Origin of extraordinarily high catalytic activity of Co3O4 and its morphological chemistry for CO oxidation at low temperature

Research Progress and Challenges of High-Performance Solid-State Lithium Sulfur Batteries: Cathodes, Electrolytes, and Anodes

The development of energy storage and vehicle industries has promoted the development of batteries with high specific capacity and high safety performance. When compared with liquid batteries, solid-state batteries avoid the use of liquid electrolyte, effectively reducing electrolyte leakage and fire hazards. Solid-state lithium sulfur battery (SSLSBs) has abundant sulfur cathode, high capacity metal lithium anode, and noncombustible solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). Despite these attractive advantages, some challenges such as slow sulfur redox kinetics, lithium metal failure, and difficulties in manufacturing and storage of SSEs have hindered their practical application. In order to promote the development of SSLSBs, a detailed generalization and summarization are provided of the research progresses of high-performance SSLSBs over the past three years. In this review, the problems faced are deeply explored by the cell cathodes, SSEs, and lithium anodes in the application process, and put forward plentiful feasible solutions according to the corresponding issues. Finally, the latest achievements of SSLSBs are summarized, and the views on the future development are put forward. The review presents a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the application and mechanism of action of cell cathodes, anodes, and SSEs in SSLSBs, providing a novel viewpoint for scholars to explore high-performance SSLSBs.

Well-defined tricobalt tetraoxide's critical morphology effect on the structure-reactivity relationship

This review focuses on exploring the intricate relationship between the catalyst particle size and shape on a nanoscale level and how it affects the performance of reactions. Drawing from decades of research, valuable insights have been gained. Intentionally shaping catalyst particles makes exposing a more significant percentage of reactive facets possible, enabling the control of overactive sites. In this study, the effectiveness of Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) with nanometric size as a catalyst is examined, with a particular emphasis on the coordination patterns between oxygen and cobalt atoms on the surface of these NPs. Investigating the correlation between the structure and reactivity of the exposed NPs reveals that the form of Co3O4 with nanometric size can be modified to tune its catalytic capabilities finely. Morphology-dependent nanocatalysis is often attributed to the advantageous exposure of reactive crystal facets accumulating numerous active sites. However, experimental evidences highlight the importance of considering the reorganization of NPs throughout their actions and the potential synergistic effects between nearby reactive and less-active aspects. Despite the significant role played by the atomic structure of Co3O4 NPs with nanometric size, limited attention has been given to this aspect due to challenges in high-resolution characterizations. To bridge this gap, this review strongly advocates for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the structure and reactivity through real-time observation of individual NPs during the operation. Proposed techniques enable the assessment of dimensions, configuration, and interfacial arrangement, along with the monitoring of structural alterations caused by fluctuating temperature and gaseous conditions. Integrating this live data with spectroscopic methods commonly employed in studying inactive catalysts holds the potential for an enhanced understanding of the fundamental active sites and the dynamic behavior exhibited in catalytic settings.

Microalgae-derived Co3O4 nanomaterials for catalytic CO oxidation

Efficient carbon monoxide oxidation is important to reduce its impacts on both human health and the environment. Following a sustainable synthesis route toward new catalysts, nanosized Co3O4 was synthesized based on extracts of microalgae: Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, and Haematococcus pluvialis. Using the metabolites in the extract and applying different calcination temperatures (450, 650, 800 °C) led to Co3O4 catalysts with distinctly different properties. The obtained Co3O4 nanomaterials exhibited octahedral, nanosheet, and spherical morphologies with structural defects and surface segregation of phosphorous and potassium, originating from the extracts. The presence of P and K in the oxide nanostructures significantly improved their catalytic CO oxidation activity. When normalized by the specific surface area, the microalgae-derived catalysts exceeded a commercial benchmark catalyst. In situ studies revealed differences in oxygen mobility and carbonate formation during the reaction. The obtained insights may facilitate the development of new synthesis strategies for manufacturing highly active Co3O4 nanocatalysts.

