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2021 Volume 37 Issue 11
2021, 37(11): 200601
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202006017
Abstract:
With the development of human society and economy, the demand for energy resources has also increased rapidly. However, the use of traditional fossil energy leads to high amounts of carbon dioxide emissions, causing severe greenhouse effects. This, in turn, triggers a series of environmental problems. Harnessing renewable energy such as solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower to replace the traditional energy sources is very urgent. Conversion CO2 into value-added fuels and chemicals could be a useful strategy to mitigate the current energy and environmental crisis. It is well known that Cu-based materials are good electrocatalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (ECR-CO2). However, they suffer from some disadvantages such as high overpotential and poor selectivity and durability. Therefore, the development of copper based electrocatalysts with high activity and selectivity is essential.Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) materials that have the advantages of large specific surface area, tunable pore size and porosity, and highly dispersed unsaturated metal centers can be used as electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction or as precursors for further preparation of catalysts with excellent performance. Through thermal decomposition in an inert atmosphere, metal ions in MOF can be transformed into metal clusters, metal oxides, or even metal mono-atoms. Meanwhile, organic ligands are carbonized into porous carbon materials. The addition of some heteroatoms such as B, N, P, and S to carbon materials has also been shown to be effective in changing the electron state and coordination structure of the catalysts. These heteroatoms combine with carbon atoms to form a new active site, denoted as M-X-C (M is the central metal ion and X is the mixed heteroatom) to enhance the catalytic activity of the ECR-CO2.Herein, pre-synthesized Cu-NBDC MOF (a Cu-based MOF synthesized by using 2-aminoterephthalic acid (NBDC) as ligand) is used as a precursor to anchor Cu2O/Cu on nitrogen doped porous carbon (Cu2O/Cu@NC) by annealing at different temperatures. XPS analysis shows that the Cu-N content in Cu2O/Cu@NC decreases with increasing annealing temperature. Investigation of the ECR-CO2 reveals that Cu2O/Cu@NC can inhibit the HER more effectively compared to Cu2O/Cu@C, thereby improving the overall catalytic activity and multi-electron product selectivity of the ECR-CO2. While the Faradic efficiency of formate (FEformate) increases with increasing temperature, those of ethylene and methane (FEC2H4 and FECH4, respectively) decreases with increasing temperature. Specifically, upon annealing at 400 ℃, the CO2 Faradic efficiency of Cu2O/Cu@NC-400 is higher than 86% (−1.4 to −1.6 V vs. RHE), including 20.4% of FEC2H4 (−1.4 V vs. RHE) and 23.9% of FECH4 (−1.6 V vs. RHE). By contrast, FECH4 (−1.6 V vs. RHE) in the presence of Cu2O/Cu@C-400 without nitrogen doping is only 2.33%, and no C2H4 is detected. These significant differences in the catalytic behavior can be attributed to the fact that Cu-N is conducive for the stable adsorption of the *CH2 intermediate during the ECR-CO2, thus inhibiting the evolution of H2. These results indicate that the pathway of the ECR-CO2 and its performance can be effectivel regulated by complexing nitrogen with Cu motifs. ![]()
With the development of human society and economy, the demand for energy resources has also increased rapidly. However, the use of traditional fossil energy leads to high amounts of carbon dioxide emissions, causing severe greenhouse effects. This, in turn, triggers a series of environmental problems. Harnessing renewable energy such as solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower to replace the traditional energy sources is very urgent. Conversion CO2 into value-added fuels and chemicals could be a useful strategy to mitigate the current energy and environmental crisis. It is well known that Cu-based materials are good electrocatalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (ECR-CO2). However, they suffer from some disadvantages such as high overpotential and poor selectivity and durability. Therefore, the development of copper based electrocatalysts with high activity and selectivity is essential.Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) materials that have the advantages of large specific surface area, tunable pore size and porosity, and highly dispersed unsaturated metal centers can be used as electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction or as precursors for further preparation of catalysts with excellent performance. Through thermal decomposition in an inert atmosphere, metal ions in MOF can be transformed into metal clusters, metal oxides, or even metal mono-atoms. Meanwhile, organic ligands are carbonized into porous carbon materials. The addition of some heteroatoms such as B, N, P, and S to carbon materials has also been shown to be effective in changing the electron state and coordination structure of the catalysts. These heteroatoms combine with carbon atoms to form a new active site, denoted as M-X-C (M is the central metal ion and X is the mixed heteroatom) to enhance the catalytic activity of the ECR-CO2.Herein, pre-synthesized Cu-NBDC MOF (a Cu-based MOF synthesized by using 2-aminoterephthalic acid (NBDC) as ligand) is used as a precursor to anchor Cu2O/Cu on nitrogen doped porous carbon (Cu2O/Cu@NC) by annealing at different temperatures. XPS analysis shows that the Cu-N content in Cu2O/Cu@NC decreases with increasing annealing temperature. Investigation of the ECR-CO2 reveals that Cu2O/Cu@NC can inhibit the HER more effectively compared to Cu2O/Cu@C, thereby improving the overall catalytic activity and multi-electron product selectivity of the ECR-CO2. While the Faradic efficiency of formate (FEformate) increases with increasing temperature, those of ethylene and methane (FEC2H4 and FECH4, respectively) decreases with increasing temperature. Specifically, upon annealing at 400 ℃, the CO2 Faradic efficiency of Cu2O/Cu@NC-400 is higher than 86% (−1.4 to −1.6 V vs. RHE), including 20.4% of FEC2H4 (−1.4 V vs. RHE) and 23.9% of FECH4 (−1.6 V vs. RHE). By contrast, FECH4 (−1.6 V vs. RHE) in the presence of Cu2O/Cu@C-400 without nitrogen doping is only 2.33%, and no C2H4 is detected. These significant differences in the catalytic behavior can be attributed to the fact that Cu-N is conducive for the stable adsorption of the *CH2 intermediate during the ECR-CO2, thus inhibiting the evolution of H2. These results indicate that the pathway of the ECR-CO2 and its performance can be effectivel regulated by complexing nitrogen with Cu motifs.
