1
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Tang B, Fang Y, Zhu S, Bai Q, Li X, Wei L, Li Z, Zhu C. Tuning hydrogen bond network connectivity in the electric double layer with cations. Chem Sci 2024; 15:7111-7120. [PMID: 38756806 PMCID: PMC11095383 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc06904d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen bond (H-bond) network connectivity in electric double layers (EDLs) is of paramount importance for interfacial HER/HOR electrocatalytic processes. However, it remains unclear whether the cation-specific effect on H-bond network connectivity in EDLs exists. Herein, we report simulation evidence from ab initio molecular dynamics that cations at Pt(111)/water interfaces can tune the structure and the connectivity of H-bond networks in EDLs. As the surface charge density σ becomes more negative, we show that the connectivity of the H-bond networks in EDLs of the Na+ and Ca2+ systems decreases markedly; in stark contrast, the connectivity of the H-bond networks in EDLs of the Mg2+ system increases slightly. Further analysis revealed that the interplay between the hydration of cations and the interfacial water structure plays a key role in the connectivity of H-bond networks in EDLs. These findings highlight the key roles of cations in EDLs and electrocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Tang
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Yeguang Fang
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology Beijing 100190 China
| | - Shuang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Qi Bai
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Xiaojiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Laiyang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230026 P. R. China
| | - Chongqin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University Beijing 100875 China
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2
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Buraschi M, Horsfield AP, Cucinotta CS. Revealing Interface Polarization Effects on the Electrical Double Layer with Efficient Open Boundary Simulations under Potential Control. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:4872-4879. [PMID: 38682685 PMCID: PMC11089570 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
A major challenge in modeling interfacial processes in electrochemical (EC) devices is performing simulations at constant potential. This requires an open-boundary description of the electrons, so that they can enter and leave the computational cell. To enable realistic modeling of EC processes under potential control we have interfaced density functional theory with the hairy probe method in the weak coupling limit (Zauchner et al. Phys. Rev. B 2018, 97, 045116). Our implementation was systematically tested using simple parallel-plate capacitor models with pristine surfaces and a single layer of adsorbed water molecules. Remarkably, our code's efficiency is comparable with a standard DFT calculation. We reveal that local field effects at the electrical double layer induced by the change of applied potential can significantly affect the energies of chemical steps in heterogeneous electrocatalysis. Our results demonstrate the importance of an explicit modeling of the applied potential in a simulation and provide an efficient tool to control this critical parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Buraschi
- Department
of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
| | - Andrew P. Horsfield
- Department
of Materials, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
- Thomas
Young Centre, London, U.K.
| | - Clotilde S. Cucinotta
- Department
of Chemistry, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, U.K.
- Thomas
Young Centre, London, U.K.
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3
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Mohandas N, Bawari S, Shibuya JJT, Ghosh S, Mondal J, Narayanan TN, Cuesta A. Understanding electrochemical interfaces through comparing experimental and computational charge density-potential curves. Chem Sci 2024; 15:6643-6660. [PMID: 38725490 PMCID: PMC11077530 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc00746h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrode-electrolyte interfaces play a decisive role in electrochemical charge accumulation and transfer processes. Theoretical modelling of these interfaces is critical to decipher the microscopic details of such phenomena. Different force field-based molecular dynamics protocols are compared here in a view to connect calculated and experimental charge density-potential relationships. Platinum-aqueous electrolyte interfaces are taken as a model. The potential of using experimental charge density-potential curves to transform cell voltage into electrode potential in force-field molecular dynamics simulations, and the need for that purpose of developing simulation protocols that can accurately calculate the double-layer capacitance, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandita Mohandas
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research-Hyderabad Hyderabad 500046 India
- Advanced Centre for Energy and Sustainability (ACES), School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen AB24 3UE Aberdeen Scotland UK
| | - Sumit Bawari
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research-Hyderabad Hyderabad 500046 India
| | - Jani J T Shibuya
- Advanced Centre for Energy and Sustainability (ACES), School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen AB24 3UE Aberdeen Scotland UK
| | - Soumya Ghosh
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research-Hyderabad Hyderabad 500046 India
| | - Jagannath Mondal
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research-Hyderabad Hyderabad 500046 India
| | | | - Angel Cuesta
- Advanced Centre for Energy and Sustainability (ACES), School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen AB24 3UE Aberdeen Scotland UK
- Centre for Energy Transition, University of Aberdeen AB24 3FX Aberdeen Scotland UK
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4
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Yuan M, Suriyaprakash J, Shan L, Xu H, Li X, Wu H, Ding G, Shi Z, Dong L, Zhang FM. Carrier confinement activated explicit solvent dynamic of CdS/BiVO 4/H 2O and optimized photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performances. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 658:571-583. [PMID: 38134666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.12.093] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Herein, using an electrophoretic deposition strategy, a S-scheme CdS (cubic)/BiVO4 (monoclinic) heterostructured photocatalyst is fabricated. The as-synthesized photocatalysts exhibit high carrier separation efficiency, prominent hydrogen evolution ability and high stability. The results of the detailed density functional theory (DFT) prove that the photogenerated electrons and holes are located in BiVO4 and CdS components, respectively. Besides, an explicit solvent model based on the electron-enriched region in CdS/BiVO4 heterojunction is designed deliberately to investigate the solid/liquid interface issues. Intriguing findings demonstrate that the surface hydrogen diffusing rate in CdS/BiVO4/H2O is faster than that of BiVO4/H2O and is highly associated with the electron-enrich effect, which has a greater capacity to promote water decomposition, the possibility of proton collision and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Notably, the H p orbital can participate in the electron-enrich effect during solvation, thus reforming the orbital energy level and activating the HER of the BiVO4 component in the CdS/BiVO4 system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqi Yuan
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of CO(2) Resource Utilization and Energy Catalytic Materials, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jagadeesh Suriyaprakash
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, School of Information and Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Lianwei Shan
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of CO(2) Resource Utilization and Energy Catalytic Materials, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Huanyan Xu
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of CO(2) Resource Utilization and Energy Catalytic Materials, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Xuejiao Li
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of CO(2) Resource Utilization and Energy Catalytic Materials, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- School of Environmental and Material Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, Shandong, China.