Enhanced CO oxidation performance over hierarchical flower-like Co3O4 based nanosheets via optimizing oxygen activation and CO chemisorption

Enhancing low-temperature activity is a focus for carbon monoxide (CO) elimination by catalytic oxidation. In this work, the hierarchical flower-like silver (Ag) modified cobalt oxides (Co3O4) nanosheets were prepared by solvothermal method and applied into catalytic CO oxidation. The doped Ag species in the form of AgCoO2 induced the prolongated surface Co-O bond and weaker bond intensity. Consequently, the oxygen activation/migration ability and redox capacity of Ag0.02Co were enhanced with more oxygen vacancies. The chemisorbed CO was preferentially converted to CO2 but not carbonates. The inhibited carbonates accumulation could avoid the coverage of active sites. According to Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the electron transfer from AgCoO2 to Co3O4 promote electron donation ability of Co3O4 layer, benefiting for oxygen activation. Moreover, the longer Co-C and C-O bond length suggest the weakened chemisorption strength and higher active of CO molecule. The Ag modified Co3O4 exhibited more satisfactory activity at lower temperature. Typically, it realized 100% CO conversion at 90 °C, and displayed 6.3-fold higher reaction rate than pristine Co3O4 at 40 °C. Moreover, the Ag0.02Co exhibited outstanding long-term stability and water resistance. In summary, the optimized oxygen activation, CO chemisorption and interfacial electron transfer synergistically boosted the CO oxidation activity on Ag modified Co3O4.

Elucidating the active phases of CoOx films on Au(111) in the CO oxidation reaction

Noble metals supported on reducible oxides, like CoOx and TiOx, exhibit superior activity in many chemical reactions, but the origin of the increased activity is not well understood. To answer this question we studied thin films of CoOx supported on an Au(111) single crystal surface as a model for the CO oxidation reaction. We show that three reaction regimes exist in response to chemical and topographic restructuring of the CoOx catalyst as a function of reactant gas phase CO/O2 stoichiometry and temperature. Under oxygen-lean conditions and moderate temperatures (≤150 °C), partially oxidized films (CoOx<1) containing Co0 were found to be efficient catalysts. In contrast, stoichiometric CoO films containing only Co2+ form carbonates in the presence of CO that poison the reaction below 300 °C. Under oxygen-rich conditions a more oxidized catalyst phase (CoOx>1) forms containing Co3+ species that are effective in a wide temperature range. Resonant photoemission spectroscopy (ResPES) revealed the unique role of Co3+ sites in catalyzing the CO oxidation. Density function theory (DFT) calculations provided deeper insights into the pathway and free energy barriers for the reactions on these oxide phases. These findings in this work highlight the versatility of catalysts and their evolution to form different active phases, both topological and chemically, in response to reaction conditions exposing a new paradigm in the catalyst structure during operation.

Kinetic and Computational Studies of CO Oxidation and PROX on Cu/CeO2 Nanospheres

As supported CuO is well-known for low temperature activity, CuO/CeO2 nanosphere catalysts were synthesized and tested for CO oxidation and preferential oxidation of CO (PROX) in excess H2. For the first reaction, ignition was observed at 95 °C, whereas selective PROX occurred in a temperature window from 50 to 100 °C. The catalytic performance was independent of the initial oxidation state of the catalyst (CuO vs. Cu0), suggesting that the same active phase is formed under reaction conditions. Density functional modeling was applied to elucidate the intermediate steps of CO oxidation, as well as those of the comparably less feasible H2 transformation. In the simulations, various Cu and vacancy sites were probed as reactive centers enabling specific pathways.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11244-023-01848-x.