2021, 37(11): 200706
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202007067
Abstract:
Graphene monolayers are permeable to thermal protons and impermeable to other atoms and molecules, exhibiting their potential applications in fuel cell technologies and hydrogen isotope separation. Furthermore, the giant photoeffect in proton transport through catalytically activated graphene membranes was reported by Geim et al. Their experiment showed that the synergy between illumination and the catalytically active metal plays a key role in this photoeffect. Geim et al. suggested that the local photovoltage created between metal nanoparticles and graphene could funnel protons and electrons toward the metal nanoparticles for the production of hydrogen, while repelling holes away from them, causing the giant photoeffect. However, based on static electric field theory, this explanation is not convincing and the work lacks an analysis on the microscopic mechanism of this effect. Herein, we provide the exact microscopic mechanism behind this phenomenon. In semi-metal pristine graphene, most photon excited hot electrons relax to lower energy states within a timescale of 10−12 s, while the typical timescale of a chemical reaction is 10−6 s. Thus, hot electrons excited by incident photons relax to lower energy states before reacting with protons through the graphene. When graphene is decorated with metal, electron transfer between the graphene and the metal, induced by different work functions, would result in the formation of interface dipoles. When using metals such as Pt, Pd, Ni, etc., which can strongly interact with graphene, local dipoles form. Protons are trapped around the negative poles of the local dipoles, while electrons are around the positive poles. Upon illumination, the electrons are excited to metastable excited states with higher energy levels. Due to the energy barriers around them, the free electrons in the metastable excited states will have a relatively longer lifetime, which facilitates the production of hydrogen through their effective reaction with protons that permeated through the graphene. The concentration of high-energy electrons under illumination was estimated, and the results showed that more electrons are energized to the excited state with strong illumination. According to the analysis, the giant photoeffect in proton transport through the catalytically activated graphene membrane is attributed to long-lived hot electrons and a fast proton transport rate. Since there is no change in the activation energy of the reaction, the metal catalyst increases the rate of the reaction by increasing the number of successful collisions between the reactants to produce the significant photoeffect. This might lead to a new microscopic mechanism that clarifies the role of the catalyst in improving the efficiency of photo(electro)catalytic reactions. ![]()
Graphene monolayers are permeable to thermal protons and impermeable to other atoms and molecules, exhibiting their potential applications in fuel cell technologies and hydrogen isotope separation. Furthermore, the giant photoeffect in proton transport through catalytically activated graphene membranes was reported by Geim et al. Their experiment showed that the synergy between illumination and the catalytically active metal plays a key role in this photoeffect. Geim et al. suggested that the local photovoltage created between metal nanoparticles and graphene could funnel protons and electrons toward the metal nanoparticles for the production of hydrogen, while repelling holes away from them, causing the giant photoeffect. However, based on static electric field theory, this explanation is not convincing and the work lacks an analysis on the microscopic mechanism of this effect. Herein, we provide the exact microscopic mechanism behind this phenomenon. In semi-metal pristine graphene, most photon excited hot electrons relax to lower energy states within a timescale of 10−12 s, while the typical timescale of a chemical reaction is 10−6 s. Thus, hot electrons excited by incident photons relax to lower energy states before reacting with protons through the graphene. When graphene is decorated with metal, electron transfer between the graphene and the metal, induced by different work functions, would result in the formation of interface dipoles. When using metals such as Pt, Pd, Ni, etc., which can strongly interact with graphene, local dipoles form. Protons are trapped around the negative poles of the local dipoles, while electrons are around the positive poles. Upon illumination, the electrons are excited to metastable excited states with higher energy levels. Due to the energy barriers around them, the free electrons in the metastable excited states will have a relatively longer lifetime, which facilitates the production of hydrogen through their effective reaction with protons that permeated through the graphene. The concentration of high-energy electrons under illumination was estimated, and the results showed that more electrons are energized to the excited state with strong illumination. According to the analysis, the giant photoeffect in proton transport through the catalytically activated graphene membrane is attributed to long-lived hot electrons and a fast proton transport rate. Since there is no change in the activation energy of the reaction, the metal catalyst increases the rate of the reaction by increasing the number of successful collisions between the reactants to produce the significant photoeffect. This might lead to a new microscopic mechanism that clarifies the role of the catalyst in improving the efficiency of photo(electro)catalytic reactions.
2021, 37(11): 200803
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202008033
Abstract:
Lithium (Li)-based batteries are the dominant energy source for consumer electronics, grid storage, and electrified transportation. However, the development of batteries based on graphite anodes is hindered by their limited energy density. With its ultrahigh theoretical capacity (3860 mAh∙g−1), low redox potential (−3.04 V), and satisfactorily low density (0.54 g∙cm−3), Li metal is the most promising anode for next-generation high-energy-density batteries. Unfortunately, the limited cycling life and safety issues raised by dendrite growth, unstable solid electrolyte interphase, and "dead Li" have inhibited their practical use. An effective strategy is to develop a suitable lithiophilic matrix for regulating initial Li nucleation behavior and controlling subsequent Li growth. Herein, single-atom cobalt coordinated to oxygen sites on graphene (Co-O-G SA) is demonstrated as a Li plating substrate to efficiently regulate Li metal nucleation and growth. Owing to its dense and more uniform lithiophilic sites than single-atom cobalt coordinated to nitrogen sites on graphene (Co-N-G SA), high electronic conductivity, and high specific surface area (519 m2∙g−1), Co-O-G SA could significantly reduce the local current density and promote the reversibility of Li plating and stripping. As a result, the Co-O-G SA based Li anodes exhibited a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.9% at a current density of 1 mA∙cm−2 with a capacity of 1 mAh∙cm−2, and excellent rate capability (high current density of 8 mA∙cm−2). Even at a high plating capacity of 6 mAh∙cm−2, the Co-O-G SA electrode could stably cycle for an ultralong lifespan of 1300 h. In the symmetric battery, the Co-O-G SA based Li anode (Co-O-G SA/Li) possessed a stable voltage profile of 18 mV for 780 h at 1 mA∙cm−2, and even at a high current density of 3 mA∙cm−2, its overpotential maintained a small hysteresis of approximately 24 mV for > 550 h. Density functional theory calculations showed that the surface of Co-O-G SA had a stronger interaction with Li atoms with a larger binding energy, −3.1 eV, than that of Co-N-G SA (−2.5 eV), leading to a uniform distribution of metallic Li on the Co-O-G SA surface. More importantly, when matched with a sulfur cathode, the resulting Co-O-G SA/lithium sulfur full batteries exhibited a high capacity of 1002 mAh∙g−1, improved kinetics with a small polarization of 191 mV, and an ultralow capacity decay rate of 0.036% per cycle for 1000 cycles at 0.5C (1C = 1675 mA∙g−1) with a steady Coulombic efficiency of nearly 100%. Therefore, this work provides novel insights into the coordination environment of single atoms for the chemistry of Li metal anodes for high-energy-density batteries. ![]()
