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Catalysts, Volume 6, Issue 9 (September 2016) – 21 articles

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24563 KiB  
Review
What Can We Learn in Electrocatalysis, from Nanoparticulated Precious and/or Non-Precious Catalytic Centers Interacting with Their Support?
by Juan Manuel Mora-Hernández, Yun Luo and Nicolas Alonso-Vante
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090145 - 21 Sep 2016
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 8455
Abstract
This review is devoted to discussing the state of the art in the relevant aspects of the synthesis of novel precious and non-precious electrocatalysts. It covers the production of Pt- and Pd-based electrocatalysts synthesized by the carbonyl chemical route, the synthesis description for [...] Read more.
This review is devoted to discussing the state of the art in the relevant aspects of the synthesis of novel precious and non-precious electrocatalysts. It covers the production of Pt- and Pd-based electrocatalysts synthesized by the carbonyl chemical route, the synthesis description for the preparation of the most catalytically active transition metal chalcogenides, then the employment of free-surfactants synthesis routes to produce non-precious electrocatalysts. A compilation of the best precious electrocatalysts to perform the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is described; a section is devoted to the synthesis and electrocatalytic evaluation of non-precious materials which can be used to perform the HOR in alkaline medium. Apropos the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), the synthesis and modification of the supports is also discussed as well, aiming at describing the state of the art to improve kinetics of low temperature fuel cell reactions via the hybridization process of the catalytic center with a variety of carbon-based, and ceramic-carbon supports. Last, but not least, the review covers the experimental half-cells results in a micro-fuel cell platform obtained in our laboratory, and by other workers, analyzing the history of the first micro-fuel cell systems and their tailoring throughout the time bestowing to the design and operating conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis for Low Temperature Fuel Cells)
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1363 KiB  
Article
Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Hydrogenation Activity of New N-Acyl-Benzotriazole Rh(I) and Ru(III) Complexes in [bmim][BF4]
by Hakan Ünver and Filiz Yılmaz
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090147 - 20 Sep 2016
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4550
Abstract
The hydrogenation activity of new N-acyl-benzotriazole Rh(I) and Ru(III) complexes in ionic liquid media is reported in this study. Both complexes were completely soluble in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [bmim][BF4], and they were able to catalyze the hydrogenation of styrene and 1-octene. [...] Read more.
The hydrogenation activity of new N-acyl-benzotriazole Rh(I) and Ru(III) complexes in ionic liquid media is reported in this study. Both complexes were completely soluble in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [bmim][BF4], and they were able to catalyze the hydrogenation of styrene and 1-octene. While ethylbenzene conversion in styrene hydrogenation reached 84% when the Ru complex was used, 100% conversion was obtained with the Rh complex at 393 K in 6 h. Additionally, total conversion in 1-octene hydrogenation reached 100% with the Rh complex in [bmim][BF4] media. The hydrogenation of styrene and 1-octene in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and toluene was also studied to compare the solvent effect on catalytic system. The effect of some catalytic parameters such as temperature, H2 (g) pressure, and catalyst amount on the conversion was examined, and it was found that the conversion increased parallel to the increasing temperature and H2 pressure. The recyclability of catalysts was also investigated, and it was revealed that the Rh complex in particular maintained the activity for at least 10 cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organometallic Catalysis for Organic Synthesis)
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12932 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Fe3O4/TiO2/C Nanocomposites and Their Application in Fenton-Like Catalysis for Dye Decoloration
by Xiaoyang Liu, Qian Zhang, Baowei Yu, Ruihan Wu, Jinxia Mai, Ruijue Wang, Lingyun Chen and Sheng-Tao Yang
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090146 - 20 Sep 2016
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4958
Abstract
Fe2+-H2O2 Fenton system is widely applied in water treatment nowadays, but the acidification and sludge generation are crucial problems to be solved. Herein, we report that Fe3O4/TiO2/C nanocomposites (FTCNCs) were able to [...] Read more.
