Photoinduced electron transfer in a molecular dyad by nanosecond pump-pump-probe spectroscopy.

PubMed

Ha-Thi, M-H; Pham, V-T; Pino, T; Maslova, V; Quaranta, A; Lefumeux, C; Leibl, W; Aukauloo, A

2018-06-01

The design of robust and inexpensive molecular photocatalysts for the conversion of abundant stable molecules like H2O and CO2 into an energetic carrier is one of the major fundamental questions for scientists nowadays. The outstanding challenge is to couple single photoinduced charge separation events with the sequential accumulation of redox equivalents at the catalytic unit for performing multielectronic catalytic reactions. Herein, double excitation by nanosecond pump-pump-probe experiments was used to interrogate the photoinduced charge transfer and charge accumulation on a molecular dyad composed of a porphyrin chromophore and a ruthenium-based catalyst in the presence of a reversible electron acceptor. An accumulative charge transfer state is unattainable because of rapid reverse electron transfer to the photosensitizer upon the second excitation and the low driving force of the forward photodriven electron transfer reaction. Such a method allows the fundamental understanding of the relaxation mechanism after two sequential photon absorptions, deciphering the undesired electron transfer reactions that limit the charge accumulation efficiency. This study is a step toward the improvement of synthetic strategies of molecular photocatalysts for light-induced charge accumulation and more generally, for solar energy conversion.

Activation of molecular catalysts using semiconductor quantum dots

DOEpatents

Meyer, Thomas J [Chapel Hill, NC; Sykora, Milan [Los Alamos, NM; Klimov, Victor I [Los Alamos, NM

2011-10-04

Photocatalytic materials based on coupling of semiconductor nanocrystalline quantum dots (NQD) and molecular catalysts. These materials have capability to drive or catalyze non-spontaneous chemical reactions in the presence of visible radiation, ultraviolet radiation, or both. The NQD functions in these materials as a light absorber and charge generator. Following light absorption, the NQD activates a molecular catalyst adsorbed on the surface of the NQD via transfer of one or more charges (either electrons or electron-holes) from the NQD to the molecular catalyst. The activated molecular catalyst can then drive a chemical reaction. A photoelectrolytic device that includes such photocatalytic materials is also described.

Membrane catalyst layer for fuel cells

DOEpatents

Wilson, Mahlon S.

1993-01-01

A gas reaction fuel cell incorporates a thin catalyst layer between a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) membrane and a porous electrode backing. The catalyst layer is preferably less than about 10 .mu.m in thickness with a carbon supported platinum catalyst loading less than about 0.35 mgPt/cm.sup.2. The film is formed as an ink that is spread and cured on a film release blank. The cured film is then transferred to the SPE membrane and hot pressed into the surface to form a catalyst layer having a controlled thickness and catalyst distribution. Alternatively, the catalyst layer is formed by applying a Na.sup.+ form of a perfluorosulfonate ionomer directly to the membrane, drying the film at a high temperature, and then converting the film back to the protonated form of the ionomer. The layer has adequate gas permeability so that cell performance is not affected and has a density and particle distribution effective to optimize proton access to the catalyst and electronic continuity for electron flow from the half-cell reaction occurring at the catalyst.

Catalysts for electrochemical generation of oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagans, P.; Yeager, E.

1978-01-01

Single crystal surfaces of platinum and gold and transition metal oxides of the spinel type were studied to find more effective catalysts for the electrolytic evolution of oxygen and to understand the mechanism and kinetics for the electrocatalysis in relation to the surface electronic and lattice properties of the catalyst. The single crystal studies involve the use of low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and Auger electron spectroscopy as complementary tools to the electrochemical measurements. Modifications to the transfer system and to the thin-layer electrochemical cell used to facilitate the transfer between the ultrahigh vacuum environment of the electron surface physics equipment and the electrochemical environment with a minimal possibility of changes in the surface structure, are described. The electrosorption underpotential deposition of Pb onto the Au(111), (100) and (110) single crystal surfaces with the thin-layer cell-LEED-Auger system is discussed as well as the synthesis of spinels for oxygen evolution studies.

Improving the efficiency of water splitting in dye-sensitized solar cells by using a biomimetic electron transfer mediator

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yixin; Swierk, John R.; Megiatto, Jackson D.; Sherman, Benjamin; Youngblood, W. Justin; Qin, Dongdong; Lentz, Deanna M.; Moore, Ana L.; Moore, Thomas A.; Gust, Devens; Mallouk, Thomas E.

2012-01-01

Photoelectrochemical water splitting directly converts solar energy to chemical energy stored in hydrogen, a high energy density fuel. Although water splitting using semiconductor photoelectrodes has been studied for more than 40 years, it has only recently been demonstrated using dye-sensitized electrodes. The quantum yield for water splitting in these dye-based systems has, so far, been very low because the charge recombination reaction is faster than the catalytic four-electron oxidation of water to oxygen. We show here that the quantum yield is more than doubled by incorporating an electron transfer mediator that is mimetic of the tyrosine-histidine mediator in Photosystem II. The mediator molecule is covalently bound to the water oxidation catalyst, a colloidal iridium oxide particle, and is coadsorbed onto a porous titanium dioxide electrode with a Ruthenium polypyridyl sensitizer. As in the natural photosynthetic system, this molecule mediates electron transfer between a relatively slow metal oxide catalyst that oxidizes water on the millisecond timescale and a dye molecule that is oxidized in a fast light-induced electron transfer reaction. The presence of the mediator molecule in the system results in photoelectrochemical water splitting with an internal quantum efficiency of approximately 2.3% using blue light. PMID:22547794

Chemical dynamics of the first proton-coupled electron transfer of water oxidation on TiO2 anatase.

PubMed

Chen, Jia; Li, Ye-Fei; Sit, Patrick; Selloni, Annabella

2013-12-18

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a prototype, water-splitting (photo)catalyst, but its performance is limited by the large overpotential for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). We report here a first-principles density functional theory study of the chemical dynamics of the first proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), which is considered responsible for the large OER overpotential on TiO2. We use a periodic model of the TiO2/water interface that includes a slab of anatase TiO2 and explicit water molecules, sample the solvent configurations by first principles molecular dynamics, and determine the energy profiles of the two electronic states involved in the electron transfer (ET) by hybrid functional calculations. Our results suggest that the first PCET is sequential, with the ET following the proton transfer. The ET occurs via an inner sphere process, which is facilitated by a state in which one electronic hole is shared by the two oxygen ions involved in the transfer.

Electron transfer and conformational change in complexes of trimethylamine dehydrogenase and electron transferring flavoprotein.

PubMed

Jones, Matthew; Talfournier, Francois; Bobrov, Anton; Grossmann, J Günter; Vekshin, Nikolai; Sutcliffe, Michael J; Scrutton, Nigel S

2002-03-08

The trimethylamine dehydrogenase-electron transferring flavoprotein (TMADH.ETF) electron transfer complex has been studied by fluorescence and absorption spectroscopies. These studies indicate that a series of conformational changes occur during the assembly of the TMADH.ETF electron transfer complex and that the kinetics of assembly observed with mutant TMADH (Y442F/L/G) or ETF (alpha R237A) complexes are much slower than are the corresponding rates of electron transfer in these complexes. This suggests that electron transfer does not occur in the thermodynamically most favorable state (which takes too long to form), but that one or more metastable states (which are formed more rapidly) are competent in transferring electrons from TMADH to ETF. Additionally, fluorescence spectroscopy studies of the TMADH.ETF complex indicate that ETF undergoes a stable conformational change (termed structural imprinting) when it interacts transiently with TMADH to form a second, distinct, structural form. The mutant complexes compromise imprinting of ETF, indicating a dependence on the native interactions present in the wild-type complex. The imprinted form of semiquinone ETF exhibits an enhanced rate of electron transfer to the artificial electron acceptor, ferricenium. Overall molecular conformations as probed by small-angle x-ray scattering studies are indistinguishable for imprinted and non-imprinted ETF, suggesting that changes in structure likely involve confined reorganizations within the vicinity of the FAD. Our results indicate a series of conformational events occur during the assembly of the TMADH.ETF electron transfer complex, and that the properties of electron transfer proteins can be affected lastingly by transient interaction with their physiological redox partners. This may have significant implications for our understanding of biological electron transfer reactions in vivo, because ETF encounters TMADH at all times in the cell. Our studies suggest that caution

Hardwiring microbes via direct interspecies electron transfer: mechanisms and applications.

PubMed

Cheng, Qiwen; Call, Douglas F

2016-08-10

Multicellular microbial communities are important catalysts in engineered systems designed to treat wastewater, remediate contaminated sediments, and produce energy from biomass. Understanding the interspecies interactions within them is therefore essential to design effective processes. The flow of electrons within these communities is especially important in the determination of reaction possibilities (thermodynamics) and rates (kinetics). Conventional models of electron transfer incorporate the diffusion of metabolites generated by one organism and consumed by a second, frequently referred to as mediated interspecies electron transfer (MIET). Evidence has emerged in the last decade that another method, called direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET), may occur between organisms or in conjunction with electrically conductive materials. Recent research has suggested that DIET can be stimulated in engineered systems to improve desired treatment goals and energy recovery in systems such as anaerobic digesters and microbial electrochemical technologies. In this review, we summarize the latest understanding of DIET mechanisms, the associated microorganisms, and the underlying thermodynamics. We also critically examine approaches to stimulate DIET in engineered systems and assess their effectiveness. We find that in most cases attempts to promote DIET in mixed culture systems do not yield the improvements expected based on defined culture studies. Uncertainties of other processes that may be co-occurring in real systems, such as contaminant sorption and biofilm promotion, need to be further investigated. We conclude by identifying areas of future research related to DIET and its application in biological treatment processes.

A systematic computational study of electronic effects on hydrogen sensitivity of olefin polymerization catalysts (abstract only).

