A strategy for high ethylene polymerization performance using titanium single-site catalysts

The synthesis of heterogeneous Ti(IV)-based catalysts for ethylene polymerization following surface organometallic chemistry concepts is described. The unique feature of this catalyst arises from the silica support, KCC-1700. It has (i) a 3D fibrous morphology that is essential to improve the diffusion of the reactants, and (ii) an aluminum-bound hydroxyl group, [(Si-O-Si)(Si-O-)2Al-OH] 2, used as an anchoring site. The [(Si-O-Si)(Si-O-)(Al-O-)TiNp3] 3 catalyst was obtained by reacting 2 with a tetrakis-(neopentyl) titanium TiNp4. The structure of 3 was fully characterized by FT-IR, advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy [1H, 13C], elemental and gas-phase analysis (ICP-OES and CHNS analysis), and XPS. The benefits of combining these morphological (3D structure) and electronic properties of the support (aluminum plus titanium) were evidenced in ethylene polymerization. The results show a remarkable enhancement in the catalytic performance with the formation of HDPE. Notably, the resulting HDPE displays a molecular weight of 3 200 000 g mol-1 associated with a polydispersity index (PD) of 2.3. Moreover, the effect of the mesostructure (2D vs. 3D) was demonstrated in the catalytic activity for ethylene polymerization.

Atomically Dispersed NiNx Site with High Oxygen Electrocatalysis Performance Facilely Produced via a Surface Immobilization Strategy

Nonprecious-metal heterogeneous catalysts with atomically dispersed active sites demonstrated high activity and selectivity in different reactions, and the rational design and large-scale preparation of such catalysts are of great interest but remain a huge challenge. Current approaches usually involve extremely high-temperature and tedious procedures. Here, we demonstrated a straightforward and scalable preparation strategy. In two simple steps, the atomically dispersed Ni electrocatalyst can be synthesized in a tens grams scale with quantitative yield under mild conditions, and the active Ni sites were produced by immobilizing preorganized NiN_x complex on the substrate surface via organic thermal reactions. This catalyst exhibits excellent catalysis performances in both oxygen evolution and reduction reactions. It also exhibited tunable catalysis activity, high catalysis reproducibility, and high stability. The atomically dispersed NiN_x sites are tolerant at high Ni concentration, as the random reactions and metal nanoparticle formation that generally occurred at high temperatures were avoided. This strategy illustrated a practical and green method for the industrial manufacture of nonprecious-metal single-site catalysts with a predictable structure.

[Ag9(1,2-BDT)6]3-: How Square-Pyramidal Building Blocks Self-Assemble into the Smallest Silver Nanocluster

The emerging promise of few-atom metal catalysts has driven the need for developing metal nanoclusters (NCs) with ultrasmall core size. However, the preparation of metal NCs with single-digit metallic atoms and atomic precision is a major challenge for materials chemists, particularly for Ag, where the structure of such NCs remains unknown. In this study, we developed a shape-controlled synthesis strategy based on an isomeric dithiol ligand to yield the smallest crystallized Ag NC to date: [Ag9(1,2-BDT)6]3- (1,2-BDT = 1,2-benzenedithiolate). The NC's crystal structure reveals the self-assembly of two Ag square pyramids through preferential pyramidal vertex sharing of a single metallic Ag atom, while all other Ag atoms are incorporated in a motif with thiolate ligands, resulting in an elongated body-centered Ag9 skeleton. Steric hindrance and arrangement of the dithiolated ligands on the surface favor the formation of an anisotropic shape. Time-dependent density functional theory based calculations reproduce the experimental optical absorption features and identify the molecular orbitals responsible for the electronic transitions. Our findings will open new avenues for the design of novel single-digit metal NCs with directional self-assembled building blocks.

