Themed collection Editor’s Choice: Nanomaterials for catalysis

20 items
Feature Article

Graphene-based transition metal oxide nanocomposites for the oxygen reduction reaction

Recent advances in the studies of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on graphene-based transition metal oxide nanocomposites are reviewed with emphasis on the morphologies and interactions between graphene and the supported component.

Graphical abstract: Graphene-based transition metal oxide nanocomposites for the oxygen reduction reaction
Review Article

Heterogeneous catalytic conversion of CO2: a comprehensive theoretical review

This review illustrates current computational approaches to finding catalytic materials for CO2 thermocatalytic and electrocatalytic reduction.

Graphical abstract: Heterogeneous catalytic conversion of CO2: a comprehensive theoretical review
Review Article

Metal–organic framework composites: from fundamentals to applications

The composition of MOFs not only shows enhanced properties, but also broadens the applications of MOFs to new fields owing to the interactions of functional species with the MOF structures. This review will discuss the fabrication, properties, and applications of MOF composites. The remaining challenges and future opportunities in this field have also been indicated.

Graphical abstract: Metal–organic framework composites: from fundamentals to applications
Communication

Hollow CoP nanopaticle/N-doped graphene hybrids as highly active and stable bifunctional catalysts for full water splitting

Hollow CoP nanopaticle/N-doped graphene hybrids as highly active and stable bifunctional catalysts for full water splitting are favorably comparable to the performance of Pt/C and IrO2.

Graphical abstract: Hollow CoP nanopaticle/N-doped graphene hybrids as highly active and stable bifunctional catalysts for full water splitting
Communication

Electrodeposited Co-doped NiSe2 nanoparticles film: a good electrocatalyst for efficient water splitting

Co-doped NiSe2 nanoparticles film electrodeposited on Ti plate (Co0.13Ni0.87Se2/Ti) acts as a robust water-splitting electrocatalyst in 1.0 M KOH, driving 10 mA cm−2 at HER overpotential of 64 mV and 100 mA cm−2 at OER overpotential of 320 mV.

Graphical abstract: Electrodeposited Co-doped NiSe2 nanoparticles film: a good electrocatalyst for efficient water splitting
Communication

NiCo2S4 nanowires array as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for full water splitting with superior activity

The present communication reports the topotactic conversion of a NiCo2O4 nanowire array on carbon cloth (NiCo2O4 NA/CC) into NiCo2S4 NA/CC, which is used as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting with good durability and superior activity in 1.0 M KOH.

Graphical abstract: NiCo2S4 nanowires array as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for full water splitting with superior activity
Paper

Few-layered MoS2 nanosheets wrapped ultrafine TiO2 nanobelts with enhanced photocatalytic property

A heterostructured photocatalyst comprised of few-layered MoS2 nanosheets coated on a TiO2 nanobelts surface was synthesized through a simple hydrothermal treatment.

Graphical abstract: Few-layered MoS2 nanosheets wrapped ultrafine TiO2 nanobelts with enhanced photocatalytic property
Paper

Comparison of liquid exfoliated transition metal dichalcogenides reveals MoSe2 to be the most effective hydrogen evolution catalyst

We compare the catalytic performance of electrodes consisting of porous arrays of liquid exfoliated MX2 nanosheets (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se, Te) and find a clear hierarchy with selenides > sulphides > tellurides.

Graphical abstract: Comparison of liquid exfoliated transition metal dichalcogenides reveals MoSe2 to be the most effective hydrogen evolution catalyst
Paper

In situ plasmonic Ag nanoparticle anchored TiO2 nanotube arrays as visible-light-driven photocatalysts for enhanced water splitting

An ultrasonication-assisted in situ deposition strategy was developed to realize uniform Ag nanoparticles dispersed on TiO2 nanotube arrays (Ag@TiO2 NTAs).

Graphical abstract: In situ plasmonic Ag nanoparticle anchored TiO2 nanotube arrays as visible-light-driven photocatalysts for enhanced water splitting
Paper

Improving the photocatalytic hydrogen production of Ag/g-C3N4 nanocomposites by dye-sensitization under visible light irradiation

Fluorescein-sensitized Ag/g-C3N4 nanocomposites have a remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production under visible light.

Graphical abstract: Improving the photocatalytic hydrogen production of Ag/g-C3N4 nanocomposites by dye-sensitization under visible light irradiation
Paper

Tuning the surface oxygen concentration of {111} surrounded ceria nanocrystals for enhanced photocatalytic activities

The surface oxygen concentration of {111} exposed sub-10 nm sized ceria nanocrystals was tuned by indium doping for achieving excellent photocatalytic activities.

Graphical abstract: Tuning the surface oxygen concentration of {111} surrounded ceria nanocrystals for enhanced photocatalytic activities
Paper

Cobalt sulfide/N,S codoped porous carbon core–shell nanocomposites as superior bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions

Core–shell cobalt sulphide/N,S-codoped porous carbon nanocomposites exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activities in both ORR and OER with superior durability.