PubMed

Coussens, Betty B; Budzelaar, Peter H M; Friederichs, Nic

2008-02-13

One of the important product parameters of polyolefins is their molecular weight (distribution). A common way to control this parameter is to add molecular hydrogen during the polymerization, which then acts as a chain transfer agent. The factors governing the hydrogen sensitivity of olefin polymerization catalysts are poorly understood and have attracted little attention from computational chemists. To explore the electronic factors determining hydrogen sensitivity we performed density functional calculations on a wide range of simple model systems including some metallocenes and a few basic models of heterogeneous catalysts. As a quantitative measure for hydrogen sensitivity we used the ratio of (i) the rate constant for chain transfer to hydrogen to (ii) the rate constant for ethene insertion, k(h)/k(p) (see the scheme below), and as a measure of electrophilicity we used the energy of complexation to the probe molecule ammonia. [Formula: see text] For isolated species in the gas phase, complexation energies appear to dominate the chemistry. Ethene complexes more strongly than hydrogen and with increasing electrophilicity of the metal centre this difference grows; the hydrogen sensitivity decreases accordingly. Although many factors (like catalyst dormancy and deactivation issues) complicate the comparison with experiment, this result seems to agree both in broad terms with the experimental lower hydrogen sensitivity of heterogeneous catalysts, and more specifically with the increased hydrogen sensitivity of highly alkylated or fused metallocenes. The opposite conclusion reached by Blom (see Blom et al 2002 Macromol. Chem. Phys. 203 381-7) is due to the use of a very different measure of electrophilicity, rather than to different experimental data.

BASE-CATALYZED DESTRUCTION OF PCBS-NEW DONORS, NEW TRANSFER AGENTS/CATALYSTS

EPA Science Inventory

The use of hydrogen transfer agents and catalysts to improve the base-catalyzed decomposition of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was investigated. The reaction proceeded only in the presence of base, but the rate of PCB disappearance increased with increasing amount of hydrogen ...

Fabrication of a biofuel cell improved by the π-conjugated electron pathway effect induced from a new enzyme catalyst employing terephthalaldehyde

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Yongjin; Hyun, Kyu Hwan; Kwon, Yongchai

2015-12-01

A model explaining the π-conjugated electron pathway effect induced by a novel cross-linker adopted enzyme catalyst is suggested and the performance and stability of an enzymatic biofuel cell (EBC) adopting the new catalyst are evaluated. For this purpose, new terephthalaldehyde (TPA) and conventional glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linkers are adopted on a glucose oxidase (GOx), polyethyleneimine (PEI) and carbon nanotube (CNT)(GOx/PEI/CNT) structure. GOx/PEI/CNT cross-linked by TPA (TPA/[GOx/PEI/CNT]) results in a superior EBC performance and stability to other catalysts. It is attributed to the π bonds conjugated between the aldehyde of TPA and amine of the GOx/PEI molecules. By π conjugation, electrons bonded with carbon and nitrogen are delocalized, promoting the electron transfer and catalytic activity with an excellent EBC performance. The maximum power density (MPD) of an EBC adopting TPA/[GOx/PEI/CNT] (0.66 mW cm-2) is far better than that of the other EBCs (the MPD of EBC adopting GOx/PEI/CNT is 0.40 mW cm-2). Regarding stability, the covalent bonding formed between TPA and GOx/PEI plays a critical role in preventing the denaturation of GOx molecules, leading to an excellent stability. By repeated measurements of the catalytic activity, TPA/[GOx/PEI/CNT] maintains its activity to 92% of its initial value even after five weeks.A model explaining the π-conjugated electron pathway effect induced by a novel cross-linker adopted enzyme catalyst is suggested and the performance and stability of an enzymatic biofuel cell (EBC) adopting the new catalyst are evaluated. For this purpose, new terephthalaldehyde (TPA) and conventional glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linkers are adopted on a glucose oxidase (GOx), polyethyleneimine (PEI) and carbon nanotube (CNT)(GOx/PEI/CNT) structure. GOx/PEI/CNT cross-linked by TPA (TPA/[GOx/PEI/CNT]) results in a superior EBC performance and stability to other catalysts. It is attributed to the π bonds conjugated between the aldehyde of

Polymerization catalysts containing electron-withdrawing amide ligands

DOEpatents

Watkin, John G.; Click, Damon R.

2002-01-01

The present invention describes methods of making a series of amine-containing organic compounds which are used as ligands for group 3-10 and lanthanide metal compounds. The ligands have electron-withdrawing groups bonded to them. The metal compounds, when combined with a cocatalyst, are catalysts for the polymerization of olefins.

Support effects on adsorption and catalytic activation of O2 in single atom iron catalysts with graphene-based substrates.

PubMed

Gao, Zheng-Yang; Yang, Wei-Jie; Ding, Xun-Lei; Lv, Gang; Yan, Wei-Ping

2018-03-07

The adsorption and catalytic activation of O 2 on single atom iron catalysts with graphene-based substrates were investigated systematically by density functional theory calculation. It is found that the support effects of graphene-based substrates have a significant influence on the stability of the single atom catalysts, the adsorption configuration, the electron transfer mechanism, the adsorption energy and the energy barrier. The differences in the stable adsorption configuration of O 2 on single atom iron catalysts with different graphene-based substrates can be well understood by the symmetrical matching principle based on frontier molecular orbital analysis. There are two different mechanisms of electron transfer, in which the Fe atom acts as the electron donor in single vacancy graphene-based substrates while the Fe atom mainly acts as the bridge for electron transfer in double vacancy graphene-based substrates. The Fermi softness and work function are good descriptors of the adsorption energy and they can well reveal the relationship between electronic structure and adsorption energy. This single atom iron catalyst with single vacancy graphene modified by three nitrogen atoms is a promising non-noble metal single atom catalyst in the adsorption and catalytic oxidation of O 2 . Furthermore, the findings can lay the foundation for the further study of graphene-based support effects and provide a guideline for the development and design of new non-noble-metal single atom catalysts.

Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Furfural to 2-Methylfuran and 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran over Bimetallic Copper-Palladium Catalysts.

PubMed

Chang, Xin; Liu, An-Feng; Cai, Bo; Luo, Jin-Yue; Pan, Hui; Huang, Yao-Bing

2016-12-08

The catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural to the fuel additives 2-methylfuran (2-MF) and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) was investigated over various bimetallic catalysts in the presence of the hydrogen donor 2-propanol. Of all the as-prepared catalysts, bimetallic Cu-Pd catalysts showed the highest catalytic activities towards the formation of 2-MF and 2-MTHF with a total yield of up to 83.9 % yield at 220 °C in 4 h. By modifying the Pd ratios in the Cu-Pd catalyst, 2-MF or 2-MTHF could be obtained selectively as the prevailing product. The other reaction conditions also had a great influence on the product distribution. Mechanistic studies by reaction monitoring and intermediate conversion revealed that the reaction proceeded mainly through the hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol, which was followed by deoxygenation to 2-MF in parallel to deoxygenation/ring hydrogenation to 2-MTHF. Finally, the catalyst showed a high reactivity and stability in five catalyst recycling runs, which represents a significant step forward toward the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

pH-dependent reduction potentials and proton-coupled electron transfer mechanisms in hydrogen-producing nickel molecular electrocatalysts.

PubMed

Horvath, Samantha; Fernandez, Laura E; Appel, Aaron M; Hammes-Schiffer, Sharon

2013-04-01

The nickel-based P2(Ph)N2(Bn) electrocatalysts comprised of a nickel atom and two 1,5-dibenzyl-3,7-diphenyl-1,5-diaza-3,7-diphosphacyclooctane ligands catalyze H2 production in acetonitrile. Recent electrochemical experiments revealed a linear dependence of the Ni(II/I) reduction potential on pH with a slope of 57 mV/pH unit, implicating a proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) process with the same number of electrons and protons transferred. The combined theoretical and experimental studies herein provide an explanation for this pH dependence in the context of the overall proposed catalytic mechanism. In the proposed mechanisms, the catalytic cycle begins with a series of intermolecular proton transfers from an acid to the pendant amine ligand and electrochemical electron transfers to the nickel center to produce the doubly protonated Ni(0) species, a precursor to H2 evolution. The calculated Ni(II/I) reduction potentials of the doubly protonated species are in excellent agreement with the experimentally observed reduction potential in the presence of strong acid, suggesting that the catalytically active species leading to the peak observed in these cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments is doubly protonated. The Ni(I/0) reduction potential was found to be slightly more positive than the Ni(II/I) reduction potential, indicating that the Ni(I/0) reduction occurs spontaneously after the Ni(II/I) reduction, as implied by the experimental observation of a single CV peak. These results suggest that the PCET process observed in the CV experiments is a two-electron/two-proton process corresponding to an initial double protonation followed by two reductions. On the basis of the experimental and theoretical data, the complete thermodynamic scheme and the Pourbaix diagram were generated for this catalyst. The Pourbaix diagram, which identifies the most thermodynamically stable species at each reduction potential and pH value, illustrates that this catalyst undergoes

Covalent electron transfer chemistry of graphene with diazonium salts.

PubMed

Paulus, Geraldine L C; Wang, Qing Hua; Strano, Michael S

2013-01-15

Graphene is an atomically thin, two-dimensional allotrope of carbon with exceptionally high carrier mobilities, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength. From a chemist's perspective, graphene can be regarded as a large polycyclic aromatic molecule and as a surface without a bulk contribution. Consequently, chemistries typically performed on organic molecules and surfaces have been used as starting points for the chemical functionalization of graphene. The motivations for chemical modification of graphene include changing its doping level, opening an electronic band gap, charge storage, chemical and biological sensing, making new composite materials, and the scale-up of solution-processable graphene. In this Account, we focus on graphene functionalization via electron transfer chemistries, in particular via reactions with aryl diazonium salts. Because electron transfer chemistries depend on the Fermi energy of graphene and the density of states of the reagents, the resulting reaction rate depends on the number of graphene layers, edge states, defects, atomic structure, and the electrostatic environment. We limit our Account to focus on pristine graphene over graphene oxide, because free electrons in the latter are already bound to oxygen-containing functionalities and the resulting chemistries are dominated by localized reactivity and defects. We describe the reaction mechanism of diazonium functionalization of graphene and show that the reaction conditions determine the relative degrees of chemisorption and physisorption, which allows for controlled modulation of the electronic properties of graphene. Finally we discuss different applications for graphene modified by this chemistry, including as an additive in polymer matrices, as biosensors when coupled with cells and biomolecules, and as catalysts when combined with nanoparticles.

Potential technology transfers of research on low-temperature carbon monoxide-oxygen recombination catalysts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poziomek, Edward J.

