B22-Multimode InfraRed imaging And Microspectroscopy
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Bing
An
,
Zhe
Li
,
Zi
Wang
,
Xiangdi
Zeng
,
Xue
Han
,
Yongqiang
Chen
,
Alena M.
Sheveleva
,
Zhongyue
Zhang
,
Floriana
Tuna
,
Eric J. L.
Mcinnes
,
Mark D.
Frogley
,
Anibal J.
Ramirez-Cuesta
,
Louise S.
Natrajan
,
Cheng
Wang
,
Wenbin
Li
,
Sihai
Yang
,
Martin
Schroeder
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[23782]
Abstract: Natural gas, consisting mainly of methane (CH4), has a relatively low energy density at ambient conditions (~36 kJ l−1). Partial oxidation of CH4 to methanol (CH3OH) lifts the energy density to ~17 MJ l−1 and drives the production of numerous chemicals. In nature, this is achieved by methane monooxygenase with di-iron sites, which is extremely challenging to mimic in artificial systems due to the high dissociation energy of the C–H bond in CH4 (439 kJ mol−1) and facile over-oxidation of CH3OH to CO and CO2. Here we report the direct photo-oxidation of CH4 over mono-iron hydroxyl sites immobilized within a metal–organic framework, PMOF-RuFe(OH). Under ambient and flow conditions in the presence of H2O and O2, CH4 is converted to CH3OH with 100% selectivity and a time yield of 8.81 ± 0.34 mmol gcat−1 h−1 (versus 5.05 mmol gcat−1 h−1 for methane monooxygenase). By using operando spectroscopic and modelling techniques, we find that confined mono-iron hydroxyl sites bind CH4 by forming an [Fe–OH···CH4] intermediate, thus lowering the barrier for C–H bond activation. The confinement of mono-iron hydroxyl sites in a porous matrix demonstrates a strategy for C–H bond activation in CH4 to drive the direct photosynthesis of CH3OH.
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Jun 2022
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I19-Small Molecule Single Crystal Diffraction
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[23480]
Open Access
Abstract: Self-assembly and characterisation of a supramolecular trigonal bipyramidal iron cage containing an [FeIII(μ2-F)6(FeII)3]3+ star motif at its core is reported. The complex can be formed in a one step reaction using an heterotopic ligand that supports site-specific incorporation of iron in three distinct electronic configurations: low-spin FeII, high-spin FeII and high-spin FeIII, with iron(II) tetrafluoroborate as the source of the bridging fluorides. Formation of a μ2-F bridged mixed-valence FeII–FeIII star is unprecedented. The peripheral high-spin FeII centres of the mixed-valence tetranuclear star incorporated in the iron cage are highly anisotropic and engage in F-mediated antiferromagnetic exchange with the central FeIII ion.
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Oct 2021
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I11-High Resolution Powder Diffraction
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Tian
Luo
,
Lili
Li
,
Yinlin
Chen
,
Jie
An
,
Chengcheng
Liu
,
Zheng
Yan
,
Joseph H.
Carter
,
Xue
Han
,
Alena M.
Sheveleva
,
Floriana
Tuna
,
Eric J. L.
Mcinnes
,
Chiu C.
Tang
,
Martin
Schroeder
,
Sihai
Yang
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[15972]
Open Access
Abstract: Construction of C-C bonds via reductive coupling of aldehydes and ketones is hindered by the highly negative reduction potential of these carbonyl substrates, particularly ketones, and this renders the formation of ketyl radicals extremely endergonic. Here, we report the efficient activation of carbonyl compounds by the formation of specific host-guest interactions in a hydroxyl-decorated porous photocatalyst. MFM-300(Cr) exhibits a band gap of 1.75 eV and shows excellent catalytic activity and stability towards the photoreductive coupling of 30 different aldehydes and ketones to the corresponding 1,2-diols at room temperature. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy confirm the generation of ketyl radicals via confinement within MFM-300(Cr). This protocol removes simultaneously the need for a precious metal-based photocatalyst or for amine-based sacrificial agents for the photochemical synthesis.
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Jun 2021
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I11-High Resolution Powder Diffraction
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Martin
Schroeder
,
Louis
Kimberley
,
Alena M.
Sheveleva
,
Jiangnan
Li
,
Joseph H.
Carter
,
Xinchen
Kang
,
Gemma L.
Smith
,
Xue
Han
,
Sarah J.
Day
,
Chiu C.
Tang
,
Floriana
Tuna
,
Eric J. L.
Mcinnes
,
Sihai
Yang
Open Access
Abstract: Selective oxidation of benzylic C‐H compounds to ketones is important for the production of a wide range of fine chemicals, and is often achieved using toxic or precious metals catalysts. Here, we report the efficient oxidation of benzylic C‐H groups in a broad range of substrates under mild conditions over a robust metal‐organic framework material, MFM‐170, incorporating redox‐active [Cu2II(O2CR)4] paddlewheel nodes. A comprehensive investigation employing electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and synchrotron X‐ray diffraction has identified the critical role of the paddlewheel moiety in activating the oxidant tBuOOH (t‐butyl hydroperoxide) via partial reduction to [CuIICuI(O2CR)4] species.