| | - Guodao Ding
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of CO(2) Resource Utilization and Energy Catalytic Materials, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Ziqi Shi
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of CO(2) Resource Utilization and Energy Catalytic Materials, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Limin Dong
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of CO(2) Resource Utilization and Energy Catalytic Materials, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Feng Ming Zhang
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of CO(2) Resource Utilization and Energy Catalytic Materials, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin 150040, China
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5
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Surendralal S, Todorova M, Neugebauer J. Laterally Resolved Free Energy Profiles and Vibrational Spectra of Chemisorbed H Atoms on Pt(111). J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:2192-2201. [PMID: 38324701 PMCID: PMC10938496 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
A scheme to compute laterally resolved free energy surfaces and spectral signatures of specifically adsorbed ions on electrode surfaces from their ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) trajectories is proposed. Considering H-covered Pt(111) electrodes, both in contact with water and vacuum and for various H coverages, we systematically explore the impact of explicit water and H-coverage on site occupancy, providing direct insight into the proportion of underpotential and overpotential deposited hydrogen adsorbates. Extending this approach further, we can obtain laterally resolved vibrational spectra of the Pt-H stretch modes. We discuss how the difference between the free energy basins of the on-top and fcc-hollow adsorption sites explains the features of the experimentally observed spectral fingerprints in this system. These fingerprints do not contain only information about the stable and metastable adsorption sites but also about intermediate short-lived adsorbate configurations. Our results also show that for these properties chemisorbed H2O acts as a spectator and does not qualitatively influence the relative stabilities of the adsorption sites and their spectral fingerprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarsan Surendralal
- Department of Computational Materials
Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung
GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, Düsseldorf D-40237, Germany
| | - Mira Todorova
- Department of Computational Materials
Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung
GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, Düsseldorf D-40237, Germany
| | - Jörg Neugebauer
- Department of Computational Materials
Design, Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung
GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 1, Düsseldorf D-40237, Germany
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6
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Ye Z, Gygi F, Galli G. Raman Spectra of Electrified Si-Water Interfaces: First-Principles Simulations. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:51-58. [PMID: 38128587 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the Raman spectra of liquid water in contact with a semiconductor surface using first-principles molecular dynamics simulations. We focus on a hydrogenated silicon-water interface and compute the Raman spectra from time correlation functions of the polarizability. We establish a relationship between Raman spectral signatures and structural properties of the liquid at the interface, and we identify the vibrational impacts of an applied electric field. We show that negative bias leads to a reduction of the number of hydrogen bonds (HBs) formed between the surface and the topmost water layer and an enhancement of the HB interactions between water molecules. Instead, positive bias leads to an enhancement of both the HB interactions between water and the surface and between water molecules, creating a semi-ordered interfacial layer. Our work provides molecular-level insights into electrified semiconductor/water interfaces and the identification of specific structural features through Raman spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifan Ye
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Francois Gygi
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Giulia Galli
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
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7
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Bergmann N, Hörmann NG, Reuter K. Ab Initio-Based Modeling of Thermodynamic Cyclic Voltammograms: A Benchmark Study on Ag(100) in Bromide Solutions. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:8815-8825. [PMID: 38038493 PMCID: PMC10720351 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Experimental cyclic voltammograms (CVs) measured in the slow scan rate limit can be entirely described in terms of the thermodynamic equilibrium quantities of the electrified solid-liquid interface. They correspondingly serve as an important benchmark for the quality of first-principles calculations of interfacial thermodynamics. Here, we investigate the partially drastic approximations made presently in computationally efficient calculations for the well-defined showcase of an Ag(100) model electrode in Br-containing electrolytes, where the nontrivial part of the CV stems from the electrosorption of Br ions. We specifically study the entanglement of common approximations in the treatment of solvation and field effects, as well as in the way macroscopic averages of the two key quantities, namely, the potential-dependent adsorbate coverage and electrosorption valency, are derived from the first-principles energetics. We demonstrate that the combination of energetics obtained within an implicit solvation model and a perturbative second order account of capacitive double layer effects with a constant-potential grand-canonical Monte Carlo sampling of the adsorbate layer provides an accurate description of the experimental CV. However, our analysis also shows that error cancellation at lower levels of theory may equally lead to good descriptions even though key underlying physics such as the disorder-order transition of the Br adlayer at increasing coverages is inadequately treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Bergmann
- Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicolas G. Hörmann
- Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karsten Reuter
- Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
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8