1990-01-01

Results from research on catalytic recombination of CO-O2 for stable closed-cycle operation of CO2 lasers hold much promise for a variety of technology transfer. Expansion of CO2 laser remote sensing applications toward chemical detection and pollution monitoring would certainly be expected. However, the catalysts themselves may be especially effective in low-temperature oxidation of a number of chemicals in addition to CO. It is therefore of interest to compare the CO-O2 catalysts with chemical systems designed for chemical sensing, air purification and process catalysis. Success in understanding the catalytic mechanisms of the recombination of CO-O2 could help to shed light on how catalyst systems operate. New directions in low-temperature oxidation catalysts, coatings for chemical sensors and sorbents for air purification could well emerge.

Cooperative electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation with electron-proton-transfer mediators.

PubMed

Badalyan, Artavazd; Stahl, Shannon S

2016-07-21

The electrochemical oxidation of alcohols is a major focus of energy and chemical conversion efforts, with potential applications ranging from fuel cells to biomass utilization and fine-chemical synthesis. Small-molecule electrocatalysts for processes of this type are promising targets for further development, as demonstrated by recent advances in nickel catalysts for electrochemical production and oxidation of hydrogen. Complexes with tethered amines that resemble the active site of hydrogenases have been shown both to catalyse hydrogen production (from protons and electrons) with rates far exceeding those of such enzymes and to mediate reversible electrocatalytic hydrogen production and oxidation with enzyme-like performance. Progress in electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation has been more modest. Nickel complexes similar to those used for hydrogen oxidation have been shown to mediate efficient electrochemical oxidation of benzyl alcohol, with a turnover frequency of 2.1 per second. These compounds exhibit poor reactivity with ethanol and methanol, however. Organic nitroxyls, such as TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine N-oxyl), are the most widely studied electrocatalysts for alcohol oxidation. These catalysts exhibit good activity (1–2 turnovers per second) with a wide range of alcohols and have great promise for electro-organic synthesis. Their use in energy-conversion applications, however, is limited by the high electrode potentials required to generate the reactive oxoammonium species. Here we report (2,2′-bipyridine)Cu/nitroxyl co-catalyst systems for electrochemical alcohol oxidation that proceed with much faster rates, while operating at an electrode potential a half-volt lower than that used for the TEMPO-only process. The (2,2′-bipyridine)Cu(II) and TEMPO redox partners exhibit cooperative reactivity and exploit the low-potential, proton-coupled TEMPO/TEMPOH redox process rather than the high-potential TEMPO/TEMPO+ process. The results show how

Cooperative electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation with electron-proton-transfer mediators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badalyan, Artavazd; Stahl, Shannon S.

2016-07-01

The electrochemical oxidation of alcohols is a major focus of energy and chemical conversion efforts, with potential applications ranging from fuel cells to biomass utilization and fine-chemical synthesis. Small-molecule electrocatalysts for processes of this type are promising targets for further development, as demonstrated by recent advances in nickel catalysts for electrochemical production and oxidation of hydrogen. Complexes with tethered amines that resemble the active site of hydrogenases have been shown both to catalyse hydrogen production (from protons and electrons) with rates far exceeding those of such enzymes and to mediate reversible electrocatalytic hydrogen production and oxidation with enzyme-like performance. Progress in electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation has been more modest. Nickel complexes similar to those used for hydrogen oxidation have been shown to mediate efficient electrochemical oxidation of benzyl alcohol, with a turnover frequency of 2.1 per second. These compounds exhibit poor reactivity with ethanol and methanol, however. Organic nitroxyls, such as TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine N-oxyl), are the most widely studied electrocatalysts for alcohol oxidation. These catalysts exhibit good activity (1-2 turnovers per second) with a wide range of alcohols and have great promise for electro-organic synthesis. Their use in energy-conversion applications, however, is limited by the high electrode potentials required to generate the reactive oxoammonium species. Here we report (2,2‧-bipyridine)Cu/nitroxyl co-catalyst systems for electrochemical alcohol oxidation that proceed with much faster rates, while operating at an electrode potential a half-volt lower than that used for the TEMPO-only process. The (2,2‧-bipyridine)Cu(II) and TEMPO redox partners exhibit cooperative reactivity and exploit the low-potential, proton-coupled TEMPO/TEMPOH redox process rather than the high-potential TEMPO/TEMPO+ process. The results show how

Single-Molecule Interfacial Electron Transfer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, H. Peter

This project is focused on the use of single-molecule high spatial and temporal resolved techniques to study molecular dynamics in condensed phase and at interfaces, especially, the complex reaction dynamics associated with electron and energy transfer rate processes. The complexity and inhomogeneity of the interfacial ET dynamics often present a major challenge for a molecular level comprehension of the intrinsically complex systems, which calls for both higher spatial and temporal resolutions at ultimate single-molecule and single-particle sensitivities. Combined single-molecule spectroscopy and electrochemical atomic force microscopy approaches are unique for heterogeneous and complex interfacial electron transfer systems because the static andmore » dynamic inhomogeneities can be identified and characterized by studying one molecule at a specific nanoscale surface site at a time. The goal of our project is to integrate and apply these spectroscopic imaging and topographic scanning techniques to measure the energy flow and electron flow between molecules and substrate surfaces as a function of surface site geometry and molecular structure. We have been primarily focusing on studying interfacial electron transfer under ambient condition and electrolyte solution involving both single crystal and colloidal TiO 2 and related substrates. The resulting molecular level understanding of the fundamental interfacial electron transfer processes will be important for developing efficient light harvesting systems and broadly applicable to problems in fundamental chemistry and physics. We have made significant advancement on deciphering the underlying mechanism of the complex and inhomogeneous interfacial electron transfer dynamics in dyesensitized TiO 2 nanoparticle systems that strongly involves with and regulated by molecule-surface interactions. We have studied interfacial electron transfer on TiO 2 nanoparticle surfaces by using ultrafast single-molecule spectroscopy

Power generation in microbial fuel cells using platinum group metal-free cathode catalyst: Effect of the catalyst loading on performance and costs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santoro, Carlo; Kodali, Mounika; Herrera, Sergio; Serov, Alexey; Ieropoulos, Ioannis; Atanassov, Plamen

2018-02-01

Platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) catalyst with different loadings was investigated in air breathing electrodes microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Firstly, the electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of the catalyst was investigated by rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) setup with different catalyst loadings. The results showed that higher loading led to an increased in the half wave potential and the limiting current and to a further decrease in the peroxide production. The electrons transferred also slightly increased with the catalyst loading up to the value of ≈3.75. This variation probably indicates that the catalyst investigated follow a 2x2e- transfer mechanism. The catalyst was integrated within activated carbon pellet-like air-breathing cathode in eight different loadings varying between 0.1 mgcm-2 and 10 mgcm-2. Performance were enhanced gradually with the increase in catalyst content. Power densities varied between 90 ± 9 μWcm-2 and 262 ± 4 μWcm-2 with catalyst loading of 0.1 mgcm-2 and 10 mgcm-2 respectively. Cost assessments related to the catalyst performance are presented. An increase in catalyst utilization led to an increase in power generated with a substantial increase in the whole costs. Also a decrease in performance due to cathode/catalyst deterioration over time led to a further increase in the costs.

Power generation in microbial fuel cells using platinum group metal-free cathode catalyst: Effect of the catalyst loading on performance and costs.

PubMed

Santoro, Carlo; Kodali, Mounika; Herrera, Sergio; Serov, Alexey; Ieropoulos, Ioannis; Atanassov, Plamen

2018-02-28

Platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) catalyst with different loadings was investigated in air breathing electrodes microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Firstly, the electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of the catalyst was investigated by rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) setup with different catalyst loadings. The results showed that higher loading led to an increased in the half wave potential and the limiting current and to a further decrease in the peroxide production. The electrons transferred also slightly increased with the catalyst loading up to the value of ≈3.75. This variation probably indicates that the catalyst investigated follow a 2x2e - transfer mechanism. The catalyst was integrated within activated carbon pellet-like air-breathing cathode in eight different loadings varying between 0.1 mgcm -2 and 10 mgcm -2 . Performance were enhanced gradually with the increase in catalyst content. Power densities varied between 90 ± 9 μWcm -2 and 262 ± 4 μWcm -2 with catalyst loading of 0.1 mgcm -2 and 10 mgcm -2 respectively. Cost assessments related to the catalyst performance are presented. An increase in catalyst utilization led to an increase in power generated with a substantial increase in the whole costs. Also a decrease in performance due to cathode/catalyst deterioration over time led to a further increase in the costs.

Role of cation size in the energy of electron transfer to 1:1 polyoxometalate ion pairs {(M+)(Xn+VW11O40)}(8–n)–(M=Li, Na, K)

Treesearch

Vladimir A. Grigoriev; Craig L. Hill; Ira A. Weinstock

2000-01-01

The use of soluble salts of polyoxometalates (d0-early-transition metal oxygen-anion clusters or POMs) as selective oxidation or electron-transfer catalysts, as probes in physical-organic and biological chemistry, and in the study of electron-and energy-transfer phenomena constitutes a substantial and rapidly growing literature. While rarely addressed, however, POM...