Graphical abstract: Cobalt sulfide/N,S codoped porous carbon core–shell nanocomposites as superior bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Paper

The synergistic role of carbon quantum dots for the improved photocatalytic performance of Bi2MoO6

Novel carbon quantum dot (CQD) modified Bi2MoO6 photocatalysts were prepared by a facile hydrothermal process. The key roles of CQDs in the enhanced photocatalytic performance were explored in detail.

Graphical abstract: The synergistic role of carbon quantum dots for the improved photocatalytic performance of Bi2MoO6
Paper

Influence of electron storing, transferring and shuttling assets of reduced graphene oxide at the interfacial copper doped TiO2 p–n heterojunction for increased hydrogen production

Herein we report a Cu2O–TiO2/rGO photocatalyst with phenomenal water splitting ability.

Graphical abstract: Influence of electron storing, transferring and shuttling assets of reduced graphene oxide at the interfacial copper doped TiO2 p–n heterojunction for increased hydrogen production
Paper

The support effect on the size and catalytic activity of thiolated Au25 nanoclusters as precatalysts

6-mercaptohexanoic (MHA) protected Au25(MHA)18 nanoclusters deposited on HAP, Degussa P25, AC, PGO and fumed SiO2 were all prepared via a conventional impregnation method.

Graphical abstract: The support effect on the size and catalytic activity of thiolated Au25 nanoclusters as precatalysts
Paper

Porous metallic MoO2-supported MoS2 nanosheets for enhanced electrocatalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction

Porous metallic MoO2-supported MoS2 nanosheets exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity for HER and robust electrochemical durability.

Graphical abstract: Porous metallic MoO2-supported MoS2 nanosheets for enhanced electrocatalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction
Paper

Water-assisted production of honeycomb-like g-C3N4 with ultralong carrier lifetime and outstanding photocatalytic activity

Honeycomb-like g-C3N4 synthesized via thermal condensation of urea with the addition of water at low temperature, with ultralong carrier lifetime and outstanding photocatalytic activity for NOx removal.

Graphical abstract: Water-assisted production of honeycomb-like g-C3N4 with ultralong carrier lifetime and outstanding photocatalytic activity
Paper

Co3O4 nanoparticles decorated carbon nanofiber mat as binder-free air-cathode for high performance rechargeable zinc-air batteries

A facile method is developed for the fabrication of Co3O4 nanoparticles decorated carbon nanofibers, which enable significant improvement of rechargeable Zn-air batteries with respect to rate capability, cycling stability and energy density.

Graphical abstract: Co3O4 nanoparticles decorated carbon nanofiber mat as binder-free air-cathode for high performance rechargeable zinc-air batteries
Paper

Fe/N/C hollow nanospheres by Fe(III)-dopamine complexation-assisted one-pot doping as nonprecious-metal electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction

Hollow nanospheres with N-doped carbon shells and Fe3O4 nanoparticles prepared by one-pot doping exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performances for ORR.

Graphical abstract: Fe/N/C hollow nanospheres by Fe(iii)-dopamine complexation-assisted one-pot doping as nonprecious-metal electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction
Paper

Ionic liquid self-combustion synthesis of BiOBr/Bi24O31Br10 heterojunctions with exceptional visible-light photocatalytic performances

BiOBr/Bi24O31Br10 heterojunctions are fabricated via ionic liquid self-combustion and show exceptional adsorptive and photocatalytic activities towards cationic and anionic dyes.

Graphical abstract: Ionic liquid self-combustion synthesis of BiOBr/Bi24O31Br10 heterojunctions with exceptional visible-light photocatalytic performances
20 items

About this collection

Professor Shouheng Sun (Brown University, USA), Nanoscale Associate Editor, introduces his Editor’s Choice collection.
“Nanoscale research has advanced to such a level that many different kinds of materials can now be prepared with precise control of the nanoscale dimensions and properties. This is especially visible in the field of catalysis. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of highly cited articles on the theme “nanomaterials for catalysis” (17 research articles and 3 review papers) to provide you, our readers, with a quick glance at this recent hot topic. 
Many of the papers featured in this collection discuss catalysis for reactions related to energy conversion and fuel generation. Nanocatalysts for these applications are often based on transition metal oxides/sulfides/nitrides, but a new nanomaterial, graphitic carbon nitride, seems to be especially attractive for photocatalysis, as highlighted in Wang et al. “Water-assisted production of honeycomb-like g-C3N4 with ultralong carrier lifetime and outstanding photocatalytic activity” and Qin et al., “Improving the photocatalytic hydrogen production of Ag/g-C3N4 nanocomposites by dye-sensitization under visible light irradiation.” Three review papers highlight the recent progress on graphene oxide-transition metal oxide composites, metal organic framework composites and a theoretical view of heterogeneous catalysis for CO2 reduction. With further advances in this hot area, we are confident that more and more exciting works will appear in Nanoscale. We hope that you find this compilation informative and useful.”

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