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Xu X, Valavanis D, Ciocci P, Confederat S, Marcuccio F, Lemineur JF, Actis P, Kanoufi F, Unwin PR. The New Era of High-Throughput Nanoelectrochemistry. Anal Chem 2023; 95:319-356. [PMID: 36625121 PMCID: PMC9835065 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Xu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | | | - Paolo Ciocci
- Université
Paris Cité, ITODYS, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Samuel Confederat
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
| | - Fabio Marcuccio
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Faculty
of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paolo Actis
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,
| | | | - Patrick R. Unwin
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.,
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2
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Hussein HM, Wood G, Houghton D, Walker M, Han Y, Zhao P, Beanland R, Macpherson JV. Electron Beam Transparent Boron Doped Diamond Electrodes for Combined Electrochemistry-Transmission Electron Microscopy. ACS MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AU 2022; 2:439-448. [PMID: 36281293 PMCID: PMC9585633 DOI: 10.1021/acsmeasuresciau.2c00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The majority of carbon based transmission electron microscopy (TEM) platforms (grids) have a significant sp2 carbon component. Here, we report a top down fabrication technique for producing freestanding, robust, electron beam transparent and conductive sp3 carbon substrates from boron doped diamond (BDD) using an ion milling/polishing process. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements reveal the sp3 carbon character and advantageous electrochemical properties of a BDD electrode are retained during the milling process. TEM diffraction studies show a dominant (110) crystallographic orientation. Compared with conventional carbon TEM films on metal supports, the BDD-TEM electrodes offer superior thermal, mechanical and electrochemical stability properties. For the latter, no carbon loss is observed over a wide electrochemical potential range (up to 1.80 V vs RHE) under prolonged testing times (5 h) in acid (comparable with accelerated stress testing protocols). This result also highlights the use of BDD as a corrosion free electrocatalyst TEM support for fundamental studies, and in practical energy conversion applications. High magnification TEM imaging demonstrates resolution of isolated, single atoms on the BDD-TEM electrode during electrodeposition, due to the low background electron scattering of the BDD surface. Given the high thermal conductivity and stability of the BDD-TEM electrodes, in situ monitoring of thermally induced morphological changes is also possible, shown here for the thermally induced crystallization of amorphous electrodeposited manganese oxide to the electrochemically active γ-phase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgia Wood
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
- Diamond
Science and Technology Centre for Doctoral Training, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | - Daniel Houghton
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | - Marc Walker
- Department
of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | - Yisong Han
- Department
of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | - Pei Zhao
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | - Richard Beanland
- Department
of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
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3
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Unwin P. Concluding remarks: next generation nanoelectrochemistry - next generation nanoelectrochemists. Faraday Discuss 2022; 233:374-391. [PMID: 35229863 DOI: 10.1039/d2fd00020b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to describe the scientific journey taken to arrive at present-day nanoelectrochemistry and consider how the area might develop in the future, particularly in light of papers presented at this Faraday Discussion. By adopting a generational approach, this brief contribution traces the story of the nanoelectrochemistry family within the broader electrochemistry field, with a focus on scientific capability and themes that were important to each generation. I shall consider research questions and the impact of technology that was developed or available in each period. Nanoelectrochemistry is still somewhat niche, but is attracting increasing numbers of researchers. It is set to become a major part of electrochemistry and interfacial science. It is studied by people with a fairly unique skillset, and I shall speculate on the skills and expertise that will be needed by nanoelectrochemists to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I conclude by asking: who will be the nanoelectrochemists of the future and what will they do?