An Exploration of Geometric and Electronic Effects in Metal Nanoparticle Catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Childers, David

The goal of this thesis is to investigate the influence geometric and electronic effects on metal nanoparticle catalysis. There are three main methods which alter a catalyst's properties: changing support material, changing nanoparticle size and alloying a second metal. This work will focus on the latter two methods using Pt-group metals and alloys. Platinum and palladium were chosen as the active metals due to a large amount of industry significance and prior literature to draw upon. Neopentane conversion and propane dehydrogenation were the two probe reactions used to evaluate these catalysts mainly due to their relative simplicity and ease of operation on a laboratory scale. The effect of particle size was studied with Pt and Pd monometallic catalysts using neopentane hydrogenolysis/isomerization as the probe reaction. Particle size studies have been done previously using this reaction so there is literature data to compare this study's results. This data will also be used as comparison for the bimetallic studies conducted later so that particle size effects can be accounted for when attempting to determine the effect of alloying a second metal. Bimetallic catalysts have several different possible structures depending on a number of factors from the identity of the two metals to the synthesis procedure. Homogeneous, core-shell and intermetallic alloys are the three structures evaluated in this work. Determining the surface composition of a homogeneous alloy can be difficult especially if both metals adsorb CO. PtPd homogeneous alloys were used to evaluate the ability of EXAFS to give information about surface composition using CO adsorption. These catalysts were also tested using neopentane conversion to evaluate changes in catalytic performance. Core-shell catalysts can also exhibit unique properties although it is not clear whether the identity of the core metal is relevant or if surface changes are most important to changing catalytic behavior. PdAu catalysts

Electrochemical Catalyst-Support Effects and Their Stabilizing Role for IrOx Nanoparticle Catalysts during the Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

PubMed

Oh, Hyung-Suk; Nong, Hong Nhan; Reier, Tobias; Bergmann, Arno; Gliech, Manuel; Ferreira de Araújo, Jorge; Willinger, Elena; Schlögl, Robert; Teschner, Detre; Strasser, Peter

2016-09-28

Redox-active support materials can help reduce the noble-metal loading of a solid chemical catalyst while offering electronic catalyst-support interactions beneficial for catalyst durability. This is well known in heterogeneous gas-phase catalysis but much less discussed for electrocatalysis at electrified liquid-solid interfaces. Here, we demonstrate experimental evidence for electronic catalyst-support interactions in electrochemical environments and study their role and contribution to the corrosion stability of catalyst/support couples. Electrochemically oxidized Ir oxide nanoparticles, supported on high surface area carbons and oxides, were selected as model catalyst/support systems for the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). First, the electronic, chemical, and structural state of the catalyst/support couple was compared using XANES, EXAFS, TEM, and depth-resolved XPS. While carbon-supported oxidized Ir particle showed exclusively the redox state (+4), the Ir/IrOx/ATO system exhibited evidence of metal/metal-oxide support interactions (MMOSI) that stabilized the metal particles on antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) in sustained lower Ir oxidation states (Ir(3.2+)). At the same time, the growth of higher valent Ir oxide layers that compromise catalyst stability was suppressed. Then the electrochemical stability and the charge-transfer kinetics of the electrocatalysts were evaluated under constant current and constant potential conditions, where the analysis of the metal dissolution confirmed that the ATO support mitigates Ir(z+) dissolution thanks to a stronger MMOSI effect. Our findings raise the possibility that MMOSI effects in electrochemistry-largely neglected in the past-may be more important for a detailed understanding of the durability of oxide-supported nanoparticle OER catalysts than previously thought.

Stabilization of non-productive conformations underpins rapid electron transfer to electron-transferring flavoprotein.

PubMed

Toogood, Helen S; van Thiel, Adam; Scrutton, Nigel S; Leys, David

2005-08-26

Crystal structures of protein complexes with electron-transferring flavoprotein (ETF) have revealed a dual protein-protein interface with one region serving as anchor while the ETF FAD domain samples available space within the complex. We show that mutation of the conserved Glu-165beta in human ETF leads to drastically modulated rates of interprotein electron transfer with both medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and dimethylglycine dehydrogenase. The crystal structure of free E165betaA ETF is essentially identical to that of wild-type ETF, but the crystal structure of the E165betaA ETF.medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase complex reveals clear electron density for the FAD domain in a position optimal for fast interprotein electron transfer. Based on our observations, we present a dynamic multistate model for conformational sampling that for the wild-type ETF. medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase complex involves random motion between three distinct positions for the ETF FAD domain. ETF Glu-165beta plays a key role in stabilizing positions incompatible with fast interprotein electron transfer, thus ensuring high rates of complex dissociation.

Synthesis of TiO2-poly(3-hexylthiophene) hybrid particles through surface-initiated Kumada catalyst-transfer polycondensation.

PubMed

Boon, Florian; Moerman, David; Laurencin, Danielle; Richeter, Sébastien; Guari, Yannick; Mehdi, Ahmad; Dubois, Philippe; Lazzaroni, Roberto; Clément, Sébastien

2014-09-30

TiO2/conjugated polymers are promising materials in solar energy conversion where efficient photoinduced charge transfers are required. Here, a "grafting-from" approach for the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles supported with conjugated polymer brushes is presented. Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), a benchmark material for organic electronics, was selectively grown from TiO2 nanoparticles by surface-initiated Kumada catalyst-transfer polycondensation. The grafting of the polymer onto the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles by this method was demonstrated by (1)H and (13)C solid-state NMR, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Sedimentation tests in tetrahydrofuran revealed improved dispersion stability for the TiO2@P3HT hybrid material. Films were produced by solvent casting, and the quality of the dispersion of the modified TiO2 nanoparticles was evaluated by atomic force microscopy. The dispersion of the P3HT-coated TiO2 NPs in the P3HT matrix was found to be homogeneous, and the fibrillar structure of the P3HT matrix was maintained which is favorable for charge transport. Fluorescence quenching measurements on these hybrid materials in CHCl3 indicated improved photoinduced electron-transfer efficiency. All in all, better physicochemical properties for P3HT/TiO2 hybrid material were reached via the surface-initiated "grafted-from" approach compared to the "grafting-onto" approach.

Flavin Charge Transfer Transitions Assist DNA Photolyase Electron Transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skourtis, Spiros S.; Prytkova, Tatiana; Beratan, David N.

2007-12-01

This contribution describes molecular dynamics, semi-empirical and ab-initio studies of the primary photo-induced electron transfer reaction in DNA photolyase. DNA photolyases are FADH--containing proteins that repair UV-damaged DNA by photo-induced electron transfer. A DNA photolyase recognizes and binds to cyclobutatne pyrimidine dimer lesions of DNA. The protein repairs a bound lesion by transferring an electron to the lesion from FADH-, upon photo-excitation of FADH- with 350-450 nm light. We compute the lowest singlet excited states of FADH- in DNA photolyase using INDO/S configuration interaction, time-dependent density-functional, and time-dependent Hartree-Fock methods. The calculations identify the lowest singlet excited state of FADH- that is populated after photo-excitation and that acts as the electron donor. For this donor state we compute conformationally-averaged tunneling matrix elements to empty electron-acceptor states of a thymine dimer bound to photolyase. The conformational averaging involves different FADH--thymine dimer confromations obtained from molecular dynamics simulations of the solvated protein with a thymine dimer docked in its active site. The tunneling matrix element computations use INDO/S-level Green's function, energy splitting, and Generalized Mulliken-Hush methods. These calculations indicate that photo-excitation of FADH- causes a π→π* charge-transfer transition that shifts electron density to the side of the flavin isoalloxazine ring that is adjacent to the docked thymine dimer. This shift in electron density enhances the FADH--to-dimer electronic coupling, thus inducing rapid electron transfer.

Direct observation of sequential oxidations of a titania-bound molecular proxy catalyst generated through illumination of molecular sensitizers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hsiang-Yun; Ardo, Shane

2018-01-01

Natural photosynthesis uses the energy in sunlight to oxidize or reduce reaction centres multiple times, therefore preparing each reaction centre for a multiple-electron-transfer reaction that will ultimately generate stable reaction products. This process relies on multiple chromophores per reaction centre to quickly generate the active state of the reaction centre and to outcompete deleterious charge recombination. Using a similar design principle, we report spectroscopic evidence for the generation of a twice-oxidized TiO2-bound molecular proxy catalyst after low-intensity visible-light excitation of co-anchored molecular Ru(II)-polypyridyl dyes. Electron transfer from an excited dye to TiO2 generated a Ru(III) state that subsequently and repeatedly reacted with neighbouring Ru(II) dyes via self-exchange electron transfer to ultimately oxidize a distant co-anchored proxy catalyst before charge recombination. The largest yield for twice-oxidized proxy catalysts occurred when they were present at low coverage, suggesting that large dye/electrocatalyst ratios are also desired in dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells.

Reflections on the value of electron microscopy in the study of heterogeneous catalysts

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Electron microscopy (EM) is arguably the single most powerful method of characterizing heterogeneous catalysts. Irrespective of whether they are bulk and multiphasic, or monophasic and monocrystalline, or nanocluster and even single-atom and on a support, their structures in atomic detail can be visualized in two or three dimensions, thanks to high-resolution instruments, with sub-Ångstrom spatial resolutions. Their topography, tomography, phase-purity, composition, as well as the bonding, and valence-states of their constituent atoms and ions and, in favourable circumstances, the short-range and long-range atomic order and dynamics of the catalytically active sites, can all be retrieved by the panoply of variants of modern EM. The latter embrace electron crystallography, rotation and precession electron diffraction, X-ray emission and high-resolution electron energy-loss spectra (EELS). Aberration-corrected (AC) transmission (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) have led to a revolution in structure determination. Environmental EM is already playing an increasing role in catalyst characterization, and new advances, involving special cells for the study of solid catalysts in contact with liquid reactants, have recently been deployed. PMID:28265196

Ultrafast Intramolecular Electron and Proton Transfer in Bis(imino)isoindole Derivatives.

PubMed

Driscoll, Eric; Sorenson, Shayne; Dawlaty, Jahan M

2015-06-04

Concerted motion of electrons and protons in the excited state is pertinent to a wide range of chemical phenomena, including those relevant for solar-to-fuel light harvesting. The excited state dynamics of small proton-bearing molecules are expected to serve as models for better understanding such phenomena. In particular, for designing the next generation of multielectron and multiproton redox catalysts, understanding the dynamics of more than one proton in the excited state is important. Toward this goal, we have measured the ultrafast dynamics of intramolecular excited state proton transfer in a recently synthesized dye with two equivalent transferable protons. We have used a visible ultrafast pump to initiate the proton transfer in the excited state, and have probed the transient absorption of the molecule over a wide bandwidth in the visible range. The measurement shows that the signal which is characteristic of proton transfer emerges within ∼710 fs. To identify whether both protons were transferred in the excited state, we have measured the ultrafast dynamics of a related derivative, where only a single proton was available for transfer. The measured proton transfer time in that molecule was ∼427 fs. The observed dynamics in both cases were reasonably fit with single exponentials. Supported by the ultrafast observations, steady-state fluorescence, and preliminary computations of the relaxed excited states, we argue that the doubly protonated derivative most likely transfers only one of its two protons in the excited state. We have performed calculations of the frontier molecular orbitals in the Franck-Condon region. The calculations show that in both derivatives, the excitation is primarily from the HOMO to LUMO causing a large rearrangement of the electronic charge density immediately after photoexcitation. In particular, charge density is shifted away from the phenolic protons and toward the proton acceptor nitrogens. The proton transfer is

Porous bimetallic PdNi catalyst with high electrocatalytic activity for ethanol electrooxidation.