Lithium (Li)-based batteries are the dominant energy source for consumer electronics, grid storage, and electrified transportation. However, the development of batteries based on graphite anodes is hindered by their limited energy density. With its ultrahigh theoretical capacity (3860 mAh∙g−1), low redox potential (−3.04 V), and satisfactorily low density (0.54 g∙cm−3), Li metal is the most promising anode for next-generation high-energy-density batteries. Unfortunately, the limited cycling life and safety issues raised by dendrite growth, unstable solid electrolyte interphase, and "dead Li" have inhibited their practical use. An effective strategy is to develop a suitable lithiophilic matrix for regulating initial Li nucleation behavior and controlling subsequent Li growth. Herein, single-atom cobalt coordinated to oxygen sites on graphene (Co-O-G SA) is demonstrated as a Li plating substrate to efficiently regulate Li metal nucleation and growth. Owing to its dense and more uniform lithiophilic sites than single-atom cobalt coordinated to nitrogen sites on graphene (Co-N-G SA), high electronic conductivity, and high specific surface area (519 m2∙g−1), Co-O-G SA could significantly reduce the local current density and promote the reversibility of Li plating and stripping. As a result, the Co-O-G SA based Li anodes exhibited a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.9% at a current density of 1 mA∙cm−2 with a capacity of 1 mAh∙cm−2, and excellent rate capability (high current density of 8 mA∙cm−2). Even at a high plating capacity of 6 mAh∙cm−2, the Co-O-G SA electrode could stably cycle for an ultralong lifespan of 1300 h. In the symmetric battery, the Co-O-G SA based Li anode (Co-O-G SA/Li) possessed a stable voltage profile of 18 mV for 780 h at 1 mA∙cm−2, and even at a high current density of 3 mA∙cm−2, its overpotential maintained a small hysteresis of approximately 24 mV for > 550 h. Density functional theory calculations showed that the surface of Co-O-G SA had a stronger interaction with Li atoms with a larger binding energy, −3.1 eV, than that of Co-N-G SA (−2.5 eV), leading to a uniform distribution of metallic Li on the Co-O-G SA surface. More importantly, when matched with a sulfur cathode, the resulting Co-O-G SA/lithium sulfur full batteries exhibited a high capacity of 1002 mAh∙g−1, improved kinetics with a small polarization of 191 mV, and an ultralow capacity decay rate of 0.036% per cycle for 1000 cycles at 0.5C (1C = 1675 mA∙g−1) with a steady Coulombic efficiency of nearly 100%. Therefore, this work provides novel insights into the coordination environment of single atoms for the chemistry of Li metal anodes for high-energy-density batteries.
2021, 37(11): 200707
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202007070
Abstract:
Owing to the serious energy crisis and environmental problems caused by fossil energy consumption, development of high-energy-density batteries is becoming increasingly significant to satisfy the rapidly growing social demands. Lithium-ion batteries have received widespread attention because of their high energy densities and environmental friendliness. At present, they are widely used in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles. However, security aspects need to be addressed urgently. Substantial advances in liquid electrolyte-based lithium-ion batteries have become a performance bottleneck in the recent years. Traditional lithium-ion batteries use organic liquids as electrolytes, but the flammability and corrosion of these electrolytes considerably limit their development. Continuous growth of lithium dendrites can pierce the separator, leading to electrolyte leakage and combustion, which is a serious safety hazard. Replacement of organic electrolytes with solid-state electrolytes is one of the promising solutions for the development of next-generation energy storage devices, because they have high energy densities and are safe. Solid electrolytes can remarkably alleviate the safety hazards involved in the use of traditional liquid-based lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the composite of solid-state electrolytes and lithium metal is expected to result in a higher energy density. However, due to the lack of fluidity of the solid electrolytes, problems such as limited solid-solid contact area and increased impedance at the interface when solid-state electrolytes are in contact with electrodes must be solved. The localized and buried interface is a major drawback that restricts the electrochemical performance and practical applications of the solid-state batteries. Fabrication of a stable interface between the electrodes and solid-state electrolyte is the main challenge in the development of solid-state lithium metal batteries. All these aspects are critical to the electrochemical performance and safety of the solid-state batteries. Current research mainly focuses on addressing the problems related to the solid-solid interface in solid-state batteries and improving the electrochemical performance of such batteries. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the challenges in the fabrication of solid-state batteries, including poor chemical and electrochemical compatibilities and mechanical instability. Research progress on the improvement strategies for interface problems and the advanced characterization methods for the interface problems are discussed in detail. Meanwhile, we also propose a prospect for the future development of solid-state batteries to guide the rational designing of next-generation high-energy solid-state batteries. There are many critical problems in solid-state batteries that must be fully understood. With further research, all-solid-state batteries are expected to replace the traditional liquid-based lithium-ion batteries and become an important system for a safe and reliable energy storage. ![]()
Owing to the serious energy crisis and environmental problems caused by fossil energy consumption, development of high-energy-density batteries is becoming increasingly significant to satisfy the rapidly growing social demands. Lithium-ion batteries have received widespread attention because of their high energy densities and environmental friendliness. At present, they are widely used in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles. However, security aspects need to be addressed urgently. Substantial advances in liquid electrolyte-based lithium-ion batteries have become a performance bottleneck in the recent years. Traditional lithium-ion batteries use organic liquids as electrolytes, but the flammability and corrosion of these electrolytes considerably limit their development. Continuous growth of lithium dendrites can pierce the separator, leading to electrolyte leakage and combustion, which is a serious safety hazard. Replacement of organic electrolytes with solid-state electrolytes is one of the promising solutions for the development of next-generation energy storage devices, because they have high energy densities and are safe. Solid electrolytes can remarkably alleviate the safety hazards involved in the use of traditional liquid-based lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the composite of solid-state electrolytes and lithium metal is expected to result in a higher energy density. However, due to the lack of fluidity of the solid electrolytes, problems such as limited solid-solid contact area and increased impedance at the interface when solid-state electrolytes are in contact with electrodes must be solved. The localized and buried interface is a major drawback that restricts the electrochemical performance and practical applications of the solid-state batteries. Fabrication of a stable interface between the electrodes and solid-state electrolyte is the main challenge in the development of solid-state lithium metal batteries. All these aspects are critical to the electrochemical performance and safety of the solid-state batteries. Current research mainly focuses on addressing the problems related to the solid-solid interface in solid-state batteries and improving the electrochemical performance of such batteries. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the challenges in the fabrication of solid-state batteries, including poor chemical and electrochemical compatibilities and mechanical instability. Research progress on the improvement strategies for interface problems and the advanced characterization methods for the interface problems are discussed in detail. Meanwhile, we also propose a prospect for the future development of solid-state batteries to guide the rational designing of next-generation high-energy solid-state batteries. There are many critical problems in solid-state batteries that must be fully understood. With further research, all-solid-state batteries are expected to replace the traditional liquid-based lithium-ion batteries and become an important system for a safe and reliable energy storage.