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Unwin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
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4
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Nees S, Fantuzzi F, Wellnitz T, Fischer M, Siewert J, Goettel JT, Hofmann A, Härterich M, Braunschweig H, Hering‐Junghans C. Cyclo-Dipnictadialanes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:24318-24325. [PMID: 34478231 PMCID: PMC8596407 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202111121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Using the AlI precursor Cp3t Al in conjunction with triphosphiranes (PAr)3 (Ar=Mes, Dip, Tip) we have succeeded in preparing Lewis base-free cyclic diphosphadialanes with both the Al and P atoms bearing three substituents. Using the sterically more demanding Dip and Tip substituents the first 1,2-diphospha-3,4-dialuminacyclobutanes were obtained, whereas with Mes substituents [Cp3t Al(μ-PMes)]2 is formed. This divergent reactivity was corroborated by DFT studies, which indicated the thermodynamic preference for the 1,2-diphospha-3,4-dialuminacyclobutane form for sterically more demanding groups on phosphorus. Using Cp*Al we could extend this concept to the corresponding cyclic diarsadialanes [Cp*Al(μ-AsAr)]2 (Ar=Dip, Tip) and additionally add the phosphorus variants [Cp*Al(μ-PAr)]2 (P=Mes, Dip, Tip). The reactivity of one variant [Cp3t Al(μ-PPh)]2 towards NHCs was tested and resulted in double NHC-stabilised [Cp3t (IiPr2 )Al(μ-PPh)]2 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Nees
- Institut für Anorganische ChemieJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
- Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with BoronJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
| | - Felipe Fantuzzi
- Institut für Anorganische ChemieJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
- Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with BoronJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
- Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische ChemieJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgEmil-Fischer-Strasse 4297074WürzburgGermany
| | - Tim Wellnitz
- Leibniz Institut für Katalyse e.V. (LIKAT)A.-Einstein-Strasse 3a18059RostockGermany
| | - Malte Fischer
- Leibniz Institut für Katalyse e.V. (LIKAT)A.-Einstein-Strasse 3a18059RostockGermany
| | - Jan‐Erik Siewert
- Leibniz Institut für Katalyse e.V. (LIKAT)A.-Einstein-Strasse 3a18059RostockGermany
| | - James T. Goettel
- Institut für Anorganische ChemieJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
- Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with BoronJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
| | - Alexander Hofmann
- Institut für Anorganische ChemieJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
- Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with BoronJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
| | - Marcel Härterich
- Institut für Anorganische ChemieJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
- Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with BoronJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
| | - Holger Braunschweig
- Institut für Anorganische ChemieJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
- Institute for Sustainable Chemistry & Catalysis with BoronJulius-Maximilians-Universität WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
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5
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Oswald E, Gaus AL, Kund J, Küllmer M, Romer J, Weizenegger S, Ullrich T, Mengele AK, Petermann L, Leiter R, Unwin PR, Kaiser U, Rau S, Kahnt A, Turchanin A, von Delius M, Kranz C. Cobaloxime Complex Salts: Synthesis, Patterning on Carbon Nanomembranes and Heterogeneous Hydrogen Evolution Studies. Chemistry 2021; 27:16896-16903. [PMID: 34713512 PMCID: PMC9299159 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202102778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cobaloximes are promising, earth‐abundant catalysts for the light‐driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Typically, these cobalt(III) complexes are prepared in situ or employed in their neutral form, for example, [Co(dmgH)2(py)Cl], even though related complex salts have been reported previously and could, in principle, offer improved catalytic activity as well as more efficient immobilization on solid support. Herein, we report an interdisciplinary investigation into complex salts [Co(dmgH)2(py)2]+[Co(dmgBPh2)2Cl2]−, TBA+[Co(dmgBPh2)2Cl2]-
and [Co(dmgH)2(py)2]+BArF−. We describe their strategic syntheses from the commercially available complex [Co(dmgH)2(py)Cl] and demonstrate that these double and single complex salts are potent catalysts for the light‐driven HER. We also show that scanning electrochemical cell microscopy can be used to deposit arrays of catalysts [Co(dmgH)2(py)2]+[Co(dmgBPh2)2Cl2]−, TBA+[Co(dmgBPh2)2Cl2]-
