Designing high performance Pt monolayer core–shell electrocatalysts for fuel cells

In proton exchange membrane fuel cells, platinum (Pt) has been the dominant choice for both the cathode and the anode catalysts. The high Pt content and high associated costs particularly at the cathode, and sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics and poor stability, remain a challenge. Pt monolayer (ML) catalysts offer a distinctively reduced Pt content while providing considerable possibilities for enhancing their catalytic activity and stability for the ORR. In this opinion, we first review the achievement in active and stable Pt ML on palladium (Pd) nanoparticle catalysts for the ORR. We then describe the mechanisms that rationalize their high activity and durability. Recently, we developed several novel nanostructured cores to further improve the ORR activity and stability by optimizing their surface orientation, composition, and morphology. The results from the Pt ML catalysts significantly impact the research of electrocatalysis and fuel-cell technology, as they demonstrate an exceptionally effective way of design and syntheses of catalysts.     

Preparation of titania hollow particles with independently controlled void size and shell thickness by catalytic templating core–shell polymer particles

Organic/inorganic hybrids were prepared by catalytic hydrolysis and subsequent polycondensation of tetra-n-butyl titanate (TnBT) in shell layers grafted on core particles. The core particles were synthesized by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization of styrene, N-n-butyl-N-2-methacryloyloxyethyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide (C₄DMAEMA), and 2-chloropropionyloxyethyl methacrylate using 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride as an initiator. The core diameters were controlled in the range of 70–550 nm by adjusting a C₄DMAEMA feed concentration. The core–shell particles were prepared by surface-initiated activator generated electron transfer–atom transfer radical polymerization of 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). The sizes of core–shell particles were found to increase monotonically with an increase in a DMAEMA concentration. The hybrid particles were fabricated by adding TnBT into a water/ethanol dispersion of core–shell particles. The amounts of titania deposited increased in proportion to the grafted amounts of poly[2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] on the core particles. The X-ray diffraction measurement revealed that the hollow titania particles obtained by heat treatment of hybrids have an anatase crystallographic phase.     

Electrooxidation of hydrogen at Pt/carbon nanotube catalysts for hydrogen–air fuel cell

A possibility for application of the method of thin-layer rotating disk electrode (RDE) for investigation of kinetics of hydrogen electrooxidation on highly dispersed platinum catalysts formed on the carbon nanotubes (CNT) is studied. It is shown that the polarization curves of hydrogen oxidation on the studied catalysts approach the calculated curves for the diffusion overpotential of hydrogen reaction both in the acidic and alkaline electrolytes. This is the evidence, on the one hand, for a high activity of proposed catalysts in the hydrogen oxidation reaction and, on the other hand, for incorrect use of the Koutecky–Levich equation for calculating the kinetic currents in the case under consideration. The characteristics of hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell (FC) with anode based of synthesized 40Pt/CNT catalysts are highly comparative with the characteristics of FC containing commercial 60Pt catalyst (HiSPEC 9100) on the anode.     

Pt–Ru electrocatalysts for fuel cells: a representative review

Three periods of Pt–Ru research are considered step-by-step: the initial period after discovery (1963–1970); observation and classification of basic tendencies (like the effects of composition, segregation, structural features on the activity; up to 1990); nanostructural studies and molecular level consideration of electrocatalytic phenomena in combination with advanced applied studies of materials, mechanistic, and applied aspects (after 1990). The main idea of this review is to balance various aspects of Pt–Ru electrochemistry related to material science and electrocatalysis as well as to remember the early basic results being of importance for future understanding of Pt–Ru functional properties. Dedicated to Professor Teresa Iwasita, as a token of her remarkable contribution to electrocatalysis.

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Pd/Pt core–shell nanowire arrays as highly effective electrocatalysts for methanol electrooxidation in direct methanol fuel cells

Highly ordered Pd/Pt–core–shell nanowire arrays (Pd/Pt NWAs) have been prepared by anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) template-electrodeposition and magnetron sputtering methods. Pd/Pt NWA electrode shows a very high electrochemical active surface area and high electrocatalytic activity for the methanol electrooxidation in acid medium for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The mass specific anodic peak current density is 756.7 mA mg⁻¹ Pt for the methanol oxidation on the Pd/Pt NWA electrode, an increase by a factor of four as compared to conventional E-TEK PtRu/C electrocatalysts. The mechanism of the significant enhancement of the Pd/Pt core/shell NWA nanostructure in the efficiency and electrocatalytic activity of Pt for the methanol electrooxidation in acid medium is discussed.     