2021, 37(11): 201005
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202010051
Abstract:
Since their discovery, two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted significant research attention owing to their excellent and controllable physical and chemical properties. These materials have emerged rapidly as important material system owing to their unique properties such as electricity, optics, quantum properties, and catalytic properties. 2D materials are mostly bonded by strong ionic or covalent bonds within the layers, and the layers are stacked together by van der Waals forces, thereby making it possible to peel off 2D materials with few or single layers. The weak interaction between the layers of 2D materials also enables the use of van der Waals gaps for regulating the electronic structure of the system and further optimizing the material properties. The introduction of guest atoms can significantly change the interlayer spacing of the original material and coupling strength between the layers. Also, interaction between the guest and host atom also has the potential to change the electronic structure of the original material, thereby affecting the material properties. For example, the electron structure of a host can be modified by interlayer guest atoms, and characteristics such as carrier concentration, optical transmittance, conductivity, and band gap can be tuned. Organic cations intercalated between the layers of 2D materials can produce stable superlattices, which have great potential for developing new electronic and optoelectronic devices. This method enables the modulation of the electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of the original materials, thereby establishing a family of 2D materials with widely adjustable electrical and optical properties. It is also possible to introduce some new properties to the 2D materials, such as magnetic properties and catalytic properties, by the intercalation of guest atoms. Interlayer storage, represented by lithium-ion batteries, is also an important application of 2D van der Waals gap utilization in energy storage, which has also attracted significant research attention. Herein, we review the studies conducted in recent years from the following aspects: (1) changing the layer spacing to change the interlayer coupling; (2) introducing the interaction between guest and host atoms to change the physico-chemical properties of raw materials; (3) introducing the guest substances to obtain new properties; and (4) interlayer energy storage. We systematically describe various interlayer optimization methods of 2D van der Waals gaps and their effects on the physical and chemical properties of synthetic materials, and suggest the direction of further development and utilization of 2D van der Waals gaps. ![]()
Since their discovery, two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted significant research attention owing to their excellent and controllable physical and chemical properties. These materials have emerged rapidly as important material system owing to their unique properties such as electricity, optics, quantum properties, and catalytic properties. 2D materials are mostly bonded by strong ionic or covalent bonds within the layers, and the layers are stacked together by van der Waals forces, thereby making it possible to peel off 2D materials with few or single layers. The weak interaction between the layers of 2D materials also enables the use of van der Waals gaps for regulating the electronic structure of the system and further optimizing the material properties. The introduction of guest atoms can significantly change the interlayer spacing of the original material and coupling strength between the layers. Also, interaction between the guest and host atom also has the potential to change the electronic structure of the original material, thereby affecting the material properties. For example, the electron structure of a host can be modified by interlayer guest atoms, and characteristics such as carrier concentration, optical transmittance, conductivity, and band gap can be tuned. Organic cations intercalated between the layers of 2D materials can produce stable superlattices, which have great potential for developing new electronic and optoelectronic devices. This method enables the modulation of the electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of the original materials, thereby establishing a family of 2D materials with widely adjustable electrical and optical properties. It is also possible to introduce some new properties to the 2D materials, such as magnetic properties and catalytic properties, by the intercalation of guest atoms. Interlayer storage, represented by lithium-ion batteries, is also an important application of 2D van der Waals gap utilization in energy storage, which has also attracted significant research attention. Herein, we review the studies conducted in recent years from the following aspects: (1) changing the layer spacing to change the interlayer coupling; (2) introducing the interaction between guest and host atoms to change the physico-chemical properties of raw materials; (3) introducing the guest substances to obtain new properties; and (4) interlayer energy storage. We systematically describe various interlayer optimization methods of 2D van der Waals gaps and their effects on the physical and chemical properties of synthetic materials, and suggest the direction of further development and utilization of 2D van der Waals gaps.
