Latest News | ZHONG GROUP

Congratulations to Dr.Zhaoyang Liu for winning the excellent achievement award for graduate students in 2025

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Excellent achievement award for graduate students in 2025

Congratulations to Dr.Jiang Yuhang for winning the Wiley China high contribution author Award

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Wiley China high contribution author Award

JULY-DECEMBER 2025

Congratulations to Dr. Zhaoyang Liu on Publishing a Research Article in JACS

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sustainable and Efficient Bicarbonate Electrolysis via Enhanced CO₂ and Cation Availability on a Gas–Water Dual-Permeable Electrode

The electrochemical conversion of cost-effective bicarbonates into industrially relevant chemicals offers a sustainable, low-carbon-footprint alternative to feedstock production using renewable electricity. However, its performance is limited by low CO₂ concentrations at catalyst surfaces and harsh acidic conditions that promote the hydrogen evolution reaction and catalyst degradation. In this study, we developed a robust ionomer–inorganic nanoparticle (NP) composite coating (5–15 μm Nafion–SiC NPs), positioned between the catalyst and bipolar membrane, enabling efficient dual-permeability of gaseous CO₂ and liquid electrolyte to promote bicarbonate electrolysis over extended operation. Specifically, the Nafion perfluorocarbon chains on the assembled Nafion–SiC NPs interconnect to form a continuous aerophilic network that facilitates CO₂ diffusion. Simultaneously, the interparticle voids between NPs provide hydrophilic pathways that permit efficient electrolyte transport. This prepared stratified electrode increases local CO₂ concentration to 75% saturation and enriches K+ availability at electrocatalyst surfaces at cathodic potentials during bicarbonate electrolysis. Experiments validate a high CO₂ permeance of ∼0.008 cm³ cm^–2 s^–1 cmHg^–1 and a low ionic resistance of ∼0.85 Ω cm² for the composite coating under wet conditions. Crucially, the electrically insulating Nafion–SiC NPs resist electric-field-induced K⁺ penetration to ensure long-term hydrophobicity and stable gas transport. This system achieved sustained bicarbonate-to-CO electrolysis over 1100 h with an 84–88% Faradaic efficiency and a 35.8% energy efficiency at 100 mA cm^–2. Extending this gas–liquid dual-permeable coating strategy to Bi- and Sn-based electrodes enhanced bicarbonate-to-formate electroreduction, highlighting the generalizability of this gas–liquid dual-permeable design for advancing heterogeneous electrolysis at triple-phase interfaces.

The related research findings were published in JACS under the title "Sustainable and Efficient Bicarbonate Electrolysis via Enhanced CO₂ and Cation Availability on a Gas–Water Dual-Permeable Electrode"

Article link: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/jacs.5c20900

Congratulations to Dr. Yuhang Jiang on Publishing a Review Article in Chemistry – An Asian Journal

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction Using Membrane Electrode Assemblies: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

Electrochemical CO₂ reduction (CO₂R) offers a promising route for converting waste CO₂ into valuable short-chain (C₁–C₃) hydrocarbon chemicals using renewable electricity. Substantial progress has been made in elucidating CO₂R reaction mechanisms and in designing high-performance electrocatalysts and electrode structures. Building on these developments, recent efforts have increasingly focused on system-level optimization to fully harness the potential of electrocatalysts for achieving new benchmark efficiencies under practical conditions. Among different CO2R device configurations, zero-gap membrane electrode assembly (MEA) electrolyzers—typically consisting of catalyst-coated gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) pressed tightly against an ion-exchange membrane—have shown promise for achieving high CO₂R current densities at low cell voltages. However, critical challenges remain in the MEA-based CO₂R systems that must be addressed before large-scale deployment. This review discusses recent advances in MEA-based CO₂R, providing cross-scale analyses that connect microscale reaction kinetics, mesoscale mass transport, and device-level integration. It identifies key performance indicators that capture the complex interplay between catalysts, electrode structures, and the overall reaction system, serving as a foundation for the rational design of components and MEA systems toward efficient and scalable operation. With these insights, this review discusses opportunities and challenges for advancing MEA devices toward sustainable and practical CO₂-to-chemical conversion.

The related research findings were published in Nano Letters under the title "Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction Using Membrane Electrode Assemblies: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities".