and [Co(dmgH)2(py)Cl] on supported and free‐standing amino‐terminated ∼1‐nm‐thick carbon nanomembranes (CNMs). Photocatalytic H2 evolution at such arrays was quantified with Pd microsensors by scanning electrochemical microscopy, thus providing a new approach for catalytic evaluation and opening up novel routes for the creation and analysis of “designer catalyst arrays”, nanoprinted in a desired pattern on a solid support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Oswald
- Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna-Laurine Gaus
- Institute of Organic Chemistry I, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Julian Kund
- Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Maria Küllmer
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Jan Romer
- Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Simon Weizenegger
- Institute of Organic Chemistry I, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias Ullrich
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstrasse 3, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander K Mengele
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry I, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lydia Petermann
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry I, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Robert Leiter
- Central Facility Electron Microscopy, Materials Science Electron Microscopy, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Patrick R Unwin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, UK
| | - Ute Kaiser
- Central Facility Electron Microscopy, Materials Science Electron Microscopy, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sven Rau
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry I, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Axel Kahnt
- Leibniz-Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM), Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andrey Turchanin
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Lessingstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Max von Delius
- Institute of Organic Chemistry I, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christine Kranz
- Institute of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
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6
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Sharma MK, Wölper C, Haberhauer G, Schulz S. Multi-Talented Gallaphosphene for Ga-P-Ga Heteroallyl Cation Generation, CO 2 Storage, and C(sp 3 )-H Bond Activation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:6784-6790. [PMID: 33368922 PMCID: PMC7986129 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202014381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Gallaphosphene L(Cl)GaPGaL (2; L=HC[C(Me)N(2,6-i-Pr2 C6 H3 )]2 ), which is synthesized by reaction of LGa(Cl)PCO (1) with LGa, reacts with [Na(OCP)(dioxane)2.5 ] to LGa(OCP)PGaL (3), whereas chloride abstraction with LiBArF 4 yields [LGaPGaL][BArF 4 ] (4; BArF 4 =B(C6 F5 )4 ). 4 represents a heteronuclear analog of the allyl cation according to quantum chemical calculations. Remarkably, 2 reversibly reacts with CO2 to yield L(Cl)Ga-P[μ-C(O)O]2 GaL (5), while reactions with acetophenone and acetone selectively give compounds 6 and 7 by C(sp3 )-H bond activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahendra K. Sharma
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE)University of Duisburg-EssenUniversitätsstrasse 5–745141EssenGermany
| | - Christoph Wölper
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE)University of Duisburg-EssenUniversitätsstrasse 5–745141EssenGermany
| | - Gebhard Haberhauer
- Institute of Organic ChemistryUniversity of Duisburg-EssenUniversitätsstrasse 5–745141EssenGermany
| | - Stephan Schulz
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE)University of Duisburg-EssenUniversitätsstrasse 5–745141EssenGermany
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7
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Weinhart MAK, Seidl M, Timoshkin AY, Scheer M. NHC-stabilized Parent Arsanylalanes and -gallanes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:3806-3811. [PMID: 33197127 PMCID: PMC7898810 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202013849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis and characterization of the unprecedented compounds IDipp⋅E'H2 AsH2 (E'=Al, Ga; IDipp=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-ylidene) are reported, the first monomeric, parent representatives of an arsanylalane and arsanylgallane, respectively, stabilized only by a LB (LB=Lewis Base). They are prepared by a salt metathesis reaction of KAsH2 with IDipp⋅E'H2 Cl (E'=Al, Ga). The H2 -elimination pathway through the reaction of AsH3 with IDipp⋅E'H3 (E'=Al, Ga) was found to be a possible synthetic route with some disadvantages compared to the salt metathesis reaction. The corresponding organo-substituted compounds IDipp⋅GaH2 AsPh2 (1) and IDipp⋅AlH2 AsPh2 (2) were obtained by the reaction of KAsPh2 with IDipp⋅E'H2 Cl (E'=Al, Ga). The novel branched parent compounds IDipp⋅E'H(EH2 )2 (E'=Al, Ga; E=P, As) were synthesized by salt metathesis reactions starting from IDipp⋅E'HCl2 (E'=Al, Ga). Supporting DFT computations give insight into the different synthetic pathways and the stability of the products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Seidl
