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Xiong Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Ma N, Zhao J, Luo S, Fan J. A DFT study on regulating the active center of v-Ti 2XT 2 MXene through surface modification for efficient nitrogen fixation. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 664:1-12. [PMID: 38458050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The electrochemical conversion of nitrogen to ammonia provides an encouraging method to substitute the traditional Haber-Bosch process, owing to its high efficiency and mild reaction conditions. The search for high-performance catalysts and comprehension of catalytic mechanisms remains significant challenges. Herein, we conduct a systematic theoretical calculation of the NRR performance and mechanism of 24 Ti2XT2 (X = B, C, N; T = F, Cl, Br, I, O, S, Se, Te) MXenes with a T-vacancy to explore the influence of surface functional terminations and non-metallic center elements. Our findings demonstrate that surface functionalization significantly reduces the limiting potential by altering the rate-determining step. This change ranges from -1.24 V (Ti2NF2) to -0.21 V (Ti2BSe2), signifying the remarkable efficacy of modification of the surrounding environment of the exposed transition metal active center in promoting electrocatalytic performance. Detailed investigation of the charge density difference and orbital interaction reveals that the different NRR performance originates from the surface termination and non-metallic atoms regulate the electronic properties of the active Ti atoms. We also introduce the free energy change of *NNH2 (ΔG*NNH2) as a descriptor to predict the performance of NRR, which exhibits satisfactory linear relationship with free energy change of different intermediates and displays favourable volcano plot with limiting potential. Moreover, we highlight the pivotal role of work function in tuning the energy barrier of the rate-determining step, which can be regulated through the surface modification of MXenes. Our study not only offers a comprehensive understanding of the crucial impact of surface modification on the catalytic activities of defective MXenes, but also provides a rational perspective for designing efficient NRR catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xiong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yaqin Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuhang Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ninggui Ma
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuang Luo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Fan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Center for Advance Nuclear Safety and Sustainable Department, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Luo Y, Zhang Y, Zhu J, Tian X, Liu G, Feng Z, Pan L, Liu X, Han N, Tan R. Material Engineering Strategies for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Catalysts. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2400158. [PMID: 38745530 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Water electrolysis, a key enabler of hydrogen energy production, presents significant potential as a strategy for achieving net-zero emissions. However, the widespread deployment of water electrolysis is currently limited by the high-cost and scarce noble metal electrocatalysts in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Given this challenge, design and synthesis of cost-effective and high-performance alternative catalysts have become a research focus, which necessitates insightful understandings of HER fundamentals and material engineering strategies. Distinct from typical reviews that concentrate only on the summary of recent catalyst materials, this review article shifts focus to material engineering strategies for developing efficient HER catalysts. In-depth analysis of key material design approaches for HER catalysts, such as doping, vacancy defect creation, phase engineering, and metal-support engineering, are illustrated along with typical research cases. A special emphasis is placed on designing noble metal-free catalysts with a brief discussion on recent advancements in electrocatalytic water-splitting technology. The article also delves into important descriptors, reliable evaluation parameters and characterization techniques, aiming to link the fundamental mechanisms of HER with its catalytic performance. In conclusion, it explores future trends in HER catalysts by integrating theoretical, experimental and industrial perspectives, while acknowledging the challenges that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Luo
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yulong Zhang
- College of Mechatronical and Electrical Engineering, Hebei Agricultrual Univesity, Baoding, 07001, China
| | - Jiayi Zhu
- Warwick Electrochemical Engineering, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Xingpeng Tian
- Warwick Electrochemical Engineering, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Gang Liu
- IDTECH (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Suzhou, 215217, China
| | - Zhiming Feng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Liwen Pan
