The prior rules of designing Ti3C2Tx MXene-based gas sensors

Working temperature, sensitivity, and selectivity are some of the characteristics of the applied gas sensors. How to design and fabricate an ideal gas sensor working at room temperature is still challenging and attracting lots of interest. Two-dimensional (2D) materials with ultra-thin structure have been demonstrated as a family of ideal candidates to achieve this goal. Among them, Ti₃C₂T_x MXene, a kind of layered sheet synthesized by selectively etching MAX phases materials, shows remarkable potential to be the sensitive materials solely or in a composite. However, their designing rules are still lacking critical thinking from the viewpoint of the intrinsic property of Ti₃C₂T_x MXene based materials. In this article, two critical features, i.e., the thickness of the sensitive materials, and the scope of the analytes, are elaborated towards Ti₃C₂T_x MXene based gas sensors after characterizing the performance of sensing reducing gases (NH₃ and CO) and oxidizing gas (NO₂). First, the thinner the Ti₃C₂T_x MXene sensitive layer, the better the sensitivity. Second, the Ti₃C₂T_x MXene based gas sensor is not suitable for strong and moderate oxidation gas due to its ease of oxidation. These two rules are demonstrated, and could be considered with priority both in the future researches and practical applications.     

Decorating MXene with tiny ZIF-8 nanoparticles: An effective approach to construct composites for water pollutant removal

MXenes have attracted increasing research enthusiasm owing to their unique physical and chemical properties. Although MXenes exhibit exciting potential in cations adsorption due to their unique surface groups, the adsorption capacity is limited by the low specific surface area and undeveloped porosity. Our work aims at enhancing the adsorption performance of a well-known MXene, Ti₃C₂T_x, for methylene blue (MB) by decorating tiny ZIF-8 nanoparticles in the interlayer. After the incorporation of ZIF-8, suitable interspace in the layers resulting from the distribution of tiny ZIF-8 appears. When employing in MB, the adsorption capacity of composites can reach up to 107 mg·g^-1 while both ZIF-8 (3 mg·g^-1) and Ti₃C₂T_x (9 mg·g^-1) show nearly no adsorption capacity. The adsorption mechanism was explored, and the good adsorption capacity is caused by the synergistic effect of ZIF-8 and Ti₃C₂T_x, for neither of them is of suitable interspace or surface groups for MB adsorption. Our work might pave the way for constructing functional materials based on the introduction of nanoparticles into layered materials for various adsorption applications.     

Synthesis of Chl@Ti3C2 composites as an anode material for lithium storage

Two-dimensional (2D) titanium carbide MXene Ti₃C₂ has attracted significant research interest in energy storage applications. In this study, we prepared Chl@Ti₃C₂ composites by simply mixing a chlorophyll derivative (e.g., zinc methyl 3-devinyl-3-hydroxymethyl- pyropheophorbide a (Chl)) and Ti₃C₂ in tetrahydrofuran, where the Chl molecules were aggregated among the multi-layered Ti₃C₂ MXene or on its surface, increasing the interlayer space of Ti₃C₂. The as-prepared Chl@Ti₃C₂ was employed as the anode material in the lithium-ion battery (LIB) with lithium metal as the cathode. The resulting LIB exhibited a higher reversible capacity and longer cycle performance than those of LIB based on pure Ti₃C₂, and its specific discharge capacity continuously increased along with the increasing number of cycles, which can be attributed to the gradual activation of Chl@Ti₃C₂ accompanied by the electrochemical reactions. The discharge capacity of 1 wt-% Chl@Ti₃C₂ was recorded to be 325 mA·h·g^–1 at the current density of 50 mA·g^–1 with a Coulombic efficiency of 56% and a reversible discharge capacity of 173 mA·h·g^–1 at the current density of 500 mA·g^–1 after 800 cycles. This work provides a novel strategy for improving the energy storage performance of 2D MXene materials by expanding the layer distance with organic dye aggregates.     