- Institut für Anorganische ChemieUniversität Regensburg93040RegensburgGermany
| | - Alexey Y. Timoshkin
- Institute of ChemistrySaint Petersburg State UniversityUniversitetskaya emb. 7/9199034St. PetersburgRussia
| | - Manfred Scheer
- Institut für Anorganische ChemieUniversität Regensburg93040RegensburgGermany
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8
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Wilde P, O'Mara PB, Junqueira JRC, Tarnev T, Benedetti TM, Andronescu C, Chen YT, Tilley RD, Schuhmann W, Gooding JJ. Is Cu instability during the CO 2 reduction reaction governed by the applied potential or the local CO concentration? Chem Sci 2021; 12:4028-4033. [PMID: 34163673 PMCID: PMC8179480 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc05990k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cu-based catalysts have shown structural instability during the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, studies on monometallic Cu catalysts do not allow a nuanced differentiation between the contribution of the applied potential and the local concentration of CO as the reaction intermediate since both are inevitably linked. We first use bimetallic Ag-core/porous Cu-shell nanoparticles, which utilise nanoconfinement to generate high local CO concentrations at the Ag core at potentials at which the Cu shell is still inactive for the CO2RR. Using operando liquid cell TEM in combination with ex situ TEM, we can unequivocally confirm that the local CO concentration is the main source for the Cu instability. The local CO concentration is then modulated by replacing the Ag-core with a Pd-core which further confirms the role of high local CO concentrations. Product quantification during CO2RR reveals an inherent trade-off between stability, selectivity and activity in both systems. The stability of bimetallic AgCu and PdCu catalysts for electrochemical CO2RR is investigated using the combination of operando and ex situ TEM. The local CO concentration is identified as the main link between activity, stability and selectivity.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Wilde
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum Universitätsstr. 150 D-44780 Bochum Germany
| | - Peter B O'Mara
- School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney 2052 Australia
| | - João R C Junqueira
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum Universitätsstr. 150 D-44780 Bochum Germany
| | - Tsvetan Tarnev
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum Universitätsstr. 150 D-44780 Bochum Germany
| | - Tania M Benedetti
- School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney 2052 Australia
| | - Corina Andronescu
- Chemical Technology III, Faculty of Chemistry and CENIDE, Center for Nanointegration University Duisburg Essen Carl-Benz-Str. 199 D-47057 Duisburg Germany
| | - Yen-Ting Chen
- Center for Solvation Science (ZEMOS), Ruhr-Universität Bochum Universitätsstr. 150 D-44780 Bochum Germany
| | - Richard D Tilley
- School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney 2052 Australia .,Electron Microscope Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney 2052 Australia
| | - Wolfgang Schuhmann
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum Universitätsstr. 150 D-44780 Bochum Germany
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney 2052 Australia .,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of New South Wales Sydney 2052 Australia
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9
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van der Wal LI, Turner SJ, Zečević J. Developments and advances in in situ transmission electron microscopy for catalysis research. Catal Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1cy00258a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments and advances in in situ TEM have raised the possibility to study every step during the catalysts' lifecycle. This review discusses the current state, opportunities and challenges of in situ TEM in the realm of catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars I. van der Wal
- Materials Chemistry and Catalysis
- Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science
- Utrecht University
- Utrecht
- The Netherlands
| | - Savannah J. Turner
- Materials Chemistry and Catalysis
- Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science
- Utrecht University
- Utrecht
- The Netherlands
| | - Jovana Zečević
- Materials Chemistry and Catalysis
- Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science
- Utrecht University