Titanium methyl tamed on silica: synthesis of a well-defined pre-catalyst for hydrogenolysis of n-alkane

Alkylation of Ti(CH₃)₂Cl₂1 by MeLi gives the homoleptic Ti(CH₃)₄2 for the first time in the absence of any coordinating solvent. The reaction of 2 with silica pretreated at 700 °C (SiO_2-700) gives two inequivalent silica-supported Ti-methyl species 3. Complex 3 was characterized by IR, microanalysis (ICP-OES, CHNS, and gas quantification), and advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, DQ, TQ, and HETCOR). The catalytic activity of the pre-catalyst 3 is investigated in low-temperature hydrogenolysis of propane and n-butane with TONs of 419 and 578, respectively.

Designing an active Ta3N5 photocatalyst for H2 and O2 evolution reactions by specific exposed facet engineering: a first-principles study

The effects of native defects and exposed facets on the thermodynamic stability and photocatalytic characteristics of Ta3N5 for water splitting are studied by applying accurate quantum computations on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) with the range-separated hybrid functional (HSE06). Among the three explored potential candidates for O-enriched bulk Ta3N5 structures with substituted O at N sites and accompanied by interstitial O or Ta-vacancies, the first and third structures are relevant. The four possible (001), (010), (100) and (110) low Miller index exposed facets of Ta(3-x)N(5-y)Oy (y = 7x) are also explored, which show lower formation energies than those of Ta3N5. This highlights O occupation at N sites together with Ta vacancies as native defects in the prepared samples. The most appropriate facets for HER and OER are predicted based on the redox and transport characteristics. Our work predicts (001) and (110) facets only for HER, whereas the (010) facet is predicted for OER. Our findings indicate the importance of understanding the significance of various facets when preparing and testing new material photocatalysts for water splitting reactions.

Ligand-free gold nanoclusters confined in mesoporous silica nanoparticles for styrene epoxidation

We present a novel approach to produce gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) in the pores of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) by sequential and controlled addition of metal ions and reducing agents. This impregnation technique was followed to confine Au NCs inside the pores of MSNs without adding external ligands or stabilizing agents. TEM images show a uniform distribution of monodisperse NCs with an average size of 1.37 ± 0.4 nm. Since the NCs are grown in situ in MSN pores, additional support and high temperature calcination are not required to use them as catalysts. The use of Au NC/MSNs as a catalyst for the epoxidation of styrene in the presence of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as a terminal oxidant resulted in an 88% conversion of styrene in 12 h with a 74% selectivity towards styrene epoxide. Our observations suggest that this remarkable catalytic performance is due to the small size of Au NCs and the strong interaction between gold and the MSNs. This catalytic conversion is environmentally friendly as it is solvent free. We believe our synthetic approach can be extended to other metal NCs offering a wide range of applications.

Docking of tetra-methyl zirconium to the surface of silica: a well-defined pre-catalyst for conversion of CO2 to cyclic carbonates

The metal complex (Zr(CH3)4(THF)2) has been fully synthesized, characterized and grafted onto partially dehydroxylated silica to give two surface species [([triple bond, length as m-dash]Si-O-)Zr(CH3)3(THF)2] (minor) and [([triple bond, length as m-dash]Si-O-)2Zr(CH3)2(THF)2] (major) which have been characterized by SS NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. These supported pre-catalysts exhibit the best conversion of CO2 to cyclic carbonates, as compared to the previously reported SOMC catalysts.

Development of catalysts for ammonia synthesis based on metal phthalocyanine materials

Highly efficient and very stable iron and/or cobalt-based catalysts for the ammonia synthesis reaction were synthesized by one-step pyrolysis of metal phthalocyanine precursors.

Imine Metathesis by Silica-Supported Catalysts Using the Methodology of Surface Organometallic Chemistry