Fe2+-H2O2 Fenton system is widely applied in water treatment nowadays, but the acidification and sludge generation are crucial problems to be solved. Herein, we report that Fe3O4/TiO2/C nanocomposites (FTCNCs) were able to catalyze the decomposition of H2O2 at neutral pH and can be applied in dye decoloration. FTCNCs were prepared by precipitating TiO2 on Fe3O4 cores via the hydrolysis of tetrabutyl titanate followed by the hydrothermal dehydrogenization of glucose to deposit carbon on Fe3O4/TiO2. The decoloration of methylene blue (MB) in the FTCNC-H2O2 Fenton-like system was monitored to reflect the catalytic activity of FTCNC. The radical generation capability was analyzed by electron spin resonance. Our results indicated that FTCNC-H2O2 Fenton-like system was efficient in decolorizing MB, and the radicals led to the near complete oxidation of MB. The FTCNC-H2O2 Fenton-like system could be used in a wide pH range of 4–9. A greater catalyst amount, a higher H2O2 concentration, and a higher temperature accelerated the decoloration kinetics. FTCNCs showed good activity after the regeneration of 8 cycles. The implication to the practical applications of FTCNCs in water treatment is discussed. Full article
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7284 KiB  
Article
Facile Synthesis of Bimetallic Pt-Ag/Graphene Composite and Its Electro-Photo-Synergistic Catalytic Properties for Methanol Oxidation
by Shuhong Xu, Lingting Ye, Zhongshui Li, Yanli Wang, Fengling Lei and Shen Lin
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090144 - 16 Sep 2016
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6398
Abstract
A Pt-Ag/graphene composite (Pt-Ag/GNs) was synthesized by the facile aqueous solution method, in which Ag+ was first transformed into Ag2O under UV light irradiation, and then Ag2O, Pt2+, and graphene oxide (GO) were simultaneously reduced by [...] Read more.
A Pt-Ag/graphene composite (Pt-Ag/GNs) was synthesized by the facile aqueous solution method, in which Ag+ was first transformed into Ag2O under UV light irradiation, and then Ag2O, Pt2+, and graphene oxide (GO) were simultaneously reduced by formic acid. It was found that Pt-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles were highly dispersed on the surface of graphene, and their size distribution was narrow with an average diameter of 3.3 nm. Electrocatalytic properties of the Pt-Ag/GNs composite were investigated by cyclic voltammograms (CVs), chronoamperometry (CA), CO-stripping voltammograms, and electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) techniques. It was shown that the Pt-Ag/GNs composite has much higher catalytic activity and stability for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and better tolerance toward CO poisoning when compared with Pt/GNs and the commercially available Johnson Matthey 20% Pt/C catalyst (Pt/C-JM). Furthermore, the Pt-Ag/GNs composite showed efficient electro-photo-synergistic catalysis for MOR under UV or visible light irradiation. Particularly in the presence of UV irradiation, the Pt-Ag/GNs composite exhibited an ultrahigh mass activity of 1842.4 mA·mg−1, nearly 2.0 times higher than that without light irradiation (838.3 mA·mg−1). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis for Low Temperature Fuel Cells)
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2863 KiB  
Article
Catalytic Upgrading of Biomass-Derived Furfuryl Alcohol to Butyl Levulinate Biofuel over Common Metal Salts
by Lincai Peng, Ruili Tao and Yu Wu
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090143 - 15 Sep 2016
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5316
Abstract
Levulinate ester has been identified as a promising renewable fuel additive and platform chemical. Here, the use of a wide range of common metal salts as acid catalysts for catalytic upgrading of biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol to butyl levulinate was explored by conventional heating. [...] Read more.
Levulinate ester has been identified as a promising renewable fuel additive and platform chemical. Here, the use of a wide range of common metal salts as acid catalysts for catalytic upgrading of biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol to butyl levulinate was explored by conventional heating. Both alkali and alkaline earth metal chlorides did not lead effectively to the conversion of furfuryl alcohol, while several transition metal chlorides (CrCl3, FeCl3, and CuCl2) and AlCl3 exhibited catalytic activity for the synthesis of butyl levulinate. For their sulfates (Cr(III), Fe(III), Cu(II), and Al(III)), the catalytic activity was low. The reaction performance was correlated with the Brønsted acidity of the reaction system derived from the hydrolysis/alcoholysis of cations, but was more dependent on the Lewis acidity from the metal salts. Among these investigated metal salts, CuCl2 was found to be uniquely effective, leading to the conversion of furfuryl alcohol to butyl levulinate with an optimized yield of 95%. Moreover, CuCl2 could be recovered efficiently from the resulting reaction mixture and remained with almost unchanged catalytic activity in multiple recycling runs. Full article
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3684 KiB  
Article
Solventless Synthesis of Quaterphenyls and Terphenyls from Chalcones and Allylsulfones under Phase Transfer Catalysis Conditions
by Domenico C. M. Albanese, Selene Brunialti and Dario Destro
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090142 - 13 Sep 2016
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4842
Abstract
Easily available chalcones and allyl sulfones along with cheap solid NaOH and polyethyleneglycol (PEG) 1000 have been used to directly generate the meta-terphenyl or quaterphenyl motifs under Phase Transfer Catalysis solventless conditions. The new approach provides an economic and environmentally friendly solution [...] Read more.