Article link: https://aces.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/asia.202500685

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Celebrating Our Graduates’ Achievements and New Chapters

We are proud to congratulate our outstanding graduate Xiang Zhang on successfully completing their degrees and becoming the distinguished Class of 2025! During his time with us, he has made exceptional contributions to our research, publishing his work in prestigious journals such as Chinese Journal of Catalysis and Journal of the American Chemical Society. His dedication, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative spirit have been instrumental to our group’s success and have set a high standard for excellence. As he now embarks on exciting new paths—whether in industry, academia, or other ventures—we extend our warmest wishes for his continued success and fulfillment. Remember, you will always be valued members of our research family. We look forward to hearing about your future accomplishments!

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2025! The future is yours to shape.

Congratulations to Dr. Jin Zhang on Publishing a Research Article in Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Energy Efficiency Limit in CO-to-Ethylene Electroreduction and the Method to Advance Toward

The electrified synthesis of high-demand feedstocks (C₂H₄) from CO and H₂O through a CO electroreduction (COR) protocol is attractive for large-scale applications; however, a high reaction potential and modest Faradaic efficiencies (FEs) limit its practical energy efficiency (EE). In this study, a quantitative reaction–transport model was constructed to analyze the root causes of low performance in COR, which revealed low volumetric exchange current density and limited intermediate surface reaction as key factors, constraining CO-to-C₂₊ and CO-to-C2H4 conversion energetics and selectivities. Consequently, a robust, high active-site density electrode, featuring nanometer-scale interspacing between the active, Nafion-wrapped Cu⁺–Cu nanosheet catalysts, was designed. This design increases volumetric COR activity with an efficient intermediate surface reaction mechanism for C₂H₄ production, substantially lowering the full-cell COR potential to 1.87 V at 4 A in a 25 cm² membrane electrode assembly, thereby achieving a record >50% C₂₊ EE with a 90 ± 1% FE along with a >40% C2H4 EE with a 71 ± 1% FE throughout stable >100 h operation. Similarly designed high-volumetric-activity Bi and Ag nanosheet catalysts enabled >60% and >55% EEs for the CO2-to-formate and CO₂-to-CO electroreduction, demonstrating the broader applicability of our electrochemical activity and EE enhancement concept on a three-phase interface.

The related research findings were published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition under the title "Energy Efficiency Limit in CO-to-Ethylene Electroreduction and the Method to Advance Toward".

Article link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/anie.202502690

Congratulations to Dr. Yongcheng Xiao on Publishing a Research Article in Journal of Environmental Sciences

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Boosting dimethyl carbonate synthesis from CO₂ and methanol through oxygen vacancy engineering on CeO₂ under thermodynamically favorable conditions

The direct conversion of greenhouse gas CO₂ and low-cost CH_{3/sub>OH into valuable dimethyl carbonate (DMC) offers a promising low-carbon synthetic pathway, but the slow CO₂ activation kinetics and entropy-decreasing nature of this reaction significantly restrict DMC yield to below 1 %. In this work, 2-cyanopyridine (2-CP) was employed as a dehydrating agent to suppress the reverse reaction between DMC and H₂O, shifting the thermodynamic equilibrium in favor of DMC production. Under this thermodynamic unconstrained condition, increasing oxygen vacancies, especially in the form of oxygen vacancy clusters, promotes catalytic activity significantly. We achieve a catalytic activity of 211 mmol/(g·h) at 140 °C on H₂-treated, oxygen-vacancy-clusters-rich CeO₂ in the presence of 2-CP, a 1.6-fold increase compared to the activity with air-treated CeO₂ under identical conditions. The DMC yield reaches 8.54 % in a 20 mL CH₃OH solution with 2-CP, surpassing the calculated DMC yield of about 0.66 % from the reaction equilibrium constant under the same conditions and without using the dehydrating agent. This work suggests the importance of using a dehydrating agent and also highlights oxygen vacancy clusters as pivotal active sites to promote DMC synthesis. Achieving sustainable DMC synthesis requires further exploration, encompassing strategies such as methods for regeneration of 2-CP.}

The related research findings were published in Journal of Environmental Sciences under the title "Boosting dimethyl carbonate synthesis from CO₂ and methanol through oxygen vacancy engineering on CeO₂ under thermodynamically favorable conditions".