PubMed

Feng, Yue; Bin, Duan; Yan, Bo; Du, Yukou; Majima, Tetsuro; Zhou, Weiqiang

2017-05-01

Porous bimetallic PdNi catalysts were fabricated by a novel method, namely, reduction of Pd and Ni oxides prepared via calcining the complex chelate of PdNi-dimethylglyoxime (PdNi-dmg). The morphology and composition of the as-prepared PdNi were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the electrochemical properties of PdNi catalysts towards ethanol electrooxidation were also studied by electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) measurement. In comparison with porous Pd and commercial Pd/C catalysts, porous structural PdNi catalysts showed higher electrocatalytic activity and durability for ethanol electrooxidation, which may be ascribed to Pd and Ni property, large electroactive surface area and high electron transfer property. The Ni exist in the catalyst in the form of the nickel hydroxides (Ni(OH) 2 and NiOOH) which have a high electron and proton conductivity enhances the catalytic activity of the catalysts. All results highlight the great potential application of the calcination-reduction method for synthesizing high active porous PdNi catalysts in direct ethanol fuel cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Metal-Free Photoinduced Electron Transfer-Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Integrated with Bioinspired Polydopamine Chemistry as a Green Strategy for Surface Engineering of Magnetic Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Yang, Yang; Liu, Xuegang; Ye, Gang; Zhu, Shan; Wang, Zhe; Huo, Xiaomei; Matyjaszewski, Krzysztof; Lu, Yuexiang; Chen, Jing

2017-04-19

Developing green and efficient technologies for surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is of crucial importance for their biomedical and environmental applications. This study reports, for the first time, a novel strategy by integrating metal-free photoinduced electron transfer-atom transfer radical polymerization (PET-ATRP) with the bioinspired polydopamine (PDA) chemistry for controlled architecture of functional polymer brushes from MNPs. Conformal PDA encapsulation layers were initially generated on the surfaces of MNPs, which served as the protective shells while providing an ideal platform for tethering 2-bromo-2-phenylacetic acid (BPA), a highly efficient initiator. Metal-free PET-ATRP technique was then employed for controlled architecture of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) brushes from the core-shell MNPs by using diverse organic dyes as photoredox catalysts. Impacts of light sources (including UV and visible lights), photoredox catalysts, and polymerization time on the composition and morphology of the PGMA brushes were investigated. Moreover, the versatility of the PGMA-functionalized core-shell MNPs was demonstrated by covalent attachment of ethylenediamine (EDA), a model functional molecule, which afforded the MNPs with improved hydrophilicity, dispersibility, and superior binding ability to uranyl ions. The green methodology by integrating metal-free PET-ATRP with facile PDA chemistry would provide better opportunities for surface modification of MNPs and miscellaneous nanomaterials for biomedical and electronic applications.

Environmental transmission electron microscopy for catalyst materials using a spherical aberration corrector.

PubMed

Takeda, Seiji; Kuwauchi, Yasufumi; Yoshida, Hideto

2015-04-01

Atomic resolution has been obtained using environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM) by installing a spherical aberration corrector (Cs-corrector) on the objective lens. Simultaneously, the technology for controlling the environment around a specimen in ETEM has advanced significantly in the past decade. Quantification methodology has recently been established for deriving relevant experimental data in catalyst materials from substantial and systematic ETEM observation at the atomic scale. With this background, this paper summarizes aspects of the evolutional microscopy technique: necessary conditions for atomic resolution in ETEM; reduction of the scattering of electrons by the medium surrounding a specimen; and an environmental cell for structural imaging of a crystalline specimen. The high spatial resolution of a Cs-corrected ETEM is demonstrated for different observation conditions. After statistical analysis combined with numerical image analysis of ETEM data is briefly described, the recent applications of the Cs-corrected ETEM to catalyst materials are reviewed. For gold nanoparticulate catalysts, the structural information on the reaction sites and adsorption sites are deduced. For Pt nanoparticulate catalysts, ETEM studies elucidate the correlation between the catalytic activity and the morphology of the nanoparticles. These studies also reveal oxidation and reduction on the topmost Pt surface layer at the atomic scale. Finally, current issues and the future perspectives of Cs-corrected ETEM are summarized, including the reproducibility of ETEM observation data, the control of environments, the critical evaluation of electron irradiation effects, the full implementation of transmission electron microscopy technology in ETEM, and the safety issues for an ETEM laboratory. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photochemical charge separation in zeolites: Electron transfer dynamics, nanocrystals and zeolitic membranes. Final technical report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dutta, Prabir K.

2001-09-30

Aluminosilicate zeolites provide an excellent host for photochemical charge separation. Because of the constraints provided by the zeolite, the back electron transfer from the reduced acceptor to the oxidized sensitizer is slowed down. This provides the opportunity to separate the charge and use it in a subsequent reaction for water oxidation and reduction. Zeolite-based ruthenium oxide catalysts have been found to be efficient for the water splitting process. This project has demonstrated the usefulness of zeolite hosts for photolytic splitting of water.

Liquid-Phase Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Furfural over Homogeneous Lewis Acid-Ru/C Catalysts.

PubMed

Panagiotopoulou, Paraskevi; Martin, Nickolas; Vlachos, Dionisios G

2015-06-22

The catalytic performance of homogeneous Lewis acid catalysts and their interaction with Ru/C catalyst are studied in the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural by using 2-propanol as a solvent and hydrogen donor. We find that Lewis acid catalysts hydrogenate the furfural to furfuryl alcohol, which is then etherified with 2-propanol. The catalytic activity is correlated with an empirical scale of Lewis acid strength and exhibits a volcano behavior. Lanthanides are the most active, with DyCl3 giving complete furfural conversion and a 97 % yield of furfuryl alcohol at 180 °C after 3 h. The combination of Lewis acid and Ru/C catalysts results in synergy for the stronger Lewis acid catalysts, with a significant increase in the furfural conversion and methyl furan yield. Optimum results are obtained by using Ru/C combined with VCl3 , AlCl3 , SnCl4 , YbCl3 , and RuCl3 . Our results indicate that the combination of Lewis acid/metal catalysts is a general strategy for performing tandem reactions in the upgrade of furans. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Colloidal polymer particles as catalyst carriers and phase transfer agents in multiphasic hydroformylation reactions.

PubMed

Peral, D; Stehl, D; Bibouche, B; Yu, H; Mardoukh, J; Schomäcker, R; Klitzing, R von; Vogt, D

2018-03-01

Colloidal particles have been used to covalently bind ligands for the heterogenization of homogeneous catalysts. The replacement of the covalent bonds by electrostatic interactions between particles and the catalyst could preserve the selectivity of a truly homogeneous catalytic process. Functionalized polymer particles with trimethylammonium moieties, dispersed in water, with a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic shell have been synthesized by emulsion polymerization and have been thoroughly characterized. The ability of the particles with different monomer compositions to act as catalyst carriers has been studied. Finally, the colloidal dispersions have been applied as phase transfer agents in the multiphasic rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of 1-octene. The hydrodynamic radius of the particles has been shown to be around 100 nm, and a core-shell structure could be observed by atomic force microscopy. The polymer particles were proven to act as carriers for the water-soluble hydroformylation catalyst, due to electrostatic interaction between the functionalized particles bearing ammonium groups and the sulfonated ligands of the catalyst. The particles were stable under the hydroformylation conditions and the aqueous catalyst phase could be recycled three times. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modular electron transfer circuits for synthetic biology

PubMed Central

Agapakis, Christina M

2010-01-01

Electron transfer is central to a wide range of essential metabolic pathways, from photosynthesis to fermentation. The evolutionary diversity and conservation of proteins that transfer electrons makes these pathways a valuable platform for engineered metabolic circuits in synthetic biology. Rational engineering of electron transfer pathways containing hydrogenases has the potential to lead to industrial scale production of hydrogen as an alternative source of clean fuel and experimental assays for understanding the complex interactions of multiple electron transfer proteins in vivo. We designed and implemented a synthetic hydrogen metabolism circuit in Escherichia coli that creates an electron transfer pathway both orthogonal to and integrated within existing metabolism. The design of such modular electron transfer circuits allows for facile characterization of in vivo system parameters with applications toward further engineering for alternative energy production. PMID:21468209

Biomimetic catalytic system driven by electron transfer for selective oxygenation of hydrocarbon.

PubMed

Yang, Guanyu; Ma, Yinfa; Xu, Jie

2004-09-01

Hydrocarbon oxyfunctionalization is a crucial industrial process. Most metallic catalysts require higher temperatures and often show lower selectivities. One of the intellectual approaches is the mimicry for bio-oxidation. We have established a biomimetic system with a nonmetallic redox center, composed of anthraquinones, N-hydroxyphthalimide, and zeolite HY, for selective hydrocarbon oxygenation by molecular oxygen. Selectivity of 95.8% for acetophenone and 66.2% conversion were accomplished for oxygenation of ethylbenzene at temperatures as low as 80 degrees C. The redox cycle, driven by one-electron transfer and product orientation by Zeolite HY, opens up the possibility of mimicking bio-oxidation under mild conditions.

Contribution of direct electron transfer mechanisms to overall electron transfer in microbial fuel cells utilising Shewanella oneidensis as biocatalyst.

PubMed

Fapetu, Segun; Keshavarz, Taj; Clements, Mark; Kyazze, Godfrey

2016-09-01

To investigate the contribution of direct electron transfer mechanisms to electricity production in microbial fuel cells by physically retaining Shewanella oneidensis cells close to or away from the anode electrode. A maximum power output of 114 ± 6 mWm(-2) was obtained when cells were retained close to the anode using a dialysis membrane. This was 3.5 times more than when the cells were separated away from the anode. Without the membrane the maximum power output was 129 ± 6 mWm(-2). The direct mechanisms of electron transfer contributed significantly to overall electron transfer from S. oneidensis to electrodes, a result that was corroborated by another experiment where S. oneidensis cells were entrapped in alginate gels. S. oneidensis transfers electrons primarily by direct electron transfer as opposed to mediated electron transfer.

48 CFR 18.124 - Electronic funds transfer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Electronic funds transfer. 18.124 Section 18.124 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION... Electronic funds transfer. Electronic funds transfer payments may be waived for acquisitions to support...

