Near ambient pressure XPS investigation of the interaction of ethanol with Co/CeO2(111)

Industrial-Si-based photoanode for highly efficient and stable water splitting

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is an effective and sustainable method for solar energy harvesting. However, the technology is still far away from practical application because of the high cost and low efficiency. Here, we report a low-cost, stable and high-performing industrial-Si-based photoanode (n-Indus-Si/Co-2mA-xs) that is fabricated by simple electrodeposition. Systematic characterizations such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have been employed to characterize and understand the working mechanisms of this photoanode. The uniform and adherent dispersion of co-catalyst particles result in high built-in electric field, reduced charge transfer resistance, and abundant active sites. The core-shell structure of co-catalyst particles is formed after the activation process. The reconstructed morphology and modified chemical states of the surface co-catalyst particles improve the separation and transfer of charges, and the reaction kinetics for water oxidation greatly. Our work demonstrates that large-scale PEC water splitting can be achieved by engineering the industrial-Si-based photoelectrode, which shall guide the development of solar energy conversion in the industry.

PdPtVOx/CeO2-ZrO2: Highly efficient catalysts with good sulfur dioxide-poisoning reversibility for the oxidative removal of ethylbenzene

The PdPtVOx/CeO2-ZrO2 (PdPtVOx/CZO) catalysts were obtained by using different approaches, and their physical and chemical properties were determined by various techniques. Catalytic activities of these materials in the presence of H2O or SO2 were evaluated for the oxidation of ethylbenzene (EB). The PdPtVOx/CZO sample exhibited high catalytic activity, good hydrothermal stability, and reversible sulfur dioxide-poisoning performance, over which the specific reaction rate at 160°C, turnover frequency at 160°C (TOFPd or Pt), and apparent activation energy were 72.6 mmol/(gPt⋅sec) or 124.2 mmol/(gPd⋅sec), 14.2 sec-1 (TOFPt) or 13.1 sec-1 (TOFPd), and 58 kJ/mol, respectively. The large EB adsorption capacity, good reducibility, and strong acidity contributed to the good catalytic performance of PdPtVOx/CZO. Catalytic activity of PdPtVOx/CZO decreased when 50 ppm SO2 or (1.0 vol.% H2O + 50 ppm SO2) was added to the feedstock, but was gradually restored to its initial level after the SO2 was cut off. The good reversible sulfur dioxide-resistant performance of PdPtVOx/CZO was associated with the facts: (i) the introduction of SO2 leads to an increase in surface acidity; (ii) V can adsorb and activate SO2, thus accelerating formation of the SOx2- (x = 3 or 4) species at the V and CZO sites, weakening the adsorption of sulfur species at the PdPt active sites, and hence protecting the PdPt active sites to be not poisoned by SO2. EB oxidation over PdPtVOx/CZO might take place via the route of EB → styrene → phenyl methyl ketone → benzaldehyde → benzoic acid → maleic anhydride → CO2 and H2O.

Decomposition of methanol-d4 on Rh nanoclusters supported by thin-film Al2O3/NiAl(100) under near-ambient-pressure conditions

The decomposition of methanol-d4 (CD3OD) on Rh nanoclusters grown by the deposition of Rh vapors onto an ordered thin film of Al2O3/NiAl(100) was studied, with various surface-probe techniques and largely under near-ambient-pressure (NAP) conditions. The results showed a superior reactivity of small Rh clusters (diameter < 1.5 nm) exposed to CD3OD at 5 × 10-3-0.1 mbar at 400 K; the gaseous production of CO and D2 from decomposed methanol-d4 per Rh surface site on the small Rh clusters with diameters of ∼1.1 nm was nearly 8 times that on large ones with diameters of ∼3.5 nm. The promotion of reactivity with decreased cluster size under NAP conditions was evidently greater than that under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Moreover, the concentration of atomic carbon (C*; where * denotes adsorbate)-a key catalyst poisoner-yielded from the dissociation of CO* from dehydrogenated methanol-d4 was significantly smaller on small clusters (diameter < 1.5 nm). The NAP size effect on methanol-d4 decomposition involved the surface hydroxyl (OH*) from the little co-adsorbed water (H2O*) that was dissociated at a probability dependent on the cluster size. H2O* was more likely dissociated into OH* on small Rh clusters, by virtue of their more reactive d-band structure, and the OH* then effectively promoted the O-D cleavage of methanol-d4, as the rate-determining step, and thus the reaction probability; on the other hand, the OH* limited CO* dissociation on small Rh clusters via both adsorbate and lateral effects. These results suggest that the superior properties of small Rh clusters in both reactivity and anti-poisoning would persist and be highly applicable under "real-world" catalysis conditions.