A CO and CO2 tolerating (La0.9Ca0.1)2(Ni0.75Cu0.25)O4+d Ruddlesden-Popper membrane for oxygen separation

A series of novel dense mixed conducting ceramic membranes based on K₂NiF₄-type (La_1–xCa_x)₂ (Ni_0.75Cu_0.25)O_4+δ was successfully prepared through a sol-gel route. Their chemical compatibility, oxygen permeability, CO and CO₂ tolerance, and long-term CO₂ resistance regarding phase composition and crystal structure at different atmospheres were studied. The results show that higher Ca contents in the material lead to the formation of CaCO₃. A constant oxygen permeation flux of about 0.63 mL·min⁻¹·cm⁻² at 1173 K through a 0.65 mm thick membrane was measured for (La_0.9Ca_0.1)₂ (Ni_0.75Cu_0.25)O_4+δ, using either helium or pure CO₂ as sweep gas. Steady oxygen fluxes with no sign of deterioration of this membrane were observed with increasing CO₂ concentration. The membrane showed excellent chemical stability towards CO₂ for more than 1360 h and phase stability in presence of CO for 4 h at high temperature. In addition, this membrane did not deteriorate in a high-energy CO₂ plasma. The present work demonstrates that this (La_0.9Ca_0.1)₂(Ni_0.75Cu_0.25)O_4+δ membrane is a promising chemically robust candidate for oxygen separation applications.     

Processing of hot pressed Al2O3–Cr2O3/Cr-carbide nanocomposite prepared by MOCVD in fluidized bed

Nanosized particles dispersed uniformly on Al₂O₃ particles were prepared from the decomposition of precursor Cr(CO)₆ by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) in a fluidized chamber. These nanosized particles consisted of Cr₂O₃, CrC_1−x, and C. A solid solution of Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃ and an Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃/Cr₃C₂ nanocomposite were formed when these fluidized powders were pre-sintered at 1000 and 1150 °C before hot-pressing at 1400 °C, respectively. In addition, an Al₂O₃–Cr₂O₃/Cr-carbide (Cr₃C₂ and Cr₇C₃) nanocomposite was formed when the particles were directly hot pressed at 1400 °C. The interface between Cr₃C₂ and Al₂O₃ is non-coherent, while the interface between Cr₇C₃ and Al₂O₃ is semi-coherent.     

Effect of Al2O3 on mechanical properties of Ti3SiC2/Al2O3 composite

The effect of Al₂O₃ on mechanical properties of Ti₃SiC₂/Al₂O₃ composite fabricated by SPS was studied systematically. The results show that the hardness of the Ti₃SiC₂/Al₂O₃ composite can reach 10.28 GPa, 50% higher than that of pure Ti₃SiC₂. However, slight decrease in the other mechanical properties was observed with Al₂O₃ addition higher than 5–10 vol.%, which is believed to be due to the agglomeration of Al₂O₃ in the composite.     

Fe2Mo3O8 nanoparticles self-assembling 3D mesoporous hollow spheres toward superior lithium storage properties

Unique self-assembled iron(II)molybdenum(IV)oxide(Fe₂Mo₃O₈)mesoporous hollow spheres have been facilely constructed via the bubble-template-assisted hydrothermal synthesis method combined with simple calcination.The compact assembly of small nanoparticles on the surface of the hollow spheres not only provides more active sites for the Fe₂Mo₃O₈,but also benefits the stability of the hollow structure,and thus improved the lithium storage properties of Fe2Mo3O8.The Fe₂Mo₃O₈ mesoporous hollow spheres exhibit high initial discharge and charge capacities of 1189 and 997 mA?h?g^?1 respectively,as well as good long-term cycling stability(866 mA?h?g^?1 over 70 cycles)when used as a lithium-ion battery anode.This feasible material synthesis strategy will inspire the variation of structural design in other ternary metal molybdates.     