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Apr 2021
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B18-Core EXAFS
B22-Multimode InfraRed imaging And Microspectroscopy
I11-High Resolution Powder Diffraction
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Shaojun
Xu
,
Xue
Han
,
Yujie
Ma
,
Thien D.
Duong
,
Longfei
Lin
,
Emma K.
Gibson
,
Alena
Sheveleva
,
Sarayute
Chansai
,
Alex
Walton
,
Duc-The
Ngo
,
Mark D.
Frogley
,
Chiu C.
Tang
,
Floriana
Tuna
,
Eric J. L.
Mcinnes
,
C. Richard A.
Catlow
,
Christopher
Hardacre
,
Sihai
Yang
,
Martin
Schroeder
Open Access
Abstract: Efficient catalytic conversion of NO2 to non-harmful species remains an important target for research. State-of-the-art deNOx processes are based upon ammonia (NH3)-assisted selective catalytic reduction (NH3-SCR) over Cu-exchanged zeolites at elevated temperatures. Here, we describe a highly efficient non-thermal plasma (NTP) deNOx process catalyzed by a Cu-embedded metal-organic framework, Cu/MFM-300(Al), at room temperature. Under NTP activation at 25°C, Cu/MFM-300(Al) enables direct decomposition of NO2 into N2, NO, N2O, and O2 without the use of NH3 or other reducing agents. NO2 conversion of 96% with a N2 selectivity of 82% at a turnover frequency of 2.9 h−1 is achieved, comparable to leading NH3-SCR catalysts that use NH3 operating at 250°C–550°C. The mechanism for the rate-determining step (NO→N2) is elucidated by in operando diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy confirms the formation of Cu2+⋯NO nitrosylic adducts on Cu/MFM-300(Al), which facilitates NO dissociation and results in the notable N2 selectivity.
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Feb 2021
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B22-Multimode InfraRed imaging And Microspectroscopy
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Xue
Han
,
Wanpeng
Lu
,
Yinlin
Chen
,
Ivan
Da Silva
,
Jiangnan
Li
,
Longfei
Lin
,
Weiyao
Li
,
Alena M.
Sheveleva
,
Harry G. W.
Godfrey
,
Zhenzhong
Lu
,
Floriana
Tuna
,
Eric J. L.
Mcinnes
,
Yongqiang
Cheng
,
Luke L.
Daemen
,
Laura J.
Mccormick Mcpherson
,
Simon J.
Teat
,
Mark D.
Frogley
,
Svemir
Rudic
,
Pascal
Manuel
,
Anibal J.
Ramirez-Cuesta
,
Sihai
Yang
,
Martin
Schroeder
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[23782]
Abstract: Ammonia (NH3) is a promising energy resource owing to its high hydrogen density. However, its widespread application is restricted by the lack of efficient and corrosion-resistant storage materials. Here, we report high NH3 adsorption in a series of robust metal–organic framework (MOF) materials, MFM-300(M) (M = Fe, V, Cr, In). MFM-300(M) (M = Fe, VIII, Cr) show fully reversible capacity for >20 cycles, reaching capacities of 16.1, 15.6, and 14.0 mmol g–1, respectively, at 273 K and 1 bar. Under the same conditions, MFM-300(VIV) exhibits the highest uptake among this series of MOFs of 17.3 mmol g–1. In situ neutron powder diffraction, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy confirm that the redox-active V center enables host–guest charge transfer, with VIV being reduced to VIII and NH3 being oxidized to hydrazine (N2H4). A combination of in situ inelastic neutron scattering and DFT modeling has revealed the binding dynamics of adsorbed NH3 within these MOFs to afford a comprehensive insight into the application of MOF materials to the adsorption and conversion of NH3.
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Feb 2021
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I11-High Resolution Powder Diffraction
I20-EDE-Energy Dispersive EXAFS (EDE)
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Longfei
Lin
,
Mengtian
Fan
,
Alena M.
Sheveleva
,
Xue
Han
,
Zhimou
Tang
,
Joseph H.
Carter
,
Ivan
Da Silva
,
Christopher
Parlett
,
Floriana
Tuna
,
Eric J. L.
Mcinnes
,
German
Sastre
,
Svemir
Rudic
,
Hamish
Cavaye
,
Stewart F.
Parker
,
Yongqiang
Cheng
,
Luke L.
Daemen
,
Anibal J.
Ramirez-Cuesta
,
Martin P.
Attfield
,
Yueming
Liu
,
Chiu C.