Fabrication of a Co-Mo-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Growth of Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) make up a unique class of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are particularly intriguing for scientific research and are promising candidates for technological applications. A more precise level of control and greater yields can be achieved via catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD), which involves the breakdown of a carbonaceous gas over nanoparticles. The addition of molybdenum to the system can increase the selectivity with regard to the number of walls that exist in the obtained CNTs. As reported herein, we have designed and synthesized a novel Co-Mo-MOF, [Co(3-bpta)1.5(MoO4)]·H2O (where 3-bpta = N,N'-bis(3-pyridyl)terephthalamide), and employed the Co-Mo-MOF as a bimetallic catalyst precursor for the CCVD approach to prepare high-quality DWCNTs. The Co-Mo-MOF was employed after being calcined in N2 and H2 at 1100 °C and decomposing into CoO, CoMoO4, and MoO3. Existing CoMoO4 is unaltered after reduction in H2 at 1100 °C, while CoO and MoO3 are converted into Co0 and MoO2, and more CoMoO4 is created at the expense of Co0 and MoO2 without clearly defining agglomeration. Finally, the interaction between metallic Co particles and C2H4 is what initiates the formation of DWCNTs. In-depth discussion is provided in this paper regarding the mechanism underlying the high selectivity and activity of Co-Mo catalysts in regulating the development and structure of DWCNTs. The DWCNTs also offer excellence performance when they are used as water purification agents and as selective sorbents. This work opens a feasible way to use MOFs as a way to produce MWCNTs, thus blazing a new trail in the field of MOF-derived carbon-based materials.

Restructuring Co-CoOx Interface with Titration Rate in Co/Nb-CeO2 Catalysts for Higher Water-Gas Shift Performance

H2 production via water-gas shift reaction (WGS) is an important process and applied widely. Cobalt-modified CeO2 are promising catalysts for WGS reaction. Herein, a series of Co/Nb-CeO2 catalysts were prepared by varying the rate of precipitant addition during the coprecipitation method and examined for hydrogen generation through WGS reaction. The rates of precipitant addition were 1, 5, 15, and 25 mL/min. We obtained ceria supported cobalt catalysts with different sizes and morphology such as 3, 8 nm nanoclusters, 30 nm cubic nanoparticles, and 50 nm hexagonal nanoparticles. The well dispersed small cobalt particles in Co/Nb-CeO2 that was prepared at 5 mL/min titration rate exhibit strong interaction between cobalt oxide and CeO2 that retards the reduction of CoOx producing Co-CoOx pairs. In contrast, 1-Co/Nb-CeO2 and 25-Co/Nb-CeO2 result in bigger and aggregated Co particles, resulting in fewer interfaces with CeO2. The Co0, Coδ+, Ce3+, and Ov species are responsible for improved reducibility in Co/Nb-CeO2 catalysts and were quantitively measured using XPS, XAS, and Raman spectroscopy. The Co-CoOx interface assists dissociation of the H2O molecule; CO oxidation requires low activation energy and realizes a high turnover frequency of 9.8 s-1. The 5-Co/Nb-CeO2 catalyst achieved thermodynamic equilibrium equivalent CO conversion with efficient H2 production during WGS reaction at a gas hourly space velocity of 315,282 h-1. Successively, the 5-Co/Nb-CeO2 catalyst exhibited stable performance for straight 168 h attributed to stable CO-Coδ+ intermediate formation, achieving efficient inhibition of typical CO chemistry over the Co metal, suitable for hydrogen generation from waste derived synthesis gas.