With this protocol, a well-defined singlesite silica-supported heterogeneous catalyst [(≡Si-O-)Hf(=NMe)(η¹-NMe2)] is designed and prepared according to the methodology developed by surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC). In this framework, catalytic cycles can be determined by isolating crucial intermediates. All air-sensitive materials are handled under inert atmosphere (using gloveboxes or a Schlenk line) or high vacuum lines (HVLs, <10^-5 mbar). The preparation of SiO2-700 (silica dehydroxylated at 700 °C) and subsequent applications (the grafting of complexes and catalytic runs) requires the use of HVLs and double-Schlenk techniques. Several well-known characterization methods are used, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental microanalysis, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (SSNMR), and state-of-the-art dynamic nuclear polarization surface enhanced NMR spectroscopy (DNP-SENS). FTIR and elemental microanalysis permit scientists to establish the grafting and its stoichiometry. ¹H and ¹³C SSNMR allows the structural determination of the hydrocarbon ligands coordination sphere. DNP SENS is an emerging powerful technique in solid characterization for the detection of poorly sensitive nuclei (¹⁵N, in our case). SiO2-700 is treated with about one equivalent of the metal precursor compared to the amount of surface silanol (0.30 mmol·g^-1) in pentane at room temperature. Then, volatiles are removed, and the powder samples are dried under dynamic high vacuum to afford the desired materials [(≡Si-O-)Hf(η²π-MeNCH2)(η¹-NMe2)(η¹-HNMe2)]. After a thermal treatment under high vacuum, the grafted complex is converted into metal imido silica complex [(≡Si-O-)Hf(=NMe)(η¹-NMe2)]. [(≡Si-O-)Hf(=NMe)(η¹-NMe2)] effectively promotes the metathesis of imines, using the combination of two imine substrates, N-(4-phenylbenzylidene)benzylamine, or N-(4-fluorobenzylidene)-4-fluoroaniline, with N-benzylidenetert-butylamine as substrates. A significantly lower conversion is observed with the blank runs; thus, the presence of the imido group in [(≡Si-O-)Hf(=NMe)(η¹-NMe2)] is correlated to the catalytic performance.

The Comparison between Single Atom Catalysis and Surface Organometallic Catalysis

Single atom catalysis (SAC) is a recent discipline of heterogeneous catalysis for which a single atom on a surface is able to carry out various catalytic reactions. A kind of revolution in heterogeneous catalysis by metals for which it was assumed that specific sites or defects of a nanoparticle were necessary to activate substrates in catalytic reactions. In another extreme of the spectrum, surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC), and, by extension, surface organometallic catalysis (SOMCat), have demonstrated that single atoms on a surface, but this time with specific ligands, could lead to a more predictive approach in heterogeneous catalysis. The predictive character of SOMCat was just the result of intuitive mechanisms derived from the elementary steps of molecular chemistry. This review article will compare the aspects of single atom catalysis and surface organometallic catalysis by considering several specific catalytic reactions, some of which exist for both fields, whereas others might see mutual overlap in the future. After a definition of both domains, a detailed approach of the methods, mostly modeling and spectroscopy, will be followed by a detailed analysis of catalytic reactions: hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, oxidative dehydrogenation, alkane and cycloalkane metathesis, methane activation, metathetic oxidation, CO₂ activation to cyclic carbonates, imine metathesis, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) reactions. A prospective resulting from present knowledge is showing the emergence of a new discipline from the overlap between the two areas.

TiO2-supported Pt single atoms by surface organometallic chemistry for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Platinum single atoms are grafted by SOMC on morphology-controlled TiO₂. Their structure is characterized by EXAFS and other techniques, and their activity and stability in HER and backwards reaction are studied and compared to Pt nanoparticles.

Synthesis of well-defined yttrium-based Lewis acids by capturing a reaction intermediate and catalytic application for cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides under atmospheric pressure

Single-site yttrium complexes were prepared by immobilization of an intermediate of cycloaddition of CO₂ to epoxides and applied in catalysis.

Predicting the DNP-SENS efficiency in reactive heterogeneous catalysts from hydrophilicity

Identification of surfaces at the molecular level has benefited from progress in dynamic nuclear polarization surface enhanced NMR spectroscopy (DNP SENS).