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Key Laboratory of High Performance Structural Materials and Thermo-surface Processing (Guangxi University), Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- School of Transportation Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ning Han
- Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 44, bus 2450, Heverlee, B-3001, Belgium
| | - Rui Tan
- Warwick Electrochemical Engineering, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Department of Chemcial Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, United Kingdom
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Wen J, Cai Q, Xiong R, Cui Z, Zhang Y, He Z, Liu J, Lin M, Wen C, Wu B, Sa B. Promising M 2CO 2/MoX 2 (M = Hf, Zr; X = S, Se, Te) Heterostructures for Multifunctional Solar Energy Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083525. [PMID: 37110759 PMCID: PMC10146659 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are potential candidates for clean energy conversion materials to address the global energy crisis and environmental issues. In this work, we have comprehensively studied the geometrical, electronic, and optical properties of M2CO2/MoX2 (M = Hf, Zr; X = S, Se, Te) vdW heterostructures, as well as their applications in the fields of photocatalytic and photovoltaic using density functional theory calculations. The lattice dynamic and thermal stabilities of designed M2CO2/MoX2 heterostructures are confirmed. Interestingly, all the M2CO2/MoX2 heterostructures exhibit intrinsic type-II band structure features, which effectively inhibit the electron-hole pair recombination and enhance the photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, the internal built-in electric field and high anisotropic carrier mobility can separate the photo-generated carriers efficiently. It is noted that M2CO2/MoX2 heterostructures exhibit suitable band gaps in comparison to the M2CO2 and MoX2 monolayers, which enhance the optical-harvesting abilities in the visible and ultraviolet light zones. Zr2CO2/MoSe2 and Hf2CO2/MoSe2 heterostructures possess suitable band edge positions to provide the competent driving force for water splitting as photocatalysts. In addition, Hf2CO2/MoS2 and Zr2CO2/MoS2 heterostructures deliver a power conversion efficiency of 19.75% and 17.13% for solar cell applications, respectively. These results pave the way for exploring efficient MXenes/TMDCs vdW heterostructures as photocatalytic and photovoltaic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiansen Wen
- Multiscale Computational Materials Facility, and Key Laboratory of Eco-Materials Advanced Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350100, China
| | - Qi Cai
- Multiscale Computational Materials Facility, and Key Laboratory of Eco-Materials Advanced Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350100, China
| | - Rui Xiong
- Multiscale Computational Materials Facility, and Key Laboratory of Eco-Materials Advanced Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350100, China
| | - Zhou Cui
- Multiscale Computational Materials Facility, and Key Laboratory of Eco-Materials Advanced Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350100, China
| | - Yinggan Zhang
- College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhihan He
- Multiscale Computational Materials Facility, and Key Laboratory of Eco-Materials Advanced Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350100, China
| | - Junchao Liu
- Multiscale Computational Materials Facility, and Key Laboratory of Eco-Materials Advanced Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350100, China
| | - Maohua Lin
- Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Cuilian Wen
- Multiscale Computational Materials Facility, and Key Laboratory of Eco-Materials Advanced Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350100, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Multiscale Computational Materials Facility, and Key Laboratory of Eco-Materials Advanced Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350100, China
| | - Baisheng Sa
- Multiscale Computational Materials Facility, and Key Laboratory of Eco-Materials Advanced Technology, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350100, China
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Towards high-performance electrocatalysts: Activity optimization strategy of 2D MXenes-based nanomaterials for water-splitting. Coord Chem Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Deng L, Li X, Zhang G, Luo Q, Yang L, Jiang J. Utilizing High Coordination Diversity in Carbon Nanocone Supported Catalytic Single-Atom Sites for Screening of Optimal Activity. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:7043-7050. [PMID: 35900130 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are crucial in various energy conversion and storage technologies. Performances of catalysts are appreciably affected by the adsorption energies of key reaction intermediates, whereas the active site engineering to achieve optimal adsorption energy remains challenging. Herein, using density functional theory calculations, we proposed a novel design of transition metal single-atom active sites supported by carbon nanocone (CNC) with high coordination diversity. The particularly diversified electronic states of CNC carbon atoms endow varying coordination to the metal active sites, which then results in a near-continuum distribution of adsorption energies for key intermediates. With this mode, 33 CNC-based active sites exhibit outstanding catalytic potential for the HER with near-zero free energy barriers. Meanwhile, five distinct Cu-N3 active sites can serve as promising candidates for the ORR with low overpotentials. Our work suggests a new strategy of making nanocone-based single-atom catalysts with promising catalytic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjie Deng