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Li P, Jiao Y, Huang J, Chen S. Electric Double Layer Effects in Electrocatalysis: Insights from Ab Initio Simulation and Hierarchical Continuum Modeling. JACS AU 2023; 3:2640-2659. [PMID: 37885580 PMCID: PMC10598835 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Structures of the electric double layer (EDL) at electrocatalytic interfaces, which are modulated by the material properties, the electrolyte characteristics (e.g., the pH, the types and concentrations of ions), and the electrode potential, play crucial roles in the reaction kinetics. Understanding the EDL effects in electrocatalysis has attracted substantial research interest in recent years. However, the intrinsic relationships between the specific EDL structures and electrocatalytic kinetics remain poorly understood, especially on the atomic scale. In this Perspective, we briefly review the recent advances in deciphering the EDL effects mainly in hydrogen and oxygen electrocatalysis through a multiscale approach, spanning from the atomistic scale simulated by ab initio methods to the macroscale by a hierarchical approach. We highlight the importance of resolving the local reaction environment, especially the local hydrogen bond network, in understanding EDL effects. Finally, some of the remaining challenges are outlined, and an outlook for future developments in these exciting frontiers is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Hubei
Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuzhou Jiao
- Hubei
Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Institute
of Energy and Climate Research, IEK-13: Theory and Computation of
Energy Materials, Forschungszentrum Jülich
GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Theory
of Electrocatalytic Interfaces, Faculty of Georesources and Materials
Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Shengli Chen
- Hubei
Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Power Sources, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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9
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Wang X, Wang Y, Kuang Y, Le JB. Understanding the Effects of Electrode Material, Single Crystal Facet, and Electrolyte Ion on the Helmholtz Capacitance of Metal/Aqueous Solution Interfaces. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:7833-7839. [PMID: 37624858 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c02108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The comprehensive interpretation of the measured differential Helmholtz capacitance curve is vital for advancing our understanding of the interfacial structure. While several possible physical effects contributing to the Helmholtz capacitance have been proposed theoretically, combining those factors to explain the experimentally observed potential-dependent capacitance profile remains a significant challenge. In this study, we employ ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to model various metal/solution interfaces. Our investigation primarily emphasizes the substantial effect of water chemisorption on the potential-dependent behavior of the Helmholtz capacitance. Additionally, we identify other critical factors that profoundly impact the Helmholtz capacitance: (1) Ions with low hydration energy hinder the availability of surface sites for water adsorption, resulting in a diminished enhancement of capacitance from water chemisorption. (2) Using large-sized ions leads to an expansion of the Helmholtz layer, causing a decrease in the Helmholtz capacitance. (3) Metal surfaces with higher affinity for water attract water adsorption at lower potentials, resulting in a lower peak potential for the differential Helmholtz capacitance curve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Materials, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yongbo Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Jia-Bo Le
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
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10
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Le JB, Chen A, Kuang Y, Cheng J. Molecular understanding of cation effects on double layers and their significance to CO-CO dimerization. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad105. [PMID: 37842071 PMCID: PMC10575609 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cation effects have been shown in numerous experiments to play a significant role in electrocatalysis. To understand these effects at the molecular level, we systematically investigate the structures and capacitances of electric double layers with a variety of cations as counter charges at Pt(111)-COad/water interfaces with ab initio molecular dynamics. It is encouraging to find that the computed Helmholtz capacitances for different cations are in quantitative agreement with experiments, and that the trend of cation effects on capacitances shows clear correlation with the structures of interface cations of differing sizes and hydration energies. More importantly, we demonstrate the Helmholtz capacitance as the key descriptor for measuring the activity of CO-CO dimerization, the rate-determining step for C2+ formation in electroreduction of CO and CO2. Our work provides atomistic insights into cation effects on electric double layers and electrocatalysis that are crucial for optimizing electrode and electrolyte materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Bo Le
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Ao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yongbo Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen 361100, China
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11
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Chen X, Wang XT, Le JB, Li SM, Wang X, Zhang YJ, Radjenovic P, Zhao Y, Wang YH, Lin XM, Dong JC, Li JF. Revealing the role of interfacial water and key intermediates at ruthenium surfaces in the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5289. [PMID: 37648700 PMCID: PMC10468501 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41030-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruthenium exhibits comparable or even better alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction activity than platinum, however, the mechanistic aspects are yet to be settled, which are elucidated by combining in situ Raman spectroscopy and theoretical calculations herein. We simultaneously capture dynamic spectral evidence of Ru surfaces, interfacial water, *H and *OH intermediates. Ru surfaces exist in different valence states in the reaction potential range, dissociating interfacial water differently and generating two distinct *H, resulting in different activities. The local cation tuning effect of hydrated Na+ ion water and the large work function of high-valence Ru(n+) surfaces promote interfacial water dissociation. Moreover, compared to low-valence Ru(0) surfaces, high-valence Ru(n+) surfaces have more moderate adsorption energies for interfacial water, *H, and *OH. They, therefore, facilitate the activity. Our findings demonstrate the regulation of valence state on interfacial water, intermediates, and finally the catalytic activity, which provide guidelines for the rational design of high-efficiency catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Wang
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Jia-Bo Le
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
| | - Shu-Min Li
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201, China
| | - Yu-Jin Zhang
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Petar Radjenovic
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yao-Hui Wang
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xiu-Mei Lin
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
- Department of Chemistry and Environment Science, Fujian Province University Key Laboratory of Analytical Science, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou, 363000, China.