Article link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1001074224002870

Congratulations to Dr. Haoyang Jiang on Publishing a Research Article in Nano Letters

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Accelerating Reverse Water Gas Shift Reaction through Synergistic CO₂ and H₂ Activation on Ru–Fe–(V_O-in-CeO₂) Ternary Catalytic Centers

The reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction shows promise for converting CO₂ emissions to chemical feedstocks using renewable H₂. However, achieving high selectivity and activity at low temperatures remains challenging due to the thermodynamically more favorable CO₂ methanation reaction. Here we develop a robust Ru_0.0025Ce_0.7Fe_0.3O_2−δ solid-solution nanorod catalyst featuring a ternary Fe–Ru–oxygen vacancy (V_O) center, overcoming limitations in intermediate adsorption and dissociation on single-component catalysts. Incorporating a trace amount of Ru (0.25 at. %) into Ce_0.7Fe_0.3O_2−δ markedly enhances CO₂ and H₂ dissociation and H₂O formation, while the primary Ce_0.7Fe_0.3O_2−δ solid-solution component facilitates CO desorption, lowering the RWGS onset temperature to ∼200 °C. Experimental and computational analyses verify improved kinetics and stable performance with Ru_0.0025Ce_0.7Fe_0.3O_2−δ, yielding a CO production rate of 326 mmol gcat^–1 h^–1, ∼100% selectivity, and a 21% yield, approaching the thermodynamic limit within a 5 min batch reaction at ∼450 °C surface temperature under 300 W xenon lamp illumination.

The related research findings were published in Nano Letters under the title "Accelerating Reverse Water Gas Shift Reaction through Synergistic CO₂ and H₂ Activation on Ru–Fe–(V_O-in-CeO₂) Ternary Catalytic Centers".

Article link: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c06427

Congratulations to Dr. Zhou Renjie on Publishing a Research Article in CJC Journal

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Efficient Photothermal CO Hydrogenation into C₂₊ Hydrocarbons on in situ Generated Fe⁰ in Fe₅C₂ Active Sites via Cu-Promoted Hydrogen Dissociation and Spillover

Photothermal hydrogenation of carbon monoxide (CO) holds the potential to generate valuable C2+ chemicals using renewable solar energy. However, its activity and selectivity towards C2—C3 alkanes are limited compared to conventional thermal catalysis. In this study, a robust catalyst consisting of Cu/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles on Mo₂CTx MXene was developed, showing enhanced photothermal C2—C3 production. The Cu component plays a crucial role in H₂ dissociation and subsequent H spillover, facilitating the in situ generation of Fe⁰ in Fe₅C₂ active sites and thus efficiently promoting photothermal CO hydrogenation. As a result, a 78.5% CO conversion and 51.3% C2+ selectivity were achieved at a high gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 12000 mL·gcat⁻¹·h⁻¹ and 2.5 MPa in a flow reactor at 320 °C. The overall C2—C3 yield reached 23.6% with the Cu/Fe₃O₄/Mo₂CTx catalysts, marking a 2.8-fold increase compared to the performance of the bare Fe₃O₄/Mo₂CTx catalyst.

The related research findings were published in CJC under the title “Efficient Photothermal CO Hydrogenation into C₂₊ Hydrocarbons on in situ Generated Fe⁰ in Fe₅C₂ Active Sites via Cu-Promoted Hydrogen Dissociation and Spillover”.

Article link: https://doi.org/10.1002/cjoc.202400905；

Congratulations to Xiang Zhang on Publishing a Research Article in Chinese Journal of Catalysis

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Efficient nitrate electroreduction to ammonia via synergistic cascade catalysis at Cu/Fe₂O₃ hetero-interfaces

Electrochemical nitrate (NO3−) reduction offers a promising route for ammonia (NH3) synthesis from industrial wastewater using renewable energy. However, achieving selective and active NO3− to NH3 conversion at low potentials remains challenging due to complex multi-electron transfer processes and competing reactions. Herein, we tackle this challenge by developing a cascade catalysis approach using synergistic active sites at Cu-Fe2O3 interfaces, significantly reducing the NO3− to NH3 at a low onset potential to about +0.4 VRHE. Specifically, Cu optimizes *NO3 adsorption, facilitating NO3− to nitrite (NO2−) conversion, while adjacent Fe species in Fe2O3 promote the subsequent NO2− reduction to NH3 with favorable *NO2 adsorption. Electrochemical operating experiments, in situ Raman spectroscopy, and in situ infrared spectroscopy consolidate this improved onset potential and reduction kinetics via cascade catalysis. An NH3 partial current density of ~423 mA cm−2 and an NH3 Faradaic efficiency (FENH3) of 99.4% were achieved at −0.6 VRHE, with a maximum NH3 production rate of 2.71 mmol h−1 cm−2 at −0.8 VRHE. Remarkably, the half-cell energy efficiency exceeded 35% at −0.27 VRHE (80% iR corrected), maintaining an FENH3 above 90% across a wide range of NO3− concentrations (0.05−1 mol L−1). Using 15N isotopic tracing, we confirmed NO3− as the sole nitrogen source and attained a 98% NO3− removal efficiency. The catalyst exhibit stability over 106-h of continuous operation without noticeable degradation. This work highlights distinctive active sites in Cu-Fe2O3 for promoting the cascade NO3− to NO2− and NO2− to NH3 electrolysis at industrial relevant current densities.