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Xiyu Li
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Guozhen Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Qiquan Luo
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Li Yang
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, Dresden 01328, Germany
- Theoretical Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstrasse 13, Dresden 01062, Germany
| | - Jun Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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Bai X, Guan J. MXenes for electrocatalysis applications: Modification and hybridization. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2067(21)64030-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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López M, Exner KS, Viñes F, Illas F. Computational Pourbaix Diagrams for MXenes: A Key Ingredient toward Proper Theoretical Electrocatalytic Studies. ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/adts.202200217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Martí López
- Departament de Ciència de Materials i Química Física & Institut de Química Teòrica i Computacional (IQTCUB) Universitat de Barcelona c/ Martí i Franqués 1‐11 Barcelona 08028 Spain
| | - Kai S. Exner
- University Duisburg‐Essen Faculty of Chemistry Theoretical Inorganic Chemistry Universitätsstraße 5 45141 Essen Germany
| | - Francesc Viñes
- Departament de Ciència de Materials i Química Física & Institut de Química Teòrica i Computacional (IQTCUB) Universitat de Barcelona c/ Martí i Franqués 1‐11 Barcelona 08028 Spain
| | - Francesc Illas
- Departament de Ciència de Materials i Química Física & Institut de Química Teòrica i Computacional (IQTCUB) Universitat de Barcelona c/ Martí i Franqués 1‐11 Barcelona 08028 Spain
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Sun F, Tang Q, Jiang DE. Theoretical Advances in Understanding and Designing the Active Sites for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c02081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Qing Tang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - De-en Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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Sahoo M, Ray A, Singh N. Theoretical Insights into the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on VGe 2N 4 and NbGe 2N 4 Monolayers. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:7837-7844. [PMID: 35284711 PMCID: PMC8908508 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Catalytically active sites at the basal plane of two-dimensional monolayers for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are important for the mass production of hydrogen. The structural, electronic, and catalytic properties of two-dimensional VGe2N4 and NbGe2N4 monolayers are demonstrated using the first-principles calculations. The dynamical stability is confirmed through phonon calculations, followed by computation of the electronic structure employing the hybrid functional HSE06 and PBE+U. Here, we introduced two strategies, strain and doping, to tune their catalytic properties toward HER. Our results show that the HER activity of VGe2N4 and NbGe2N4 monolayers are sensitive to the applied strain. A 3% tensile strain results in the adsorption Gibbs free energy (ΔG H*) of hydrogen for the NbGe2N4 monolayer of 0.015 eV, indicating better activity than Pt (-0.09 eV). At the compressive strain of 3%, the ΔG H* value is -0.09 eV for the VGe2N4 monolayer, which is comparable to that of Pt. The exchange current density for the P doping at the N site of the NbGe2N4 monolayer makes it a promising electrocatalyst for HER (ΔG H* = 0.11 eV). Our findings imply the great potential of the VGe2N4 and NbGe2N4 monolayers as electrocatalysts for HER activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Avijeet Ray
- Department
of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology
Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India
| | - Nirpendra Singh
- Department of Physics and Center for Catalysis and Separation (CeCaS), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
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Tahini HA, Tan X, Smith SC. Activating Inert MXenes for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction via Anchored Metal Centers. ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adts.202100383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan A. Tahini
- Integrated Materials Design Laboratory Research School of Physics The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Xin Tan
- Integrated Materials Design Laboratory Research School of Physics The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Sean C. Smith
- Integrated Materials Design Laboratory Research School of Physics The Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
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