during growths. In this work, sheet-like nickel cobalt boride (NCB) was grown on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) hollow spheres (H-MoS2) by using simple template growth and chemical reduction methods. The resultant NCB/H-MoS2-50 was observed with uniform NCB nanosheets structure on the surface of the H-MoS2 and stronger MB bonding. After optimizing the loading amount of H-MoS2, the optimal composite (NCB/H-MoS2-50) modified nickel foam (NF) exhibits a superior specific capacity (1302 C/g) than that of the NCB electrode (957 C/g) at 1 A/g. Excellent rate capability of 84.8% (1104 C/g at 40 A/g) is also achieved by the NCB/H-MoS2-50 electrode. The extraordinary electrochemical performance of NCB/H-MoS2-50 is credited to the unique nanosheet-covered hollow spheres structure for facilitating ion diffusion and versatile charge storage mechanisms from the pseudocapacitive behavior of H-MoS2 and the Faradaic redox behavior of NCB. Furthermore, a hybrid SC is assembled with NCB/H-MoS2-50 and activated carbon (AC) electrodes (NCB/H-MoS2-50//AC), which operates in a potential window up to 1.7 V and delivers a high energy density of 76.8 W h kg−1 at a power density of 850 W kg−1. A distinguished cycling stability of 93.2% over 20,000 cycles is also obtained for NCB/H-MoS2-50//AC. These findings disclose the significant potential of NCB/H-MoS2-50 as a highly performed battery-type material of SCs.

Designing Bifunctional Electrocatalysts Based on Complex Cobalt-Sulfo-Boride Compound for High-Current-Density Alkaline Water Electrolysis.

In the quest to harness renewable energy sources for green hydrogen production, alkaline water electrolysis has emerged as a pivotal technology. Enhancing the reaction rates of overall water electrolysis and streamlining electrode manufacturing necessitate the development of bifunctional and cost-effective electrocatalysts. With this aim, a complex compound electrocatalyst in the form of cobalt-sulfo-boride (Co-S-B) was fabricated using a simple chemical reduction method and tested for overall alkaline water electrolysis. A nanocrystalline form of Co-S-B displayed a combination of porous and nanoflake-like morphology with a high surface area. In comparison to Co-B and Co-S, the Co-S-B electrocatalyst exhibits better bifunctional characteristics requiring lower overpotentials of 144 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction and 280 mV for oxygen evolution reaction to achieve 10 mA/cm2 in an alkaline electrolyte. The improved Co-S-B performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of sulfur and boron on cobalt, which was experimentally confirmed through various material characterization tools. Tafel slope, electrochemical surface area, turnover frequency, and charge transfer resistance further endorse the active nature of the Co-S-B electrocatalyst. The robustness of the developed electrocatalyst was validated through a 50 h chronoamperometric stability test, along with a recyclability test involving 10,000 cycles of linear sweep voltammetry. Furthermore, Co-S-B was tested in an alkaline zero-gap water electrolyzer, reaching 1 A/cm2 at 2.06 V and 60 °C. The significant activity and stability demonstrated by the cobalt-sulfo-boride compound render it as a promising and cost-effective electrode material for commercial alkaline water electrolyzers.

The portable stochastic sensor as a screening tool for simultaneous determination of HER-1 and CA 125 - a key factor in the rapid recognition of gastric cancer.

The significance of HER-1 and CA 125 lies in their ability to guide cancer diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, improving personalized care and enhancing prognostic accuracy. The utilization of HER-1 and CA 125 as screening biomarkers for the anticipation of early-stage cancer and monitoring cancer progression is expanding due to the invasive and costly nature of present techniques.In this study, a novel stochastic sensor was developed forthe simultaneous determination of HER-1 and CA 125 in whole blood, saliva, and gastric tumor tissue samples usinga fast, easy, inexpensive, and portable method.The stochastic sensor was prepared by electropolymerization of cysteine on the surface of the Au-TiO2@rGO/SPCE sensor. The Au-TiO2@rGO nanocomposite was synthesized using a simple chemical reduction process. The proposed sensor showed wide linear concentration ranges and very low limits of quantification (LOQ). The concentration ranges were from 3.9 × 10-14 to 3.9 × 10-8µgmL-1, with a LOQ of 3.9 × 10-14µgmL-1 for HER-1. For CA 125, the concentration ranges were from 8.3 × 10-14 to 8.3 × 10-10 U mL-1, with a LOQ of 8.3 × 10-14 U mL-1. Both biomarkers exhibit precise discrimination in different biological samples, with recoveries above 96.78% and RSD values below 0.04%. With a confidence level of 99%, the Student t-test revealed that there is no statistically significant difference between the outcomes obtained by using the poly-Cys/Au-TiO2@rGO/SPCE sensor for screening examinations of biological samples. This was determined because the results were not significantly different from one another.