An in situ generated CuI/metformin complex as a novel and efficient catalyst for C–N and C–O cross-coupling reactions

An in situ generated complex of copper(I) and a biguanide, namely metformin, was found to be a highly efficient homogeneous catalyst in N/O-arylation reactions. The O-arylation of substituted phenols with various aryl iodides and bromides was also achieved using this copper catalyst to afford diaryl ethers in good to excellent yields in DMF. This heterogeneous copper catalyst also promotes the N-arylation of imidazole with a variety of aryl halides (Cl, Br, I) in acetonitrile.     

Fe–N/C nanofiber electrocatalysts with improved activity and stability for oxygen reduction in alkaline and acid solutions

Fe–N/C nanofiber (Fe–N/CNF) electrocatalysts were prepared by impregnating electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers with iron nitrate (Fe(NO₃)₃) solution and subsequent heat treatment, exhibiting improved activity and stability during oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) both in 0.1 M KOH (pH?=?13) and 0.5 M H₂SO₄ (pH?=?0) electrolyte solutions. Higher treatment temperature and NH₃ atmosphere were preferred by the Fe–N/CNF catalysts, and especially the concentration of Fe(NO₃)₃ solution exerted great effects on the surface morphology, structure, and thus electrocatalytic performance of the catalysts. The Fe–N/CNFs prepared using 0.5 wt% Fe(NO₃)₃ solution showed relatively higher ORR activity in alkaline and acid solutions and better stability especially in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution than the catalyst without Fe, probably because Fe could promote the graphitization of the polymer-converted carbon species, enhancing the resistance to electrochemical oxidation and thus the stability of the Fe–N/CNF catalysts.     

Fabrication of polymeric micelles with core–shell–corona structure for applications in controlled drug release

Thermo-responsive polymeric micelles of poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-g-lactide)-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PEG-P(HEMA-PLA)-PNIPAM) with core–shell–corona structure were fabricated for applications in controlled drug release. The graft copolymer of PEG-P(HEMA-PLA)-PNIPAM was self-assembled into core–shell micelles with a densely PLA core and mixed PEG/PNIPAM shells at 25 °C in aqueous media. By increasing the temperature above the lower critical solution temperature of PNIPAM, these core–shell micelles could be converted into core–shell–corona micelles because of the collapse of PNIPAM block on the PLA core as the inner shell and the soluble PEG block stretching outside as the outer corona. Anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded in the polymeric micelles as a model drug. Compared with polymeric micelles formed by liner PEG-b-PLA-b-PNIPAM triblock copolymer, these polymeric micelles exhibited higher loading capacity, and release of DOX from the polymeric micelles with core–shell–corona structure was well-controlled.     

Facile and efficient protocols for C–C and C–N bond formation reactions using a superparamagnetic palladium complex as reusable catalyst

Research on Chemical Intermediates - Facile and efficient protocols for some multicomponent coupling reactions such as the Suzuki reaction and synthesis of polyhydroquinoline and...     

Synthesis of bifunctional core–shell particles with a porous zeolite core and a responsive polymeric shell

The aim of our work is the synthesis and characterization of colloidal core–shell particles with a zeolite core and an environmentally responsive shell. We have synthesized colloidal ZSM-5 zeolite and modified the surface with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate in order to introduce double bonds at the surface. The cross-linked polymeric shell was prepared by precipitation polymerization using the functionalized zeolite particles as seeds. We employed thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and pH-responsive poly(vinylpyridine) as the polymeric shell, respectively. The temperature- and pH-depending swelling and deswelling of the core–shell particles were characterized with dynamic light scattering techniques. Transmission electron microscopy pictures show the morphology of the synthesized particles. It is proposed that these types of bifunctional core–shell particles could be of use for controlled uptake and release applications and separation of molecules.     