| | - Jin-Chao Dong
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Jian-Feng Li
- College of Energy, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, 361005, China.
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12
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Huang J, Zhang Y, Li M, Groß A, Sakong S. Comparing Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics and a Semiclassical Grand Canonical Scheme for the Electric Double Layer of the Pt(111)/Water Interface. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:2354-2363. [PMID: 36848227 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c03892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The theoretical modeling of metal/water interfaces centers on an appropriate configuration of the electric double layer (EDL) under grand canonical conditions. In principle, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations would be the appropriate choice for treating the competing water-water and water-metal interactions and explicitly considering the atomic and electronic degrees of freedom. However, this approach only allows simulations of relatively small canonical ensembles over a limited period (shorter than 100 ps). On the other hand, computationally efficient semiclassical approaches can treat the EDL model based on a grand canonical scheme by averaging the microscopic details. Thus, an improved description of the EDL can be obtained by combining AIMD simulations and semiclassical methods based on a grand canonical scheme. By taking the Pt(111)/water interface as an example, we compare these approaches in terms of the electric field, water configuration, and double-layer capacitance. Furthermore, we discuss how the combined merits of the approaches can contribute to advances in EDL theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Huang
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- IEK-13, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Yufan Zhang
- IEK-13, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Mengru Li
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Axel Groß
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU), 89069 Ulm, Germany
| | - Sung Sakong
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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13
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Huang J. Zooming into the Inner Helmholtz Plane of Pt(111)-Aqueous Solution Interfaces: Chemisorbed Water and Partially Charged Ions. JACS AU 2023; 3:550-564. [PMID: 36873696 PMCID: PMC9975841 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The double layer on transition metals, i.e., platinum, features chemical metal-solvent interactions and partially charged chemisorbed ions. Chemically adsorbed solvent molecules and ions are situated closer to the metal surface than electrostatically adsorbed ions. This effect is described tersely by the concept of an inner Helmholtz plane (IHP) in classical double layer models. The IHP concept is extended here in three aspects. First, a refined statistical treatment of solvent (water) molecules considers a continuous spectrum of orientational polarizable states, rather than a few representative states, and non-electrostatic, chemical metal-solvent interactions. Second, chemisorbed ions are partially charged, rather than being electroneutral or having integral charges as in the solution bulk, with the coverage determined by a generalized, energetically distributed adsorption isotherm. The surface dipole moment induced by partially charged, chemisorbed ions is considered. Third, considering different locations and properties of chemisorbed ions and solvent molecules, the IHP is divided into two planes, namely, an AIP (adsorbed ion plane) and ASP (adsorbed solvent plane). The model is used to study how the partially charged AIP and polarizable ASP lead to intriguing double-layer capacitance curves that are different from what the conventional Gouy-Chapman-Stern model describes. The model provides an alternative interpretation for recent capacitance data of Pt(111)-aqueous solution interfaces calculated from cyclic voltammetry. This revisit brings forth questions regarding the existence of a pure double-layer region at realistic Pt(111). The implications, limitations, and possible experimental confirmation of the present model are discussed.