Decomposition of methanol-d4 on a thin film of Al2O3/NiAl(100) under near-ambient-pressure conditions

We have studied the decomposition of methanol-d4 on thin film Al2O3/NiAl(100) under near-ambient-pressure conditions, with varied surface-probe techniques and calculations based on density-functional theory. Methanol-d4 neither adsorbed nor reacted on Al2O3/NiAl(100) at 400 K under ultrahigh vacuum conditions, whereas they dehydrogenated, largely to methoxy-d3 (CD3O*, * denoting adsorbates) and formaldehyde-d2 (CD2O*), on the surface when the methanol-d4 partial pressure was increased to 10-3 mbar and above. The dehydrogenation was facilitated by hydroxyl (OH* or OD*) from the dissociation of little co-adsorbed water; a small fraction of CD2O* interacted further with OH* (OD*) to form, via intermediate CD2OOH* (CD2OOD*), formic acid (DCOOH* or DCOOD*). A few surface carbonates were also yielded, likely on the defect sites of Al2O3/NiAl(100). The results suggest that alumina not only supports metal clusters but also participates in reactions under realistic catalytic conditions. One may consider accordingly the multiple functions of alumina while designing ideal catalysts.

Assembling CeO2 nanoparticles on ZIF-8 via the hydrothermal method to promote the CO2 photoreduction performance

Photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to valuable carbon fuel is a prospective technique to decrease CO₂ emissions and simultaneously generate efficient chemical energy. In this paper, a novel high-efficiency photocatalyst ZIF-8@CeO₂ heterogeneous composite (ZIF = zeolitic imidazolate framework) was prepared by the hydrothermal method, where CeO₂ nanospheres were uniformly grown on the surface of ZIF-8. Compared to pristine ZIF-8 or CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs), the ZIF-8@CeO₂ composite shows significantly better efficiency in the reduction of CO₂ into CO and CH₄ under light irradiation, that is the CO evolution rate can reach 465.01 μmol g^-1 h^-1 and the CH₄ evolution rate can reach 181.27 μmol g^-1 h^-1. Analyses indicated that the addition of CeO₂ in the composites will expand the photoresponse region; the formation of the ZIF-8/CeO₂ heterojunction significantly promoted the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs within the composite. This work provided an effective method to further improve the catalytic activity of ZIF-based materials, which paved a new way for eco-friendly conversion of carbon dioxide into clean fuels and they could also have huge potential for application in energy and environmental science.

The Al-Containing Silicates Modified with Organic Ligands and SnO2 Nanoparticles for Catalytic Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation and Aerobic Carboxylation of Carbonyl Compounds

The Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation (BVO) of ketones and aldehydes produce lactones and formates, while aerobic carboxylation of aldehydes manufactures carboxylic acids, both having high added value. This work prepared a series of Al-containing silicates modified with organic ligands and SnO₂ nanoparticles, which were then employed as catalyst in BVO and carboxylation. Characterizations revealed the morphology of the synthesized catalyst was changed from micron-sized thin sheets to smaller blocks, and then to uniform nanoparticles (size of 50 nm) having the doped SnO₂ nanoparticles with a size of 29 nm. All catalysts showed high BET surface areas featuring silt-like mesopores. In determining the priority of BVO and carboxylation, an influence evaluation of the parameters showed the order to be substrate > oxidant > solvent > catalyst. Cyclic aliphatic ketones were suitable for BVO, but linear aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes for carboxylation. Coordination of (S)-binaphthol or doping of Sn into catalyst showed little influence on BVO under m-CPBA, but the Sn-doped catalyst largely increased BVO under (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ and H₂O₂. Calculations revealed that the catalyst containing both Al and Sn could give BVO intermediates lower energies than the Sn-beta zeolite model. The present system exhibited merits including wider substrate scope, innocuous catalytic metal, greener oxidant, as well as lower catalyst cost.

Moderating the interaction among Pd, CeO2, and Al2O3 for improved three-way catalysts