48 CFR 18.124 - Electronic funds transfer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Electronic funds transfer. 18.124 Section 18.124 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION... Electronic funds transfer. Electronic funds transfer payments may be waived for acquisitions to support...

48 CFR 18.123 - Electronic funds transfer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Electronic funds transfer. 18.123 Section 18.123 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION... Electronic funds transfer. Electronic funds transfer payments may be waived for acquisitions to support...

48 CFR 18.124 - Electronic funds transfer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Electronic funds transfer. 18.124 Section 18.124 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION... Electronic funds transfer. Electronic funds transfer payments may be waived for acquisitions to support...

48 CFR 18.124 - Electronic funds transfer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Electronic funds transfer. 18.124 Section 18.124 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION... Electronic funds transfer. Electronic funds transfer payments may be waived for acquisitions to support...

Modeling methanol transfer in the mesoporous catalyst for the methanol-to-olefins reaction by the time-fractional diffusion equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhokh, Alexey A.; Strizhak, Peter E.

2018-04-01

The solutions of the time-fractional diffusion equation for the short and long times are obtained via an application of the asymptotic Green's functions. The derived solutions are applied to analysis of the methanol mass transfer through H-ZSM-5/alumina catalyst grain. It is demonstrated that the methanol transport in the catalysts pores may be described by the obtained solutions in a fairly good manner. The measured fractional exponent is equal to 1.20 ± 0.02 and reveals the super-diffusive regime of the methanol mass transfer. The presence of the anomalous transport may be caused by geometrical restrictions and the adsorption process on the internal surface of the catalyst grain's pores.

The application of aberration-corrected electron microscopy to the characterization of gold-based catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herzing, Andrew A.

Electron microscopy has long been used to study the morphology of heterogeneous catalysts. Recent advances in electron optics now allow for the correction of the inherent spherical aberration (Cs) produced by the objective lens in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM, resulting in a significantly improved spatial resolution as well as the ability to use a much larger probe-current than was previously possible. In this thesis, the combination of high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) imaging and microanalysis by x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS) in an aberration-corrected STEM has been applied for the first time to the characterization of gold-based heterogeneous catalysts. Multi-variate statistical analysis (MSA) has been employed in order to further improve the STEM-XEDS spectrum image data acquired with this technique. In addition, supplemental analysis using electron-energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) in an aberration-corrected instrument has also been attempted. These techniques have proven extremely valuable in providing complimentary information to more traditional catalyst characterization techniques such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction in four specific problems relating to catalysis. Firstly, the atomic-scale resolution of Cs-corrected HAADF imaging has been utilized to study Au/FeOx catalysts in order to determine the size and structure of the Au clusters present on the support surface. It was discovered that, while both inactive and active catalysts for low-temperature CO oxidation contained large Au particles (> 5 nm) and individual Au atoms, the active catalyst also contained sub-nm clusters comprised of only a few Au atoms. Secondly, novel CeO2 support materials for Au and Au-Pd catalysts were synthesized by precipitation with supercritical CO2. These supports were found to produce significantly more active catalysts than those based on CeO2

Investigation of metal ligand affinities of atom transfer radical polymerization catalysts with a quadrupole ion trap.

PubMed

di Lena, Fabio; Matyjaszewski, Krzysztof

2009-11-07

An electrospray ionization mass spectrometer equipped with a quadrupole ion trap as the mass analyzer provided a powerful tool for the investigation of metal ligand affinities of catalysts for atom transfer radical polymerization. It allowed, in particular, (i) the identification, in a library of ligands, of the most stable, and thus active, copper catalysts; (ii) the assessment of the effects of the reaction medium on the relative stabilities of the catalyst complexes; and (iii) the evaluation of the influence of the nature of the ligand on both the complex halogenophilicity and the metal-ligand stabilities in the gas-phase.

Proton-coupled electron-transfer reduction of dioxygen catalyzed by a saddle-distorted cobalt phthalocyanine.

PubMed

Honda, Tatsuhiko; Kojima, Takahiko; Fukuzumi, Shunichi

2012-03-07

Proton-coupled electron-transfer reduction of dioxygen (O(2)) to afford hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) was investigated by using ferrocene derivatives as reductants and saddle-distorted (α-octaphenylphthalocyaninato)cobalt(II) (Co(II)(Ph(8)Pc)) as a catalyst under acidic conditions. The selective two-electron reduction of O(2) by dimethylferrocene (Me(2)Fc) and decamethylferrocene (Me(10)Fc) occurs to yield H(2)O(2) and the corresponding ferrocenium ions (Me(2)Fc(+) and Me(10)Fc(+), respectively). Mechanisms of the catalytic reduction of O(2) are discussed on the basis of detailed kinetics studies on the overall catalytic reactions as well as on each redox reaction in the catalytic cycle. The active species to react with O(2) in the catalytic reaction is switched from Co(II)(Ph(8)Pc) to protonated Co(I)(Ph(8)PcH), depending on the reducing ability of ferrocene derivatives employed. The protonation of Co(II)(Ph(8)Pc) inhibits the direct reduction of O(2); however, the proton-coupled electron transfer from Me(10)Fc to Co(II)(Ph(8)Pc) and the protonated [Co(II)(Ph(8)PcH)](+) occurs to produce Co(I)(Ph(8)PcH) and [Co(I)(Ph(8)PcH(2))](+), respectively, which react immediately with O(2). The rate-determining step is a proton-coupled electron-transfer reduction of O(2) by Co(II)(Ph(8)Pc) in the Co(II)(Ph(8)Pc)-catalyzed cycle with Me(2)Fc, whereas it is changed to the electron-transfer reduction of [Co(II)(Ph(8)PcH)](+) by Me(10)Fc in the Co(I)(Ph(8)PcH)-catalyzed cycle with Me(10)Fc. A single crystal of monoprotonated [Co(III)(Ph(8)Pc)](+), [Co(III)Cl(2)(Ph(8)PcH)], produced by the proton-coupled electron-transfer reduction of O(2) by Co(II)(Ph(8)Pc) with HCl, was obtained, and the crystal structure was determined in comparison with that of Co(II)(Ph(8)Pc). © 2012 American Chemical Society

Protein electron transfer: Dynamics and statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matyushov, Dmitry V.

2013-07-01

Electron transfer between redox proteins participating in energy chains of biology is required to proceed with high energetic efficiency, minimizing losses of redox energy to heat. Within the standard models of electron transfer, this requirement, combined with the need for unidirectional (preferably activationless) transitions, is translated into the need to minimize the reorganization energy of electron transfer. This design program is, however, unrealistic for proteins whose active sites are typically positioned close to the polar and flexible protein-water interface to allow inter-protein electron tunneling. The high flexibility of the interfacial region makes both the hydration water and the surface protein layer act as highly polar solvents. The reorganization energy, as measured by fluctuations, is not minimized, but rather maximized in this region. Natural systems in fact utilize the broad breadth of interfacial electrostatic fluctuations, but in the ways not anticipated by the standard models based on equilibrium thermodynamics. The combination of the broad spectrum of static fluctuations with their dispersive dynamics offers the mechanism of dynamical freezing (ergodicity breaking) of subsets of nuclear modes on the time of reaction/residence of the electron at a redox cofactor. The separation of time-scales of nuclear modes coupled to electron transfer allows dynamical freezing. In particular, the separation between the relaxation time of electro-elastic fluctuations of the interface and the time of conformational transitions of the protein caused by changing redox state results in dynamical freezing of the latter for sufficiently fast electron transfer. The observable consequence of this dynamical freezing is significantly different reorganization energies describing the curvature at the bottom of electron-transfer free energy surfaces (large) and the distance between their minima (Stokes shift, small). The ratio of the two reorganization energies

Protein electron transfer: Dynamics and statistics.

PubMed

Matyushov, Dmitry V

2013-07-14

Electron transfer between redox proteins participating in energy chains of biology is required to proceed with high energetic efficiency, minimizing losses of redox energy to heat. Within the standard models of electron transfer, this requirement, combined with the need for unidirectional (preferably activationless) transitions, is translated into the need to minimize the reorganization energy of electron transfer. This design program is, however, unrealistic for proteins whose active sites are typically positioned close to the polar and flexible protein-water interface to allow inter-protein electron tunneling. The high flexibility of the interfacial region makes both the hydration water and the surface protein layer act as highly polar solvents. The reorganization energy, as measured by fluctuations, is not minimized, but rather maximized in this region. Natural systems in fact utilize the broad breadth of interfacial electrostatic fluctuations, but in the ways not anticipated by the standard models based on equilibrium thermodynamics. The combination of the broad spectrum of static fluctuations with their dispersive dynamics offers the mechanism of dynamical freezing (ergodicity breaking) of subsets of nuclear modes on the time of reaction/residence of the electron at a redox cofactor. The separation of time-scales of nuclear modes coupled to electron transfer allows dynamical freezing. In particular, the separation between the relaxation time of electro-elastic fluctuations of the interface and the time of conformational transitions of the protein caused by changing redox state results in dynamical freezing of the latter for sufficiently fast electron transfer. The observable consequence of this dynamical freezing is significantly different reorganization energies describing the curvature at the bottom of electron-transfer free energy surfaces (large) and the distance between their minima (Stokes shift, small). The ratio of the two reorganization energies

Electronic coupling in long-range electron transfer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Newton, M.D.

1996-12-31

One of the quantities crucial in controlling electron transfer (et) kinetics is the donor/acceptor electronic coupling integral (HDA). Recent theoretical models for HDA will be presented, and the results of ab initio computational implementation will be reported and analyzed for several metal-to-metal ligand charge transfer processes in complex molecular aggregates. New procedures for defining diabatic states, including a generalization of the Mulliken-Hush model, allow applications to optical and excited state as well as ground state et in a many-state framework.