The related research findings were published in CJC under the title "Efficient nitrate electroreduction to ammonia via synergistic cascade catalysis at Cu/Fe₂O₃ hetero-interfaces".

Article link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1872206724601944

Congratulations to Yi Xie on Publishing a Research Article in the Progress in Natural Science: Materials International

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Promoted reverse water-gas shift activity on transition metals-incorporated iron-cerium oxide solid solution catalyst

Earth-abundant Fe oxide-based catalysts, renowned for their broad-spectrum light absorption, hold promise for driving the photothermal RWGS reaction—a promising strategy for converting CO2 emissions into valuable carbonaceous feedstocks. However, traditional Fe oxide-based catalysts exhibit limited activity due to their constrained H2 dissociation and CO2 activation capabilities, especially at lower temperatures. This study introduces Co, Ni, and Cu-doped Ce0.7Fe0.3O2 solid-solution catalysts. Incorporation of Fe into CeO2 enhances CO2 dissociation while preserving extensive light adsorption up to 2500 nm. Notably, Co doping enhances H2 dissociation and promotes CO2 activation. Subsequent investigations reveal that a catalyst doped with 5 mol% Co exhibits the highest photothermal catalytic activity, attaining a ∼50 % CO2 conversion under 300 W Xe-lamp irradiation with excellent selectivity and stability over 10 reaction cycles spanning 10 h. These results underscore the potential of designing CeO2-based solid solution catalysts with synergistic metal dopants for efficient and selective CO2 conversion under moderate conditions.

The related research findings were published in Progress in Natural Science: Materials International under the title "Promoted reverse water-gas shift activity on transition metals-incorporated iron-cerium oxide solid solution catalyst".

Article link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1002007124001229

Congratulations to Dr. Weihang Li on Publishing a Research Article in JACS

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Sustainable Electrosynthesis of N,N-Dimethylformamide via Relay Catalysis on Synergistic Active Sites

Electrified synthesis of high-value organonitrogen chemicals from low-cost carbon- and nitrogen-based feedstocks offers an economically and environmentally appealing alternative to traditional thermocatalytic methods. However, the intricate electrochemical reactions at electrode surfaces pose significant challenges in controlling selectivity and activity, especially for producing complex substances such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Herein, we tackle this challenge by developing relay catalysis for efficient DMF production using a composite WO2–NiOOH/Ni catalyst with two distinctive active sites. Specifically, WO2 selectively promotes dimethylamine (DMA) electrooxidation to produce strongly surface-bound (CH3)2N*, while nearby NiOOH facilitates methanol electrooxidation to yield more weakly bound *CHO. The disparity in binding energetics of the key C- and N-intermediates expedites C–N coupling at the WO2–NiOOH interface. In situ infrared spectroscopy with isotope-labeling experiments, quasi-in situ electron paramagnetic resonance trapping experiments, and electrochemical operating experiments revealed the C–N coupling mechanism and enhanced DMF-synthesis selectivity and activity. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and postreaction transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies verified the stability of WO2–NiOOH/Ni during extended electrochemical operation. A Faradaic efficiency of ∼50% and a production rate of 438 μmol cm–2 h–1 were achieved at an industrially relevant current density of 100 mA cm–2 over an 80 h DMF production period. This study introduces a new paradigm for developing electrothermo relay catalysis for the sustainable and efficient synthesis of valuable organic chemicals with industrial potential.

The related research findings were published in JACS under the title "Sustainable Electrosynthesis of N,N-Dimethylformamide via Relay Catalysis on Synergistic Active Sites"

Article link: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/jacs.4c07142

Congratulations, Class of 2024!