Lean NOx reduction with CO + H2 mixtures over Pt/Al2O3 and Pd/Al2O3 catalysts

The reduction of NO_x by hydrogen under lean burn conditions over Pt/Al₂O₃ is strongly poisoned by carbon monoxide. This is due to the strong adsorption and subsequent high coverage of CO, which significantly increases the temperature required to initiate the reaction. Even relatively small concentrations of CO dramatically reduce the maximum NO_x conversions achievable. In contrast, the presence of CO has a pronounced promoting influence in the case of Pd/Al₂O₃. In this case, although pure H₂ and pure CO are ineffective for NO_x reduction under lean burn conditions, H₂/CO mixtures are very effective. With a realistic (1:3) H₂:CO ratio, typical of actual exhaust gas, Pd/Al₂O₃ is significantly more active than Pt/Al₂O₃, delivering 45% NO_x conversion at 160 °C, compared to >15% for Pt/Al₂O₃ under identical conditions. The nature of the support is also critically important, with Pd/Al₂O₃ being much more active than Pd/SiO₂. Possible mechanisms for the improved performance of Pd/Al₂O₃ in the presence of H₂+CO are discussed.     

Sintering behavior and mechanical properties of nano-sized Cr3C2/Al2O3 composites prepared by MOCVI process

A process using metal-organic chemical vapor infiltration (MOCVI) conducted in fluidized bed was employed for the preparation of nano-sized ceramic composites. The Cr-species was infiltrated into Al₂O₃ granules by the pyrolysis of chromium carbonyl (Cr(CO)₆) at 300–450 °C. The granulated powder was pressureless sintered or hot-pressed to achieve high density. The results showed that the dominant factors influencing the Cr-carbide phases formation, either Cr₃C₂ or Cr₇C₃, in the composite powders during the sintering process were the temperature and oxygen partial pressure in the furnace. The coated Cr-phase either in agglomerated or dispersive condition was controlled by the use of colloidal dispersion. The microstructures showed that fine (20 –600 nm) Cr_xC_y grains (≤8 vol.%) located at Al₂O₃ grain boundaries hardly retarded the densification of Al₂O₃ matrix in sintering process. The tests on hardness, strength and toughness appeared that the composites with the inclusions (Cr₃C₂) had gained the advantages over those by the rule of mixture. Even 8 vol.% ultrafine inclusions have greatly improved the mechanical properties. The strengthening and toughening mechanisms of the composites were due to grain-size reduction, homogenous dispersion of hard inclusions, and crack deflection.     

Dehydrogenation of i-butane on CrOx/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by ALE and impregnation techniques

Atomic layer epitaxy (ALE), a technique relying on saturating gas–solid reactions, was applied in the preparation of CrO_x/Al₂O₃ catalysts using Cr(acac)₃ vapor and air as source materials for CrO_x. Vaporized Cr(acac)₃ was reacted with preheated Al₂O₃, and the surface complex formed was treated with air to remove the ligand residues. The Cr loading increased from 1.3 to 12.5 wt.% as the number of saturating Cr(acac)₃ and air reactions was increased from one to 10. CrO_x/Al₂O₃ catalysts were also prepared from solution by incipient wetness impregnation (0.3–21 wt.%). XPS and UV–VIS measurements of the catalysts revealed the presence of both Cr⁶⁺ and Cr³⁺. Although the oxidation state distribution was similar, H₂-temperature programmed reduction (TPR) and solubility measurements indicated that Cr⁶⁺ surface sites were in stronger interaction with Al₂O₃ and more uniformly distributed in the catalysts prepared by ALE than by impregnation. On the basis of the activity of the catalysts in the dehydrogenation of i-butane, we propose that the dehydrogenation reaction uses both reduced Cr⁶⁺, i.e. redox Cr³⁺, and exposed non-redox Cr³⁺ sites. Furthermore, the dehydrogenation reaction must be insensitive to the size of the CrO_x ensembles since activities were similar for the catalysts prepared by ALE and impregnation. The decay of the dehydrogenation activity in successive prereduction–reaction–regeneration cycles was attributed to a decrease in the number of redox Cr³⁺ sites.     