Biomimetic Tremelliform Ultrathin MnO2/CuO Nanosheets on Kaolinite Driving Superior Catalytic Oxidation: An Example of CO

Highly efficient three-dimensional (3D) kaolinite/MnO₂-CuO (KM@CuO-NO₃) catalysts were synthesized by a mild biomimetic strategy. Kaolinite flakes were uniformly wrapped by ultrathin tremelliform MnO₂ nanosheets with thicknesses of around 1.0-1.5 nm. Si-O and Al-O groups in kaolinite hosted MnO₂ nanosheets to generate a robust composite structure. The ultrathin MnO₂ lamellar structure exhibited excellent stability even after calcination above 350 °C. Kaolinite/MnO₂ exhibited abundant edges, sharp corners, and interconnected diffusion channels, which are superior to the common stacked structure. Open channels guaranteed fast transportation and migration of CO and O₂ during CO oxidation. The synthesized KM@CuO-NO₃ achieved a 90% CO conversion efficiency at a relatively low temperature (110 °C). Furthermore, the abundant oxygen vacancies on KM@CuO-NO₃ assisted the adsorption and activation of oxygen species and thus enhanced the oxygen mobility and reactivity in the catalytic process. The mechanism results suggest that CuO introduced to the catalyst not only acted as CO active sites but also weakened the Mn-O bond, subsequently improved the mobilities of the oxygen species, which was found to contribute to its high activity for CO oxidation. This study provides new conceptual insights into rationally regulating structural assembly between transition metal oxides and natural minerals for high-performance catalysis reactions.

Synthesis of Vanadium-Containing Catalytically Active Phases for Exhaust Gas Neutralizers of Motor Vehicles and Industrial Enterprises

The catalytically active vanadium-containing system of γ-Al2O3 was studied using a wide range of physical and chemical methods, depending on the synthesis conditions. It is shown that the vanadium-containing system includes several complexes with different thermal stabilities and catalytic activities. Low-active complexes are destroyed with the formation of more active ones based on V2O5 oxide, as the temperature of heat treatment increases. It can be assumed that V2O5 oxide has the decisive role in its catalytic activity. It was concluded that the vanadium-containing catalytic system on aluminium oxide, in the studied temperature range, is thermally stable and shows high activity not only in the reduction of nitrogen oxides but also in the oxidation of hydrocarbons (even of the most difficult ones, such as oxidizable methane). These properties of the system make it quite promising in the field of application for the purification of the exhaust gases of motor transport and industrial enterprises with environmentally harmful components, as well as for understanding the mechanism of the action of the catalysts in these processes, which is very important for solving the problems of decarbonization and achieving carbon neutrality.

Active sites and deactivation of room temperature CO oxidation on Co3O4catalysts: combined experimental and computational investigations

Co₃O₄is a well-known low temperature CO oxidation catalyst, but it often suffers from deactivation. We have thus examined room temperature (RT) CO oxidation on Co₃O₄catalysts by operando DSC, TGA and MS measurements, as well as by pulsed chemisorption to differentiate the contributions of CO adsorption and reaction to CO₂. Catalysts pretreated in oxygen at 400 °C are most active, with the initial interaction of CO and Co₃O₄being strongly exothermic and with maximum amounts of CO adsorption and reaction. The initially high RT activity then levels-off, suggesting that the oxidative pretreatment creates an oxygen-rich reactive Co₃O₄surface that upon reaction onset loses its most active oxygen. This specific active oxygen is not reestablished by gas phase O₂during the RT reaction. When the reaction temperature is increased to 150 °C, full conversion can be maintained for 100 h, and even after cooling back to RT. Apparently, deactivating species are avoided this way, whereas exposing the active surface even briefly to pure CO leads to immediate deactivation. Computational modeling using DFT helped to identify the CO adsorption sites, determine oxygen vacancy formation energies and the origin of deactivation. A new species of CO bonded to oxygen vacancies at RT was identified, which may block a vacancy site from further reaction unless CO is removed at higher temperature. The interaction between oxygen vacancies was found to be small, so that in the active state several lattice oxygen species are available for reaction in parallel.

Promotional Effect of H2 Pretreatment on the CO PROX Performance of Pt1/Co3O4: A First-Principles-Based Microkinetic Analysis

Atomic Pt studded on cobalt oxide is a promising catalyst for CO preferential oxidation (PROX) dependent on its surface treatment. In this work, the CO PROX reaction mechanism on Co₃O₄ supported single Pt atom is investigated by a comprehensive first-principles based microkinetic analysis. It is found that as synthesized Pt₁/Co₃O₄ interface is poisoned by CO in a wide low temperature window, leading to its low reactivity. The CO poisoning effect can be effectively mitigated by a H₂ prereduction treatment, that exposes Co ∼ Co dimer sites for a noncompetitive Langmuir-Hinshelhood mechanism. In addition, surface H atoms assist O₂ dissociation via "twisting" mechanism, avoiding the high barriers associated with direct O₂ dissociation path. Microkinetic analysis reveals that the promotion of H-assisted pathway on H₂ treated sample helps improve the activity and selectivity at low temperatures.