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14
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The contribution of water molecules to the hydrogen evolution reaction. Sci China Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-022-1371-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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15
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Sun J, Jiang S, Zhao Y, Wang H, Zhai D, Deng W, Sun L. First-principles study of CO 2 hydrogenation to formic acid on single-atom catalysts supported on SiO 2. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:19938-19947. [PMID: 35968889 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp02225g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The hydrogenation of CO2 into valuable chemical fuels reduces the atmospheric CO2 content and also has broad economic prospects. Support is essential for catalysts, but many of the reported support materials cannot meet the requirements of accessibility and durability. Herein, we theoretically designed a series of single-atom noble metals anchored on a SiO2 surface for CO2 hydrogenation using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Through theoretical evaluation of the formation energy, hydrogen dissociation capacity, and activity of CO2 hydrogenation, we found that Ru@SiO2 is a promising candidate for CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid. The energy barrier of the rate-determining step of the entire conversion process is 23.9 kcal mol-1; thus, the reaction can occur under mild conditions. In addition, active and stable origins were revealed through electronic structure analysis. The charge of the metal atom is a good descriptor of the catalytic activity. The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) between metal charge and its CO2 hydrogenation barrier is 0.99. Two solvent models were also used to investigate hydrogen spillover processes and the reaction path was searched by the climbing image nudged-elastic-band (CI-NEB) method. The results indicated that the explicit solvent model could not be simplified into a few solvent molecules, leading to a large difference in the reaction paths. This work will serve as a reference for the future design of more efficient catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jikai Sun
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China.
| | - Shuchao Jiang
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China.
| | - Yanliang Zhao
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China.
| | - Honglei Wang
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China.
| | - Dong Zhai
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China.
| | - Weiqiao Deng
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China. .,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, P. R. China
| | - Lei Sun
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China.
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16
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Chen A, Le JB, Kuang Y, Cheng J. Modeling stepped Pt/water interfaces at potential of zero charge with ab initio molecular dynamics. J Chem Phys 2022; 157:094702. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is worthwhile to understand the potentials of zero charge (PZCs) and structures of stepped metal/water interfaces, because for many electrocatalytic reactions stepped surfaces are more active than atomically flat surfaces. Herein, a series of stepped Pt/water interfaces are modeled at different step densities with ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD). It is found that the structures of Pt/water interfaces are significantly influenced by the step density, particularly for the distribution of chemisorbed water. The step sites of metal surfaces are more preferred for water chemisorption than the terrace sites, and until the step density is very low, water will chemisorb on the terrace. In addition, it is revealed that the PZCs of stepped Pt/water interfaces are generally smaller than that of Pt(111), and the difference is mainly attributed to the difference in the work function, providing a simple way to estimate the PZCs of stepped metal surfaces. Finally, it is interesting to see that the Volta potential difference is almost same for Pt/water interfaces with different step densities, although their interface structures and magnitude of charge transfer clearly differ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jia-Bo Le
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
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17
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Kristoffersen HH. Modeling electrochemical proton adsorption at constant potential with explicit charging. ChemCatChem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202200826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Henrik H. Kristoffersen
- University of Copenhagen: Kobenhavns Universitet Department of Chemistry 2100 København Ø DENMARK
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18
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Alkhalifah MA, Howchen B, Staddon J, Celorrio V, Tiwari D, Fermin DJ. Correlating Orbital Composition and Activity of LaMn xNi 1-xO 3 Nanostructures toward Oxygen Electrocatalysis. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:4439-4447. [PMID: 35254811 PMCID: PMC9097476 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c11757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
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The atomistic rationalization
of the activity of transition metal
oxides toward oxygen electrocatalysis is one of the most complex challenges
in the field of electrochemical energy conversion. Transition metal
oxides exhibit a wide range of structural and electronic properties,
which are acutely dependent on composition and crystal structure.
So far, identifying one or several properties of transition metal
oxides as descriptors for oxygen electrocatalysis remains elusive.
In this work, we performed a detailed experimental and computational
study of LaMnxNi1–xO3 perovskite nanostructures, establishing
an unprecedented correlation between electrocatalytic activity and
orbital composition. The composition and structure of the single-phase
rhombohedral oxide nanostructures are characterized by a variety of
techniques, including X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy,
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. Systematic
electrochemical analysis of pseudocapacitive responses in the potential
region relevant to oxygen electrocatalysis shows the evolution of
Mn and Ni d-orbitals as a function of the perovskite composition.