The Pd distribution and the CeO₂-Al₂O₃ combination are among the decisive factors for the performance of commercial three-way catalysts. Generally, the sufficient doping of Pd into ceria-based oxides and the intimate interaction between CeO₂ and Al₂O₃ could both benefit the three-way catalytic reactions. However, in the present work, the moderate doping of Pd into CeO₂ and less intimate CeO₂-Al₂O₃ interaction were found to be responsible for the much higher catalytic activity (the decrease in T₅₀ was 52, 119, or 55 °C for C₃H₆, CO, or NO) in PdCe/Al₂O₃-CP than PdCe/Al₂O₃-Imp, for which the Pd and Ce species were co-loaded onto Al₂O₃ through the co-precipitation or impregnation method, respectively. It was intriguing to find that the co-precipitated PdCeO_x in PdCe/Al₂O₃-CP showed less sufficient doping of Pd into CeO₂ than the co-impregnated PdCeO_x in PdCe/Al₂O₃-Imp; as a result, both a higher fraction of highly active metallic Pd and a higher Pd dispersion were realized in PdCe/Al₂O₃-CP. Moreover, due to the less intimate CeO₂-Al₂O₃ interaction, specifically the less severe penetration of the Pd and Ce species into Al₂O₃, PdCe/Al₂O₃-CP showed higher Pd dispersion, specific surface area, pore volume and size than PdCe/Al₂O₃-Imp. The presence of more abundant reactive Pd⁰, and the higher accessibility of the active Pd and CeO₂ sites, together with improved redox properties and enriched oxygen vacancies contributed much to the enhanced three-way catalytic activity of PdCe/Al₂O₃-CP. Additionally, simultaneously optimizing the Pd distribution and the CeO₂-Al₂O₃ combination in a single step, as reported in this work, is also highly desirable in industry.

Leveraging Pt/Ce1-xLaxO2-δ To Elucidate Interfacial Oxygen Vacancy Active Sites for Aerobic Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

The interfacial oxygen-defective sites of oxide-supported metal catalysts are generally regarded as active centers in diverse redox reactions. Identification of their structure-property relationship at the atomic scale is of great importance but challenging. Herein, a series of La³⁺-doped three-dimensionally ordered macroporous CeO₂ (3D-Ce_1-xLa_xO_2-δ) were synthesized and applied as supports for Pt nanoparticles. The pieces of evidence from a suite of in-situ/ex-situ characterizations and theoretical calculations revealed that the La³⁺-mono-substituted La-□(-Ce)₂ sites (where □ represents an oxygen vacancy) exhibited superior charge transfer ability, behaving as trapping centers for Pt nanoparticles. The resulting interfacial Pt^δ+/La-□(-Ce)₂ sites served as the reversible active species in the aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to boost catalytic performance by simultaneously promoting oxygen activated capacity and the cleavage of O-H/C-H bonds of adsorbed hydroxymethyl groups. Consequently, the Pt/3D-Ce_0.9La_0.1O_2-δ catalyst possessing the highest number of Pt^δ+/La-□(-Ce)₂ sites showed the best catalytic performance with 99.6% yield to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid in 10 h. These results offer more insights into the promoting mechanism of interfacial oxygen-defective sites for the liquid-phase aerobic oxidation of aldehydes and alcohols.

Antioxidant colloids via heteroaggregation of cerium oxide nanoparticles and latex beads

Antioxidant colloids were developed via controlled heteroaggregation of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) and sulfate-functionalized polystyrene latex (SL) beads. Positively charged CeO₂ NPs were directly immobilized onto SL particles of opposite surface charge via electrostatic attraction (SL/Ce composite), while negatively charged CeO₂ NPs were initially functionalized with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) polyelectrolyte and then, aggregated with the SL particles (SPCe composite). The PDADMAC served to induce a charge reversal on CeO₂ NPs, while the SL support prevented nanoparticle aggregation under conditions, where the dispersions of bare CeO₂ NPs were unstable. Both SL/Ce and SPCe showed enhanced radical scavenging activity compared to bare CeO₂ NPs and were found to mimic peroxidase enzymes. The results demonstrate that SL beads are suitable supports to formulate CeO₂ particles and to achieve remarkable dispersion storage stability. The PDADMAC functionalization and immobilization of CeO₂ NPs neither compromised the peroxidase-like activity nor the radical scavenging potential. The obtained SL/Ce and SPCe artificial enzymes are foreseen to be excellent antioxidant agents in various applications in the biomedical, food, and cosmetic industries.