Quantified NOx adsorption on Pt/K/gamma-Al2O3 and the effects of CO2 and H2O

A multi-component NO_x-trap catalyst consisting of Pt and K supported on γ-Al₂O₃ was studied at 250 °C to determine the roles of the individual catalyst components, to identify the adsorbing species during the lean capture cycle, and to assess the effects of H₂O and CO₂ on NO_x storage. The Al₂O₃ support was shown to have NO_x trapping capability with and without Pt present (at 250 °C Pt/Al₂O₃ adsorbs 2.3 μmols NO_x/m²). NO_x is primarily trapped on Al₂O₃ in the form of nitrates with monodentate, chelating and bridged forms apparent in Diffuse Reflectance mid-Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) analysis. The addition of K to the catalyst increases the adsorption capacity to 6.2 μmols NO_x/m², and the primary storage form on K is a free nitrate ion. Quantitative DRIFTS analysis shows that 12% of the nitrates on a Pt/K/Al₂O₃ catalyst are coordinated on the Al₂O₃ support at saturation.

When 5% CO₂ was included in a feed stream with 300 ppm NO and 12% O₂, the amount of K-based nitrate storage decreased by 45% after 1 h on stream due to the competition of adsorbed free nitrates with carboxylates for adsorption sites. When 5% H₂O was included in a feed stream with 300 ppm NO and 12% O₂, the amount of K-based nitrate storage decreased by only 16% after 1 h, but the Al₂O₃-based nitrates decreased by 92%. Interestingly, with both 5% CO₂ and 5% H₂O in the feed, the total storage only decreased by 11%, as the hydroxyl groups generated on Al₂O₃ destabilized the K–CO₂ bond; specifically, H₂O mitigates the NO_x storage capacity losses associated with carboxylate competition.     

Novel hierarchical yolk-shell α-Ni(OH)2/Mn2O3 microspheres as high specific capacitance electrode materials for supercapacitors

For high performance supercapacitors, novel hierarchical yolk-shell a-Ni(OH)₂/Mn₂O₃ microspheres were controllably synthesized using a facile two-step method based on the solvothermal treatment. The unique a-Ni(OH)₂ based yolk-shell microstructures decorated with numerous interconnected nanosheets and the hetero-composition features can synergistically enhance reactive site exposure and electron conduction within the microspheres, facilitate charge transfer between electrolyte and electrode materials, and release structural stress during OH⁻ chemisorption/desorption. Moreover, the Mn₂O₃ sediments distributed over the a-Ni(OH)₂ microspheres can serve as an effective protective layer for electrochemical reactions. Consequently, when tested in 1 mol·L⁻¹ KOH aqueous electrolyte for supercapacitors, the yolk-shell a-Ni(OH)₂/Mn₂O₃ microspheres exhibited a considerably high specific capacitance of 2228.6 F·g⁻¹ at 1 A·g⁻¹ and an impressive capacitance retention of 77.7% after 3000 cycles at 10 A·g⁻¹. The proposed a-Ni(OH)₂/Mn₂O₃ microspheres with hetero-composition and unique hierarchical yolk-shell microstructures are highly promising to be used as electrode materials in supercapacitors and other energy storage devices.     

Preparation of porous aluminium oxide (Al2O3) hollow fibre membranes by a combined phase-inversion and sintering method

Al₂O₃ hollow fibre membranes were prepared by a combined phase-inversion and sintering method. An organic binder solution (dope) containing suspended aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) powders, either in mono size or a distributed size, is spun to a hollow fibre precursor, which is then sintered at elevated temperatures. In spinning the hollow fibre precursor, polyethersulfone (PESf), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) were used as a polymer binder, a solvent and an additive, respectively. The Al₂O₃ hollow fibre membranes prepared were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and gas permeation techniques. Effects of Al₂O₃ particle size and size distribution, the sintering temperature and Al₂O₃/PESf ratio on the structure and performance of the resulting membranes were studied extensively. The prepared Al₂O₃ hollow fibre membranes retains its asymmetric structure (mainly resulted from the phase inversion technique) even after the sintering process. Preparation of the Al₂O₃ hollow fibre membrane with a high mechanical strength and moderate permeation characteristics is feasible if the Al₂O₃ powders with a distributed particle size in the spinning (dope) solution is employed.     