2021, 37(11): 201007
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202010076
Abstract:
Since their commercialization in 1991, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), one of the greatest inventions in history, have profoundly reshaped lifestyles owing to their high energy density, long lifespan, and reliable and safe operation. The ever-increasing use of portable electronics, electric vehicles, and large-scale energy storage has consistently promoted the development of LIBs with higher energy density, reliable and safe operation, faster charging, and lower cost. To meet these stringent requirements, researchers have developed advanced electrode materials and electrolytes, wherein the electrode materials play a key role in improving the energy density of the battery and electrolytes play an important role in enhancing the cycling stability of batteries. In addition, further improvements in the current LIBs and reviving lithium metal batteries have received intensive interest. The electrode/electrolyte interface is formed on the electrode surface during the initial charging/discharging stage, whose ionic conductivity and electronic insulation ensure rapid transport of lithium ions and isolating the unsolicited side reactions caused by electrons, respectively. In a working battery, the stability or properties of the interface play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the electrode structure, thereby stabilizing the cycling performance and prolonging the service lifespan to meet the sustainable energy demand for the public. Generally, the interface formed on the anode and cathode is called the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) respectively, and SEI and CEI are collectively known as the electrode electrolyte interphase. Research on SEI has made remarkable progress; however, the structure, component, and accurate regulation strategy of SEI are still at the initial stage due to the stability and complexity of SEI and the limited research methods at the nanoscale. To improve the performance and lifespan of working batteries, the formation, evolution, and modification of the interface should be paid particular attention. Herein, the latest researches focused on the SEI are reviewed, including the formation mechanism, which discusses two key factors affecting the formation of the electrode/electrolyte film, i.e., the ion characteristic adsorption on the electrode surface and the solvated coordinate structure, evolution, and description that contains the interface layer structure, wherein the mosaic model and the layered structure are the two mainstream views of the SEI structure, and the chemical composition of SEI as well as the possible conduction mechanism of lithium ions, including desolvation and subsequent diffusion across the polycrystalline SEI. The regulation strategies of the interface layer are discussed in detail, and the future prospects of SEI are presented. ![]()
Since their commercialization in 1991, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), one of the greatest inventions in history, have profoundly reshaped lifestyles owing to their high energy density, long lifespan, and reliable and safe operation. The ever-increasing use of portable electronics, electric vehicles, and large-scale energy storage has consistently promoted the development of LIBs with higher energy density, reliable and safe operation, faster charging, and lower cost. To meet these stringent requirements, researchers have developed advanced electrode materials and electrolytes, wherein the electrode materials play a key role in improving the energy density of the battery and electrolytes play an important role in enhancing the cycling stability of batteries. In addition, further improvements in the current LIBs and reviving lithium metal batteries have received intensive interest. The electrode/electrolyte interface is formed on the electrode surface during the initial charging/discharging stage, whose ionic conductivity and electronic insulation ensure rapid transport of lithium ions and isolating the unsolicited side reactions caused by electrons, respectively. In a working battery, the stability or properties of the interface play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the electrode structure, thereby stabilizing the cycling performance and prolonging the service lifespan to meet the sustainable energy demand for the public. Generally, the interface formed on the anode and cathode is called the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) respectively, and SEI and CEI are collectively known as the electrode electrolyte interphase. Research on SEI has made remarkable progress; however, the structure, component, and accurate regulation strategy of SEI are still at the initial stage due to the stability and complexity of SEI and the limited research methods at the nanoscale. To improve the performance and lifespan of working batteries, the formation, evolution, and modification of the interface should be paid particular attention. Herein, the latest researches focused on the SEI are reviewed, including the formation mechanism, which discusses two key factors affecting the formation of the electrode/electrolyte film, i.e., the ion characteristic adsorption on the electrode surface and the solvated coordinate structure, evolution, and description that contains the interface layer structure, wherein the mosaic model and the layered structure are the two mainstream views of the SEI structure, and the chemical composition of SEI as well as the possible conduction mechanism of lithium ions, including desolvation and subsequent diffusion across the polycrystalline SEI. The regulation strategies of the interface layer are discussed in detail, and the future prospects of SEI are presented.
2021, 37(11): 201100
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202011003
Abstract:
In addition to their extensive commercial application in electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are most suitable to fulfill the energy storage requirements of electric vehicles because of their recognized safety, portability, and high energy density. Cathodes are the most important part of LIBs, and various cathode materials have been widely investigated over the past decades. Polaron formation has been attracting increasing attention in the research of cathode materials, as it limits electron conduction. In particular, polarons are responsible for low electronic conductivity in cathode materials like olivine phosphate. Polaron is a typical crystal defect caused by the integrated motion of lattice distortion and its trapping electrons. Research on the mechanism of polaron formation will provide theoretical guidance for the design of high-electronic-conductivity cathode materials and improvement of the electrochemical performance of LIBs. Theoretical calculation is a direct and important method to study polaron formation in a specific crystal material, because the presence of polarons and their formation mechanisms can be effectively verified through this method. In this article, we first introduce the basic physical concept of polarons and their dynamical model according to the Marcus and Emin-Holstein-Austin-Mott theories. A comparison of the general properties of large and small polarons, summarized in this chapter, reveals that small polaron formation more likely occurs in cathode materials. Moreover, the theoretical characterization, electrical impact, control and challenges of polarons are reviewed. Although a universal necessary and suitable condition for the theoretical characterization of polarons has not yet been found, we still propose three criteria that are proven to be feasible and practical for the theoretical identification of polarons when applied in combination. Experimental characterizations are also introduced briefly for reference, because the comparison with the experiment is suggested to be necessary and mandatory. The electrical impact caused by polarons results in low electronic conductivity, which has been broadly reported in layered, olivine, and spinel cathode materials. Doping can weaken the influence of polarons and, thus, significantly enhance the electronic conductivity, thereby becoming the most prevalent strategy for tuning polarons. Although theoretical calculations have been widely and effectively conducted in the study of polarons, some challenges may still be faced because of the intrinsic shortcomings of the traditional density functional theory, which need to be addressed. Finally, further research on polarons from the perspective of basic theory and practical applications is prospected. ![]()
In addition to their extensive commercial application in electronic devices such as cell phones and laptops, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are most suitable to fulfill the energy storage requirements of electric vehicles because of their recognized safety, portability, and high energy density. Cathodes are the most important part of LIBs, and various cathode materials have been widely investigated over the past decades. Polaron formation has been attracting increasing attention in the research of cathode materials, as it limits electron conduction. In particular, polarons are responsible for low electronic conductivity in cathode materials like olivine phosphate. Polaron is a typical crystal defect caused by the integrated motion of lattice distortion and its trapping electrons. Research on the mechanism of polaron formation will provide theoretical guidance for the design of high-electronic-conductivity cathode materials and improvement of the electrochemical performance of LIBs. Theoretical calculation is a direct and important method to study polaron formation in a specific crystal material, because the presence of polarons and their formation mechanisms can be effectively verified through this method. In this article, we first introduce the basic physical concept of polarons and their dynamical model according to the Marcus and Emin-Holstein-Austin-Mott theories. A comparison of the general properties of large and small polarons, summarized in this chapter, reveals that small polaron formation more likely occurs in cathode materials. Moreover, the theoretical characterization, electrical impact, control and challenges of polarons are reviewed. Although a universal necessary and suitable condition for the theoretical characterization of polarons has not yet been found, we still propose three criteria that are proven to be feasible and practical for the theoretical identification of polarons when applied in combination. Experimental characterizations are also introduced briefly for reference, because the comparison with the experiment is suggested to be necessary and mandatory. The electrical impact caused by polarons results in low electronic conductivity, which has been broadly reported in layered, olivine, and spinel cathode materials. Doping can weaken the influence of polarons and, thus, significantly enhance the electronic conductivity, thereby becoming the most prevalent strategy for tuning polarons. Although theoretical calculations have been widely and effectively conducted in the study of polarons, some challenges may still be faced because of the intrinsic shortcomings of the traditional density functional theory, which need to be addressed. Finally, further research on polarons from the perspective of basic theory and practical applications is prospected.