Fe2P as a novel efficient catalyst promoter in Pd/C system for formic acid electro-oxidation in fuel cells reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fulong; Xue, Huaiguo; Tian, Zhiqun; Xing, Wei; Feng, Ligang

2018-01-01

Developing catalyst promoter for Pd/C catalyst is significant for the catalytic ability improvement in energy transfer related electrochemical reactions. Herein, we demonstrate Fe2P as an efficient catalyst promoter in Pd/C catalyst system for formic acid electro-oxidation in fuel cells reactions. Adding Fe2P in the Pd/C catalyst system greatly increases the performances for formic acid oxidation by 3-4 times; the CO stripping technique displays two kinds of active sites formation in the Pd-Fe2P/C catalyst system coming from the interaction of Pd, Fe2P and Pd oxide species and both are more efficient for formic acid and CO-species electrooxidation. The smaller charge transfer resistance and Tafel slope for formic acid oxidation indicate the improvements in kinetics by Fe2P in the Pd-Fe2P/C system. The nanostructured hybrid units of Pd, Fe2P and carbon are evidently visible in the high resolution microscopy images and XPS technique confirmes the electronic effect in the catalyst system. The promotion effect of Fe2P in the catalyst system arising from the structure, composition and electronic effect changes is discussed with the help from multiple physical and electrochemical techniques. It is concluded that Fe2P as a significant catalyst promoter will have potential application in energy transfer related electrochemical reactions.

Electron transfer across a thermal gradient

PubMed Central

Craven, Galen T.

2016-01-01

Charge transfer is a fundamental process that underlies a multitude of phenomena in chemistry and biology. Recent advances in observing and manipulating charge and heat transport at the nanoscale, and recently developed techniques for monitoring temperature at high temporal and spatial resolution, imply the need for considering electron transfer across thermal gradients. Here, a theory is developed for the rate of electron transfer and the associated heat transport between donor–acceptor pairs located at sites of different temperatures. To this end, through application of a generalized multidimensional transition state theory, the traditional Arrhenius picture of activation energy as a single point on a free energy surface is replaced with a bithermal property that is derived from statistical weighting over all configurations where the reactant and product states are equienergetic. The flow of energy associated with the electron transfer process is also examined, leading to relations between the rate of heat exchange among the donor and acceptor sites as functions of the temperature difference and the electronic driving bias. In particular, we find that an open electron transfer channel contributes to enhanced heat transport between sites even when they are in electronic equilibrium. The presented results provide a unified theory for charge transport and the associated heat conduction between sites at different temperatures. PMID:27450086

Transfer-free, lithography-free and fast growth of patterned CVD graphene directly on insulators by using sacrificial metal catalyst.

PubMed

Dong, Yibo; Xie, Yiyang; Xu, Chen; Fu, Yafei; Fan, Xing; Li, Xuejian; Wang, Le; Xiong, Fangzhu; Guo, Weiling; Pan, Guanzhong; Wang, Qiuhua; Qian, Fengsong; Sun, Jie

2018-06-14

Chemical vapor deposited graphene suffers from two problems: transfer from metal catalysts to insulators, and photoresist induced degradation during patterning. Both result in macroscopic and microscopic damages such as holes, tears, doping, and contamination, translated into property and yield dropping. We attempt to solve the problems simultaneously. A nickel thin film is evaporated on SiO 2 as a sacrificial catalyst, on which surface graphene is grown. A polymer (PMMA) support is spin-coated on the graphene. During the Ni wet etching process, the etchant can permeate the polymer, making the etching efficient. The PMMA/graphene layer is fixed on the substrate by controlling the surface morphology of Ni film during the graphene growth. After etching, the graphene naturally adheres to the insulating substrate. By using this method, transfer-free, lithography-free and fast growth of graphene realized. The whole experiment has good repeatability and controllability. Compared with graphene transfer between substrates, here, no mechanical manipulation is required, leading to minimal damage. Due to the presence of Ni, the graphene quality is intrinsically better than catalyst-free growth. The Ni thickness and growth temperature are controlled to limit the number of layers of graphene. The technology can be extended to grow other two-dimensional materials with other catalysts.

Sub-nanometer surface chemistry and orbital hybridization in lanthanum-doped ceria nano-catalysts revealed by 3D electron microscopy.

PubMed

Collins, Sean M; Fernandez-Garcia, Susana; Calvino, José J; Midgley, Paul A

2017-07-14

Surface chemical composition, electronic structure, and bonding characteristics determine catalytic activity but are not resolved for individual catalyst particles by conventional spectroscopy. In particular, the nano-scale three-dimensional distribution of aliovalent lanthanide dopants in ceria catalysts and their effect on the surface electronic structure remains unclear. Here, we reveal the surface segregation of dopant cations and oxygen vacancies and observe bonding changes in lanthanum-doped ceria catalyst particle aggregates with sub-nanometer precision using a new model-based spectroscopic tomography approach. These findings refine our understanding of the spatially varying electronic structure and bonding in ceria-based nanoparticle aggregates with aliovalent cation concentrations and identify new strategies for advancing high efficiency doped ceria nano-catalysts.

Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol over Nitrogen-Doped Carbon-Supported Iron Catalysts.

PubMed

Li, Jiang; Liu, Jun-Ling; Zhou, Hong-Jun; Fu, Yao

2016-06-08

Iron-based heterogeneous catalysts, which were generally prepared by pyrolysis of iron complexes on supports at elevated temperature, were found to be capable of catalyzing the transfer hydrogenation of furfural (FF) to furfuryl alcohol (FFA). The effects of metal precursor, nitrogen precursor, pyrolysis temperature, and support on catalytic performance were examined thoroughly, and a comprehensive study of the reaction parameters was also performed. The highest selectivity of FFA reached 83.0 % with a FF conversion of 91.6 % under the optimal reaction condition. Catalyst characterization suggested that iron cations coordinated by pyridinic nitrogen functionalities were responsible for the enhanced catalytic activity. The iron catalyst could be recycled without significant loss of catalytic activity for five runs, and the destruction of the nitrogen-iron species, the presence of crystallized Fe2 O3 phase, and the pore structure change were the main reasons for catalyst deactivation. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Hot-electron transfer in quantum-dot heterojunction films.

PubMed

Grimaldi, Gianluca; Crisp, Ryan W; Ten Brinck, Stephanie; Zapata, Felipe; van Ouwendorp, Michiko; Renaud, Nicolas; Kirkwood, Nicholas; Evers, Wiel H; Kinge, Sachin; Infante, Ivan; Siebbeles, Laurens D A; Houtepen, Arjan J

2018-06-13

Thermalization losses limit the photon-to-power conversion of solar cells at the high-energy side of the solar spectrum, as electrons quickly lose their energy relaxing to the band edge. Hot-electron transfer could reduce these losses. Here, we demonstrate fast and efficient hot-electron transfer between lead selenide and cadmium selenide quantum dots assembled in a quantum-dot heterojunction solid. In this system, the energy structure of the absorber material and of the electron extracting material can be easily tuned via a variation of quantum-dot size, allowing us to tailor the energetics of the transfer process for device applications. The efficiency of the transfer process increases with excitation energy as a result of the more favorable competition between hot-electron transfer and electron cooling. The experimental picture is supported by time-domain density functional theory calculations, showing that electron density is transferred from lead selenide to cadmium selenide quantum dots on the sub-picosecond timescale.

Defining Electron Bifurcation in the Electron-Transferring Flavoprotein Family.

PubMed

Garcia Costas, Amaya M; Poudel, Saroj; Miller, Anne-Frances; Schut, Gerrit J; Ledbetter, Rhesa N; Fixen, Kathryn R; Seefeldt, Lance C; Adams, Michael W W; Harwood, Caroline S; Boyd, Eric S; Peters, John W

2017-11-01

Electron bifurcation is the coupling of exergonic and endergonic redox reactions to simultaneously generate (or utilize) low- and high-potential electrons. It is the third recognized form of energy conservation in biology and was recently described for select electron-transferring flavoproteins (Etfs). Etfs are flavin-containing heterodimers best known for donating electrons derived from fatty acid and amino acid oxidation to an electron transfer respiratory chain via Etf-quinone oxidoreductase. Canonical examples contain a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) that is involved in electron transfer, as well as a non-redox-active AMP. However, Etfs demonstrated to bifurcate electrons contain a second FAD in place of the AMP. To expand our understanding of the functional variety and metabolic significance of Etfs and to identify amino acid sequence motifs that potentially enable electron bifurcation, we compiled 1,314 Etf protein sequences from genome sequence databases and subjected them to informatic and structural analyses. Etfs were identified in diverse archaea and bacteria, and they clustered into five distinct well-supported groups, based on their amino acid sequences. Gene neighborhood analyses indicated that these Etf group designations largely correspond to putative differences in functionality. Etfs with the demonstrated ability to bifurcate were found to form one group, suggesting that distinct conserved amino acid sequence motifs enable this capability. Indeed, structural modeling and sequence alignments revealed that identifying residues occur in the NADH- and FAD-binding regions of bifurcating Etfs. Collectively, a new classification scheme for Etf proteins that delineates putative bifurcating versus nonbifurcating members is presented and suggests that Etf-mediated bifurcation is associated with surprisingly diverse enzymes. IMPORTANCE Electron bifurcation has recently been recognized as an electron transfer mechanism used by microorganisms to maximize

Defining Electron Bifurcation in the Electron-Transferring Flavoprotein Family

PubMed Central

Garcia Costas, Amaya M.; Poudel, Saroj; Miller, Anne-Frances; Schut, Gerrit J.; Ledbetter, Rhesa N.; Seefeldt, Lance C.; Adams, Michael W. W.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Electron bifurcation is the coupling of exergonic and endergonic redox reactions to simultaneously generate (or utilize) low- and high-potential electrons. It is the third recognized form of energy conservation in biology and was recently described for select electron-transferring flavoproteins (Etfs). Etfs are flavin-containing heterodimers best known for donating electrons derived from fatty acid and amino acid oxidation to an electron transfer respiratory chain via Etf-quinone oxidoreductase. Canonical examples contain a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) that is involved in electron transfer, as well as a non-redox-active AMP. However, Etfs demonstrated to bifurcate electrons contain a second FAD in place of the AMP. To expand our understanding of the functional variety and metabolic significance of Etfs and to identify amino acid sequence motifs that potentially enable electron bifurcation, we compiled 1,314 Etf protein sequences from genome sequence databases and subjected them to informatic and structural analyses. Etfs were identified in diverse archaea and bacteria, and they clustered into five distinct well-supported groups, based on their amino acid sequences. Gene neighborhood analyses indicated that these Etf group designations largely correspond to putative differences in functionality. Etfs with the demonstrated ability to bifurcate were found to form one group, suggesting that distinct conserved amino acid sequence motifs enable this capability. Indeed, structural modeling and sequence alignments revealed that identifying residues occur in the NADH- and FAD-binding regions of bifurcating Etfs. Collectively, a new classification scheme for Etf proteins that delineates putative bifurcating versus nonbifurcating members is presented and suggests that Etf-mediated bifurcation is associated with surprisingly diverse enzymes. IMPORTANCE Electron bifurcation has recently been recognized as an electron transfer mechanism used by microorganisms to

Magnetically Recoverable Supported Ruthenium Catalyst for Hydrogenation of Alkynes and Transfer Hydrogenation of Carbonyl Compounds

EPA Science Inventory

A ruthenium (Ru) catalyst supported on magnetic nanoparticles (NiFe2O4) has been successfully synthesized and used for hydrogenation of alkynes at room temperature as well as transfer hydrogenation of a number of carbonyl compounds under microwave irradiation conditions. The cata...