Synergizing Inter and Intraband Transitions in Defective Tungsten Oxide for Efficient Photocatalytic Alcohol Dehydration to Alkenes

Photocatalysis under mild conditions is an intriguing avenue for organic chemical manufacturing to confront the serious fossil energy crisis. Herein, we report a direct light-driven alkene production through alcohol dehydration, using nonstoichiometric tungsten oxide of W₁₈O₄₉ nanowires with abundant lattice defects as a photocatalyst. A representative ethylene (C₂H₄) production rate of 275.5 mmol g_cat ^-1 h^-1 is achieved from ethanol (C₂H₅OH) dehydration, together with excellent selectivity up to 99.9%. The universality of our approach is further demonstrated with other alcohol dehydration. Combining ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy with in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we underline that the inter- and intraband transitions synergistically contribute to such excellent activity. In particular, the intraband transition excites the electrons in defect bands into an energetically "hot" state, largely alleviating the charge recombination. As a result, the C-OH bond of chemisorbed C₂H₅OH molecules can be effectively dissociated to furnish the formation of C=C bonds. Our work offers a fresh insight into sustainable alkene production with renewable energy input under mild conditions.

Elucidation of the reaction mechanism on dry reforming of methane in an electric field by in situ DRIFTs

With increasing expectations for carbon neutrality, dry reforming is anticipated for direct conversion of methane and carbon dioxide: the main components of biogas. We have found that dry reforming of methane in an electric field using a Pt/CeO₂ catalyst proceeds with sufficient rapidity even at a low temperature of about 473 K. The effect of the electric field (EF) on dry reforming was investigated using kinetic analysis, in situ DRIFTs, XPS, and DFT calculation. In situ DRIFTs and XPS measurements indicated that the amount of carbonate, which is an adsorbed species of CO₂, increased with the application of EF. XPS measurements also confirmed the reduction of CeO₂ by the reaction of surface oxygen and CH₄. The reaction between CH₄ molecules and surface oxygen was promoted at the interface between Pt and CeO₂.

In the dry reforming of methane in an electric field, the reaction between CH₄ molecules and surface oxygen was promoted at the interface between Pt and CeO₂.

Metal oxide/CeO2 nanocomposites derived from Ce-benzene tricarboxylate (Ce-BTC) adsorbing with metal acetylacetonate complexes for catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide

Herein, a series of metal oxide/CeO₂ (M/CeO₂) nanocomposites derived from Ce-benzene tricarboxylate (Ce-BTC) adsorbing with different metal acetylacetonate complexes were prepared for CO oxidation under four different CO gas atmospheres. It was demonstrated that Cu/CeO₂ exhibited the highest catalytic activity and stability in CO oxidation. Remarkably, both O₂ selectivity and CO selectivity to CO₂ are 100% in most of the investigated conditions. Several analytical tools such as N₂ adsorption-desorption and powder X-ray diffraction, were employed to characterize the prepared catalysts. In addition, the excellent catalytic performance of Cu/CeO₂ in CO oxidation was revealed by H₂ temperature-program reduction experiment, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. The result showed that high oxygen vacancy and high CO adsorption capacity (Cu⁺-CO) caused by the electron exchanges of Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ and Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ pairs (Ce⁴⁺ + Cu⁺ ⇆ Ce³⁺ + Cu²⁺) are two key factors contributing to the high oxidation performance of Cu/CeO₂ catalyst.

Total Oxidation of Methane on Oxide and Mixed Oxide Ceria-Containing Catalysts

Methane, discovered in 1766 by Alessandro Volta, is an attractive energy source because of its high heat of combustion per mole of carbon dioxide. However, methane is the most abundant hydrocarbon in the atmosphere and is an important greenhouse gas, with a 21-fold greater relative radiative effectiveness than CO2 on a per-molecule basis. To avoid or limit the formation of pollutants that are dangerous for both human health and the atmospheric environment, the catalytic combustion of methane appears to be one of the most promising alternatives to thermal combustion. Total oxidation of methane, which is environmentally friendly at much lower temperatures, is believed to be an efficient and economically feasible way to eliminate pollutants. This work presents a literature review, a statu quo, on catalytic methane oxidation on transition metal oxide-modified ceria catalysts (MOx/CeO2). Methane was used for this study since it is of great interest as a model compound for understanding the mechanisms of oxidation and catalytic combustion on metal oxides. The objective was to evaluate the conceptual ideas of oxygen vacancy formation through doping to increase the catalytic activity for methane oxidation over CeO2. Oxygen vacancies were created through the formation of solid solutions, and their catalytic activities were compared to the catalytic activity of an undoped CeO2 sample. The reaction conditions, the type of catalysts, the morphology and crystallographic facets exposing the role of oxygen vacancies, the deactivation mechanism, the stability of the catalysts, the reaction mechanism and kinetic characteristics are summarized.