Reaction Kinetics and Mechanism of VOCs Combustion on Mn-Ce-SBA-15

A propane combustion catalyst based on Mn and Ce and supported by SBA-15 was prepared by the “two-solvents’’ method aiming at the possible application in catalytic converters for abatement of alkanes in waste (exhaust) gases. The catalyst characterization was carried out by SAXS, N2-physisorption, XRD, TEM, XPS, EPR and H2-TPR methods. The catalysts’ performance was evaluated by tests on the combustion of methane, propane and butane. The reaction kinetics investigation showed that the reaction orders towards propane and oxygen were 0.7 and 0.1, respectively. The negative reaction order towards the water (−0.3) shows an inhibiting effect on the water molecules. Based on the data from the instrumental methods, catalytic experiments and mathematic modeling of the reaction kinetics, one may conclude that the Mars–van Krevelen type of mechanism is the most probable for the reaction of complete propane oxidation over single Mn and bi-component Mn–Ce catalysts. The fine dispersion of manganese and cerium oxide and their strong interaction inside the channels of the SBA-15 molecular sieve leads to the formation of difficult to reduce oxide phases and consequently, to lower catalytic activity compared to the mono-component manganese oxide catalyst. It was confirmed that the meso-structure was not modified during the catalytic reaction, thus it can prevent the agglomeration of the oxide particles.

Direct visualisation of the surface atomic active sites of carbon-supported Co3O4 nanocrystals via high-resolution phase restoration

The atomic arrangement of the terminating facets on spinel Co₃O₄ nanocrystals is strongly linked to their catalytic performance. However, the spinel crystal structure offers multiple possible surface terminations depending on the synthesis. Thus, understanding the terminating surface atomic structure is essential in developing high‐performance Co₃O₄ nanocrystals. In this work, we present direct atomic‐scale observation of the surface terminations of Co₃O₄ nanoparticles supported on hollow carbon spheres (HCSs) using exit wavefunction reconstruction from aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy focal‐series. The restored high‐resolution phases show distinct resolved oxygen and cobalt atomic columns. The data show that the structure of {100}, {110}, and {111} facets of spinel Co₃O₄ exhibit characteristic active sites for carbon monoxide (CO) adsorption, in agreement with density functional theory calculations. Of these facets, the {100} and {110} surface terminations are better suited for CO adsorption than the {111}. However, the presence of oxygen on the {111} surface termination indicates this facet also plays an essential role in CO adsorption. Our results demonstrate direct evidence of the surface termination atomic structure beyond the assumed stoichiometry of the surface.

Efficient detection of hazardous H2S gas using multifaceted Co3O4/ZnO hollow nanostructures

The rapid increases in environmental hazardous gases have laid dangerous effects on human health. The detection of such pollutants gases is mandatory using various optimal techniques. In this paper, porous multifaceted Co₃O₄/ZnO nanostructures are synthesized by pyrolyzing sacrificial template of core-shell double zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) for gas sensing applications. The fabricated exhibit superior gas sensor response, high selectivity, fast response/recovery times, and remarkable stability and sensitivity to H₂S gas. In particular, the multifaceted Co₃O₄/ZnO nanostructures show a maximum response of 147 at 100 ppm of H₂S under optimum conditions. The remarkable gas sensing performances are mainly ascribed to high porosity, wide surface area multifaceted nanostructures, presence of heterojunctions and catalytic activity of ZnO and Co₃O₄, which are beneficial for H₂S gas sensors industry.