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Celebrating Our Graduates’ Achievements and New Chapters

We are proud to congratulate our outstanding graduates—Le Li, Xiaohan Yu, Bo Lei, Wenhao Qin, Xiaotong Zhao, Yi Xie-on successfully completing their degrees and becoming the distinguished Class of 2024! During their time with us, they have made exceptional contributions to our research, publishing their work in prestigious journals such as Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie, Journal of Environmental Sciences, Nanoscale Advances and Progress in Natural Science: Materials International. Their dedication, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative spirit have been instrumental to our group’s success and have set a high standard for excellence. As they now embark on exciting new paths—whether in industry, academia, or other ventures—we extend our warmest wishes for their continued success and fulfillment. Remember, you will always be valued members of our research family. We look forward to hearing about your future accomplishments!

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2024! The future is yours to shape.

Congratulations to Xiaohan Yu on Publishing a Research Article in Nature Communications

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Coverage enhancement accelerates acidic CO₂ electrolysis at ampere-level current with high energy and carbon efficiencies

Acidic CO2 electroreduction (CO2R) using renewable electricity holds promise for high-efficiency generation of storable liquid chemicals with up to 100% CO2 utilization. However, the strong parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) limits its selectivity and energy efficiency (EE), especially at ampere-level current densities. Here we present that enhancing CO2R intermediate coverage on catalysts promotes CO2R and concurrently suppresses HER. We identified and engineered robust Cu6Sn5 catalysts with strong *OCHO affinity and weak *H binding, achieving 91% Faradaic efficiency (FE) for formic acid (FA) production at 1.2 A cm−2 and pH 1. Notably, the single-pass carbon efficiency reaches a new benchmark of 77.4% at 0.5 A cm−2 over 300 hours. In situ electrochemical Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed Cu6Sn5 enhances *OCHO coverage ~2.8× compared to Sn at pH 1. Using a cation-free, solid-state-electrolyte-based membrane-electrode-assembly, we produce 0.36 M pure FA at 88% FE over 130 hours with a marked full-cell EE of 37%.

The related research findings were published in Nature Communications under the title "Coverage enhancement accelerates acidic CO₂ electrolysis at ampere-level current with high energy and carbon efficiencies".

Article link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45988-4

Congratulations to Xiaotong Zhao on Publishing a Research Article in Nanoscale Advances

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Synthesis of polyoxometalate-pillared Zn–Cr layered double hydroxides for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction and H₂O oxidation

Polyoxometalate (POM)-pillared Zn–Cr layered double hydroxides (LDHs) exhibited high photocatalytic activities in CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation reactions. For CO2 reduction in pure water, the CO production was 1.17 μmol g−1 after a 24 h reaction. For O2 evolution in NaIO3 solution, the O2 production reached 148.1 μmol g−1 after a 6 hour reaction. A mechanism study indicated that the electron transfer from Zn–Cr LDHs to POMs (SiW12O404−) promoted photocatalytic activities.

The related research findings were published in Nanoscale Advances under the title "Synthesis of polyoxometalate-pillared Zn–Cr layered double hydroxides for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction and H₂O oxidation"

Article link: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/na/d3na01024d

Congratulations to Dr. Haoyang Jiang on Publishing a Research Article in Nature Catalysis

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Light-driven CO₂ methanation over Au-grafted Ce_0.95Ru_0.05O₂ solid-solution catalysts with activities approaching the thermodynamic limit

Photothermal CO2 methanation offers a clean and sustainable solution to store intermittent renewable energy as synthetic CH4. However, its high reaction temperature and low space-time yield hinder its industrial application. Here we report an Au/Ce0.95Ru0.05O2 solid-solution catalyst exhibiting a remarkable photothermal CO2 methanation activity approaching the thermal catalysis limit under visible–near-infrared light irradiation without external heating. Localized surface-plasmon-induced hot-electron injection created abundant oxygen vacancies near the dispersed ruthenium sites, accelerating CO2 methanation. An approximately 6- to 8-fold increase in the pre-exponential factor was evidenced using Arrhenius plot analysis under visible–near-infrared light irradiation. Using a flow reactor, a photothermal CH4 production rate of 473mmol/g.h was obtained at a gas hourly space velocity of 80000ml/g.h with ~100% CH4 selectivity, ~75% single-pass CO2 conversion and excellent durability. Our study offers insights into plasmonic-steered photochemistry, which may open opportunities for the high-yielding synthesis of carbon-based chemicals using solar energy.