Insight into the Influence of the Graphite Layer and Cobalt Crystalline on a ZIF-67-Derived Catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

Due to the special framework structure, ZIF-67 is a promising material as the precursor to prepare the Co@C catalysts with high cobalt loading and superior cobalt dispersion. Unfortunately, these Co@C-X catalysts exhibit not only unsatisfied activity but also high CH₄ selectivity. This limited its further application due to the lack of in-depth analysis of the reasons behind it. In this work, the Co@C-X catalysts were prepared by pyrolyzing the ZIF-67 precursor at different temperatures. A series of characterizations were conducted to explore the behavior of the graphite carbon coated on cobalt species, realizing that the role of active Co sites on these Co@C catalysts was restricted by the graphite carbon layer since it suppressed the adsorption and activation of syngas on Co sites. TEOS was introduced to suppress the aggregation of cobalt species and more active sites were exposed after the graphite carbon layer was eliminated. As a result, the FTS performance was greatly improved by a factor of 5. The effect of O₂ concentration on the microcrystalline size of Co and the reconfinement effect of SiO₂ were investigated. The model catalyst was prepared and the key factors determining CH₄ selectivity of the ZIF-67-derived Co@C catalyst were revealed. This provides a good basis for rational designing ZIF-67-derived Co-based FTS catalysts.

Growth, sintering, and chemical states of Co supported on reducible CeO2(111) thin films: The effects of the metal coverage and the nature of the support

The growth, sintering, and interaction of cobalt with ceria were studied under ultrahigh vacuum conditions by vapor-deposition of Co onto well-defined CeO_x(111) (1.5 < x < 2) thin films grown on Ru(0001). Charge transfer from Co to ceria occurs upon deposition of Co on CeO_1.96 and partially reduced CeO_1.83 at 300 K. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies show that Co is oxidized to Co²⁺ species at the cost of the reduction of Ce⁴⁺ to Ce³⁺, at a lesser extent on reduced ceria. Co²⁺ is the predominant species on CeO_1.96 at low Co coverages (e.g., ≤0.20 ML). The ratio of metallic Co/Co²⁺ increases with the increase in the Co coverage. However, both metallic Co and Co²⁺ species are present on CeO_1.83 even at low Co coverages with metallic Co as the major species. Scanning tunneling microscopy results demonstrate that Co tends to wet the CeO_1.96 surface at very low Co coverages at room temperature forming one-atomic layer high structures of Co-O-Ce. The increase in the Co coverage can cause the particle growth into three-dimensional structures. The formation of slightly flatter Co particles was observed on reduced CeO_1.83. In comparison with other transition metals including Ni, Rh, Pt, and Au, our studies demonstrate that Co on ceria exhibits a smaller particle size and higher thermal stability, likely arising from strong metal-support interactions. The formed particles upon Co deposition at 300 K are present on the ceria surface after heating to 1000 K. The Co-ceria interface can be tuned by varying the Co metal coverage, the annealing temperature, and the nature of the ceria surface.

Ceria-Based Catalysts Studied by Near Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy: A Review

The development of better catalysts is a passionate topic at the forefront of modern science, where operando techniques are necessary to identify the nature of the active sites. The surface of a solid catalyst is dynamic and dependent on the reaction environment and, therefore, the catalytic active sites may only be formed under specific reaction conditions and may not be stable either in air or under high vacuum conditions. The identification of the active sites and the understanding of their behaviour are essential information towards a rational catalyst design. One of the most powerful operando techniques for the study of active sites is near ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS), which is particularly sensitive to the surface and sub-surface of solids. Here we review the use of NAP-XPS for the study of ceria-based catalysts, widely used in a large number of industrial processes due to their excellent oxygen storage capacity and well-established redox properties.