2021, 37(11): 201100
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202011007
Abstract:
Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have broad applications in a wide variety of a fields pertaining to energy storage devices. In line with the increasing demand in emerging areas such as long-range electric vehicles and smart grids, there is a continuous effort to achieve high energy by maximizing the reversible capacity of electrode materials, particularly cathode materials. However, in recent years, with the continuous enhancement of battery energy density, safety issues have increasingly attracted the attention of researchers, becoming a non-negligible factor in determining whether the electric vehicle industry has a foothold. The key issue in the development of battery systems with high specific energies is the intrinsic instability of the cathode, with the accompanying question of safety. The failure mechanism and stability of high-specific-capacity cathode materials for the next generation of LIBs, including nickel-rich cathodes, high-voltage spinel cathodes, and lithium-rich layered cathodes, have attracted extensive research attention. Systematic studies related to the intrinsic physical and chemical properties of different cathodes are crucial to elucidate the instability mechanisms of positive active materials. Factors that these studies must address include the stability under extended electrochemical cycles with respect to dissolution of metal ions in LiPF6-based electrolytes due to HF corrosion of the electrode; cation mixing due to the similarity in radius between Li+ and Ni2+; oxygen evolution when the cathode is charged to a high voltage; the origin of cracks generated during repeated charge/discharge processes arising from the anisotropy of the cell parameters; and electrolyte decomposition when traces of water are present. Regulating the surface nanostructure and bulk crystal lattice of electrode materials is an effective way to meet the demand for cathode materials with high energy density and outstanding stability. Surface modification treatment of positive active materials can slow side reactions and the loss of active material, thereby extending the life of the cathode material and improving the safety of the battery. This review is targeted at the failure mechanisms related to the electrochemical cycle, and a synthetic strategy to ameliorate the properties of cathode surface locations, with the electrochemical performance optimized by accurate surface control. From the perspective of the main stability and safety issues of high-energy cathode materials during the electrochemical cycle, a detailed discussion is presented on the current understanding of the mechanism of performance failure. It is crucial to seek out favorable strategies in response to the failures. Considering the surface structure of the cathode in relation to the stability issue, a newly developed protocol, known as surface-localized doping, which can exist in different states to modify the surface properties of high-energy cathodes, is discussed as a means of ensuring significantly improved stability and safety. Finally, we envision the future challenges and possible research directions related to the stability control of next-generation high-energy cathode materials. ![]()
Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have broad applications in a wide variety of a fields pertaining to energy storage devices. In line with the increasing demand in emerging areas such as long-range electric vehicles and smart grids, there is a continuous effort to achieve high energy by maximizing the reversible capacity of electrode materials, particularly cathode materials. However, in recent years, with the continuous enhancement of battery energy density, safety issues have increasingly attracted the attention of researchers, becoming a non-negligible factor in determining whether the electric vehicle industry has a foothold. The key issue in the development of battery systems with high specific energies is the intrinsic instability of the cathode, with the accompanying question of safety. The failure mechanism and stability of high-specific-capacity cathode materials for the next generation of LIBs, including nickel-rich cathodes, high-voltage spinel cathodes, and lithium-rich layered cathodes, have attracted extensive research attention. Systematic studies related to the intrinsic physical and chemical properties of different cathodes are crucial to elucidate the instability mechanisms of positive active materials. Factors that these studies must address include the stability under extended electrochemical cycles with respect to dissolution of metal ions in LiPF6-based electrolytes due to HF corrosion of the electrode; cation mixing due to the similarity in radius between Li+ and Ni2+; oxygen evolution when the cathode is charged to a high voltage; the origin of cracks generated during repeated charge/discharge processes arising from the anisotropy of the cell parameters; and electrolyte decomposition when traces of water are present. Regulating the surface nanostructure and bulk crystal lattice of electrode materials is an effective way to meet the demand for cathode materials with high energy density and outstanding stability. Surface modification treatment of positive active materials can slow side reactions and the loss of active material, thereby extending the life of the cathode material and improving the safety of the battery. This review is targeted at the failure mechanisms related to the electrochemical cycle, and a synthetic strategy to ameliorate the properties of cathode surface locations, with the electrochemical performance optimized by accurate surface control. From the perspective of the main stability and safety issues of high-energy cathode materials during the electrochemical cycle, a detailed discussion is presented on the current understanding of the mechanism of performance failure. It is crucial to seek out favorable strategies in response to the failures. Considering the surface structure of the cathode in relation to the stability issue, a newly developed protocol, known as surface-localized doping, which can exist in different states to modify the surface properties of high-energy cathodes, is discussed as a means of ensuring significantly improved stability and safety. Finally, we envision the future challenges and possible research directions related to the stability control of next-generation high-energy cathode materials.