We rationalize these observations on the basis of electronic structure
calculations employing DFT with HSE06 hybrid functional. Our analysis
clearly shows a linear correlation between the OER kinetics and the
integrated density of states (DOS) associated with Ni and Mn 3d states
in the energy range relevant to operational conditions. In contrast,
the ORR kinetics exhibits a second-order reaction with respect to
the electron density in Mn and Ni 3d states. For the first time, our
study identifies the relevant DOS dominating both reactions and the
importance of understanding orbital occupancy under operational conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Alkhalifah
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantocks Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Howchen
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantocks Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Staddon
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantocks Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Veronica Celorrio
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Diamond House, Harwell Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Devendra Tiwari
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantocks Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom.,Department of Mathematics, Physics & Electrical Engineering, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - David J Fermin
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantocks Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
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19
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Li P, Liu Y, Chen S. Microscopic EDL Structures and Charge-Potential Relation on Stepped Platinum Surface: Insights from the Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Chem Phys 2022; 156:104701. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0080104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, China
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20
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Hagopian A, Doublet ML, Filhol JS, Binninger T. Advancement of the Homogeneous Background Method for the Computational Simulation of Electrochemical Interfaces. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:1883-1893. [PMID: 35170945 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c01237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Computational studies of electrochemical interfaces based on density-functional theory (DFT) play an increasingly important role in the present research on electrochemical processes for energy conversion and storage. The homogeneous background method (HBM) offers a straightforward approach to charge the electrochemical system within DFT simulations, but it typically requires the specification of the active fraction of excess electrons based on a certain choice of the electrode-electrolyte boundary location, which can be difficult in the presence of electrode-surface adsorbates or explicit solvent molecules. In this work, we present a methodological advancement of the HBM, both facilitating and extending its applicability. The advanced version requires neither energy corrections nor the specification of the active fraction of excess electrons, providing a versatile and readily available method for the simulation of charged interfaces when adsorbates or explicit solvent molecules are present. Our computational DFT results for Pt(111), Au(111), and Li(100) metal electrodes in high-dielectric-constant solvents demonstrate an excellent agreement in the interfacial charging characteristics obtained from simulations with the advanced HBM in comparison with the (linearized) Poisson-Boltzmann model (PBM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Hagopian
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34293 Montpellier, France.,Réseau sur le Stockage Electrochimique de l'Energie (RS2E), FR CNRS 3459, Hub de l'Energie, 80039 Amiens, France
| | - Marie-Liesse Doublet
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34293 Montpellier, France.,Réseau sur le Stockage Electrochimique de l'Energie (RS2E), FR CNRS 3459, Hub de l'Energie, 80039 Amiens, France
| | - Jean-Sébastien Filhol
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34293 Montpellier, France.,Réseau sur le Stockage Electrochimique de l'Energie (RS2E), FR CNRS 3459, Hub de l'Energie, 80039 Amiens, France
| | - Tobias Binninger
- ICGM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34293 Montpellier, France.,Réseau sur le Stockage Electrochimique de l'Energie (RS2E), FR CNRS 3459, Hub de l'Energie, 80039 Amiens, France
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21
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Abstract
Structures and processes at water/metal interfaces play an important technological role in electrochemical energy conversion and storage, photoconversion, sensors, and corrosion, just to name a few. However, they are also of fundamental significance as a model system for the study of solid-liquid interfaces, which requires combining concepts from the chemistry and physics of crystalline materials and liquids. Particularly interesting is the fact that the water-water and water-metal interactions are of similar strength so that the structures at water/metal interfaces result from a competition between these comparable interactions. Because water is a polar molecule and water and metal surfaces are both polarizable, explicit consideration of the electronic degrees of freedom at water/metal interfaces is mandatory. In principle, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations are thus the method of choice to model water/metal interfaces, but they are computationally still rather demanding. Here, ab initio simulations of water/metal interfaces will be reviewed, starting from static systems such as the adsorption of single water molecules, water clusters, and icelike layers, followed by the properties of liquid water layers at metal surfaces. Technical issues such as the appropriate first-principles description of the water-water and water-metal interactions will be discussed, and electrochemical aspects will be addressed. Finally, more approximate but numerically less demanding approaches to treat water at metal surfaces from first-principles will be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Groß
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Ulm University, 89069 Ulm, Germany.,Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU), 89069 Ulm, Germany
| | - Sung Sakong
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Ulm University, 89069 Ulm, Germany
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22
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Realistic Modelling of Dynamics at Nanostructured Interfaces Relevant to Heterogeneous Catalysis. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The focus of this short review is directed towards investigations of the dynamics of nanostructured metallic heterogeneous catalysts and the evolution of interfaces during reaction—namely, the metal–gas, metal–liquid, and metal–support interfaces. Indeed, it is of considerable interest to know how a metal catalyst surface responds to gas or liquid adsorption under reaction conditions, and how its structure and catalytic properties evolve as a function of its interaction with the support. This short review aims to offer the reader a birds-eye view of state-of-the-art methods that enable more realistic simulation of dynamical phenomena at nanostructured interfaces by exploiting resource-efficient methods and/or the development of computational hardware and software.
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23
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Lin X, Shao A, Hua M, Tian X. A first principle study of water adsorbed on flat and stepped silver surfaces. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:6803-6810. [DOI: 10.1039/d1cp04618g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The structural, electronic and vibrational properties of a water layer on Ag(100) and Ag(511) have been studied by first principles calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The most stable...