- Utrecht
- The Netherlands
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10
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Bentley CL, Kang M, Unwin PR. Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM) in Aprotic Solvents: Practical Considerations and Applications. Anal Chem 2020; 92:11673-11680. [PMID: 32521997 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c01540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Many applications in modern electrochemistry, notably electrosynthesis and energy storage/conversion take advantage of the "tunable" physicochemical properties (e.g., proton availability and/or electrochemical stability) of nonaqueous (e.g., aprotic) electrolyte media. This work develops general guidelines pertaining to the use of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) in aprotic solvent electrolyte media to address contemporary structure-electrochemical activity problems. Using the simple outer-sphere Fc0/+ process (Fc = ferrocene) as a model system, high boiling point (low vapor pressure) solvents give rise to highly robust and reproducible electrochemistry, whereas volatile (low boiling point) solvents need to be mixed with suitable low melting point supporting electrolytes (e.g., ionic liquids) or high boiling point solvents to avoid complications associated with salt precipitation/crystallization on the scanning (minutes to hours) time scale. When applied to perform microfabrication-specifically the electrosynthesis of the conductive polymer, polypyrrole-the optimized SECCM set up produces highly reproducible arrays of synthesized (electrodeposited) material on a commensurate scale to the employed pipet probe. Applying SECCM to map electrocatalytic activity-specifically the electro-oxidation of iodide at polycrystalline platinum-reveals unique (i.e., structure-dependent) patterns of surface activity, with grains of specific crystallographic orientation, grain boundaries and areas of high local surface misorientation identified as potential electrocatalytic "hot spots". The work herein further cements SECCM as a premier technique for structure-function-activity studies in (electro)materials science and will open up exciting new possibilities through the use of aprotic solvents for rational analysis/design in electrosynthesis, microfabrication, electrochemical energy storage/conversion, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron L Bentley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
| | - Minkyung Kang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
| | - Patrick R Unwin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
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11
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Tarnev T, Cychy S, Andronescu C, Muhler M, Schuhmann W, Chen Y. A Universal Nano-capillary Based Method of Catalyst Immobilization for Liquid-Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:5586-5590. [PMID: 31960548 PMCID: PMC7155139 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201916419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A universal nano-capillary based method for sample deposition on the silicon nitride membrane of liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM) chips is demonstrated. It is applicable to all substances which can be dispersed in a solvent and are suitable for drop casting, including catalysts, biological samples, and polymers. Most importantly, this method overcomes limitations concerning sample immobilization due to the fragility of the ultra-thin silicon nitride membrane required for electron transmission. Thus, a straightforward way is presented to widen the research area of LCTEM to encompass any sample which can be externally deposited beforehand. Using this method, Nix B nanoparticles are deposited on the μm-scale working electrode of the LCTEM chip and in situ observation of single catalyst particles during ethanol oxidation is for the first time successfully monitored by means of TEM movies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsvetan Tarnev
- Analytical Chemistry—Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES)Faculty for Chemistry and BiochemistryRuhr University Bochum44801BochumGermany
| | - Steffen Cychy
- Industrial ChemistryFaculty of Chemistry and BiochemistryRuhr University Bochum44801BochumGermany
| | - Corina Andronescu
- Chemical Technology IIIFaculty of Chemistry and CENIDECenter for NanointegrationUniversity Duisburg EssenCarl-Benz-Strasse 19947057DuisburgGermany
| | - Martin Muhler
- Industrial ChemistryFaculty of Chemistry and BiochemistryRuhr University Bochum44801BochumGermany
| | - Wolfgang Schuhmann
- Analytical Chemistry—Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES)Faculty for Chemistry and BiochemistryRuhr University Bochum44801BochumGermany
| | - Yen‐Ting Chen
- Center for Solvation Science (ZEMOS)Ruhr University Bochum44801BochumGermany
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