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Carbon dots with good photoelectric properties are usually used as photocatalysts and electrocatalysts, but the good catalytic performance of carbon dots as nanomaterials for thermal catalysis is ignored. Herein, the application of novel efficient catalysts based on carbon dots for the transformation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbonates under solvent-free conditions is described. Carbon dots containing carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amine groups were prepared by a microwave technique and employed together with KI, which showed exceptional catalytic activity in the cycloaddition of carbon dioxide with different epoxides. In addition, the catalyst was easily reusable and had stable recyclability. And the catalyst displayed outstanding catalytic performance due to the synergistic effect of carboxyl (–COOH), hydroxyl (–OH), and amine (–NH) groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of low-cost and high-performance bifunctional catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great significance for overall water splitting. Herein, RuNi single atom alloy (SAA) decorated on reduced graphene oxide (RuNi@rGO) was synthesized by a facile strategy for use as a bifunctional HER/OER catalyst. The as-obtained RuNi@rGO catalyst exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activities with an ultralow overpotential for the HER (15 mV) and the OER (240 mV) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the introduction of Ru single atoms can evidently change the electron distribution and coordination environment around Ni, and reduce the intermediate's adsorption free energy of RuNi@rGO, thus facilitating the HER/OER catalytic rate. Moreover, when used as the cathode and anode of a two-electrode system, the RuNi@rGO-based water splitting device exhibits a low potential of 1.52 V at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, as well as a high faradaic efficiency almost up to 100%, making RuNi@rGO bifunctional electrocatalysts attractive for energy storage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deliberate engineering of built-in electric fields (BEFs) can facilitate electron transfer and promote asymmetrical charge distribution, thereby regulating the adsorption/desorption of reaction intermediates. Herein, an oxygen-deficiency-rich MnO-CeO2 is synthetized supported on a carbon sphere (MnO-CeO2@Cs), adeptly crafted with a prominent work function difference (ΔΦ) and robust BEF, targeting the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Empirical and theoretical results substantiate that the BEF triggers interfacial charge redistribution, fine-tuning the adsorption energy of oxygen intermediates and hastening reaction kinetics. Consequently, the MnO-CeO2@Cs showcases commendable performance (E1/2 = 0.80 V and jL = 5.5 mA cm−2), outshining its single-component counterparts. Impressively, the MnO-CeO2@Cs-based zinc–air batteries (ZABs) boast an exemplary power density of 202.7 mW cm−2 and enduring stability of 297 h. Additionally, the solid-state ZAB commands a peak power density of 67.4 mW cm−2, underscoring its potential in flexible ZAB applications. This work delineates a strategic avenue to harness interfacial charge redistribution, aiming to enhance the catalytic performance and longevity of energy conversion/storage apparatuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) can be coupled with renewable energy power generation technology and is considered to be a highly promising hydrogen production technology. However, the acidic electrolyte environment, as well as the numerous sulfonic acid groups on the proton exchange membrane surface, can seriously corrode the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst and even cause deactivation. To develop an efficient acidic OER catalyst, the IrOx/WO3 heterostructure OER catalyst was prepared by a hydrothermal-calcination method. The coordination environment of IrOx was regulated through the electronic rearrangement effect, improving the OER activity and stability of the catalyst in acidic media. The prepared IrOx/WO3 exhibits excellent OER activity in 0.5 M H2SO4, with an overpotential of only 260 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a mass activity of 176.8 A gIr−1. It can stably operate for over 12 hours at a current density of j = 10 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of low-cost earth-abundant electrocatalysts to produce ammonia (NH3) with high efficiency for the nitrogen (N2) reduction reaction (NRR) remains challenging. Herein, we propose the development of highly efficient ultrathin nitrogen-vacancy-rich molybdenum nitride nanosheets (MoN-NV) for NRR using basic electrolytes under ambient conditions. In 0.1 M KOH, this catalyst attained a high faradaic efficiency (FE) of ∼14% with an NH3 yield of 22.5 μg h−1 mg−1cat at −0.3 V vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode under ambient conditions. The characterization results and electrochemical studies disclosed that nitrogen vacancies in the MoN-NV nanosheets played a critical role in the enhanced electrocatalytic activity for NRR. Furthermore, the recycling tests confirmed the stability of the catalyst during NRR electrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable carbon-based compounds has attracted considerable attention. In the quest for efficient electrocatalysts, strain engineering, characterized by localized relative deformation, has emerged as a particularly advantageous strategy for designing highly selective and efficient electrocatalysts. This review focuses on the development of strain in electrocatalytic materials for CO2 reduction reactions. It starts by explaining the characteristics of various strains and their formation mechanisms. Subsequently, it provides a summary of recent research progress in CO2 electrocatalytic reduction based on strain engineering. During electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions, strain plays a crucial role in influencing the adsorption energy between various intermediates and catalyst substrates. Finally, the review looks ahead to the future prospects of strain engineering, discussing potential research directions in this field. This work presents a systematic review of constructing strain for CO2 reduction reactions, offering valuable insights into the design of highly efficient electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, significant progress has been achieved in rational developments of electrocatalysts through constructing novel atomistic structures and modulating catalytic surface topography, realizing substantial enhancement in electrocatalytic activities. Numerous advanced catalysts were developed for electrochemical energy conversion, exhibiting low overpotential, high intrinsic activity, and selectivity. Yet, maintaining the high catalytic performance under working conditions with high polarization and vigorous microkinetics that induce intensive degradation of surface nanostructures presents a significant challenge for commercial applications. Recently, advanced operando and computational techniques have provided comprehensive mechanistic insights into the degradation of surficial functional structures. Additionally, various innovative strategies have been devised and proven effective in sustaining electrocatalytic activity under harsh operating conditions. This review aims to discuss the most recent understanding of the degradation microkinetics of catalysts across an entire range of anodic to cathodic polarizations, encompassing processes such as oxygen evolution and reduction, hydrogen reduction, and carbon dioxide reduction. Subsequently, innovative strategies adopted to stabilize the materials' structure and activity are highlighted with an in-depth discussion of the underlying rationale. Finally, we present conclusions and perspectives regarding future research and development. By identifying the research gaps, this review aims to inspire further exploration of surface degradation mechanisms and rational design of durable electrocatalysts, ultimately contributing to the large-scale utilization of electroconversion technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, urea electrolysis has become an attractive method for sustainable energy-saving hydrogen production and simultaneous pollutant degradation. To improve urea electrolysis efficiency and simplify electrolysis systems, developing efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts has attracted great interest. Recently, great achievements have been made in the design of high-performance bifunctional catalysts for urea electrolysis. In this review, the current progress in bifunctional catalysts for urea electrolysis is comprehensively analyzed. The fundamentals and catalyst design principles for urea electrolysis are first discussed. Then, the applications of advanced bifunctional catalysts in urea electrolysis are fully demonstrated, such as single atom catalysts (SACs), metal nanoparticles, alloys, metal (hydr)oxides, chalcogenides, pnictides, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and composites. The structure–performance correlation of catalysts as well as their design strategies are emphasized. Current catalysts are also evaluated in terms of their catalytic activities, providing insights into the sensible design of high-performance bifunctional electrocatalysts. Several key perspectives are outlined to guide further studies on practical urea electrolysis-driven sustainable hydrogen production and urea-rich wastewater management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]