Multifunctional silver nanoparticles decorated N, S co-doped graphene as a sensitive colorimetric probe for L-cysteine detection and as an antibacterial agent

The fabrication of structured nanocomposites possessing dual applications have always attracted great research attention, especially in the fields of biomolecule detection and as antibacterial agents. In the current study, silver nanoparticles grafted on N, S co-doped graphene (Ag-NSG) were synthesized using a simple and facile chemical reduction method. The synthesized nanocomposite was employed as a colorimetric probe for the detection of L-cysteine (L-cys) in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and as an antibacterial agent against Gram-positive positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria. Ag-NSG exhibited a highly cordant recovery of 98.4 % for the different chickpea samples, signifying an outstanding selectivity of the proposed probe towards the target analyte. The antibacterial investigation was carried out employing the agar well diffusion method, by measuring the zone of inhibition (ZOI), under different dosages of the synthesized nanocomposite. The zone of inhibitions increased with increasing concentrations and the highest zone obtained was 30.6 ± 1.2 mm for S. aureus and 25.3 ± 0.3 mm for E. coli.

One-step synthesis of versatile PbMoO4@CdMoO4 microspheres hybrid for the enhanced photocatalytic dye degradation

In this work, we have demonstrated the productive synthesis of novel and versatile CdMoO4@PbMoO4 microspheres hybrid photocatalysts by a simple chemical reduction process. Fabricated CdMoO4@PbMoO4 hybrid microsphere characteristics were analyzed by various techniques to ascertain their structural and morphological properties. The photocatalytic degradation properties of CdMoO4@PbMoO4 hybrid microspheres were evaluated against methylene blue (MB) and congo red (CR) colorants under visible light. The hierarchical structure of CdMoO4@PbMoO4 along with the modulated bandgap, interfacial valence state electrons shift, and quick conversion of the Cd2+/Pb2+ cycle led to the display of the 98 % and 97 % degradations of CR and MB under visible light treatment, respectively which is superior to the corresponding pure structures degradation efficiency, signifying their boosted catalytic properties. Furthermore, the degradation mechanism endorsed excellent dye photodegradation under visible light illumination by the novel CdMoO4@PbMoO4 microspheres hybrid catalyst. The observations gave more insight into the progress of the advancement of CdMoO4@PbMoO4 microspheres hybrid to effectively detoxify perilous and toxic water effluents for industrial purposes.

Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance in Co–Fe Hydroxides through Boron Doping

Among hydrogen production methods, water electrolysis stands out, but its efficiency is hampered by the substantial energy barrier of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). To address this, incorporating electron‐deficient boron (B) into Co–Fe hydroxide (CoFeOxHy) promotes higher oxidation states of involved metals, greatly enhancing OER activity and charge transfer capabilities. Herein, the synthesis of a range of amorphous CoFeB nanoparticles with varying Fe to (Co+Fe) atomic ratios achieved through a simple chemical reduction method using CoFe‐Prussian blue analogs as precursors and employing Mössbauer spectroscopy to observe structural characteristics before and after transformation is reported. Among these nanoparticles, the CoFe0.25B variant, exhibiting favorable electrochemical properties, is chosen and subsequently subjected to hydrolysis to yield CoFe0.25BOH nanoparticles, serving as an active catalyst for OER. At a current density of 10 mA cm−2, the overpotentials for CoFe0.25OxHy and CoFe0.25BOH are 362 and 310 mV, respectively, with Tafel slopes decreasing from 393 to 93 mV dec−1. Furthermore, the i–t test reveals no significant loss of electrochemical performance within 24 h, substantiating the efficacy of enhancing the electrocatalytic performance of CoFeOxHy through the introduction of electron‐deficient elements. This research offers novel insights into the development of efficient and stable water electrolysis catalysts.