Preparations and properties of a tunable void with shell thickness SiO2@SiO2 core–shell structures via activators generated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization

Core–shell structure nanoparticles are attracting considerable attention because of their applications in drug delivery, catalysis carrier, and nanomedicine. In this study, SiO₂@SiO₂ core–shell structure with tunable void and shell thickness was successfully prepared for the first time using SiO₂-poly(buty acrylate) (PBA)-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) (SiO₂-PBA-b-PDMAEMA) as the template and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the silica source. An amphiphilic copolymer PBA-b-PDMAEMA was first grafted onto the SiO₂ nanosphere surface through activators regenerated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization. TEOS was hydrolyzed along with the PDMAEMA chain through hydrogen bonding, and the core–shell structure of SiO₂@SiO₂ was obtained through calcination to remove the copolymer. The gradient hydrophilicity of the PBA-b-PDMAEMA copolymer template facilitated the hydrolysis of TEOS molecules along the PDMAEMA to PBA segments, thereby tuning the voids between the SiO₂ core and SiO₂ shell, as well as the SiO₂ shell thickness. The voids were about 10–15 nm and the shell thicknesses were about 4–11 nm when adding different amounts of DMAEMA monomer. SiO₂@SiO₂ core–shell structures with tunable void and shell thickness were employed as supports for the loading and release of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) in PBS (pH 4.0). The samples demonstrated good loading capacity and controlled release rate of DOX.     

Highly stable Pt–Ru/C as an anode catalyst for use in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

A new method for preparing highly stable Pt–Ru/C catalysts at low temperature is reported. Pt–Ru supported on high surface carbon was prepared from Pt(NH₃)₄Cl₂, RuNO(NO₃) _x (OH) _y and borohydride as a reducing agent. Simultaneous reduction of both metals was done by heat treatment and small and homogeneously dispersed catalyst particles were obtained with increased stability, as observed from solubility tests. Catalysis, XRD and TG data gave clear evidence of the different chemical states between the material produced and the commercially available sample. The electrochemical measurements showed that the novel catalysts have a performance similar to that of E-Tek samples.     

New ligands for copper-catalyzed C–N coupling reactions with aryl halides

2-Carbomethoxy-3-hydroxyquinoxaline-di-N-oxide was identified as an efficient novel ligand for the copper-catalyzed coupling reactions of aryl iodides, bromides, and chlorides with aliphatic amines and N-containing heterocycles under mild conditions. The catalytic system showed great functional-group tolerance and excellent chemoselectivity.     

Effect of acid treatment of Corich core–Ptrich shell/C electrocatalyst on oxygen reduction reaction

Co_{rich core}–Pt_{rich shell}/C prepared by thermal decomposition and chemical reduction methods were treated by 20% H₂SO₄ aqueous solution and used as the electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The particle size range of Co_{rich core}–Pt_{rich shell} (molar ratio of 0.92:1) on carbon powder support decreased from 3–8 to 1–6 nm when the time for the electrocatalysts immersed and treated with 20% H₂SO₄ aqueous solution increased from 0 to 4 h. Using Co_{rich core}–Pt_{rich shell} (molar ratio of 0.92:1)/C treated with 20% H₂SO₄ from 0 to 4 h as the working electrode, the open circuit potential of ORR in 0.5 M HClO₄ aqueous solution increased from 0.9995 to 1.0155 V, and the current density, mass activity, and specific activity at the overpotential of 0.1 V increased from 0.619 mA cm^?2, 6.184 A g^?1, and 18.614 μA cm^?2 to 0.912 mA cm^?2, 15.544 A g^?1, and 23.413 μA cm^?2, respectively.     

Preparation and surface characterization of Pt–Au/C cathode catalysts with ceria modification for oxygen reduction reaction

Alloy catalysts of Pt₅₀Au₅₀/Ce_xC with various Ce additions (x) were prepared for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The characterization of the alloy structures, surface species, and electro-catalytic activities of prepared alloy catalysts were performed by XRD, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and rotating disc electrode (RDE) technique, respectively. The ORR activity of Pt₅₀Au₅₀/C alloy catalyst with a promotion of 15% CeO₂ was enhanced significantly in comparison to the commercial Pt/C catalyst within the mixed kinetic-diffusion control region. The addition of CeO₂ decreased the particle sizes, increased the dispersion and enhanced the surface segregation of Pt which resulting in an alloy surface with a moderate oxophilicity on alloy catalysts.     