The related research findings were published in Nature Catalysis under the title "Light-driven CO₂ methanation over Au-grafted Ce_0.95Ru_0.05O₂ solid-solution catalysts with activities approaching the thermodynamic limit"

Article link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41929-023-00970-z

Congratulations to Dr. Le Li on Publishing a Research Article in Angewandte Chemie

Mon, 15 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Achieving High Single-Pass Carbon Conversion Efficiencies in Durable CO₂ Electroreduction in Strong Acids via Electrode Structure Engineering

Acidic CO2 reduction (CO2R) holds promise for the synthesis of low-carbon-footprint chemicals using renewable electricity. However, the corrosion of catalysts in strong acids causes severe hydrogen evolution and rapid deterioration of CO2R performance. Here, by coating catalysts with an electrically nonconductive nanoporous SiC-NafionTM layer, a near-neutral pH was stabilized on catalyst surfaces, thereby protecting the catalysts against corrosion for durable CO2R in strong acids. Electrode microstructures played a critical role in regulating ion diffusion and stabilizing electrohydrodynamic flows near catalyst surfaces. This surface-coating strategy was applied to three catalysts, SnBi, Ag, and Cu, and they exhibited high activity over extended CO2R operation in strong acids. Using a stratified SiC-NafionTM/SnBi/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) electrode, constant production of formic acid was achieved with a single-pass carbon efficiency of >75 % and Faradaic efficiency of >90 % at 100 mA cm−2 over 125 h at pH 1.

The related research findings were published in Angewandte Chemie under the title "Achieving High Single-Pass Carbon Conversion Efficiencies in Durable CO₂ Electroreduction in Strong Acids via Electrode Structure Engineering"

Article link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ange.202300226

Congratulations to Dr. Jin Zhang on Publishing a Research Article in Nature Communications.

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Accelerating electrochemical CO₂ reduction to multi-carbon products via asymmetric intermediate binding at confined nanointerfaces

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R) to ethylene and ethanol enables the long-term storage of renewable electricity in valuable multi-carbon (C2+) chemicals. However, carbon–carbon (C–C) coupling, the rate-determining step in CO2R to C2+ conversion, has low efficiency and poor stability, especially in acid conditions. Here we find that, through alloying strategies, neighbouring binary sites enable asymmetric CO binding energies to promote CO2-to-C2+ electroreduction beyond the scaling-relation-determined activity limits on single-metal surfaces. We fabricate experimentally a series of Zn incorporated Cu catalysts that show increased asymmetric CO* binding and surface CO* coverage for fast C–C coupling and the consequent hydrogenation under electrochemical reduction conditions. Further optimization of the reaction environment at nanointerfaces suppresses hydrogen evolution and improves CO2 utilization under acidic conditions. We achieve, as a result, a high 31 ± 2% single-pass CO2-to-C2+ yield in a mild-acid pH 4 electrolyte with >80% single-pass CO2 utilization efficiency. In a single CO2R flow cell electrolyzer, we realize a combined performance of 91 ± 2% C2+ Faradaic efficiency with notable 73 ± 2% ethylene Faradaic efficiency, 31 ± 2% full-cell C2+ energy efficiency, and 24 ± 1% single-pass CO2 conversion at a commercially relevant current density of 150 mA cm−2 over 150 h.

The related research findings were published in Nature Communications under the title "Accelerating electrochemical CO₂ reduction to multi-carbon products via asymmetric intermediate binding at confined nanointerfaces."

Article link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-36926-x

Congratulations to Dr. Haoyang Jiang on Publishing a Research Article in ChemElectroChem.

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Redox-Stabilized Sn/SnO₂ Nanostructures for Efficient and Stable CO₂ Electroreduction to Formate

Electroreduction of CO2 (CO2R) to formate enables the storage of renewable electricity in liquid chemical bonds in an efficient manner. However, hydrogen evolution competes with CO2R, decreasing Faradaic efficiency (FE) and energy efficiency (EE) for formate production, particularly under acidic and neutral conditions. The deterioration of the catalysts during CO2R further hinders long-term and effective operation. To overcome these challenges, we fabricate nanostructured Sn/SnO2 through physical evaporation and wet-chemical etching, improving the CO2-to-formate conversion with finely tuned *OCHO adsorption. The in-situ formation of Sn/SnO2 surfaces during CO2R stabilizes the active sites for reliable formate production across a broad range of electrolyte pH from base to neutral. Our results show a 94 % CO2R-to-formate FE and a 58 % formate cathodic EE at 100 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH over 70 hours of continuous operation. Under neutral conditions (pH=7), the CO2-to-formate conversion remains stable for 100 h with a selectivity of >90 %.

The related research findings were published in ChemElectroChem under the title "Redox-Stabilized Sn/SnO₂ Nanostructures for Efficient and Stable CO₂ Electroreduction to Formate."