Identification of surfaces at the molecular level has benefited from progress in dynamic nuclear polarization surface enhanced NMR spectroscopy (DNP SENS). However, the technique is limited when using highly sensitive heterogeneous catalysts due to secondary reaction of surface organometallic fragments (SOMFs) with stable radical polarization agents. Here, we observe that in non-porous silica nanoparticles (NPs) (d_particle = 15 nm) some DNP enhanced NMR or SENS characterizations are possible, depending on the metal-loading of the SOMF and the type of SOMF substituents (methyl, isobutyl, neopentyl). This unexpected observation suggests that aggregation of the nanoparticles occurs in non-polar solvents (such as ortho-dichlorobenzene) leading to (partial) protection of the SOMF inside the interparticle space, thereby preventing reaction with bulky polarization agents. We discover that the DNP SENS efficiency is correlated with the hydrophilicity of the SOMF/support, which depends on the carbon and SOMF concentration. Nitrogen sorption measurements to determine the BET constant (C_BET) were performed. This constant allows us to predict the aggregation of silica nanoparticles and consequently the efficiency of DNP SENS. Under optimal conditions, C_BET > 60, we found signal enhancement factors of up to 30.

Ni-Sn-Supported ZrO2 Catalysts Modified by Indium for Selective CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol

Ni and NiSn supported on zirconia (ZrO₂) and on indium (In)-incorporated zirconia (InZrO₂) catalysts were prepared by a wet chemical reduction route and tested for hydrogenation of CO₂ to methanol in a fixed-bed isothermal flow reactor at 250 °C. The mono-metallic Ni (5%Ni/ZrO₂) catalysts showed a very high selectivity for methane (99%) during CO₂ hydrogenation. Introduction of Sn to this material with the following formulation 5Ni5Sn/ZrO₂ (5% Ni-5% Sn/ZrO₂) showed the rate of methanol formation to be 0.0417 μmol/(g_cat·s) with 54% selectivity. Furthermore, the combination NiSn supported on InZrO₂ (5Ni5Sn/10InZrO₂) exhibited a rate of methanol formation 10 times higher than that on 5Ni/ZrO₂ (0.1043 μmol/(g_cat·s)) with 99% selectivity for methanol. All of these catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, CO₂-temperature-programmed desorption, and density functional theory (DFT) studies. Addition of Sn to Ni catalysts resulted in the formation of a NiSn alloy. The NiSn alloy particle size was kept in the range of 10-15 nm, which was evidenced by HRTEM study. DFT analysis was carried out to identify the surface composition as well as the structural location of each element on the surface in three compositions investigated, namely, Ni₂₈Sn₂₇, Ni₁₈Sn₃₇, and Ni₃₇Sn₁₈ bimetallic nanoclusters, and results were in agreement with the STEM and electron energy-loss spectroscopy results. Also, the introduction of "Sn" and "In" helped improve the reducibility of Ni oxide and the basic strength of catalysts. Considerable details of the catalytic and structural properties of the Ni, NiSn, and NiSnIn catalyst systems were elucidated. These observations were decisive for achieving a highly efficient formation rate of methanol via CO₂ by the H₂ reduction process with high methanol selectivity.

Exploiting the interactions between the ruthenium Hoveyda-Grubbs catalyst and Al-modified mesoporous silica: the case of SBA15 vs. KCC-1

2^nd generation Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst immobilized onto well-ordered 2D hexagonal (SBA15) and 3D fibrous (KCC-1) mesostructured silica displaying tetra-coordinated Al–H via Surface Organometallic Chemistry (SOMC).

Immobilization of the 2^nd generation Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst HG-II onto well-ordered 2D hexagonal (SBA15) and 3D fibrous (KCC-1) mesostructured silica, which contained tetra-coordinated Al, has been investigated through the Surface Organometallic Chemistry (SOMC) methodology. The main interest of this study lies in the peculiarity of the silica supports, which display a well-defined tetrahedral aluminum hydride site displaying a strong Lewis acid character, [( Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> Si–O–Si Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> )( Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> Si–O–)₂Al–H]. The resulting supported Hoveyda–Grubbs catalysts have been fully characterized by advanced solid state characterization techniques (FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C solid state NMR, DNP-SENS, EF-TEM…). Together with DFT calculations, the immobilization of HG-II does not occur through the formation of a covalent bond between the complex and the Al-modified mesoporous silica as expected, but through an Al···Cl–[Ru]-coordination. It is not surprising that in functionalized olefin metathesis of diethyldiallyl malonate, DEDAM (liquid phase), leaching of the catalyst is observed which is not the case in non-functionalized olefin metathesis of propene (gas phase). Besides, the results obtained in propene metathesis with HG-II immobilized either on SBA15 (d_pore = 6 nm) or KCC-1 (d_pore = 4 or 8 nm) highlight the importance of the accessibility of the catalytic site. Therefore, we demonstrate that KCC-1 is a promising and suitable 3D mesoporous support to overcome the diffusion of reactants into the porous network of heterogeneous catalysts.

