Surfaces that efficiently catalyse the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are highly desirable for applications in energy utilization. Here, we computationally investigate the ORR on hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) supported on Ni, Cu, and Co. We find a significant influence of the metal on the reaction energetics. In particular, h-BN/Cu is predicted to catalyse the ORR with a low overpotential, wh...

A bimetallic heme-DNA cofactor, containing an iron and a copper center, was synthesized for the design of novel hybrid catalysts for stereoselective synthesis. The cofactor was used for the reconstitution of apo-myoglobin. Both the cofactor alone and its myoglobin adduct were used to catalyze a model Diels Alder reaction. Stereoselectivity of this conversion was analyzed by chiral HPLC. Reactio...

An account of recent research of the groups of Costa Pessoa and Maurya is presented, focusing on the preparation of several polystyrene anchored complexes and their use as catalysts in functionalization of alkenes. The procedures for covalently binding the ligands or ligand precursors are outlined, as well as for coordination of the metal ions. Instrumental techniques used for the characterizat...

The surface chemistry of methane on Ni-ZrO2 and bimetallic CuNi-ZrO2 catalysts and the stability of the CuNi alloy under reaction conditions of methane decomposition were investigated by combining reactivity measurements and in situ synchrotron-based near-ambient pressure XPS. Cu was selected as an exemplary promoter for modifying the reactivity of Ni and enhancing the resistance against coke f...

In this study, we used DFT calculations to investigate the bi-functional nature of Cu-based alloy nanoclusters (NCs) supported on CeO2(111) for CO oxidation. More specifically, we studied the reaction pathways on Cu3Pt7 and Cu3Rh7via the O2 associative (OCOO) and dissociative mechanisms. We find that CO oxidation on Cu3Pt7 proceeds via the O2 dissociation pathway, while Cu3Rh7 prefers the OCOO ...

Co-precipitated Cu-MgO catalysts were prepared and evaluated for the gas-phase hydrogenation of furfural. The effect of heating rate at the calcination step was studied by comparing the performance of three catalysts prepared via the same procedure but calcined at different heating rates. The results established that altering the heating rate could influence the structural properties of the cat...

An important part of fundamental research in catalysis is based on theoretical and modeling foundations which are closely connected with studies of single-crystalline catalyst surfaces. These so-called model catalysts are often prepared in the form of epitaxial thin films, and characterized using advanced material characterization techniques. This concept provides the fundamental understanding ...

We report a simple yet effective approach for the decoration of the TiO2 nanocrystal surface with size-tunable CuO nanodots for high-performance noble metal-free photocatalytic H2 production. Modification with polyacrylic acid enables the surface of TiO2 nanocrystals to be selectively deposited with Cu(OH)2 nanodots, which can be subsequently converted to CuO through dehydration without changin...

At present, the use of conventional wastewater processes is becoming increasingly challenging, mainly due to presence biorecalcitrant organic matter. Advanced oxidation such as Fenton, Fenton-like and hybrid have been successfully employed for treatment highly concentrated toxic non-biodegradable pollutants. Here, a series bimetallic catalysts, based on Cu/Fe supported over ZrO2, were investiga...