Article link: https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/celc.202201164

Congratulations to Dr. Haoyang Jiang on Publishing a Research Article in Discover Nano

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Scalable synthesis of BiVO₄ thin films via anodic plating and thermal calcination

Fabrication of high-quality semiconductor thin films has long been a subject of keen interest in the photocatalytic field. Here, we report a facile, solution-based anodic plating and calcination for large-scale synthesis of BiVO4 thin films on indium tin oxide coated glass for use as photoanodes in solar water splitting. Using Na2SO3 as a sacrificial reagent, continuous solar H2 production with 94% Faradaic efficiency was obtained over 6 h of photoelectrochemical water splitting.

The related research findings were published in Discover Nano under the title "Scalable synthesis of BiVO₄ thin films via anodic plating and thermal calcination"

Article link: https://www.proquest.com/docview/2774364686?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals

Congratulations to Dr. Le Li on Publishing a Research Article in Frontiers in Chemistry.

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Bimetallic Cu-Bi catalysts for efficient electroreduction of CO₂ to formate

Electrochemical CO2 reduction offers an effective means to store renewable electricity in value-added chemical feedstocks. Much effort has been made to develop catalysts that achieve high Faradaic efficiency toward Formate production, but the catalysts still need high operating potentials to drive the CO2–to–formate reduction. Here we report physical vapor deposition to fabricate homogeneously alloyed, compositionally controlled Cu1-xBix bimetallic catalysts over a large area with excellent electrical conductivity. Operating electrochemical studies in Ar-saturated and CO2-saturated electrolytes identified that Cu–Bi catalysts notably suppress the competing H2 evolution reaction and enhance CO2–to–formate selectivity. We reported a formate Faradaic efficiency of >95% at an improved cathodic potential of ∼−0.72 V vs. RHE and a high formate cathodic energy efficiency of ∼70%. The electrochemical reaction is stable over 24 h at a current density of 200 mA cm−2. The work shows the advantages of bimetallic catalysts over single metal catalysts for increased reaction activity and selectivity.

The related research findings were published in Frontiers in Chemistry under the title "Bimetallic Cu-Bi catalysts for efficient electroreduction of CO₂ to formate."

Article link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2022.983778/full

Congratulations to Dr. Haoyang Jiang on Publishing a Research Article in Chemistry – A European Journal

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Promoted Photothermal Catalytic CO Hydrogenation by Using TiC-Supported Co−Fe₅C₂ Catalysts

Photothermal catalytic CO hydrogenation offers the potential to synthesize light hydrocarbons by using solar energy. However, the selectivity and activity of the reaction are still far below those achieved in conventional thermal catalytic processes. Herein, we report that the Co-modified Fe5C2 on TiC catalyst promotes photothermal catalytic CO hydrogenation with a 59 % C2+ selectivity in the produced hydrocarbons and a 30 % single-pass CO conversion at a high gas hourly space–time velocity of 12 000 mL g−1 h−1. Using in-situ-irradiated XPS, we show that light-induced hot electron injection from TiC to Fe5C2 modulates the chemical state of Fe, thereby increasing the CO-to-C2+ conversion. This work suggests that it is possible for plasmon-mediated surface chemistry to enhance the activity and selectivity of photothermal catalytic reactions.

The related research findings were published in Chemistry – A European Journal under the title "Promoted Photothermal Catalytic CO Hydrogenation by Using TiC-Supported Co−Fe₅C₂ Catalysts"

Article link: https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/chem.202202891

Congratulations to Dr. Le Li on Publishing a Research Article in Nature Communications.

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Stable, active CO₂ reduction to formate via redox-modulated stabilization of active sites

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2R) to formic acid upgrades waste CO2; however, up to now, chemical and structural changes to the electrocatalyst have often led to the deterioration of performance over time. Here, we find that alloying p-block elements with differing electronegativities modulates the redox potential of active sites and stabilizes them throughout extended CO2R operation. Active Sn-Bi/SnO2 surfaces formed in situ on homogeneously alloyed Bi0.1Sn crystals stabilize the CO2R-to-formate pathway over 2400 h (100 days) of continuous operation at a current density of 100 mA cm−2. This performance is accompanied by a Faradaic efficiency of 95% and an overpotential of ~ −0.65 V. Operating experimental studies as well as computational investigations show that the stabilized active sites offer near-optimal binding energy to the key formate intermediate *OCHO. Using a cation-exchange membrane electrode assembly device, we demonstrate the stable production of concentrated HCOO– solution (3.4 molar, 15 wt%) over 100 h.