2021, 37(11): 201102
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202011027
Abstract:
The development of highly efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts is important for both hydrogen- and carbon-based energy technologies. The electronic structure and coordination features, particularly the coordination environment and the amount of low-coordination atoms, of the catalyst are key factors that determine their catalytic activity and stability in a particular reaction. The regulation and rational design of catalytic materials at the molecular and atomic levels are crucial to achieving precise chemical synthesis at the atomic scale. Recently, significant efforts have been made to engineer coordination features and electronic structures by reducing the particle size, tuning the composition of the edges, and exposing specific planes of crystals. Among these representative strategies, the methods based on the confinement effect are most effective for achieving precise chemical synthesis with atomic precision at the molecular and atomic levels. Under molecular or atomic scale confinement, the physicochemical properties are largely altered, and the chemical reactions as well as the catalytic process are completely changed. The unique spatial and dimensional properties of the confinement regulate the molecular structure, atomic arrangement, electron transfer, and other properties of matter in space. It not only adjusts the coordination environments to control the formation mechanism of active centers, but also influences the structural and electronic properties of electrocatalysts. Therefore, the adsorption of catalytic intermediates is altered, and consequently, the catalytic activity and selectivity are changed. In a confined reaction, usually in suitable nano-reactors, the physicochemical properties of reaction products, such as the state of matter, solubility, dielectric constant, and molecular orbital, are finely modulated. Thus, the catalysts produced by confinement significantly differ from those produced in an open system. For example, atomic-layered metals with low coordination can be produced in a two-dimensional confined space. The nitrogen configurations of nitrogen-doped graphene can also be regulated in two-dimensional or three-dimensional confined systems. Herein, the confinement-induced methods, specifically the method used for atomic regulation, are reviewed, such as the control of molecular configuration, the modification of the coordination structure, and the alteration of charge transfer. Applications in the field of fuel cells and material energy conversion are also reviewed. In the next stage, it is important to conduct in-depth investigations of the constructed confinement environment by selecting different substrates for the regulation and rational design of confined catalytic materials. The investigation of the derived properties of the catalyst after release from the confinement is crucial for the development of uncommon catalytic properties. ![]()
The development of highly efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts is important for both hydrogen- and carbon-based energy technologies. The electronic structure and coordination features, particularly the coordination environment and the amount of low-coordination atoms, of the catalyst are key factors that determine their catalytic activity and stability in a particular reaction. The regulation and rational design of catalytic materials at the molecular and atomic levels are crucial to achieving precise chemical synthesis at the atomic scale. Recently, significant efforts have been made to engineer coordination features and electronic structures by reducing the particle size, tuning the composition of the edges, and exposing specific planes of crystals. Among these representative strategies, the methods based on the confinement effect are most effective for achieving precise chemical synthesis with atomic precision at the molecular and atomic levels. Under molecular or atomic scale confinement, the physicochemical properties are largely altered, and the chemical reactions as well as the catalytic process are completely changed. The unique spatial and dimensional properties of the confinement regulate the molecular structure, atomic arrangement, electron transfer, and other properties of matter in space. It not only adjusts the coordination environments to control the formation mechanism of active centers, but also influences the structural and electronic properties of electrocatalysts. Therefore, the adsorption of catalytic intermediates is altered, and consequently, the catalytic activity and selectivity are changed. In a confined reaction, usually in suitable nano-reactors, the physicochemical properties of reaction products, such as the state of matter, solubility, dielectric constant, and molecular orbital, are finely modulated. Thus, the catalysts produced by confinement significantly differ from those produced in an open system. For example, atomic-layered metals with low coordination can be produced in a two-dimensional confined space. The nitrogen configurations of nitrogen-doped graphene can also be regulated in two-dimensional or three-dimensional confined systems. Herein, the confinement-induced methods, specifically the method used for atomic regulation, are reviewed, such as the control of molecular configuration, the modification of the coordination structure, and the alteration of charge transfer. Applications in the field of fuel cells and material energy conversion are also reviewed. In the next stage, it is important to conduct in-depth investigations of the constructed confinement environment by selecting different substrates for the regulation and rational design of confined catalytic materials. The investigation of the derived properties of the catalyst after release from the confinement is crucial for the development of uncommon catalytic properties.
2021, 37(11): 200903
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202009039
Abstract:
Development of clean energy is an urgent requirement because of the depletion of fossil energy sources and increasingly severe environmental pollution. However, the lack of safe and efficient hydrogen storage materials is one of the bottlenecks in the implementation of hydrogen energy. Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) have been recognized as potential materials for the storage and transportation of hydrogen owing to their high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen densities, reversible hydrogen absorption and desorption ability, and ease of widespread implementation with minimal modification on the existing fueling infrastructure. While some LOHCs such as cycloalkanes and N-heterocycles have been developed for hydrogen storage, they require a high hydrogen release temperature due to the large enthalpy change of dehydrogenation. In our previous work, a metallation strategy was proposed to improve the thermodynamic properties of liquid organic hydrogen carriers for hydrogen storage, and a series of metalorganic hydrides were synthesized and investigated. Among them, sodium phenoxide-cyclohexanolate pair, lithium carbazolide-perhydrocarbazolide, and sodium anilinide-cyclohexylamide pair showed promising dehydrogenation thermodynamics and improved hydrogen storage properties. Sodium pyrrolide and sodium imidazolide were also synthesized. However, pyrrolides were not well characterized, and the structure of lithium pyrrolide was not resolved. In the present study, we synthesized sodium and lithium pyrrolides by ball milling and wet chemical methods. One equivalent of hydrogen could be released from the reaction of pyrrole and metal hydrides, indicating the replacement of H by metal. The formation of pyrrolides was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy analyses. The 1H signals attributed to C－H in the NMR spectra of the alkali metal pyrrolides shifted upfield due to the replacement of the H of N－H with a stronger electron-donating species (Li or Na), resulting in a greater shielding environment upon metallation. The absorption peaks of lithium and sodium pyrrolides showed red shifts, and the intensities became obviously stronger in the UV-Vis spectra, suggesting an enhancement of the conjugation effect, in accordance with theoretical calculations. The structure of lithium pyrrolide was determined by the combined direct space method and first-principles calculations on XRD data and Rietveld refinement. This molecule crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/c (14) space group, with lattice parameters of a = 4.4364(7) Å, b = 11.969(2) Å, c = 8.192(2) Å, β = 108.789(8)°, and V = 411.8(2) Å3 (1 Å = 0.1 nm). Each Li+ cation is surrounded by three pyrrolides via cation－N σ bonding with two pyrrolides and a cation–π interaction with the third pyrrolide, where the Li+ is on the top of the π face. Our experimental findings are different from the theoretical prediction in the literature. ![]()
Development of clean energy is an urgent requirement because of the depletion of fossil energy sources and increasingly severe environmental pollution. However, the lack of safe and efficient hydrogen storage materials is one of the bottlenecks in the implementation of hydrogen energy. Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) have been recognized as potential materials for the storage and transportation of hydrogen owing to their high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen densities, reversible hydrogen absorption and desorption ability, and ease of widespread implementation with minimal modification on the existing fueling infrastructure. While some LOHCs such as cycloalkanes and N-heterocycles have been developed for hydrogen storage, they require a high hydrogen release temperature due to the large enthalpy change of dehydrogenation. In our previous work, a metallation strategy was proposed to improve the thermodynamic properties of liquid organic hydrogen carriers for hydrogen storage, and a series of metalorganic hydrides were synthesized and investigated. Among them, sodium phenoxide-cyclohexanolate pair, lithium carbazolide-perhydrocarbazolide, and sodium anilinide-cyclohexylamide pair showed promising dehydrogenation thermodynamics and improved hydrogen storage properties. Sodium pyrrolide and sodium imidazolide were also synthesized. However, pyrrolides were not well characterized, and the structure of lithium pyrrolide was not resolved. In the present study, we synthesized sodium and lithium pyrrolides by ball milling and wet chemical methods. One equivalent of hydrogen could be released from the reaction of pyrrole and metal hydrides, indicating the replacement of H by metal. The formation of pyrrolides was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy analyses. The 1H signals attributed to C－H in the NMR spectra of the alkali metal pyrrolides shifted upfield due to the replacement of the H of N－H with a stronger electron-donating species (Li or Na), resulting in a greater shielding environment upon metallation. The absorption peaks of lithium and sodium pyrrolides showed red shifts, and the intensities became obviously stronger in the UV-Vis spectra, suggesting an enhancement of the conjugation effect, in accordance with theoretical calculations. The structure of lithium pyrrolide was determined by the combined direct space method and first-principles calculations on XRD data and Rietveld refinement. This molecule crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/c (14) space group, with lattice parameters of a = 4.4364(7) Å, b = 11.969(2) Å, c = 8.192(2) Å, β = 108.789(8)°, and V = 411.8(2) Å3 (1 Å = 0.1 nm). Each Li+ cation is surrounded by three pyrrolides via cation－N σ bonding with two pyrrolides and a cation–π interaction with the third pyrrolide, where the Li+ is on the top of the π face. Our experimental findings are different from the theoretical prediction in the literature.