Easily available chalcones and allyl sulfones along with cheap solid NaOH and polyethyleneglycol (PEG) 1000 have been used to directly generate the meta-terphenyl or quaterphenyl motifs under Phase Transfer Catalysis solventless conditions. The new approach provides an economic and environmentally friendly solution to removal of hazardous bases as well as organic solvents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phase-Transfer Catalysts)
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2110 KiB  
Communication
Olefin Hydroborations with Diamidocarbene–BH3 Adducts at Room Temperature
by Dominika N. Lastovickova and Christopher W. Bielawski
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090141 - 12 Sep 2016
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4080
Abstract
An isolable N,N’-diamidocarbene (DAC) was previously shown to promote the B–H bond activation of various BH3 complexes. The resultant DAC–BH3 adducts facilitated olefin hydroborations under mild conditions and in the absence of exogenous initiators. The substrate scope for such transformations [...] Read more.
An isolable N,N’-diamidocarbene (DAC) was previously shown to promote the B–H bond activation of various BH3 complexes. The resultant DAC–BH3 adducts facilitated olefin hydroborations under mild conditions and in the absence of exogenous initiators. The substrate scope for such transformations was further explored and is described herein. While organoboranes were obtained in quantitative yields from various terminal and internal olefins, use of the latter substrates resulted in intramolecular ring-expansion of the newly formed DAC–borane adducts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tailor-Made NHC Ligands)
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1470 KiB  
Article
Highly Efficient Tetranuclear ZnII2LnIII2 Catalysts for the Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of Indoles and Nitrostyrenes
by Prashant Kumar, Smaragda Lymperopoulou, Kieran Griffiths, Stavroula I. Sampani and George E. Kostakis
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090140 - 12 Sep 2016
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6870
Abstract
We demonstrate for the first time the high efficacy of tetranuclear ZnII2LnIII2 coordination clusters (CCs) as catalysts for the Friedel–Crafts (FC) alkylation of indoles with a range of trans-β-nitrostyrenes. The reaction proceeds in good to excellent yields [...] Read more.
We demonstrate for the first time the high efficacy of tetranuclear ZnII2LnIII2 coordination clusters (CCs) as catalysts for the Friedel–Crafts (FC) alkylation of indoles with a range of trans-β-nitrostyrenes. The reaction proceeds in good to excellent yields (76%–99%) at room temperature with catalyst loadings as low as 1.0 mol %. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organometallic Catalysis for Organic Synthesis)
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2836 KiB  
Article
Effect of an Sb-Doped SnO2 Support on the CO-Tolerance of Pt2Ru3 Nanocatalysts for Residential Fuel Cells
by Yoshiyuki Ogihara, Hiroshi Yano, Masahiro Watanabe, Akihiro Iiyama and Hiroyuki Uchida
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090139 - 10 Sep 2016
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5361
Abstract
We prepared monodisperse Pt2Ru3 nanoparticles supported on carbon black and Sb-doped SnO2 (denoted as Pt2Ru3/CB and Pt2Ru3/Sb-SnO2) with identical alloy composition and particle size distribution by the nanocapsule method. [...] Read more.
We prepared monodisperse Pt2Ru3 nanoparticles supported on carbon black and Sb-doped SnO2 (denoted as Pt2Ru3/CB and Pt2Ru3/Sb-SnO2) with identical alloy composition and particle size distribution by the nanocapsule method. The activities for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) of these anode catalysts were examined in H2-saturated 0.1 M HClO4 solution in both the presence and absence of carbon monoxide by use of a channel flow electrode at 70 °C. It was found that the CO-tolerant HOR mass activity at 0.02 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) on the Pt2Ru3/Sb-SnO2 electrode was higher than that at the Pt2Ru3/CB electrode in 0.1 M HClO4 solution saturated with 1000 ppm CO (H2-balance). The CO tolerance mechanism of these catalysts was investigated by in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared reflection-adsorption spectroscopy (ATR-FTIRAS) in 1% CO/H2-saturated 0.1 M HClO4 solution at 60 °C. It was found, for the Pt2Ru3/Sb-SnO2 catalyst, that the band intensity of CO linearly adsorbed (COL) at step/edge sites was suppressed, together with a blueshift of the COL peak at terrace sites. On this surface, the HOR active sites were concluded to be more available than those on the CB-supported catalyst surface. The observed changes in the adsorption states of CO can be ascribed to an electronic modification effect by the Sb-SnO2 support. Full article
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1932 KiB  
Review
TiO2 Solar Photocatalytic Reactor Systems: Selection of Reactor Design for Scale-up and Commercialization—Analytical Review
by Yasmine Abdel-Maksoud, Emad Imam and Adham Ramadan
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090138 - 10 Sep 2016
Cited by 90 | Viewed by 14871
Abstract
For the last four decades, viability of photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds in water streams has been demonstrated. Different configurations for solar TiO2 photocatalytic reactors have been used, however pilot and demonstration plants are still countable. Degradation efficiency reported as a function [...] Read more.
For the last four decades, viability of photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds in water streams has been demonstrated. Different configurations for solar TiO2 photocatalytic reactors have been used, however pilot and demonstration plants are still countable. Degradation efficiency reported as a function of treatment time does not answer the question: which of these reactor configurations is the most suitable for photocatalytic process and optimum for scale-up and commercialization? Degradation efficiency expressed as a function of the reactor throughput and ease of catalyst removal from treated effluent are used for comparing performance of different reactor configurations to select the optimum for scale-up. Comparison included parabolic trough, flat plate, double skin sheet, shallow ponds, shallow tanks, thin-film fixed-bed, thin film cascade, step, compound parabolic concentrators, fountain, slurry bubble column, pebble bed and packed bed reactors. Degradation efficiency as a function of system throughput is a powerful indicator for comparing the performance of photocatalytic reactors of different types and geometries, at different development scales. Shallow ponds, shallow tanks and fountain reactors have the potential of meeting all the process requirements and a relatively high throughput are suitable for developing into continuous industrial-scale treatment units given that an efficient immobilized or supported photocatalyst is used. Full article
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3400 KiB  
Article
Time- and Temperature-Varying Activation Energies: Isobutane Selective Oxidation to Methacrolein over Phosphomolybdic Acid and Copper(II) Phosphomolybdates
by Trevor C. Brown, David J. Miron, Susannah L. Brown and Shane M. Kendell
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090137 - 10 Sep 2016
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4682
Abstract
The selective oxidation energetics of isobutane to methacrolein over phosphomolybdic acid and copper(II) phosphomolybdates have been investigated using low-pressure, pseudo-steady-state and temperature-programming techniques. Time-varying flexible least squares methods were used to determine variations in oxidation activation energies as the temperature increases at 5 [...] Read more.
The selective oxidation energetics of isobutane to methacrolein over phosphomolybdic acid and copper(II) phosphomolybdates have been investigated using low-pressure, pseudo-steady-state and temperature-programming techniques. Time-varying flexible least squares methods were used to determine variations in oxidation activation energies as the temperature increases at 5 °C·min−1. Catalyst activity stabilizes by the fourth consecutive temperature-programmed run. Rate parameters increase linearly with temperature in two sinusoidal, oscillating wave packets. For H3PMo12O40, three distinct reaction pathways are apparent in the fourth run with activation energies 76 ± 3, 93 ± 7 and 130 ± 3 kJ·mol−1, and under these experimental conditions are observed at the optimum temperatures 704 ± 7 K, 667 ± 25 K and 745 ± 7 K, respectively. Over the copper-containing catalysts, two pathways are apparent: 76 ± 3 kJ·mol−1 at 665 ± 9 K and 130 ± 3 kJ·mol−1 at 706 ± 9 K. The three activation energies indicate either different reaction pathways leading to methacrolein or distinct active sites on the catalyst surface. The intermediate activation energy, 93 kJ·mol−1, only observed over phosphomolybdic acid, may be linked to hydrogen bonding. Differences in optimum temperatures for the same activation energies for H3PMO12O40 and for the copper catalysts indicate that compensating entropy changes are smaller over H3PMo12O40. The inclusion of copper enhances catalyst stability and activity. Full article
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4349 KiB  
Article
WS2 as an Effective Noble-Metal Free Cocatalyst Modified TiSi2 for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution under Visible Light Irradiation
by Dongmei Chu, Chunyong Zhang, Ping Yang, Yukou Du and Cheng Lu
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090136 - 10 Sep 2016
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7270
Abstract
A noble-metal free photocatalyst consisting of WS2 and TiSi2 being used for hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation, has been successfully prepared by in-situ formation of WS2 on the surface of TiSi2 in a thermal reaction. The obtained samples [...] Read more.
A noble-metal free photocatalyst consisting of WS2 and TiSi2 being used for hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation, has been successfully prepared by in-situ formation of WS2 on the surface of TiSi2 in a thermal reaction. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results demonstrate that WS2 moiety has been successfully deposited on the surface of TiSi2 and some kind of chemical bonds, such as Ti-S-W and Si-S-W, might have formed on the interface of the TiSi2 and WS2 components. Optical and photoelectrochemical investigations reveal that WS2/TiSi2 composite possesses lower hydrogen evolution potential and enhanced photogenerated charge separation and transfer efficiency. Under 6 h of visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation, the total amount of hydrogen evolved from the optimal WS2/TiSi2 catalyst is 596.4 μmol·g−1, which is around 1.5 times higher than that of pure TiSi2 under the same reaction conditions. This study shows a paradigm of developing the effective, scalable and inexpensive system for photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysis & Hydrogen Storage)
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8824 KiB  
Article
Noble Metal-Free Ceria-Zirconia Solid Solutions Templated by Tobacco Materials for Catalytic Oxidation of CO
by Donglai Zhu, Deliang Duan, Yi Han, Jiao He, Yi He, Yongjuan Chen, Wei Zhang, Zhiyin Yan, Jiaqiang Wang and Fagui Yuan
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090135 - 09 Sep 2016
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5104
Abstract
A series of ceria-zirconia solid solutions were synthesized using tobacco leaves, stems and stem-silks as biotemplates. A combination of physicochemical techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to [...] Read more.
A series of ceria-zirconia solid solutions were synthesized using tobacco leaves, stems and stem-silks as biotemplates. A combination of physicochemical techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the as-synthesized samples. The results show that the morphologies of the templates were well replicated in the obtained ceria-zirconia solid solutions. Catalytic oxidation activities of CO over the ceria-zirconia solid solutions were then investigated. The catalyst templated by tobacco stem-silk exhibited higher conversion of CO at lower temperature than that of ceria-zirconia solid solutions templated by tobacco leaves and stems or without templates due to its special morphology. The catalyst even showed similar CO conversion when compared to ceria-zirconia solid solutions doped with 1.0 wt % noble metals such as Pt, Ag and Au. The results highlighted the advantages of using tobacco as biotemplate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ceria-based Catalysts)
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2934 KiB  
Article
Efficient Hydrogenolysis of Guaiacol over Highly Dispersed Ni/MCM-41 Catalyst Combined with HZSM-5
by Songbai Qiu, Ying Xu, Yujing Weng, Longlong Ma and Tiejun Wang
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090134 - 08 Sep 2016
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5335
Abstract
A series of MCM-41 supported Ni catalysts with high metal dispersion was successfully synthesized by simple co-impregnation using proper ethylene glycol (EG). The acquired Ni-based catalysts performed the outstanding hydrogenolysis activity of guaiacol. The effects of the synthesis parameters including drying temperature, calcination [...] Read more.
A series of MCM-41 supported Ni catalysts with high metal dispersion was successfully synthesized by simple co-impregnation using proper ethylene glycol (EG). The acquired Ni-based catalysts performed the outstanding hydrogenolysis activity of guaiacol. The effects of the synthesis parameters including drying temperature, calcination temperature, and metal loading on the physical properties of NiO nanoparticles were investigated through the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD). The drying temperature was found to significantly influence the particle sizes of NiO supported on MCM-41, but the calcination temperature and metal loading had less influence. Interestingly, the small particle size (≤3.3 nm) and the high dispersion of NiO particles were also obtained for co-impregnation on the mixed support (MCM-41:HZSM-5 = 1:1), similar to that on the single MCM-41 support, leading to excellent hydrogenation activity at low temperature. The guaiacol conversion could reach 97.9% at 150 °C, and the catalytic activity was comparative with that of noble metal catalysts. The hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) performance was also promoted by the introduction of acidic HZSM-5 zeolite and an 84.1% yield of cyclohexane at 240 °C was achieved. These findings demonstrate potential applications for the future in promoting and improving industrial catalyst performance. Full article
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7806 KiB  
Article
Electronic Structure and Optical Properties of BiOI as a Photocatalyst Driven by Visible Light
by Wen-Wu Dai and Zong-Yan Zhao
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090133 - 03 Sep 2016
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7596
Abstract
Bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) is an important photoelectric functional material that has a wide range of applications. In particular, it can be used as a photocatalyst that shows photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation. The synthesis procedure and related photocatalytic performance of BiOI have been [...] Read more.
Bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) is an important photoelectric functional material that has a wide range of applications. In particular, it can be used as a photocatalyst that shows photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation. The synthesis procedure and related photocatalytic performance of BiOI have been reported. However, some of its fundamental properties still need to be further investigated. In this article, density functional theory calculations were performed to investigate the crystal structure, electronic properties, and optical properties of BiOI. Furthermore, the relationship between the intrinsic properties and the photocatalytic performance of BiOI was investigated. Based on the calculated results of the band structure, density of states, and projected wave function, the molecular-orbital bonding structure of BiOI is proposed. As a semiconductor photocatalyst, BiOI shows slight optical anisotropy in the visible-light region, indicating that it can efficiently absorb visible light if the morphology of BiOI is controlled. After comparing several computational methods, it was found that the generalized-gradient approximation corrected for on-site Coulomb interactions (GGA + U) is a suitable computational method for large sized BiOI models (e.g., impurity doping, the surface, and the interface) because it can significantly reduce the computational time while maintaining calculation accuracy. Thus, this article not only provides an in-depth understanding of the fundamental properties of BiOI as a potential efficient photocatalyst driven by visible light, but it also suggests a suitable computational method to investigate these properties. Full article
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1089 KiB  
Communication
Synthesis of New Chiral Benzimidazolylidene–Rh Complexes and Their Application in Asymmetric Addition Reactions of Organoboronic Acids to Aldehydes
by Weiping He, Bihui Zhou, Jie Li and Jianyou Shi
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090132 - 03 Sep 2016
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4653
Abstract
A series of novel chiral N-heterocyclic carbene rhodium complexes (NHC–Rh) based on benzimidazole have been prepared, and all of the NHC–Rh complexes were fully characterized by NMR and mass spectrometry. These complexes could be used as catalysts for the asymmetric 1,2-addition of [...] Read more.
A series of novel chiral N-heterocyclic carbene rhodium complexes (NHC–Rh) based on benzimidazole have been prepared, and all of the NHC–Rh complexes were fully characterized by NMR and mass spectrometry. These complexes could be used as catalysts for the asymmetric 1,2-addition of organoboronic acids to aldehydes, affording chiral diarylmethanols with high yields and moderate enantioselectivities. Full article
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2920 KiB  
Article
Support Screening Studies on the Hydrogenation of Levulinic Acid to γ-Valerolactone in Water Using Ru Catalysts
by Anna Piskun, Jozef G. M. Winkelman, Zhenchen Tang and Hero Jan Heeres
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090131 - 30 Aug 2016
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 8144
Abstract
γ-Valerolactone (GVL) has been identified as a sustainable platform chemical for the production of carbon-based chemicals. Here we report a screening study on the hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to GVL in water using a wide range of ruthenium supported catalysts in a [...] Read more.
γ-Valerolactone (GVL) has been identified as a sustainable platform chemical for the production of carbon-based chemicals. Here we report a screening study on the hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) to GVL in water using a wide range of ruthenium supported catalysts in a batch set-up (1 wt. % Ru, 90 °C, 45 bar of H2, 2 wt. % catalyst on LA). Eight monometallic catalysts were tested on carbon based(C, carbon nanotubes (CNT)) and inorganic supports (Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, ZrO2, Nb2O5 and Beta-12.5). The best result was found for Ru/Beta-12.5 with almost quantitative LA conversion (94%) and 66% of GVL yield after 2 h reaction. The remaining product was 4-hydroxypentanoic acid (4-HPA). Catalytic activity for a bimetallic RuPd/TiO2 catalyst was by far lower than for the monometallic Ru catalyst (9% conversion after 2 h). The effects of relevant catalyst properties (average Ru nanoparticle size, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, micropore area and total acidity) on catalyst activity were assessed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ruthenium Catalysts)
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442 KiB  
Review
Palladium-Based Catalysts as Electrodes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells: A Last Ten Years Review
by Juan Carlos Calderón Gómez, Rafael Moliner and Maria Jesus Lázaro
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090130 - 27 Aug 2016
Cited by 81 | Viewed by 11534
Abstract
Platinum-based materials are accepted as the suitable electrocatalysts for anodes and cathodes in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Nonetheless, the increased demand and scarce world reserves of Pt, as well as some technical problems associated with its use, have motivated a wide research [...] Read more.
Platinum-based materials are accepted as the suitable electrocatalysts for anodes and cathodes in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Nonetheless, the increased demand and scarce world reserves of Pt, as well as some technical problems associated with its use, have motivated a wide research focused to design Pd-based catalysts, considering the similar properties between this metal and Pt. In this review, we present the most recent advancements about Pd-based catalysts, considering Pd, Pd alloys with different transition metals and non-carbon supported nanoparticles, as possible electrodes in DMFCs. In the case of the anode, different reported works have highlighted the capacity of these new materials for overcoming the CO poisoning and promote the oxidation of other intermediates generated during the methanol oxidation. Regarding the cathode, the studies have showed more positive onset potentials, as fundamental parameter for determining the mechanism of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and thus, making them able for achieving high efficiencies, with less production of hydrogen peroxide as collateral product. This revision suggests that it is possible to replace the conventional Pt catalysts by Pd-based materials, although several efforts must be made in order to improve their performance in DMFCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis for Low Temperature Fuel Cells)
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2127 KiB  
Article
Controlling Active Site Loop Dynamics in the (β/α)8 Barrel Enzyme Indole-3-Glycerol Phosphate Synthase
by Kathleen F. O’Rourke, Aneta M. Jelowicki and David D. Boehr
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090129 - 26 Aug 2016
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5483
Abstract
The β1α1 loop in the tryptophan biosynthetic enzyme indole-3-glycerol phosphate synthase (IGPS) is important for substrate binding, product release and chemical catalysis. IGPS catalyzes the ring closure of the substrate 1-(o-carboxyphenylamine)-1-dexoyribulose 5-phosphate to form indole-3-glycerol phosphate, involving distinct decarboxylation and dehydration [...] Read more.
The β1α1 loop in the tryptophan biosynthetic enzyme indole-3-glycerol phosphate synthase (IGPS) is important for substrate binding, product release and chemical catalysis. IGPS catalyzes the ring closure of the substrate 1-(o-carboxyphenylamine)-1-dexoyribulose 5-phosphate to form indole-3-glycerol phosphate, involving distinct decarboxylation and dehydration steps. The ring closure step is rate-determining in the thermophilic Sulfolobus sulfataricus enzyme (ssIGPS) at high temperatures. The β1α1 loop is especially important in the dehydration step as it houses the general acid Lys53. We propose that loop dynamics are governed by competing interactions on the N- and C-terminal sides of the loop. We had previously shown that disrupting interactions with the N-terminal side of the loop through the N90A substitution decreases catalytic efficiency, slows down the dehydration step and quenches loop dynamics on the picosecond to millisecond timescales. Here, we show that disrupting interactions on the C-terminal side of the loop through the R64A/D65A substitutions likewise decreases catalytic efficiency, slows down the dehydration step and quenches loop dynamics. Interestingly, the triple substitution R64A/D65A/N90A leads to new μs–ms timescale loop dynamics and makes the ring-closure step rate-determining once again. These results are consistent with a model in which the β1α1 loop is maintained in a structurally dynamic state by these competing interactions, which is important for the dehydration step of catalysis. Competing interactions in other enzymes may likewise keep their loops and other structural elements appropriately mobile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enzyme Catalysis)
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21118 KiB  
Letter
Organocatalysis: Fundamentals and Comparisons to Metal and Enzyme Catalysis
by Pierre Vogel, Yu-hong Lam, Adam Simon and Kendall N. Houk
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090128 - 26 Aug 2016
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 16364
Abstract
Catalysis fulfills the promise that high-yielding chemical transformations will require little energy and produce no toxic waste. This message is carried by the study of the evolution of molecular catalysis of some of the most important reactions in organic chemistry. After reviewing the [...] Read more.
Catalysis fulfills the promise that high-yielding chemical transformations will require little energy and produce no toxic waste. This message is carried by the study of the evolution of molecular catalysis of some of the most important reactions in organic chemistry. After reviewing the conceptual underpinnings of catalysis, we discuss the applications of different catalysts according to the mechanism of the reactions that they catalyze, including acyl group transfers, nucleophilic additions and substitutions, and C–C bond forming reactions that employ umpolung by nucleophilic additions to C=O and C=C double bonds. We highlight the utility of a broad range of organocatalysts other than compounds based on proline, the cinchona alkaloids and binaphthyls, which have been abundantly reviewed elsewhere. The focus is on organocatalysts, although a few examples employing metal complexes and enzymes are also included due to their significance. Classical Brønsted acids have evolved into electrophilic hands, the fingers of which are hydrogen donors (like enzymes) or other electrophilic moieties. Classical Lewis base catalysts have evolved into tridimensional, chiral nucleophiles that are N- (e.g., tertiary amines), P- (e.g., tertiary phosphines) and C-nucleophiles (e.g., N-heterocyclic carbenes). Many efficient organocatalysts bear electrophilic and nucleophilic moieties that interact simultaneously or not with both the electrophilic and nucleophilic reactants. A detailed understanding of the reaction mechanisms permits the design of better catalysts. Their construction represents a molecular science in itself, suggesting that sooner or later chemists will not only imitate Nature but be able to catalyze a much wider range of reactions with high chemo-, regio-, stereo- and enantioselectivity. Man-made organocatalysts are much smaller, cheaper and more stable than enzymes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal-free Organocatalysis)
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5995 KiB  
Article
Carbon-Based Air-Breathing Cathodes for Microbial Fuel Cells
by Irene Merino-Jimenez, Carlo Santoro, Santiago Rojas-Carbonell, John Greenman, Ioannis Ieropoulos and Plamen Atanassov
Catalysts 2016, 6(9), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal6090127 - 24 Aug 2016
Cited by 60 | Viewed by 7509
Abstract
A comparison between different carbon-based gas-diffusion air-breathing cathodes for microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is presented in this work. A micro-porous layer (MPL) based on carbon black (CB) and an activated carbon (AC) layer were used as catalysts and applied on different supporting materials, [...] Read more.
A comparison between different carbon-based gas-diffusion air-breathing cathodes for microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is presented in this work. A micro-porous layer (MPL) based on carbon black (CB) and an activated carbon (AC) layer were used as catalysts and applied on different supporting materials, including carbon cloth (CC), carbon felt (CF), and stainless steel (SS) forming cathode electrodes for MFCs treating urine. Rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) analyses were done on CB and AC to: (i) understand the kinetics of the carbonaceous catalysts; (ii) evaluate the hydrogen peroxide production; and (iii) estimate the electron transfer. CB and AC were then used to fabricate electrodes. Half-cell electrochemical analysis, as well as MFCs continuous power performance, have been monitored. Generally, the current generated was higher from the MFCs with AC electrodes compared to the MPL electrodes, showing an increase between 34% and 61% in power with the AC layer comparing to the MPL. When the MPL was used, the supporting material showed a slight effect in the power performance, being that the CF is more powerful than the CC and the SS. These differences also agree with the electrochemical analysis performed. However, the different supporting materials showed a bigger effect in the power density when the AC layer was used, being the SS the most efficient, with a power generation of 65.6 mW·m−2, followed by the CC (54 mW·m−2) and the CF (44 mW·m−2). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Materials for Green Catalysis)
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