C3N5 nanosheets decorated with Cu–Pt alloy nanoparticles toward efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The construction of highly efficient photocatalysts for generating high-purity hydrogen (H2) through a sustainable water decomposition system is a feasible option to replace conventional non-renewable energy resources. Here, we report a simple chemical reduction approach to embed Cu–Pt alloy nanocrystals on the C3N5 (CN) matrix, creating a Schottky heterojunction. The structural morphology, crystal phase, light-harvesting capacity, and photo-electrochemical properties of as-prepared heterostructures were investigated. The uniformly anchored Cu–Pt alloy nanocrystals improve the photocatalytic H2 evolution (PHE) activity by promoting the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers and inhibiting recombination. Meanwhile, the alloyed nanocrystals strengthen the absorption of incident light energy, inducing photothermal energy. This improves the charge carrier separation and promotes the surface reaction kinetics. The PHE performance of as-developed catalysts could be adjusted by optimizing the molar ratio of Cu/Pt ions. Among them, the optimal Cu1Pt3/CN photocatalyst yields a higher PHE performance (672.85 μmol g−1 h−1). Notably, the Cu1Pt3/CN catalyst also reveals an enhanced photocatalytic activity for H2 evolution in natural seawater. The possible PHE mechanism in CuPt/CN heterostructures is discussed toward the role of CuPt alloy deposition in boosting photocatalytic efficiency.

Preparation of core-shell NiMnB/rGO composite electrodes and their application in hybrid supercapacitors

The rapid advancement of science and technology has led to the development of electronic devices that require higher energy storage capacities. Because of their greater energy as well as power density capabilities, hybrid supercapacitors offer an answer to the problems that result from the limitations of both supercapacitors and batteries when it comes to power densities and energy density. Borate ion-functionalized nickel manganese hydroxide nanoparticles (denoted as NiMnB) were prepared by a simple chemical reduction method, and novel complexes were obtained by growing NiMnB with a core-shell structure on reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The NiMnB inner core facilitates electron transport, while the borate/metal borate shell layer on the outer layer aids in OH- absorption. Additionally, rGO integrates the dispersed nanoparticles, resulting in a comprehensive conductive system. This design optimizes the electrochemical performance of NiMn-based electrodes. The specific capacitance of the NiMnB/rGO-16 electrode was 916 F g−1 when tested at a current density of 1 A g−1. NiMnB/rGO-16 was used as the positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode assembled the hybrid supercapacitor. It showed strong cycling stability and an energy density of 50.2 Wh kg−1.

Palladium‐Boride Nanoflowers with Controllable Boron Content for Formic Acid Electrooxidation

AbstractThe rational design of the electronic structure and elemental compositions of anode electrocatalysts for formic acid electrooxidation reaction (FAOR) is paramount for realizing high‐performance direct formic acid fuel cells. Herein, palladium‐boride nanoflowers (Pd‐B NFs) with controllable boron content are rationally designed via a simple wet chemical reduction method, utilizing PdII‐dimethylglyoxime as precursor and NaBH4 as both reductant and boron source. The boron content of Pd‐B NFs can be regulated through manipulation of reaction time, accompanying with the crystal phase transition from face‐centered cubic to hexagonal close‐packed within the parent Pd lattice. The obtained Pd‐B NFs exhibit increased FAOR mass and specific activity with increasing boron content, showcasing remarkable inherent stability and anti‐poisoning capability compare to commercial Pd and platinum (Pt) nanocrystals. Notably, the sample reacted for 12 h reveals high FAOR specific activity (31.5 A m−2), which is approximately two times higher than the commercial Pd nanocrystals. Density functional theory calculations disclose that the d‐sp orbital hybridization between Pd and B modifies surface d‐band properties of Pd, thereby optimizing the adsorption of key intermediates and facilitating FAOR kinetics on the Pd surface. This study paves the way toward the utilization of metal boride‐based materials with simple synthesis methods for various electrocatalysis applications.