2021, 37(11): 201101
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202011012
Abstract:
With the rapid consumption of petrochemical resources and massive exploitation of shale gas, the use of natural gas instead of petroleum to produce chemical raw materials has attracted significant attention. While converting methane to chemicals, it has long seemed impossible to avoid its oxidation into O-containing species, followed by de-oxygenation. A breakthrough in the nonoxidative conversion of methane was reported by Guo et al. (Science 2014, 344, 616), who found that Fe©SiO2 catalysts exhibited an outstanding performance in the conversion of methane to ethylene and aromatics. However, the reaction mechanism is still not clear owing to the complex experimental reaction conditions. One view of the reaction mechanism is that methane molecules are first activated on the Fe©SiC2 active center to form methyl radicals, which then desorb into the gas phase to form the ethylene and aromatics. In this study, ReaxFF methods are applied to five model systems to study the gas-phase reaction mechanism under near-experimental conditions. For the pure gas-phase methyl radical system, the main simulation product is ethane after 10 ns simulation, which is produced by the combination of methyl radicals. Although a small amount of ethylene produced by C2H6 dehydrogenation can be detected, it is difficult to explain the high selectivity for ethylene in the experiment. When the methyl radicals are mixed with hydrogen and methane molecules, ethane remains the main product, together with some methane produced by the collision of hydrogen with methyl radicals, while ethylene is still difficult to produce. With the addition of hydrogen radicals to the methane atmosphere, methane activation can be enhanced by hydrogen radical collisions, which produce some methyl radicals and hydrogen molecules, but the methyl radicals eventually combine with the hydrogen species to produce methane molecules again. If some hydrogen molecules and methyl radicals are added to the CH4/H∙ system, the activation of methane molecules by hydrogen radicals will be weakened. Hydrogen radicals are more likely to combine with themselves or with methyl radicals to form hydrogen and methane molecules, and the high selectivity for ethylene remains difficult to achieve. Thermal cracking of C10H12 at high temperature can produce hydrogen radicals and ethylene at the same time, which can partially explain the enhanced methane conversion and ethylene selectivity in the experiment of Hao et al. (ACS Catal. 2019, 9, 9045). Overall, the selective production of ethylene by nonoxidative conversion of methane over Fe©SiO2 catalyst appears hard to achieve via a gas-phase mechanism. The catalyst surface may play a key role in the entire process of methane transformation. ![]()
With the rapid consumption of petrochemical resources and massive exploitation of shale gas, the use of natural gas instead of petroleum to produce chemical raw materials has attracted significant attention. While converting methane to chemicals, it has long seemed impossible to avoid its oxidation into O-containing species, followed by de-oxygenation. A breakthrough in the nonoxidative conversion of methane was reported by Guo et al. (Science 2014, 344, 616), who found that Fe©SiO2 catalysts exhibited an outstanding performance in the conversion of methane to ethylene and aromatics. However, the reaction mechanism is still not clear owing to the complex experimental reaction conditions. One view of the reaction mechanism is that methane molecules are first activated on the Fe©SiC2 active center to form methyl radicals, which then desorb into the gas phase to form the ethylene and aromatics. In this study, ReaxFF methods are applied to five model systems to study the gas-phase reaction mechanism under near-experimental conditions. For the pure gas-phase methyl radical system, the main simulation product is ethane after 10 ns simulation, which is produced by the combination of methyl radicals. Although a small amount of ethylene produced by C2H6 dehydrogenation can be detected, it is difficult to explain the high selectivity for ethylene in the experiment. When the methyl radicals are mixed with hydrogen and methane molecules, ethane remains the main product, together with some methane produced by the collision of hydrogen with methyl radicals, while ethylene is still difficult to produce. With the addition of hydrogen radicals to the methane atmosphere, methane activation can be enhanced by hydrogen radical collisions, which produce some methyl radicals and hydrogen molecules, but the methyl radicals eventually combine with the hydrogen species to produce methane molecules again. If some hydrogen molecules and methyl radicals are added to the CH4/H∙ system, the activation of methane molecules by hydrogen radicals will be weakened. Hydrogen radicals are more likely to combine with themselves or with methyl radicals to form hydrogen and methane molecules, and the high selectivity for ethylene remains difficult to achieve. Thermal cracking of C10H12 at high temperature can produce hydrogen radicals and ethylene at the same time, which can partially explain the enhanced methane conversion and ethylene selectivity in the experiment of Hao et al. (ACS Catal. 2019, 9, 9045). Overall, the selective production of ethylene by nonoxidative conversion of methane over Fe©SiO2 catalyst appears hard to achieve via a gas-phase mechanism. The catalyst surface may play a key role in the entire process of methane transformation.
2021, 37(11): 210103
doi: 10.3866/PKU.WHXB202101035
Abstract:
