The Painters

ConspectusThe foreseeable worldwide energy and environmental challenges demand renewable alternative sources, energy conversion, and storage technologies. Therefore, electrochemical energy conversion devices like fuel cells, electrolyzes, and supercapacitors along with photoelectrochemical devices and batteries have high potential to become increasingly important in the near future. Catalytic performance in electrochemical energy conversion results from the tailored properties of complex nanometer-sized metal and metal oxide particles, as well as support nanostructures. Exposed facets, surface defects, and other structural and compositional features of the catalyst nanoparticles affect the electrocatalytic performance to varying degrees. The characterization of the nanometer-size and atomic regime of electrocatalysts and its evolution over time are therefore paramount for an improved understanding and significant optimization of such important technologies like electrolyzers or fuel cells. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) are to a great extent nondestructive characterization tools that provide structural, morphological, and compositional information with nanoscale or even atomic resolution. Due to recent marked advancement in electron microscopy equipment such as aberration corrections and monochromators, such insightful information is now accessible in many institutions around the world and provides huge benefit to everyone using electron microscopy characterization in general.Classical <i>ex situ</i> TEM characterization of random catalyst locations however suffers from two limitations regarding catalysis. First, the necessary low operation pressures in the range of 10^–6 to 10^–9 mbar for TEM are not in line with typical reaction conditions, especially considering electrocatalytic solid–liquid interfaces, so that the active state cannot be assessed. Second, and somewhat related, is the lack of time resolution for the evaluation of alterations of the usually highly heterogeneous nanomaterials. Two methods offer a solution to these shortcomings, namely, identical location TEM (IL-TEM) and electrochemical in situ liquid TEM. The former is already well established and has delivered novel insights particularly into degradation processes; however, characterization is still performed in vacuum. The latter circumvents this issue by using dedicated <i>in situ</i> TEM holders but introduces extremely demanding technical challenges. Although the introduction of revolutionizing thin SiN window cells, which elegantly confine the specimen from vacuum, has allowed demonstration of the potential of the <i>in situ</i> approach, the reproducibility and data interpretation is still limited predominately due to the strong interaction of the electron beam with the supporting electrolyte and electrode material. Because of the importance of understanding the nanoelectrochemical structure–function relationship, this Account aims to convey a timely perspective on the opportunities and particularly the challenges in electrochemical identical location TEM and <i>in situ</i> liquid cell TEM with a focus on electrochemical energy conversion

Addressing stability challenges of using bimetallic electrocatalysts: the case of gold?palladium nanoalloys

Bimetallic catalysts are known to often provide enhanced activity compared to pure metals, due to their electronic, geometric and ensemble effects. However, applied catalytic reaction conditions may induce restructuring, metal diffusion and dealloying. This gives rise to a drastic change in surface composition, thus limiting the application of bimetallic catalysts in real systems. Here, we report a study on dealloying using an AuPd bimetallic nanocatalyst (1 : 1 molar ratio) as a model system. The changes in surface composition over time are monitored in situ by cyclic voltammetry, and dissolution is studied in parallel using online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It is demonstrated how experimental conditions such as different acidic media (0.1 M HClO4 and H2SO4), different gases (Ar and O-2), upper potential limit and scan rate significantly affect the partial dissolution rates and consequently the surface composition. The understanding of these alterations is crucial for the determination of fundamental catalyst activity, and plays an essential role for real applications, where long-term stability is a key parameter. In particular, the findings can be utilized for the development of catalysts with enhanced activity and/or selectivity

Isolated Pd Sites as Selective Catalysts for Electrochemical and Direct Hydrogen Peroxide Synthesis

Palladium nanoparticles have been studied extensively as catalysts for the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide, where selectivity remains a key challenge. Alloying Pd with other metals and the use of acid and halide promoters are commonly used to increase H2O2 selectivity, however; the sites that can selectively produce H2O2 have not been identified and the role of these additives remains unclear. Here, we report the synthesis of atomically dispersed Pd/C as a model catalyst for H2O2 production without the presence of extended Pd surfaces. We show that these isolated cationic Pd sites can form H2O2 with significantly higher selectivity than metallic Pd nanoparticles in both the reaction of H2 and O2 and the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This demonstrates that catalysts containing high populations of isolated Pd sites are selective catalysts for this two-electron reduction reaction and that the performance of materials in the direct synthesis reaction and ORR have many similarities

Tailoring Cu Electrodes for Enhanced CO 2 Electroreduction through Plasma Electrolysis in Non‐Conventional Phosphorus‐Oxoanion‐Based Electrolytes

This study presents a green, ultra-fast, and facile technique for the fabrication of micro/nano-structured and porous Cu electrodes through in-liquid plasma electrolysis using phosphorous-oxoanion-based electrolytes. Besides the preferential surface faceting, the Cu electrodes exhibit unique surface structures, including octahedral nanocrystals besides nanoporous and microporous structures, depending on the employed electrolyte. The incorporation of P-atoms into the Cu surfaces is observed. The modified Cu electrodes display increased roughness, leading to higher current densities for CO2 electroreduction reaction. The selectivity of the modified Cu electrodes towards C2 products is highest for the Cu electrodes treated in Na2HPO3 and Na3PO4 electrolytes, whereas those treated in Na2H2PO2 produce the most H2. The Cu electrode treated in Na3PO4 produces ethylene (23 %) at −1.1 V vs. RHE, and a comparable amount of acetaldehyde (15 %) that is typically observed for Cu(110) single crystals. The enhanced selectivity is attributed to several factors, including the surface morphology, the incorporation of phosphorus into the Cu structure, and the formation of Cu(110) facets. Our results not only advance our understanding of the influence of the electrolyte\u27s nature on the plasma electrolysis of Cu electrodes, but also underscores the potential of in-liquid plasma treatment for developing efficient Cu electrocatalysts for sustainable CO2 conversion

Palladium electrodissolution from model surfaces and nanoparticles

Palladium (Pd) is considered as a possible candidate as catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) due to its high activity and affordable price compared to platinum (Pt). However, the stability of Pd is known to be limited, yet still not fully understood. In this work, Pd dissolution is studied in acidic media using an online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in combination with an electrochemical scanning flow cell (SFC). Crucial parameters influencing dissolution like potential scan rate, upper potential limit (UPL) and electrolyte composition are studied on a bulk polycrystalline Pd (poly -Pd). Furthermore, a comparison with a supported high -surface area catalyst is carried out for its potential use in industrial applications. For this aim, a carbon supported Pd nanocatalyst (Pd/C) is synthesized and its performance is compared with that of bulk poly -Pd. Our results evidence that the transient dissolution is promoted by three main contributions (one anodic and two cathodic). At potentials below 1.5 VRHE the anodic dissolution is the dominating mechanism, whereas at higher potentials the cathodic mechanisms prevail. On the basis of the obtained results, a model is thereafter proposed to explain the transient Pd dissolution.(C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Analysing the relationship between the fields of thermo- and electrocatalysis taking hydrogen peroxide as a case study

Catalysis is inherently driven by the interaction of reactants, intermediates and formed products with the catalyst’s surface. In order to reach the desired transition state and to overcome the kinetic barrier, elevated temperatures or electrical potentials are employed to increase the rate of reaction. Despite immense efforts in the last decades, research in thermo- and electrocatalysis has often preceded in isolation, even for similar reactions. Conceptually, any heterogeneous surface process that involves changes in oxidation states, redox processes, adsorption of charged species (even as spectators) or heterolytic cleavage of small molecules should be thought of as having parallels with electrochemical processes occurring at electrified interfaces. Herein, we compare current trends in thermo- and electrocatalysis and elaborate on the commonalities and differences between both research fields, with a specific focus on the production of hydrogen peroxide as case study. We hope that interlinking both fields will be inspiring and thought-provoking, eventually creating synergies and leverage towards more efficient decentralized chemical conversion processes

Towards an efficient liquid organic hydrogen carrier fuel cell concept

The high temperature required for hydrogen release from Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) systems has been considered in the past as the main drawback of this otherwise highly attractive and fully infrastructure-compatible form of chemical hydrogen storage. According to the state-of-the art, the production of electrical energy from LOHC-bound hydrogen, e.g. from perhydro-dibenzyltoluene (H18DBT), requires provision of the dehydrogenation enthalpy (e.g. 65 kJ mol-1(H2) for H18-DBT) at a temperature level of 300 °C followed by purification of the released hydrogen for subsequent fuel cell operation. Here, we demonstrate that a combination of a heterogeneously catalysed transfer hydrogenation from H18-DBT to acetone and fuel cell operation with the resulting 2-propanol as a fuel, allows for an electrification of LOHC-bound hydrogen in high efficiency (> 50 %) and at surprisingly mild conditions (temperatures below 200 °C). Most importantly, our proposed new sequence does not require an external heat input as the transfer hydrogenation from H18-DBT to acetone is almost thermoneutral. In the PEMFC operation with 2-propanol, the endothermal proton release at the anode is compensated by the exothermic formation of water. Ideally the proposed sequence does not form and consume molecular H2 at any point which adds a very appealing safety feature to this way of producing electricity from LOHC-bound hydrogen, e.g. for applications on mobile platforms.Fil: Sievi, Gabriel. Forschungszentrum Jülich; AlemaniaFil: Geburtig, Denise. Universitat Erlangen-Nuremberg; AlemaniaFil: Skeledzic, Tanja. Forschungszentrum Jülich; AlemaniaFil: Bösmann, Andreas. Universitat Erlangen-Nuremberg; AlemaniaFil: Preuster, Patrick. Forschungszentrum Jülich; AlemaniaFil: Brummel, Olaf. Universitat Erlangen-Nuremberg; AlemaniaFil: Waidhas, Fabian. Universitat Erlangen-Nuremberg; AlemaniaFil: Montero, María de Los Angeles. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Química Aplicada del Litoral. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Química Aplicada del Litoral.; ArgentinaFil: Khanipour, Peyman. Forschungszentrum Jülich; AlemaniaFil: Katsounaros, Ioannis. Forschungszentrum Jülich; AlemaniaFil: Libuda, Jörg. Universitat Erlangen-Nuremberg; AlemaniaFil: Mayrhofer, Karl J. J.. Forschungszentrum Jülich; AndorraFil: Wasserscheid, Peter. Universitat Erlangen-Nuremberg; Alemani

Gold–Palladium Bimetallic Catalyst Stability: Consequences for Hydrogen Peroxide Selectivity

During application, electrocatalysts are exposed to harsh electrochemical conditions, which can induce degradation. This work addresses the degradation of AuPd bimetallic catalysts used for the electrocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) by the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Potential-dependent changes in the AuPd surface composition occur because the two metals have different dissolution onset potentials, resulting in catalyst dealloying. Using a scanning flow cell (SFC) with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), simultaneous Pd and/or Au dissolution can be observed. Thereafter, three accelerated degradation protocols (ADPs), simulating different dissolution regimes, are employed to study the catalyst structure degradation on the nanoscale with identical location (IL) TEM. When only Pd or both Au and Pd dissolve, the composition changes rapidly and the surface becomes enriched with Au, as observed by cyclic voltammetry and elemental mapping. Such changes are mirrored by the evolution of electrocatalytic performances toward H₂O₂ production. Our experimental findings are finally summarized in a dissolution/structure/selectivity mechanism, providing a clear picture of the degradation of bimetallic catalyst used for H₂O₂ synthesis

Stable and Active Oxygen Reduction Catalysts with Reduced Noble Metal Loadings through Potential Triggered Support Passivation

The development of stable, cost‐efficient and active materials is one of the main challenges in catalysis. The utilization of platinum in the electroreduction of oxygen is a salient example where the development of new material combinations has led to a drastic increase in specific activity compared to bare platinum. These material classes comprise nanostructured thin films, platinum alloys, shape‐controlled nanostructures and core–shell architectures. Excessive platinum substitution, however, leads to structural and catalytic instabilities. Herein, we introduce a catalyst concept that comprises the use of an atomically thin platinum film deposited on a potential‐triggered passivating support. The model catalyst exhibits an equal specific activity with higher atom utilization compared to bulk platinum. By using potential‐triggered passivation of titanium carbide, irregularities in the Pt film heal out via the formation of insoluble oxide species at the solid/liquid interface. The adaptation of the described catalyst design to the nanoscale and to high‐surface‐area structures highlight the potential for stable, passivating catalyst systems for various electrocatalytic reactions such as the oxygen reduction reaction

RNAi-mediated suppression of isoprene emission in poplar transiently impacts phenolic metabolism under high temperature and high light intensities: a transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis

In plants, isoprene plays a dual role: (a) as thermo-protective agent proposed to prevent degradation of enzymes/membrane structures involved in photosynthesis, and (b) as reactive molecule reducing abiotic oxidative stress. The present work addresses the question whether suppression of isoprene emission interferes with genome wide transcription rates and metabolite fluxes in grey poplar (Populusxcanescens) throughout the growing season. Gene expression and metabolite profiles of isoprene emitting wild type plants and RNAi-mediated non-isoprene emitting poplars were compared by using poplar Affymetrix microarrays and non-targeted FT-ICR-MS (Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry). We observed a transcriptional down-regulation of genes encoding enzymes of phenylpropanoid regulatory and biosynthetic pathways, as well as distinct metabolic down-regulation of condensed tannins and anthocyanins, in non-isoprene emitting genotypes during July, when high temperature and light intensities possibly caused transient drought stress, as indicated by stomatal closure. Under these conditions leaves of non-isoprene emitting plants accumulated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a signaling molecule in stress response and negative regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis. The absence of isoprene emission under high temperature and light stress resulted transiently in a new chemo(pheno)type with suppressed production of phenolic compounds. This may compromise inducible defenses and may render non-isoprene emitting poplars more susceptible to environmental stress