Tang
,
Buxing
Han
,
Sihai
Yang
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[2359]
Open Access
Abstract: Optimising the balance between propene selectivity, propene/ethene ratio and catalytic stability and unravelling the explicit mechanism on formation of the first carbon–carbon bond are challenging goals of great importance in state-of-the-art methanol-to-olefin (MTO) research. We report a strategy to finely control the nature of active sites within the pores of commercial MFI-zeolites by incorporating tantalum(V) and aluminium(III) centres into the framework. The resultant TaAlS-1 zeolite exhibits simultaneously remarkable propene selectivity (51%), propene/ethene ratio (8.3) and catalytic stability (>50 h) at full methanol conversion. In situ synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and inelastic neutron scattering coupled with DFT calculations reveal that the first carbon–carbon bond is formed between an activated methanol molecule and a trimethyloxonium intermediate. The unprecedented cooperativity between tantalum(V) and Brønsted acid sites creates an optimal microenvironment for efficient conversion of methanol and thus greatly promotes the application of zeolites in the sustainable manufacturing of light olefins.
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Feb 2021
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B22-Multimode InfraRed imaging And Microspectroscopy
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Xinchen
Kang
,
Bin
Wang
,
Kui
Hu
,
Kai
Lyu
,
Xue
Han
,
Ben F.
Spencer
,
Mark D.
Frogley
,
Floriana
Tuna
,
Eric J. L.
Mcinnes
,
Robert A. W.
Dryfe
,
Buxing
Han
,
Sihai
Yang
,
Martin
Schroeder
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[19171]
Open Access
Abstract: Efficient electro-reduction of CO2 over metal–organic framework (MOF) materials is hindered by the poor contact between thermally synthesized MOF particles and the electrode surface, which leads to low Faradaic efficiency for a given product and poor electrochemical stability of the catalyst. We report a MOF-based electrode prepared via electro-synthesis of MFM-300(In) on an indium foil, and its activity for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 is assessed. The resultant MFM-300(In)-e/In electrode shows a 1 order of magnitude improvement in conductivity compared with that for MFM-300(In)/carbon-paper electrodes. MFM-300(In)-e/In exhibits a current density of 46.1 mA cm–2 at an applied potential of −2.15 V vs Ag/Ag+ for the electro-reduction of CO2 in organic electrolyte, achieving an exceptional Faradaic efficiency of 99.1% for the formation of formic acid. The facile preparation of the MFM-300(In)-e/In electrode, coupled with its excellent electrochemical stability, provides a new pathway to develop efficient electro-catalysts for CO2 reduction.
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Sep 2020
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B18-Core EXAFS
I11-High Resolution Powder Diffraction
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Longfei
Lin
,
Alena M.
Sheveleva
,
Ivan
Da Silva
,
Christopher M. A.
Parlett
,
Zhimou
Tang
,
Yueming
Liu
,
Mengtian
Fan
,
Xue
Han
,
Joseph H.
Carter
,
Floriana
Tuna
,
Eric J. L.
Mcinnes
,
Yongqiang
Cheng
,
Luke L.
Daemen
,
Svemir
Rudic
,
Anibal J.
Ramirez-Cuesta
,
Chiu C.
Tang
,
Sihai
Yang
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[15151, 24726]
Abstract: The efficient production of light olefins from renewable biomass is a vital and challenging target to achieve future sustainable chemical processes. Here we report a hetero-atomic MFI-type zeolite (NbAlS-1), over which aqueous solutions of γ-valerolactone (GVL), obtained from biomass-derived carbohydrates, can be quantitatively converted into butenes with a yield of >99% at ambient pressure under continuous flow conditions. NbAlS-1 incorporates simultaneously niobium(v) and aluminium(iii) centres into the framework and thus has a desirable distribution of Lewis and Brønsted acid sites with optimal strength. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction and absorption spectroscopy show that there is cooperativity between Nb(v) and the Brønsted acid sites on the confined adsorption of GVL, whereas the catalytic mechanism for the conversion of the confined GVL into butenes is revealed by in situ inelastic neutron scattering, coupled with modelling. This study offers a prospect for the sustainable production of butene as a platform chemical for the manufacture of renewable materials.
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Dec 2019
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I11-High Resolution Powder Diffraction
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Xinran
Zhang
,
Ivan
Da Silva
,
Rodrigo
Fazzi
,
Alena M.
Sheveleva
,
Xue
Han
,
Ben F.
Spencer
,
Sergey A.
Sapchenko
,
Floriana
Tuna
,
Eric J. L.
Mcinnes
,
Ming
Li
,
Sihai
Yang
,
Martin
Schroder
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[21079]
Open Access
Abstract: We report a comparative study of the binding of I2 (iodine) in a pair of redox-active metal–organic framework (MOF) materials, MFM-300(VIII) and its oxidized, deprotonated analogue, MFM-300(VIV). Adsorption of I2 in MFM-300(VIII) triggers a host-to-guest charge-transfer, accompanied by a partial (∼30%) oxidation of the VIII centers in the host framework and formation of I3– species residing in the MOF channels. Importantly, this charge-transfer induces a significant enhancement in the electrical conductivity (Δσ = 700000) of I2@MFM-300(VIII/IV) in comparison to MFM-300(VIII). In contrast, no host–guest charge-transfer or apparent change in the conductivity was observed upon adsorption of I2 in MFM-300(VIV). High-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction of I2@MFM-300(VIII/IV) confirms the first example of self-aggregation of adsorbed iodine species (I2 and I3–) into infinite helical chains within a MOF.
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Sep 2019
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