Sesi Li

Bio: Sesi Li is an academic researcher from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Nanorod & Catalysis. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 8 citations.

Isolated copper–tin atomic interfaces tuning electrocatalytic CO2 conversion

Abstract: Direct experimental observations of the interface structure can provide vital insights into heterogeneous catalysis. Examples of interface design based on single atom and surface science are, however, extremely rare. Here, we report Cu–Sn single-atom surface alloys, where isolated Sn sites with high surface densities (up to 8%) are anchored on the Cu host, for efficient electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. The unique geometric and electronic structure of the Cu–Sn surface alloys (Cu97Sn3 and Cu99Sn1) enables distinct catalytic selectivity from pure Cu100 and Cu70Sn30 bulk alloy. The Cu97Sn3 catalyst achieves a CO Faradaic efficiency of 98% at a tiny overpotential of 30 mV in an alkaline flow cell, where a high CO current density of 100 mA cm−2 is obtained at an overpotential of 340 mV. Density functional theory simulation reveals that it is not only the elemental composition that dictates the electrocatalytic reactivity of Cu–Sn alloys; the local coordination environment of atomically dispersed, isolated Cu–Sn bonding plays the most critical role. The understanding of catalytic reactions at the atomic interface is vital; however, the characterization and mechanism studies of atomically dispersed catalysts remain challenging. Here, the authors demonstrate Cu–Sn surface alloys with isolated Sn atoms on a Cu host to achieve efficient CO2 to CO conversion.

P-d orbital hybridization induced by monodispersed Ga site on Pt3Mn nanocatalyst boosts ethanol electrooxidation.

Abstract: Constructing monodispersed metal site in heterocatalysis is an efficient strategy to boost their catalytic performance. Herein, a new strategy to advance fundamental interface study on monodispersed metal site tailored Pt-based nanoctalysts is addressed by engineering unconventional p-d orbital hybridization to regulate the interfacial physico-chemical property. Serving as a proof-of-concept example, the monodispersed Ga site on Pt3Mn nanocrystals (Ga-O-Pt3Mn) covered with high-indexed facets was constructed for the first time to drive ethanol electrooxidation reaction (EOR). Strikingly, the Ga-O-Pt3Mn nanocatalyst shows an enhanced EOR performance with achieving 8.41 times of specific activities than that of Pt/C. The electrochemical in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results and theoretical calculations disclose that the Ga-O-Pt3Mn nanocatalyst featuring an unconventional p-d orbital hybridized interface not only promote the C-C bond-breaking and rapid oxidation of -OH of ethanol, but also inhibit the generation of poisonous CO intermediate species. This work disclosed a promising strategy to construct a novel active and stable nanocatalysts tailored by monodispersed metal site as efficient fuel cell catalysts.

Nano-crumples induced Sn-Bi bimetallic interface pattern with moderate electron bank for highly efficient CO2 electroreduction

Abstract: Abstract CO 2 electroreduction reaction offers an attractive approach to global carbon neutrality. Industrial CO 2 electrolysis towards formate requires stepped-up current densities, which is limited by the difficulty of precisely reconciling the competing intermediates (COOH* and HCOO*). Herein, nano-crumples induced Sn-Bi bimetallic interface-rich materials are in situ designed by tailored electrodeposition under CO 2 electrolysis conditions, significantly expediting formate production. Compared with Sn-Bi bulk alloy and pure Sn, this Sn-Bi interface pattern delivers optimum upshift of Sn p-band center, accordingly the moderate valence electron depletion, which leads to weakened Sn-C hybridization of competing COOH* and suitable Sn-O hybridization of HCOO*. Superior partial current density up to 140 mA/cm 2 for formate is achieved. High Faradaic efficiency (>90%) is maintained at a wide potential window with a durability of 160 h. In this work, we elevate the interface design of highly active and stable materials for efficient CO 2 electroreduction.

Nano-crumples induced Sn-Bi bimetallic interface pattern with moderate electron bank for highly efficient CO_2 electroreduction

Abstract: Abstract CO 2 electroreduction reaction offers an attractive approach to global carbon neutrality. Industrial CO 2 electrolysis towards formate requires stepped-up current densities, which is limited by the difficulty of precisely reconciling the competing intermediates (COOH* and HCOO*). Herein, nano-crumples induced Sn-Bi bimetallic interface-rich materials are in situ designed by tailored electrodeposition under CO 2 electrolysis conditions, significantly expediting formate production. Compared with Sn-Bi bulk alloy and pure Sn, this Sn-Bi interface pattern delivers optimum upshift of Sn p-band center, accordingly the moderate valence electron depletion, which leads to weakened Sn-C hybridization of competing COOH* and suitable Sn-O hybridization of HCOO*. Superior partial current density up to 140 mA/cm 2 for formate is achieved. High Faradaic efficiency (>90%) is maintained at a wide potential window with a durability of 160 h. In this work, we elevate the interface design of highly active and stable materials for efficient CO 2 electroreduction.

Green Carbon Science: Efficient Carbon Resource Processing, Utilization, and Recycling towards Carbon Neutrality

Abstract: Green carbon science is defined as the "study and optimization of the transformation of carbon-containing compounds and the relevant processes involved in the entire carbon cycle from carbon resource processing, carbon energy utilization, CO2 fixation, and carbon recycling to utilize carbon resources efficiently and minimize the net CO2 emission."[1] Green carbon science is related closely to carbon neutrality, and relevant fields have developed quickly in the last decade. In this Minireview, we propose the concept of carbon energy index, and the recent progress in petroleum refining, and the production of liquid fuels, chemicals, and materials using coal, methane, CO2 , biomass, and waste plastics is highlighted in combination with green carbon science. An outlook for these important fields is provided in the final section.