Catalytic performance of mixed MxCo3−xO4 (M = Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn) spinels obtained by combustion synthesis for preferential carbon monoxide oxidation (CO-PROX): insights into the factors controlling catalyst selectivity and activity

A series of mixed cobalt spinel catalysts (MxCo3−xO4 (M = Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn)) was synthesized and tested in the CO-PROX reaction and in sole CO oxidation and H2 oxidation as references.

Isotopic evidence for the tangled mechanism of the CO-PROX reaction over mixed and bare cobalt spinel catalysts

The catalytic performance of the bare Co3O4 and mixed cobalt-spinel catalysts (MxCo3−xO4; M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn) in the CO-PROX process was investigated in the temperature-programmed surface reaction (TPSR) mode using 18O2 as an oxidant.

Dynamics of Reactive Oxygen Species on Cobalt-Containing Spinel Oxides in Cyclic CO Oxidation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered to be responsible for the high catalytic activity of transition metal oxides like Co3-xFexO4 in oxidation reactions, but the detailed influences of catalyst composition and morphology on the formation of these reactive oxygen species are not fully understood. In the presented study, Co3O4 spinels of different mesostructures, i.e., particle size, crystallinity, and specific surface area, are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and physisorption. The materials were tested in CO oxidation performed in consecutive runs and compared to a Co3-xFexO4 composition series with a similar mesostructure to study the effects of catalyst morphology and composition on ROS formation. In the first run, the CO conversion was observed to be dominated by the exposed surface area for the pure Co-spinels, while a negative effect of Fe content in the spinels was seen. In the following oxidation run, a U-shaped conversion curve was observed for materials with high surface area, which indicated the in situ formation of ROS on those materials that were responsible for the new activity at low temperature. This activation was not stable at the higher reaction temperature but was confirmed after temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO). However, no activation after the first run was observed for low-surface-area and highly crystalline materials, and the lowest surface-area material was not even activated after TPO. Among the catalyst series studied here, a correlation of small particle size and large surface area with the ability for ROS formation is presented, and the benefit of a nanoscaled catalyst is discussed. Despite the generally negative effect of Fe, the highest relative activation was observed at intermediate Fe contents suggesting that Fe may be involved in ROS formation.

Ultrasensitive ppb-level trimethylamine gas sensor based on p-n heterojunction of Co3O4/WO3

Trace poisonous and harmful gases in the air have been harming and affecting people's health for a long time. At present, effective and accurate detection of ppb-level harmful gas is still a bottleneck to be overcome. Herein, we report a ppb-level triethylamine (TEA) gas sensor based on p-n heterojunction of Co₃O₄/WO₃, which is prepared with ZIF-67 as the precursor and provides Co₃O₄deposited tungsten oxide flower-like structure. Due to the introduction of Co₃O₄and the 3D flower-like structure of WO₃, the Co₃O₄/WO₃-2 gas sensor shows excellent gas sensing performance (1101 for 10 ppm at 240 °C), superb selectivity, good long-term stability and linear response for TEA concentration. Moreover, the experimental results indicate that the Co₃O₄/WO₃-2 gas sensor also possesses a good response to 50 ppb TEA, in fact, the theoretical limit of detection is 0.6 ppb. Co₃O₄not only improves the efficiency of electron separation/transport, but also accelerates the oxidation rate of TEA. This method of synthesizing p-n heterojunction with ZIF as the precursor provides a new idea and method for the preparation of low detection limit gas sensors.

Surface oxygen Vacancies on Reduced Co3 O4 (100): Superoxide Formation and Ultra-Low-Temperature CO Oxidation

The activation of molecular oxygen is a fundamental step in almost all catalytic oxidation reactions. We have studied this topic and the role of surface vacancies for Co₃ O₄ (100) films with a synergistic combination of experimental and theoretical methods. We show that the as-prepared surface is B-layer terminated and that mild reduction produces oxygen single and double vacancies in this layer. Oxygen adsorption experiments clearly reveal different superoxide species below room temperature. The superoxide desorbs below ca. 120 K from a vacancy-free surface and is not active for CO oxidation while superoxide on a surface with oxygen vacancies is stable up to ca. 270 K and can oxidize CO already at the low temperature of 120 K. The vacancies are not refilled by oxygen from the superoxide, which makes them suitable for long-term operation. Our joint experimental/theoretical effort highlights the relevance of surface vacancies in catalytic oxidation reactions.

Operando Surface Spectroscopy and Microscopy during Catalytic Reactions: From Clusters via Nanoparticles to Meso-Scale Aggregates

Operando characterization of working catalysts, requiring per definitionem the simultaneous measurement of catalytic performance, is crucial to identify the relevant catalyst structure, composition and adsorbed species. Frequently applied operando techniques are discussed, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy, near ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. In contrast to these area-averaging spectroscopies, operando surface microscopy by photoemission electron microscopy delivers spatially-resolved data, directly visualizing catalyst heterogeneity. For thorough interpretation, the experimental results should be complemented by density functional theory. The operando approach enables to identify changes of cluster/nanoparticle structure and composition during ongoing catalytic reactions and reveal how molecules interact with surfaces and interfaces. The case studies cover the length-scales from clusters via nanoparticles to meso-scale aggregates, and demonstrate the benefits of specific operando methods. Restructuring, ligand/atom mobility, and surface composition alterations during the reaction may have pronounced effects on activity and selectivity. The nanoscale metal/oxide interface steers catalytic performance via a long ranging effect. Combining operando spectroscopy with switching gas feeds or concentration-modulation provides further mechanistic insights. The obtained fundamental understanding is a prerequisite for improving catalytic performance and for rational design.

Acid-Etched Co3O4 Nanoparticles on Nickel Foam: The Highly Reactive (311) Facet and Enriched Defects for Boosting Methanol Oxidation Electrocatalysis

The confirmation and regulation of active sites are particularly critical for the design of methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) catalysts. Here, an acid etching method for facet control combined with defect construction was utilized to synthesize Co₃O₄ nanoparticles on nickel foam for preferentially exposing the (311) facet with enriched oxygen vacancies (V_O). The acid-leached oxides exhibited superior MOR activity with a mass activity of 710.94 mA mg^-1 and an area-specific activity of 3.390 mA cm^-2 as a result of (i) abundant active sites for MOR promoted by V_O along with the highly active (311) facet being exposed and (ii) phase purification-reduced adsorption energy (E_ads) of methanol molecules. Ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy proved that highly active CoOOH obtained via the activation of plentiful Co²⁺ effectively improved the MOR. Density functional theory calculations confirmed that the selective exposed (311) facet has the lowest E_ads for CH₃OH molecules. This work puts forward acid etching as the facet modification and defect engineer for nanostructured non-noble catalysts, which is expected to result in superior electrochemical performance required for advanced alkaline direct methanol fuel cells.

Co–Ce Oxides Supported on SBA-15 for VOCs Oxidation

Reported here are new data on the structural and catalytic properties of a series of mono-component cobalt and bi-component Co–Ce catalysts supported on SBA-15 (Santa Barbara Amorphous-15)). The catalysts performance has been evaluated by tests on combustion of methane, propane, and n-hexane. It was established that the preparation of the Co–Ce catalysts by the ‘two-solvent’ technique does not significantly change the mesoporous structure, however, its pores are clogging with the Co and Ce guest species. Cobalt and cerium are uniformly distributed and preferentially fill up the channels of SBA-15, but oxide agglomerates located on the surface are observed as well. The highest activity of the mono-component cobalt sample is explained by its higher reducibility as a result of lower interaction of the cobalt oxide with the SBA-15. The fine dispersion of cobalt and cerium oxide and their strong interaction in the channels of the SBA-15 molecular sieve, leads to the formation of difficult-to-reduce oxide phases and, consequently, to lower catalytic activity compared to monocomponent cobalt oxide catalyst. The synthesised mesoporous structure can prevent the agglomeration of the oxide particles, thus leading to the successful development of a new and stable catalyst for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Nanocrystalline Oxides NixCo3−xO4: Sub-ppm H2S Sensing and Humidity Effect