Co-site substitution by Mn supported on biomass-derived active carbon for enhancing magnesia desulfurization

Oxidation of magnesium sulfite (MgSO₃) is a crucial step for reclaiming the product in wet magnesia desulfurization processes. Here, for enhancing this reaction, a bimetallic catalyst was developed by loading CoO_x and MnO_x species on a biomass-derived active carbon (AC) support to minimize the costs and potential environmental risks during catalyst application. The substitution effect of Mn to Co sites was investigated, and a comparison of the catalyst with plain cobalt suggested that the ratio of Co/Mn must be greater than 3. A series of catalyst characterizations was performed to reveal the synergistic effect of Co and Mn in the bimetallic catalyst. The introduction of Mn species not only improved the dispersion of CoO_x-MnO_x mixed oxide but also generated abundant Co³⁺ species and surface-adsorbed oxygen, both of which acted as the main active sites for sulfite oxidation. Notably, in the bimetallic catalyst, the presence of Mn⁴⁺ species assisted regeneration of Co²⁺ to Co³⁺ species, further accelerating sulfite oxidation. Besides, the partial substitution of Co sites by Mn also suppressed the losing of Co species during reaction, favoring to decrease the environmental risk, as well as to save the cost of catalyst.

Construction of spindle structured CeO2 modified with rod-like attapulgite as a high-performance photocatalyst for CO2 reduction

In this study, a spindle structured CeO₂ photocatalyst modified with rod-like attapulgite (CeO₂/ATP) was successfully prepared by simple high temperature calcination.

A mini review of in situ near-ambient pressure XPS studies on non-noble, late transition metal catalysts

The rich surface chemistry of Fe, Co, Ni and Cu during heterogeneous catalytic reactions from the perspective of NAP-XPS studies.

Effect of ZnO on acid–base properties and catalytic performances of ZnO/ZrO2–SiO2 catalysts in 1,3-butadiene production from ethanol–water mixture

The effect of ZnO and the preparation method of ZnO/ZrO₂–SiO₂ catalysts on their acid–base properties and catalytic performances in the conversion of diluted ethanol mixtures into 1,3-butadiene (BD) is presented.

Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Detection of Clostridium perfringens DNA Based Morphology-Dependent DNA Adsorption Properties of CeO₂ Nanorods in Dairy Products

Foodborne pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens can cause diverse illnesses and seriously threaten to human health, yet far less attention has been given to detecting these pathogenic bacteria. Herein, two morphologies of nanoceria were synthesized via adjusting the concentration of NaOH, and CeO₂ nanorod has been utilized as sensing material to achieve sensitive and selective detection of C. perfringens DNA sequence due to its strong adsorption ability towards DNA compared to nanoparticle. The DNA probe was tightly immobilized on CeO₂/chitosan modified electrode surface via metal coordination, and the DNA surface density was 2.51 &times; 10^&minus;10 mol/cm². Under optimal experimental conditions, the electrochemical impedance biosensor displays favorable selectivity toward target DNA in comparison with base-mismatched and non-complementary DNA. The dynamic linear range of the proposed biosensor for detecting oligonucleotide sequence of Clostridium perfringens was from 1.0 &times; 10^&minus;14 to 1.0 &times; 10^&minus;7 mol/L. The detection limit was 7.06 &times; 10^&minus;15 mol/L. In comparison, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method quantified the target DNA with a detection limit of 1.95 &times; 10^&minus;15 mol/L. Moreover, the DNA biosensor could detect C. perfringens extracted DNA in dairy products and provided a potential application in food quality control.

Synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from CO2 and methanol over a hydrophobic Ce/SBA-15 catalyst

A series of Ce/SBA-15 catalysts with different degrees of hydrophobicities were prepared via a post-grafting method and used for the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO₂ and methanol. The Ce/SBA-15-6 catalyst exhibited the highest DMC yield of 0.2%, which was close to the equilibrium value under the reaction conditions of 130 °C, 12 h and 12 MPa. The catalysts were characterized via XRD, BET, FT-IR, solid-state ²⁹Si MAS NMR, CA, TEM, XPS and NH₃/CO₂-TPD; the results indicated that the hydrophobicity of the catalysts facilitated the creation of oxygen vacancies, which could act as Lewis acids to activate methanol. Higher amounts of moderate acid sites led to higher yields of DMC. In addition, the hydrophobicity of the catalysts could also reduce the adsorbed water on their surface and increase the DMC yield while shortening the reaction time.

A series of Ce/SBA-15 catalysts with different degrees of hydrophobicities were prepared via a post-grafting method and used for the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO₂ and methanol.

Ceria-based model catalysts: fundamental studies on the importance of the metal–ceria interface in CO oxidation, the water–gas shift, CO2 hydrogenation, and methane and alcohol reforming

Model metal/ceria and ceria/metal catalysts have shown to be excellent systems for studying fundamental phenomena linked to the operation of technical catalysts.