Mean field modelling of NOx storage on Pt/BaO/Al2O3

A mean field model, for storage and desorption of NO_x in a Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃ catalyst is developed using data from flow reactor experiments. This relatively complex system is divided into five smaller sub-systems and the model is divided into the following steps: (i) NO oxidation on Pt/Al₂O₃; (ii) NO oxidation on Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃; (iii) NO_x storage on BaO/Al₂O₃; (iv) NO_x storage on Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃ with thermal regeneration and (v) NO_x storage on Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃ with regeneration using C₃H₆. In this paper, we focus on the last sub-system. The kinetic model for NO_x storage on Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃ was constructed with kinetic parameters obtained from the NO oxidation model together with a NO_x storage model on BaO/Al₂O₃. This model was not sufficient to describe the NO_x storage experiments for the Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃, because the NO_x desorption in TPD experiments was larger for Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃, compared to BaO/Al₂O₃. The model was therefore modified by adding a reversible spill-over step. Further, the model was validated with additional experiments, which showed that NO significantly promoted desorption of NO_x from Pt/BaO/Al₂O₃. To this NO_x storage model, additional steps were added to describe the reduction by hydrocarbon in experiments with NO₂ and C₃H₆. The main reactions for continuous reduction of NO_x occurs on Pt by reactions between hydrocarbon species and NO in the model. The model is also able to describe the reduction phase, the storage and NO breakthrough peaks, observed in experiments.     

Catalytic combustion of methane over microemulsion-derived MnOx–Cs2O–Al2O3 nanocomposites

Mesostructured MnO_x–Cs₂O–Al₂O₃ nanocomposites have been synthesized by reverse microemulsion method combined with hydrothermal treatment and then applied to the catalytic combustion of methane. Compared to impregnation-derived conventional MnO_x/Cs₂O/Com-Al₂O₃ catalyst, the microemulsion-derived catalyst showed higher activity and stability for methane combustion. The T_10% of the fresh and of the 72 h aged Mn_xO–Cs₂O–Al₂O₃ were 475 and 490 °C, respectively, recommending it as a potential candidate catalyst for application in hybrid gas turbines. The homogeneous composition of the microemulsion-derived nanocomposite catalyst can hinder the loss of Cs⁺ and accelerate the formation of Cs–β-alumina phase, ensuring thus higher activity and stability for methane combustion.     

The promoting effect of Nb2O5 addition to Pd/Al2O3 catalysts on propane oxidation

Pd/Nb₂O₅/Al₂O₃ catalysts were investigated on propane oxidation. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis suggested that monolayer coverage was attained between 10 and 20 wt.% of Nb₂O₅. Temperature programmed reduction (TPR) evidenced the partial reduction of niobium oxide. The maximum propane conversion observed on the Pd/10% Nb₂O₅/Al₂O₃ corresponded to the maximum Nb/Al surface ratio. The presence of NbO_x polymeric structures near to the monolayer could favor the ideal Pd⁰/Pd²⁺ surface ratio to the propane oxidation which could explain the promoting effect of niobium oxide.     

Characterization and catalytic activity of Pd/V2O5/Al2O3 catalysts on benzene total oxidation

The role of vanadium oxide and palladium on the benzene oxidation reaction over Pd/V₂O₅/Al₂O₃ catalysts was investigated. The Pd/V₂O₅/Al₂O₃ catalysts were more active than V₂O₅/Al₂O₃ and Pd/Al₂O₃ catalysts. The increase of vanadium oxide content decreased the Pd dispersion and increased the benzene conversion. A strong Pd particle size effect on benzene oxidation reaction was observed. Although the catalysts containing high amount of V⁴⁺ species were more active, the Pd particle size effect was responsible for the higher activity.     