In this work, p-type oxide semiconductors, Co3O4 and complex oxides NixCo3−xO4 (x = 0.04, 0.07, 0.1), were studied as materials for sub-ppm H2S sensing in the temperature range of 90–300 °C in dry and humid air. Nanocrystalline Co3O4 and NixCo3−xO4 (x = 0.04, 0.07, 0.1) were prepared by coprecipitation of cobalt and nickel oxalates from nitrate solutions and further annealing at 300 °C. The surface reactivity of the obtained materials toward H2S both in dry and humid atmosphere (relative humidity at 25 °C R.H. = 60%) was investigated using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Sensor measurements showed a decrease in sensor signal toward 1 ppm H2S with an increase in Ni content because of a decrease in chemisorbed surface oxygen species. On the other hand, sensor signal increases for all samples with increasing the relative humidity that depends on reactivity of the surface hydroxyl groups, which stimulate the decomposition of surface sulfites and provide better surface regeneration at higher temperature. This assumption was additionally confirmed by the faster saturation of the conductivity curve and a decrease in the sensor response time in humid air.

Influence of the particle size on selective 2-propanol gas-phase oxidation over Co3O4 nanospheres

Co3O4 nanospheres with a preferential (110) surface orientation showed excellent catalytic properties in the selective gas-phase oxidation of 2-propanol. A preferential Mars–van Krevelen mechanism on the Co3O4(110) surface was identified by DFT + U.

Toward Informed Design of Nanomaterials: A Mechanistic Analysis of Structure-Property-Function Relationships for Faceted Nanoscale Metal Oxides

Nanoscale metal oxides (NMOs) have found wide-scale applicability in a variety of environmental fields, particularly catalysis, gas sensing, and sorption. Facet engineering, or controlled exposure of a particular crystal plane, has been established as an advantageous approach to enabling enhanced functionality of NMOs. However, the underlying mechanisms that give rise to this improved performance are often not systematically examined, leading to an insufficient understanding of NMO facet reactivity. This critical review details the unique electronic and structural characteristics of commonly studied NMO facets and further correlates these characteristics to the principal mechanisms that govern performance in various catalytic, gas sensing, and contaminant removal applications. General trends of facet-dependent behavior are established for each of the NMO compositions, and selected case studies for extensions of facet-dependent behavior, such as mixed metals, mixed-metal oxides, and mixed facets, are discussed. Key conclusions about facet reactivity, confounding variables that tend to obfuscate them, and opportunities to deepen structure-property-function understanding are detailed to encourage rational, informed design of NMOs for the intended application.

Facet-Dependent Cobalt Ion Distribution on the Co3O4 Nanocatalyst Surface

Co₃O₄ is an important catalyst widely used for CO oxidation or electrochemical water oxidation near room temperature and was also recently used as support for single-atom catalysts (SACs). Co₃O₄ with a spinel structure hosts dual oxidation states of Co²⁺ and Co³⁺ in the lattice, leading to the complexity of its surface structure as the exposure of Co²⁺ and Co³⁺ has a significant impact on the performance of the catalysts. Although it is acknowledged that different facets exhibit varied catalytic activities and different abilities in hosting single atoms to provide active centers in SACs, the Co₃O₄ surface structure remains under-investigated. In this study, major facets of {111}, {110}, and {100} were studied down to subangstrom scale using advanced electron microscopy. We noticed that each facet has its own most stable surface configuration. The distribution of Co²⁺ and Co³⁺ on each facet was quantified, revealing a facet-dependent distribution of Co²⁺ and Co³⁺. Co³⁺ was found to be preferentially exposed on {100} and {110} as well as surface steps. Surface reconstruction was revealed, where a subangstrom scale shift of Co²⁺ was confirmed on facets of {111} and {100} due to polarity compensation and oxygen deficiency on the surface. This work not only improves our fundamental understanding of the Co₃O₄ surface structure but also may promote the design of Co₃O₄-based catalysts with tunable activity and stability.