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24
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Shi X, Lin X, Luo R, Wu S, Li L, Zhao ZJ, Gong J. Dynamics of Heterogeneous Catalytic Processes at Operando Conditions. JACS AU 2021; 1:2100-2120. [PMID: 34977883 PMCID: PMC8715484 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The rational design of high-performance catalysts is hindered by the lack of knowledge of the structures of active sites and the reaction pathways under reaction conditions, which can be ideally addressed by an in situ/operando characterization. Besides the experimental insights, a theoretical investigation that simulates reaction conditions-so-called operando modeling-is necessary for a plausible understanding of a working catalyst system at the atomic scale. However, there is still a huge gap between the current widely used computational model and the concept of operando modeling, which should be achieved through multiscale computational modeling. This Perspective describes various modeling approaches and machine learning techniques that step toward operando modeling, followed by selected experimental examples that present an operando understanding in the thermo- and electrocatalytic processes. At last, the remaining challenges in this area are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangcheng Shi
- Key
Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education,
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
- Joint
School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University,
International Campus of Tianjin University, Fuzhou 350207, China
| | - Xiaoyun Lin
- Key
Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education,
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ran Luo
- Key
Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education,
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Shican Wu
- Key
Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education,
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Lulu Li
- Key
Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education,
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zhi-Jian Zhao
- Key
Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education,
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jinlong Gong
- Key
Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education,
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative
Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin 300072, China
- Joint
School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University,
International Campus of Tianjin University, Fuzhou 350207, China
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25
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Ringe S, Hörmann NG, Oberhofer H, Reuter K. Implicit Solvation Methods for Catalysis at Electrified Interfaces. Chem Rev 2021; 122:10777-10820. [PMID: 34928131 PMCID: PMC9227731 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Implicit solvation
is an effective, highly coarse-grained approach
in atomic-scale simulations to account for a surrounding liquid electrolyte
on the level of a continuous polarizable medium. Originating in molecular
chemistry with finite solutes, implicit solvation techniques are now
increasingly used in the context of first-principles modeling of electrochemistry
and electrocatalysis at extended (often metallic) electrodes. The
prevalent ansatz to model the latter electrodes and the reactive surface
chemistry at them through slabs in periodic boundary condition supercells
brings its specific challenges. Foremost this concerns the difficulty
of describing the entire double layer forming at the electrified solid–liquid
interface (SLI) within supercell sizes tractable by commonly employed
density functional theory (DFT). We review liquid solvation methodology
from this specific application angle, highlighting in particular its
use in the widespread ab initio thermodynamics approach
to surface catalysis. Notably, implicit solvation can be employed
to mimic a polarization of the electrode’s electronic density
under the applied potential and the concomitant capacitive charging
of the entire double layer beyond the limitations of the employed
DFT supercell. Most critical for continuing advances of this effective
methodology for the SLI context is the lack of pertinent (experimental
or high-level theoretical) reference data needed for parametrization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Ringe
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.,Energy Science & Engineering Research Center, Daegu Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Nicolas G Hörmann
- Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.,Chair for Theoretical Chemistry and Catalysis Research Center, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstraße 4, D-85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Harald Oberhofer
- Chair for Theoretical Chemistry and Catalysis Research Center, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstraße 4, D-85747 Garching, Germany.,Chair for Theoretical Physics VII and Bavarian Center for Battery Technology (BayBatt), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Karsten Reuter
- Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
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26
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Microscopic origin of the effect of substrate metallicity on interfacial free energies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2108769118. [PMID: 34876519 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108769118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigate the effect of the metallic character of solid substrates on solid-liquid interfacial thermodynamics using molecular simulations. Building on the recent development of a semiclassical Thomas-Fermi model to tune the metallicity in classical molecular dynamics simulations, we introduce a thermodynamic integration framework to compute the evolution of the interfacial free energy as a function of the Thomas-Fermi screening length. We validate this approach against analytical results for empty capacitors and by comparing the predictions in the presence of an electrolyte with values determined from the contact angle of droplets on the surface. The general expression derived in this work highlights the role of the charge distribution within the metal. We further propose a simple model to interpret the evolution of the interfacial free energy with voltage and Thomas-Fermi length, which allows us to identify the charge correlations within the metal as the microscopic origin of the evolution of the interfacial free energy with the metallic character of the substrate. This methodology opens the door to the molecular-scale study of the effect of the metallic character of the substrate on confinement-induced transitions in ionic systems, as reported in recent atomic force microscopy and surface force apparatus experiments.