Ce1−xCuxO2−x/Al2O3/FeCrAl catalysts for catalytic combustion of methane

A series of the Ce_1−xCu_xO_2−x/Al₂O₃/FeCrAl catalysts (x = 0–1) were prepared. The structure of the catalysts was characterized using XRD, SEM and H₂-TPR. The catalytic activity of the catalysts for the combustion of methane was evaluated. The results indicated that in the Ce_1−xCu_xO_2−x/Al₂O₃/FeCrAl catalysts the surface phase structure were the Ce_1−xCu_xO_2−x solid solution, -Al₂O₃ and γ-Al₂O₃. The surface particle shape and size were different with the variety of the molar ratio of Ce to Cu in the Ce_1−xCu_xO_2−x solid solution. The Cu component of the Ce_1−xCu_xO_2−x/Al₂O₃/FeCrAl catalysts played an important role to the catalytic activity for the methane combustion. There were the stronger interaction among the Ce_1−xCu_xO_2−x solid solution and the Al₂O₃ washcoats and the FeCrAl support.     

Quantification of the in situ DRIFT spectra of Pt/K/γ-A12O3 NOx adsorber catalysts

A method to quantify DRIFT spectral features associated with the in situ adsorption of gases on a NO_x adsorber catalyst, Pt/K/Al₂O₃, is described. To implement this method, the multicomponent catalyst is analysed with DRIFT and chemisorption to determine that under operating conditions the surface comprised a Pt phase, a pure γ-Al₂O₃ phase with associated hydroxyl groups at the surface, and an alkalized-Al₂O₃ phase where the surface –OH groups are replaced by –OK groups. Both DRIFTS and chemisorption experiments show that 93–97% of the potassium exists in this form. The phases have a fractional surface area of 1.1% for the 1.7 nm-sized Pt, 34% for pure Al₂O₃ and 65% for the alkalized-Al₂O₃. NO₂ and CO₂ chemisorption at 250 °C is implemented to determine the saturation uptake value, which is observed with DRIFTS at 250 °C. Pt/Al₂O₃ adsorbs 0.087 μmol CO₂/m²and 2.0 μmol NO₂/m², and Pt/K/Al₂O₃ adsorbs 2.0 μmol CO₂/m²and 6.4 μmol NO₂/m². This method can be implemented to quantitatively monitor the formation of carboxylates and nitrates on Pt/K/Al₂O₃ during both lean and rich periods of the NO_x adsorber catalyst cycle.     

NO reduction by CH4 in the presence of O2 over La2O3 supported on Al2O3

Dispersing La₂O₃ on δ- or γ-Al₂O₃ significantly enhances the rate of NO reduction by CH₄ in 1% O₂, compared to unsupported La₂O₃. Typically, no bend-over in activity occurs between 500° and 700°C, and the rate at 700°C is 60% higher than that with a Co/ZSM-5 catalyst. The final activity was dependent upon the La₂O₃ precursor used, the pretreatment, and the La₂O₃ loading. The most active family of catalysts consisted of La₂O₃ on γ-Al₂O₃ prepared with lanthanum acetate and calcined at 750°C for 10 h. A maximum in rate (mol/s/g) and specific activity (mol/s/m²) occurred between the addition of one and two theoretical monolayers of La₂O₃ on the γ-Al₂O₃ surface. The best catalyst, 40% La₂O₃/γ-Al₂O₃, had a turnover frequency at 700°C of 0.05 s⁻¹, based on NO chemisorption at 25°C, which was 15 times higher than that for Co/ZSM-5. These La₂O₃/Al₂O₃ catalysts exhibited stable activity under high conversion conditions as well as high CH₄ selectivity (CH₄ + NO vs. CH₄ + O₂). The addition of Sr to a 20% La₂O₃/γ-Al₂O₃ sample increased activity, and a maximum rate enhancement of 45% was obtained at a SrO loading of 5%. In contrast, addition of SO⁼₄ to the latter Sr-promoted La₂O₃/Al₂O₃ catalyst decreased activity although sulfate increased the activity of Sr-promoted La₂O₃. Dispersing La₂O₃ on SiO₂ produced catalysts with extremely low specific activities, and rates were even lower than with pure La₂O₃. This is presumably due to water sensitivity and silicate formation. The La₂O₃/Al₂O₃ catalysts are anticipated to show sufficient hydrothermal stability to allow their use in certain high-temperature applications.