[18F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-sorbitol ([18F]FDS) PET imaging repurposed for quantitative estimation of blood-brain barrier permeability in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Numerous studies suggest that blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction may contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Clinically available neuroimaging methods are needed for quantitative "scoring" of BBB permeability in AD patients. [18F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-sorbitol ([18F]FDS), which can be easily obtained from simple chemical reduction of commercial [18F]2-fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose ([18F]FDG), was investigated as a small-molecule marker of BBB permeability, in a pre-clinical model of AD using in vivo PET imaging. Chemical reduction of [18F]FDG to [18F]FDS was obtained with a 100% conversion yield. Dynamic PET acquisitions were performed in the APP/PS1 rat model of AD (TgF344-AD, n=3) compared with age-matched littermates (WT, n=4). The brain uptake of [18F]FDS was determined in selected brain regions, delineated from a coregistered rat brain template. The brain uptake of [18F]FDS in the brain regions of AD rats versus WT rats was compared using a 2-way ANOVA. The uptake of [18F]FDS was significantly higher in the whole brain of AD rats, as compared with WT rats (P<0.001), suggesting increased BBB permeability. Enhanced brain uptake of [18F]FDS in AD rats was significantly different across brain regions (P<0.001). Minimum difference was observed in the amygdala (+89.0±7.6%, P<0.001) and maximum difference was observed in the midbrain (+177.8±29.2%, P<0.001). [18F]FDS, initially proposed as radio-pharmaceutical to estimate renal filtration using PET imaging, can be repurposed for non-invasive and quantitative determination of BBB permeability in vivo. Making the best with the quantitative properties of PET imaging, it was possible to estimate the extent of enhanced BBB permeability in a rat model of AD.

Bi/BiVO4 tailoring molecular oxygen activation for SPR-promoted photocatalytic contaminant removal

In recent years, photocatalytic technology has been gained widespread attention in contaminants removal due to its green, low-carbon, sustainable properties. Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) with decahedral shapes has emerged as a promising photocatalyst with unique photoinduced charges directional transfer. In this study, a simple wet chemical reduction method was used to load stable Bi0 nanoparticles in situ on the surface of decahedral BiVO4 to enhance the charges movement for molecular oxygen activation and tetracycline photodegradation. The formed Bi0 nanoparticles induced abundant oxygen vacancy defect states and surface plasmon resonance effects on BiVO4 nanoparticles surface. In aid of the special function of a surface heterojunction, decahedral BiVO4 can be photoexcited to produce more photogenerated carriers, and its separation efficiency is greatly improved, thus enhancing both the oxidative activity and photocatalytic activity. In the photocatalytic degradation process, superoxide radicals (∙O2−) showed the most significant contribution, and singlet oxygen (1O2) played junior role in tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) removal. 1O2 is obtained by ∙O2− and hole energy conversion, and some of it is produced by tetracycline photodecomposition under alkaline conditions. The BBV0.4 photocatalytic system has the best catalytic activity under weakly alkaline conditions, and the synergistic effect of photocatalysis and photodecomposition greatly improves the mineralization rate of TC. The large numbers of ∙O2− and 1O2 reactive oxygen species produced by BBV0.4 activation of oxygen play a crucial role in the photodegradation of TC via demethylation, deoxidation, deamination, ring-opening, and carbonylation to complete mineralization. This work studies in depth the change in the decahedral BiVO4 photocatalytic mechanism caused by the in situ introduce of bismuth metal, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly reference method for the rapid removal of tetracycline hydrochloride under alkaline conditions.

Investigations on the enhanced anti-microbial activity of one step synthesized ZnO, WO3, and rGO nano particles and fabrication of rGO nano electrode for EMG biomedical application

Abstract The proposed study aims to synthesize ZnO, WO3, and rGO nano particles (NPs) using simple and effective chemical reduction technique and to investigate its biomedical applications. According to the XRD results, synthesized NPs had hexagonal, monoclinic, and cubic crystal forms. The FESEM micro image shows sheet-like structure for rGO NPs, an algal crystal structure for ZnO, and a bulk cluster formation for WO3 NPs. The value of band gap was found to be 5.75, 5.37 and 3.01 eV for ZnO, WO3, and rGO NPs respectively. The presence of diverse functional groups in the produced NPs was verified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Investigations against different microorganisms indicated an augmentation in the antibacterial activity for ZnO and WO3 NPs. Electrodes coated with rGO NP were made and discovered to be effective in collecting human biomedical data more effectively. The performance of rGO NP coated electrodes was compared using a development board for electromyography analysis along with an android application for monitoring purposes. The quality of the signal, the ratio between the signal and the background noise, as well as the level of impedance between the electrode and the skin was observed to be better than conventional electrodes.