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27
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Pireddu G, Scalfi L, Rotenberg B. A molecular perspective on induced charges on a metallic surface. J Chem Phys 2021; 155:204705. [PMID: 34852473 DOI: 10.1063/5.0076127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the response of the surface of metallic solids to external electric field sources is crucial to characterize electrode-electrolyte interfaces. Continuum electrostatics offer a simple description of the induced charge density at the electrode surface. However, such a simple description does not take into account features related to the atomic structure of the solid and to the molecular nature of the solvent and of the dissolved ions. In order to illustrate such effects and assess the ability of continuum electrostatics to describe the induced charge distribution, we investigate the behavior of a gold electrode interacting with sodium or chloride ions fixed at various positions, in a vacuum or in water, using all-atom constant-potential classical molecular dynamics simulations. Our analysis highlights important similarities between the two approaches, especially under vacuum conditions and when the ion is sufficiently far from the surface, as well as some limitations of the continuum description, namely, neglecting the charges induced by the adsorbed solvent molecules and the screening effect of the solvent when the ion is close to the surface. While the detailed features of the charge distribution are system-specific, we expect some of our generic conclusions on the induced charge density to hold for other ions, solvents, and electrode surfaces. Beyond this particular case, the present study also illustrates the relevance of such molecular simulations to serve as a reference for the design of improved implicit solvent models of electrode-electrolyte interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Pireddu
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Physico-chimie des Électrolytes et Nanosystèmes Interfaciaux, PHENIX, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Laura Scalfi
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Physico-chimie des Électrolytes et Nanosystèmes Interfaciaux, PHENIX, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Rotenberg
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Physico-chimie des Électrolytes et Nanosystèmes Interfaciaux, PHENIX, F-75005 Paris, France
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28
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Dávila López AC, Eggert T, Reuter K, Hörmann NG. Static and dynamic water structures at interfaces: A case study with focus on Pt(111). J Chem Phys 2021; 155:194702. [PMID: 34800953 DOI: 10.1063/5.0067106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
An accurate atomistic treatment of aqueous solid-liquid interfaces necessitates the explicit description of interfacial water ideally via ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Many applications, however, still rely on static interfacial water models, e.g., for the computation of (electro)chemical reaction barriers and focus on a single, prototypical structure. In this work, we systematically study the relation between density functional theory-derived static and dynamic interfacial water models with specific focus on the water-Pt(111) interface. We first introduce a general construction protocol for static 2D water layers on any substrate, which we apply to the low index surfaces of Pt. Subsequently, we compare these with structures from a broad selection of reference works based on the Smooth Overlap of Atomic Positions descriptor. The analysis reveals some structural overlap between static and dynamic water ensembles; however, static structures tend to overemphasize the in-plane hydrogen bonding network. This feature is especially pronounced for the widely used low-temperature hexagonal ice-like structure. In addition, a complex relation between structure, work function, and adsorption energy is observed, which suggests that the concentration on single, static water models might introduce systematic biases that are likely reduced by averaging over consistently created structural ensembles, as introduced here.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thorben Eggert
- Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karsten Reuter
- Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicolas G Hörmann
- Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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29
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Le JB, Yang XH, Zhuang YB, Jia M, Cheng J. Recent Progress toward Ab Initio Modeling of Electrocatalysis. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:8924-8931. [PMID: 34499508 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c02086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Electrode potential is the key factor for controlling electrocatalytic reactions at electrochemical interfaces, and moreover, it is also known that the pH and solutes (e.g., cations) of the solution have prominent effects on electrocatalysis. Understanding these effects requires microscopic information on the electrochemical interfaces, in which theoretical simulations can play an important role. This Perspective summarizes the recent progress in method development for modeling electrochemical interfaces, including different methods for describing the electrolytes at the interfaces and different schemes for charging up the electrode surfaces. In the final section, we provide an outlook for future development in modeling methods and their applications to electrocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Bo Le
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yong-Bin Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Mei Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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30
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Uematsu Y. Electrification of water interface. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2021; 33. [PMID: 34280896 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ac15d5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The surface charge of a water interface determines many fundamental processes in physical chemistry and interface science, and it has been intensively studied for over a hundred years. We summarize experimental methods to characterize the surface charge densities developed so far: electrokinetics, double-layer force measurements, potentiometric titration, surface-sensitive nonlinear spectroscopy, and surface-sensitive mass spectrometry. Then, we elucidate physical ion adsorption and chemical electrification as examples of electrification mechanisms. In the end, novel effects on surface electrification are discussed in detail. We believe that this clear overview of state of the art in a charged water interface will surely help the fundamental progress of physics and chemistry at interfaces in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Uematsu
- Department of Physics, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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31
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Li XY, Chen A, Yang XH, Zhu JX, Le JB, Cheng J. Linear Correlation between Water Adsorption Energies and Volta Potential Differences for Metal/water Interfaces. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:7299-7304. [PMID: 34319117 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c02001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Potential of zero charge (PZC) is an important reference for understanding the interface charge and structure at a given potential, and its difference from the work function of metal surface (ΦM) is defined as the Volta potential difference (ΔΦ). In this work, we model 11 metal/water interfaces with ab initio molecular dynamics. Interestingly, we find ΔΦ is linearly correlated with the adsorption energy of water (Eads) on the metal surface. It is revealed that the size of Eads directly determines the coverage of chemisorbed water on the metal surface and accordingly affects the interface potential change caused by electron redistribution (ΔΦel). Moreover, ΔΦ is dominated by the electronic component ΔΦel with little orientational dipole contributing, which explains the linear correlation between ΔΦ and Eads. Finally, it is expected that this correlation can be helpful for effectively estimating the ΔΦel and PZC of other metal surfaces in the future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Ao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jia-Xin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jia-Bo Le
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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