Synthesis of blockwise alkylated tetrasaccharide–organic quantum dot complexes and their utilization for live cell labeling with low cytotoxicity

Bioimaging is a key to understanding immune responses, cell differentiation, and development. Quantum dots (QDs) conjugated with monoclonal antibodies and other biomolecules are currently utilized for flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, but monoclonal antibody–QD complexes are of limited use when cell surface markers are not available. In this study, we synthesized novel amphiphilic blockwise alkylated tetrasaccharides and developed a simple method for labeling a wide variety of live cells with organic QDs encapsulated with these carbohydrates. The novel amphiphilic blockwise alkylated tetrasaccharides were as follows: methyl β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,3,6-tri-O-methyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,3,6-tri-O-methyl-d-glucopyranoside (1), methyl β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,3,6-tri-O-methyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,3,6-tri-O-methyl-d-glucopyranoside (2), ethyl β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,3,6-tri-O-ethyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,3,6-tri-O-ethyl-d-glucopyranoside, (3), and ethyl β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,3,6-tri-O-ethyl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,3,6-tri-O-ethyl-d-glucopyranoside (4). The newly synthesized blockwise alkylated tetrasaccharides spontaneously assembled into micelle-like particles, in which the hydrophobic moiety of the blockwise alkylated tetrasaccharides played an important role. They were less toxic to human cells than octyl β-d-glucopyranoside, a commonly used amphiphilic glucoside. Flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that the blockwise alkylated tetrasaccharide–organic QD complexes were stably attached to live cells. The affinity of compounds 1 and 2 to the live cell surface was slightly higher than that of compounds 3 and 4. Because the preparation of these carbohydrate–QD complexes is simple and does not require sophisticated equipment, and because the complexes can be autonomously attached to a wide spectrum of cell lines, they can be used as cell labeling reagents in biomedical studies.     

Sol–gel preparation of antireflective coatings at 351 nm with different thickness and improved moisture-resistance

Antireflective (AR) coatings at 351 nm with different thickness were designed and prepared by sol–gel process using tetraethylorthosilicate as precursor and ammonia as catalyst. The parameters of these coatings, including film thickness and refractive index, were calculated by optical formula and the coatings were prepared accordingly. Sol dilution method was used to adjust the film thickness. The wavelengths of maximum transmission measured by UV–Vis spectrophotometer, were used to monitor the film thickness. It was found that AR coatings with higher thickness possess better abrasion-resistance. Hydroxyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was added into pure silica sol to improve both the abrasion-resistance and moisture-resistance of AR coating.     

The problem of Ru dissolution from Pt–Ru catalysts during fuel cell operation: analysis and solutions

Platinum–ruthenium catalysts are widely used as anode materials in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs) operating with reformate gas and in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Ruthenium dissolution from the Pt–Ru anode catalyst at potentials higher than 0.5?V vs. DHE, followed by migration and deposition to the Pt cathode can give rise to a decrease of the activity of both anode and cathode catalysts and to a worsening of cell performance. A major challenge for a suitable application of Pt–Ru catalysts in PEMFC and DMFC is to improve their stability against Ru dissolution. The purpose of this paper is to provide a better knowledge of the problem of Ru dissolution from Pt–Ru catalysts and its effect on fuel cell performance. The different ways to resolve this problem are discussed.     

Asymmetric C–C bond forming reactions with chiral crown catalysts derived from d-glucose and d-galactose

New chiral monoaza-15-crown-5 derivatives anellated to methyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-α-d-glucopyranoside 2a, 2e, 2g–i and to methyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-α-d-galactopyranoside 3a, 3e, 3i have been synthesized. These crown ethers showed significant asymmetric induction as phase transfer catalysts in the Michael addition of 2-nitropropane to chalcone (87% ee), in the Darzens condensation of phenacyl chloride with benzaldehyde (71% ee) and in the self-condensation of phenacyl chloride (64% ee) to give 14. The absolute configurations of (−)-(2R,3S)-epoxy-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-phenyl-1-propanone 12 and (−)-4-chloro-(2R,3S)-epoxy-1,3-diphenyl-1-butanone 14 have also been determined by X-ray diffraction.