A new high temperature reactor for operando XAS: Application for the dry reforming of methane over Ni/ZrO2 catalyst

The construction of a high-temperature reaction cell for operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy characterization is reported. A dedicated cell was designed to operate as a plug-flow reactor using powder samples requiring gas flow and thermal treatment at high temperatures. The cell was successfully used in the reaction of dry reforming of methane (DRM). We present X-ray absorption results in the fluorescence detection mode on a 0.4 wt. % Ni/ZrO₂ catalyst under realistic conditions at 750 °C, reproducing the conditions used for a conventional dynamic microreactor for the DRM reaction. The setup includes a gas distribution system that can be fully remotely operated. The reaction cell offers the possibility of transmission and fluorescence detection modes. The complete setup dedicated to the study of catalysts is permanently installed on the Collaborating Research Groups French Absorption spectroscopy beamline in Material and Environmental sciences (CRG-FAME) and French Absorption spectroscopy beamline in Material and Environmental sciences at Ultra-High Dilution (FAME-UHD) beamlines (BM30B and BM16) at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France.

Clean chlorination of silica surfaces by a single-site substitution approach

A chlorination method for the selective substitution of well-defined isolated silanol groups of the silica surface has been developed using the catalytic Appel reaction. Spectroscopic analysis, complemented by elemental microanalysis studies, reveals that a quantitative chlorination could be achieved with highly dehydroxylated silica materials that exclusively possess non-hydrogen bonded silanol groups. The employed method did not leave any carbon or phosphorus residue on the silica surface and can be regarded as a promising tool for the future functionalization of metal oxide surfaces.

Synthesis and characterization of a homogeneous and silica supported homoleptic cationic tungsten(vi) methyl complex: application in olefin metathesis

A method for the synthesis of a homogeneous cationic tungsten(vi)pentamethyl complex [(WMe₅)⁺(C₆F₅)₃BMe^-] from neutral tungstenhexamethyl (WMe₆) and a silica supported cationic tungstentetramethyl complex [([triple bond, length as m-dash]Si-O-)WMe₄⁺ (C₆F₅)₃BMe^-] from a neutral silica supported tungstenpentamethyl complex [([triple bond, length as m-dash]Si-O-)WMe₅] is described. In both cases a direct demethylation using the B(C₆F₅)₃ reagent was used. The aforesaid complexes were characterized by liquid or solid state NMR spectroscopy. Interestingly, the homogeneous cationic complex [(WMe₅)⁺(C₆F₅)₃BMe^-] shows moderate activity whereas the supported cationic complex [([triple bond, length as m-dash]Si-O-)WMe₄⁺(C₆F₅)₃BMe^-] exhibits good activity in olefin metathesis reactions.

Morphology control of anatase TiO2 for well-defined surface chemistry

Surface hydroxyls of titanium dioxide (anatase) are studied by infrared spectroscopy, density functional theory and nuclear magnetic resonance. They are found to be dependent on morphology and fluoride content.

SOMC grafting of vanadium oxytriisopropoxide (VO(OiPr)3) on dehydroxylated silica; analysis of surface complexes and thermal restructuring mechanism

VO(OⁱPr)₃ was grafted on highly dehydroxylated silica by a surface organometallic chemistry approach and its thermal evolution was analyzed with support of DFT calculations.