Catalytic Technologies for Solving Environmental Problems in the Production of Fuels and Motor Transport in Kazakhstan

This research is devoted to solving an environmental problem, cleaning of the Kazakhstan air basin, through treatment of auto-transport toxic exhaust by improving the hydrocarbon composition of motor fuels and neutralizing exhaust gas toxic components. The catalytic hydrodearomatization of gasoline fractions (from the reforming stage) of the Atyrau and Pavlodar Refineries and the neutralization of exhaust gas toxic components from an internal combustion engine (ICE) were studied. Two hydrotreated gasoline fractions were tested during ICE operation. The research shows that 100% benzene conversion is observed over Rh-Pt(9:1)/γ-Al2O3 catalysts; that is, benzene is completely removed from both fractions, and the aromatics content decreases from 56.24–58.12% to 21.29–21.89%, within the values of the Euro-5,6 standard. Catalytic treatment of fuels reduces fuel consumption of the ICE engine by 2–3% compared to the initial gasoline fractions, the CO content in the exhaust gases decreases by 6.6–16.2%, and the hydrocarbon content decreases by 7.8–24.7%. In order to neutralize the ICE exhaust gas toxic components, the catalyst 10% Co + 0.5% Pt/Al2O3 was used, with which the CO conversion reaches 100% and the hydrocarbon conversion 94.2% and 91.5% for both gasoline fractions. The catalysts were characterized by electron microscopy (EM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), thermoprogrammed desorption (TPD) and thermoprogrammed reduction (TPR) methods. It was shown by the TPD and EM methods that at the addition of Pt to the Rh-catalyst, the formation of mixed bimetallic Rh-Pt-agglomerates occurs, and hydrogen appears in the TPD spectrum, adsorbed in the form of a new single peak uncharacteristic for the Rh-catalyst. This leads to high activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation of benzene and aromatic compounds in the gasoline fractions. The XRD and TPR results show the formation of CoAl2O4 spinels, on which inactive oxygen is formed for the oxidation of CO and hydrocarbons. Modification of the catalyst by Pt and Mg prevents spinel formation, thereby increasing the activity of the catalysts.

An efficient defect engineering strategy to enhance catalytic performances of Co3O4 nanorods for CO oxidation

Catalytic oxidation of CO at ambient temperature is an important reaction for many environmental applications. Here, we employed a defect engineering strategy to design an extraordinarily effective Sn-doped Co₃O₄ nanorods (NRs) catalyst for CO oxidation. Our combined theoretical and experimental data demonstrated that Co²⁺ in the lattice of Co₃O₄ were substituted by Sn⁴⁺. Based on a variety of characterizations and kinetic studies, this catalyst was found to combine the advantages of the nanorod-like morphology for largely exposing catalytically active Co³⁺ sites and the promotional effect of Sn dopant for adjusting the textural/redox properties. Additionally, the Sn-substituted Co₃O₄ NRs can be further activated via heat treatment to achieve low-temperature CO oxidation (T₁₀₀ ∼ -100 °C) with excellent stability at ambient temperature. This study reveals the importance of Sn-substitution of inactive Co²⁺ in Co₃O₄ and provides an ultra-efficient catalyst for CO oxidation, making this robust material one of the most powerful catalysts available up to now.

Effect of Crystal Defect on Gas Sensing Properties of Co3O4 Nanoparticles

Crystal growth-controlled Co₃O₄ nanoparticles were prepared to examine gas sensing properties. A cube-like, an irregular shaped, and three kinds of raspberry-type structures were observed by morphology analysis. The raspberry-type structures have an expanded lattice volume with a large oxygen deficiency area, and the cube-like structure has a contracted lattice volume as compared to the irregular shaped structure. The raspberry-type structures exhibited a higher sensor signal response than the others. A relationship between sensor properties and crystal defect was investigated, and it was revealed that the gas selectivity to a high dipole moment value of a reducing gas molecule increased with increasing oxygen deficiency area of the Co₃O₄ nanoparticle. It was considered that the oxygen deficiency area acted as an important reaction site, which can be attributed to the selective reaction of the Co₃O₄ nanoparticle with gas molecules.

Oxygen adsorption properties of small cobalt oxide clusters: application feasibility as oxygen gas sensors

Density functional theory calculations show chemical exothermic oxygen adsorption on cobalt oxide clusters with charge transfer from the clusters to oxygen.