The related research findings were published in Nature Communications under the title "Stable, active CO₂ reduction to formate via redox-modulated stabilization of active sites."

Article link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-25573-9

Congratulations to Professor Zhong Miao on Publishing a Research Article in Nature

Thu, 28 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Accelerated discovery of CO₂ electrocatalysts using active machine learning

The rapid increase in global energy demand and the need to replace carbon dioxide (CO₂)-emitting fossil fuels with renewable sources have driven interest in chemical storage of intermittent solar and wind energy. Particularly attractive is the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to chemical feedstocks, which uses both CO₂ and renewable energy. Copper has been the predominant electrocatalyst for this reaction when aiming for more valuable multi-carbon products, and process improvements have been particularly notable when targeting ethylene. However, the energy efficiency and productivity (current density) achieved so far still fall below the values required to produce ethylene at cost-competitive prices.

This article describes Cu-Al electrocatalysts, identified using density functional theory calculations in combination with active machine learning, that efficiently reduce CO₂ to ethylene with the highest Faradaic efficiency reported so far. This Faradaic efficiency of over 80% (compared to about 66% for pure Cu) is achieved at a current density of 400 milliamperes per square centimeter (at 1.5 volts versus a reversible hydrogen electrode) and a cathodic-side (half-cell) ethylene power conversion efficiency of 55 ± 2% at 150 milliamperes per square centimeter.

Computational studies suggest that the Cu-Al alloys provide multiple sites and surface orientations with near-optimal CO binding for both efficient and selective CO₂ reduction. Furthermore, in situ X-ray absorption measurements reveal that Cu and Al enable a favourable Cu coordination environment that enhances C–C dimerization. These findings illustrate the value of computation and machine learning in guiding the experimental exploration of multi-metallic systems that go beyond the limitations of conventional single-metal electrocatalysts.

The related research findings were published in Nature under the title “Accelerated discovery of CO₂ electrocatalysts using active machine learning”.

Article link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2242-8

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Congratulations to Dr. Le Li on Publishing a Research Article in Nature Communications.

Stable, active CO2 reduction to formate via redox-modulated stabilization of active sites

Congratulations to Professor Zhong Miao on Publishing a Research Article in Nature

Accelerated discovery of CO2 electrocatalysts using active machine learning

Sustainable and Efficient Bicarbonate Electrolysis via Enhanced CO₂ and Cation Availability on a Gas–Water Dual-Permeable Electrode

Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction Using Membrane Electrode Assemblies: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

Boosting dimethyl carbonate synthesis from CO₂ and methanol through oxygen vacancy engineering on CeO₂ under thermodynamically favorable conditions

Accelerating Reverse Water Gas Shift Reaction through Synergistic CO₂ and H₂ Activation on Ru–Fe–(V_O-in-CeO₂) Ternary Catalytic Centers

Efficient Photothermal CO Hydrogenation into C₂₊ Hydrocarbons on in situ Generated Fe⁰ in Fe₅C₂ Active Sites via Cu-Promoted Hydrogen Dissociation and Spillover

Efficient nitrate electroreduction to ammonia via synergistic cascade catalysis at Cu/Fe₂O₃ hetero-interfaces

Coverage enhancement accelerates acidic CO₂ electrolysis at ampere-level current with high energy and carbon efficiencies

Synthesis of polyoxometalate-pillared Zn–Cr layered double hydroxides for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction and H₂O oxidation

Light-driven CO₂ methanation over Au-grafted Ce_0.95Ru_0.05O₂ solid-solution catalysts with activities approaching the thermodynamic limit

Achieving High Single-Pass Carbon Conversion Efficiencies in Durable CO₂ Electroreduction in Strong Acids via Electrode Structure Engineering

Accelerating electrochemical CO₂ reduction to multi-carbon products via asymmetric intermediate binding at confined nanointerfaces

Redox-Stabilized Sn/SnO₂ Nanostructures for Efficient and Stable CO₂ Electroreduction to Formate

Scalable synthesis of BiVO₄ thin films via anodic plating and thermal calcination

Bimetallic Cu-Bi catalysts for efficient electroreduction of CO₂ to formate

Promoted Photothermal Catalytic CO Hydrogenation by Using TiC-Supported Co−Fe₅C₂ Catalysts

Stable, active CO₂ reduction to formate via redox-modulated stabilization of active sites

Accelerated discovery of CO₂ electrocatalysts using active machine learning