Surface organometallic chemistry in heterogeneous catalysis

Surface organometallic chemistry has been reviewed with a special focus on environmentally relevant transformations (C–H activation, CO₂conversion, oxidation).

One-Pot Synthesis of Size- and Composition-Controlled Ni-Rich NiPt Alloy Nanoparticles in a Reverse Microemulsion System and Their Application

Bimetallic nanoparticles have been the subject of numerous research studies in the nanotechnology field, in particular for catalytic applications. Control of the size, morphology, and composition has become a key challenge due to the relationship between these parameters and the catalytic behavior of the particles in terms of activity, selectivity, and stability. Here, we present a one-pot air synthesis of 2 nm Ni₉Pt₁ nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution. Control of the size and composition of the alloy particles is achieved at ambient temperature, in the aqueous phase, by the simultaneous reduction of nickel and platinum precursors with hydrazine, using a reverse microemulsion system. After deposition on an alumina support, this Ni-rich nanoalloy exhibits unprecedented stability under the harsh conditions of methane dry reforming.

From single-site tantalum complexes to nanoparticles of Ta x N y and TaO x N y supported on silica: elucidation of synthesis chemistry by dynamic nuclear polarization surface enhanced NMR spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Air-stable catalysts consisting of tantalum nitride nanoparticles represented as a mixture of Ta x N y and TaO x N y with diameters in the range of 0.5 to 3 nm supported on highly dehydroxylated silica were synthesized from TaMe5 (Me = methyl) and dimeric Ta2(OMe)10 with guidance by the principles of surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC). Characterization of the supported precursors and the supported nanoparticles formed from them was carried out by IR, NMR, UV-Vis, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies complemented with XRD and high-resolution TEM, with dynamic nuclear polarization surface enhanced NMR spectroscopy being especially helpful by providing enhanced intensities of the signals of 1H, 13C, 29Si, and 15N at their natural abundances. The characterization data provide details of the synthesis chemistry, including evidence of (a) O2 insertion into Ta-CH3 species on the support and (b) a binuclear to mononuclear transformation of species formed from Ta2(OMe)10 on the support. A catalytic test reaction, cyclooctene epoxidation, was used to probe the supported nanoparticles, with 30% H2O2 serving as the oxidant. The catalysts gave selectivities up to 98% for the epoxide at conversions as high as 99% with a 3.4 wt% loading of Ta present as Ta x N y /TaO x N y .

Direct versus ligand-exchange synthesis of [PtAg28(BDT)12(TPP)4]4- nanoclusters: effect of a single-atom dopant on the optoelectronic and chemical properties

Heteroatom doping of atomically precise nanoclusters (NCs) often yields a mixture of doped and undoped products of single-atom difference, whose separation is extremely difficult. To overcome this challenge, novel synthesis methods are required to offer monodisperse doped NCs. For instance, the direct synthesis of PtAg₂₈ NCs produces a mixture of [Ag₂₉(BDT)₁₂(TPP)₄]^3- and [PtAg₂₈(BDT)₁₂(TPP)₄]^4- NCs (TPP: triphenylphosphine; BDT: 1,3-benzenedithiolate). Here, we designed a ligand-exchange (LE) strategy to synthesize single-sized, Pt-doped, superatomic Ag NCs [PtAg₂₈(BDT)₁₂(TPP)₄]^4- by LE of [Pt₂Ag₂₃Cl₇(TPP)₁₀] NCs with BDTH₂ (1,3-benzenedithiol). The doped NCs were thoroughly characterized by optical and photoelectron spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, total electron count, and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). We show that the Pt dopant occupies the center of the PtAg₂₈ cluster, modulates its electronic structure and enhances its photoluminescence intensity and excited-state lifetime, and also enables solvent interactions with the NC surface. Furthermore, doped NCs showed unique reactivity with metal ions - the central Pt atom of PtAg₂₈ could not be replaced by Au, unlike the central Ag of Ag₂₉ NCs. The achieved synthesis of single-sized PtAg₂₈ clusters will facilitate further applications of the LE strategy for the exploration of novel multimetallic NCs.