Spectroscopic Study of Synthesized Copper Nanoparticles by Chemical Reduction Method

Well-dispersed and uniform-size preparation of Copper nanoparticles and its X-ray diffraction studies are reported in this paper. A simple and cheapest chemical reduction method with copper sulfate pentahydrate as a main precursor is used for the synthesis of Copper nanoparticles. A wide range of experimental conditions has been adopted in this process and its X-Ray diffraction characterizations have been studied. UV-visible spectroscopic analysis showed the maximum absorption at 295 nm. Transmission electron microscopy reveals the spherical morphology of the synthesized particles. The results confirm copper nanopowder with an average particle size in the range of 30-60 nm.

Bifunctional Amorphous Transition-Metal Phospho-Boride Electrocatalysts for Selective Alkaline Seawater Splitting at a Current Density of 2Acm-2.

Hydrogen production by direct seawater electrolysis is an alternative technology to conventional freshwater electrolysis, mainly owing to the vast abundance of seawater reserves on earth. However, the lack of robust, active, and selective electrocatalysts that can withstand the harsh and corrosive saline conditions of seawater greatly hinders its industrial viability. Herein, a series of amorphous transition-metal phospho-borides, namely Co-P-B, Ni-P-B, and Fe-P-B are prepared by simple chemical reduction method and screened for overall alkaline seawater electrolysis. Co-P-B is found to be the best of the lot, requiring low overpotentials of ≈270mV for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), ≈410mV for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and an overall voltage of 2.50V to reach a current density of 2Acm-2 in highly alkaline natural seawater. Furthermore, the optimized electrocatalyst shows formidable stability after 10,000 cycles and 30h of chronoamperometric measurements in alkaline natural seawater without any chlorine evolution, even at higher current densities. A detailed understanding of not only HER and OER but also chlorine evolution reaction (ClER) on the Co-P-B surface is obtained by computational analysis, which also sheds light on the selectivity and stability of the catalyst at high current densities.

Enhanced electrocatalytic hydrazine oxidation on MoS2-GO nanosheets

Herein, we present a comprehensive study on electrochemical hydrazine oxidation using hybrid material, MoS2-GO (molybdenum disulfide-graphene oxide), as an efficient electrocatalyst fabricated using the simple chemical reduction method. The MoS2-GO hybrid material adopts a distinctive open flower-like morphology, as demonstrated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Asymmetric and uneven distribution is indicated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), while UV–Vis investigation displays shifts in peak positions and intensities, signifying the successful formation of the MoS2-GO composite. Further supporting the composite’s structure, X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies validate the hexagonal arrangement of MoS2 layers on the graphene oxide (GO) surface. Through a combination of material synthesis, characterizations, and electrochemical analyses, we demonstrate that the MoS2-GO hybrid exhibits a low overpotential ∼0.2[Formula: see text]V versus SCE. This outstanding electrocatalytic performance of MoS2-GO underscores its potential as a promising candidate for various electrochemical applications, especially those involving hydrazine-based reactions. GO was used as the supporter and promoter by improving the synergetic effect between MoS2 and GO toward the hydrazine oxidation reaction.

Amorphous cobalt boride exploring as the first first-row transition-metal-based metallic photocatalyst for efficient water splitting over 800 nm

Semiconductors often have limited photocatalytic water-splitting performances owing to the narrow light absorption and low effective carrier density. In response to these challenges, we report the discovery of metallic amorphous cobalt boride (Co2B) as the first first-row transition metallic photocatalyst. It was prepared via a simple chemical reduction method and performs efficient water splitting spanning the UV, visible light and near-infrared region (NIR) via interband transitions. It achieves bifunctional water splitting activities with H2 evolution rate of 202.3 μmol h−1 g−1 and O2 evolution rate of 74.8 μmol h−1 g−1, superior to the existing (semi-)metallic photocatalysts. The material shows over 1 % apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) and 20 % incident photon to current conversion efficiencies (IPCE) at the NIR region >800 nm. Theoretical and photophysical experimental studies synergistically confirm that the metallic nature with high carrier concentrations and amorphous structure with abundant active sites contribute to the good water splitting performance of Co2B. This research sets the foundation for the utilization of highly efficient transition metal-based metallic photocatalysts in photocatalysis across the entire solar spectrum.

Bimetallic and plasmonic Ag and Cu integrated TiO2 thin films for enhanced solar hydrogen production in direct sunlight

Plasmonic metal nanoparticle integrated mesoporous TiO2 nanocomposites (Ag/TiO2, Cu/TiO2 and Ag–Cu/TiO2), prepared by a simple chemical reduction method, have been demonstrated to show superior activity in thin-film form for solar H2 generation.