75 FR 33681 - Electronic Fund Transfers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-15

... FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM 12 CFR Part 205 [Regulation E; Docket No. R-1343] Electronic Fund Transfers June 4, 2010. AGENCY: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. ACTION: Final rule; correction..., published on June 4, 2010 (75 FR 31665) make the following correction: PART 205--ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS...

Tunneling induced electron transfer between separated protons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vindel-Zandbergen, Patricia; Meier, Christoph; Sola, Ignacio R.

2018-04-01

We study electron transfer between two separated protons using local control theory. In this symmetric system one can favour a slow transfer by biasing the algorithm, achieving high efficiencies for fixed nuclei. The solution can be parametrized using a sequence of a pump followed by a dump pulse that lead to tunneling-induced electron transfer. Finally, we study the effect of the nuclear kinetic energy on the efficiency. Even in the absence of relative motion between the protons, the spreading of the nuclear wave function is enough to reduce the yield of electronic transfer to less than one half.

Quantum tunneling resonant electron transfer process in Lorentzian plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hong, Woo-Pyo; Jung, Young-Dae, E-mail: ydjung@hanyang.ac.kr; Department of Applied Physics and Department of Bionanotechnology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Kyunggi-Do 426-791

The quantum tunneling resonant electron transfer process between a positive ion and a neutral atom collision is investigated in nonthermal generalized Lorentzian plasmas. The result shows that the nonthermal effect enhances the resonant electron transfer cross section in Lorentzian plasmas. It is found that the nonthermal effect on the classical resonant electron transfer cross section is more significant than that on the quantum tunneling resonant charge transfer cross section. It is shown that the nonthermal effect on the resonant electron transfer cross section decreases with an increase of the Debye length. In addition, the nonthermal effect on the quantum tunnelingmore » resonant electron transfer cross section decreases with increasing collision energy. The variation of nonthermal and plasma shielding effects on the quantum tunneling resonant electron transfer process is also discussed.« less

Integration of CuAAC Polymerization and Controlled Radical Polymerization into Electron Transfer Mediated "Click-Radical" Concurrent Polymerization.

PubMed

Xue, Wentao; Wang, Jie; Wen, Ming; Chen, Gaojian; Zhang, Weidong

2017-03-01

The successful chain-growth copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) polymerization employing Cu(0)/pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) and alkyl halide as catalyst is first investigated by a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance, gel-permeation chromatography, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In addition, the electron transfer mediated "click-radical" concurrent polymerization utilizing Cu(0)/PMDETA as catalyst is successfully employed to generate well-defined copolymers, where controlled CuAAC polymerization of clickable ester monomer is progressed in the main chain acting as the polymer backbone, the controlled radical polymerization (CRP) of acrylic monomer is carried out in the side chain. Furthermore, it is found that there is strong collaborative effect and compatibility between CRP and CuAAC polymerization to improve the controllability. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Probing solid catalysts under operating conditions: electrons or X-rays?

PubMed

Thomas, John Meurig; Hernandez-Garrido, Juan-Carlos

2009-01-01

Seeing is believing: In light of recent advances, the pros and cons of using electrons and X-rays for in situ studies of catalysts are analyzed: by using X-rays the structure of bound reactants at steady state are obtained from extended X-ray adsorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) data (see graph), thereby affording mechanistic insights.

Photoinduced Bimolecular Electron Transfer in Ionic Liquids: Cationic Electron Donors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, Boning; Liang, Min; Zmich, Nicole

Recently, we have reported a systematic study of photoinduced electron-transfer reactions in ionic liquid solvents using neutral and anionic electron donors and a series of cyano-substituted anthracene acceptors [Wu, B.; Maroncelli, M.; Castner, E. W., Jr.Photoinduced Bimolecular Electron Transfer in Ionic Liquids. J. Am. Chem. Soc.139, 2017, 14568]. In this paper, we report complementary results for a cationic class of 1-alkyl-4-dimethylaminopyridinium electron donors. Reductive quenching of cyano-substituted anthracene fluorophores by these cationic quenchers is studied in solutions of acetonitrile and the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Varying the length of the alkyl chain permits tuning of the quencher diffusivities in solution.more » The observed quenching kinetics are interpreted using a diffusion-reaction analysis. Finally, together with results from the prior study, these results show that the intrinsic electron-transfer rate constant does not depend on the quencher charge in this family of reactions.« less

Photoinduced Bimolecular Electron Transfer in Ionic Liquids: Cationic Electron Donors

DOE PAGES

Wu, Boning; Liang, Min; Zmich, Nicole; ...

2018-01-29

Recently, we have reported a systematic study of photoinduced electron-transfer reactions in ionic liquid solvents using neutral and anionic electron donors and a series of cyano-substituted anthracene acceptors [Wu, B.; Maroncelli, M.; Castner, E. W., Jr.Photoinduced Bimolecular Electron Transfer in Ionic Liquids. J. Am. Chem. Soc.139, 2017, 14568]. In this paper, we report complementary results for a cationic class of 1-alkyl-4-dimethylaminopyridinium electron donors. Reductive quenching of cyano-substituted anthracene fluorophores by these cationic quenchers is studied in solutions of acetonitrile and the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. Varying the length of the alkyl chain permits tuning of the quencher diffusivities in solution.more » The observed quenching kinetics are interpreted using a diffusion-reaction analysis. Finally, together with results from the prior study, these results show that the intrinsic electron-transfer rate constant does not depend on the quencher charge in this family of reactions.« less

Reactions of electron-transfer flavoprotein and electron-transfer flavoprotein: ubiquinone oxidoreductase.

PubMed Central

Ramsay, R R; Steenkamp, D J; Husain, M

1987-01-01

Electron-transfer flavoprotein:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-Q oxidoreductase) catalyses the re-oxidation of reduced electron-transfer flavoprotein (ETF) with ubiquinone-1 (Q-1) as the electron acceptor. A kinetic assay for the enzyme was devised in which glutaryl-CoA in the presence of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase was used to reduce ETFox. and the reduction of Q-1 was monitored at 275 nm. The partial reactions involved in the overall assay system were examined. Glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase catalyses the rapid reduction of ETFox. to the anionic semiquinone (ETF.-), but reduces ETF.- to the fully reduced form (ETFhq) at a rate that is about 6-fold lower. ETF.-, but not ETFhq, is directly re-oxidized by Q-1 at a rate that, depending on the steady-state concentration of ETF.-, may contribute significantly to the overall reaction. ETF-Q oxidoreductase catalyses rapid disproportionation of ETF.- with an equilibrium constant of about 1.0 at pH 7.8. In the presence of Q-1 it also catalyses the re-oxidation of ETFhq at a rate that is faster than that of the overall reaction. Rapid-scan experiments indicated the formation of ETF.-, but its fractional concentration in the early stages of the re-oxidation of ETFhq is low. The data indicate that the re-oxidation of ETFhq proceeds at a rate that is adequate to account for the overall rate of electron transfer from glutaryl-CoA to Q-1. An unusual property of ETF-Q oxidoreductase seems to be that it not only catalyses the re-oxidation of the reduced forms of ETF but also facilitates the complete reduction of ETFox. to ETFhq by disproportionation of the radical. PMID:3593226

Electronic Transfer of School Records.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeagley, Raymond

2001-01-01

Describes the electronic transfer of student records, notably the use of a Web-server named CHARLOTTE sponsored by the National Forum on Education Statistics and an Electronic Data Exchange system named SPEEDE/ExPRESS. (PKP)

Accumulative charge separation for solar fuels production: coupling light-induced single electron transfer to multielectron catalysis.

PubMed

Hammarström, Leif

2015-03-17

The conversion and storage of solar energy into a fuel holds promise to provide a significant part of the future renewable energy demand of our societies. Solar energy technologies today generate heat or electricity, while the large majority of our energy is used in the form of fuels. Direct conversion of solar energy to a fuel would satisfy our needs for storable energy on a large scale. Solar fuels can be generated by absorbing light and converting its energy to chemical energy by electron transfer leading to separation of electrons and holes. The electrons are used in the catalytic reduction of a cheap substrate with low energy content into a high-energy fuel. The holes are filled by oxidation of water, which is the only electron source available for large scale solar fuel production. Absorption of a single photon typically leads to separation of a single electron-hole pair. In contrast, fuel production and water oxidation are multielectron, multiproton reactions. Therefore, a system for direct solar fuel production must be able to accumulate the electrons and holes provided by the sequential absorption of several photons in order to complete the catalytic reactions. In this Account, the process is termed accumulative charge separation. This is considerably more complicated than charge separation on a single electron level and needs particular attention. Semiconductor materials and molecular dyes have for a long time been optimized for use in photovoltaic devices. Efforts are made to develop new systems for light harvesting and charge separation that are better optimized for solar fuel production than those used in the early devices presented so far. Significant progress has recently been made in the discovery and design of better homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts for solar fuels and water oxidation. While the heterogeneous ones perform better today, molecular catalysts based on transition metal complexes offer much greater tunability of electronic and

31 CFR 208.3 - Payment by electronic funds transfer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Payment by electronic funds transfer... DISBURSEMENTS § 208.3 Payment by electronic funds transfer. Subject to § 208.4, and notwithstanding any other... electronic funds transfer. ...

31 CFR 208.3 - Payment by electronic funds transfer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 31 Money and Finance:Treasury 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Payment by electronic funds transfer... DISBURSEMENTS § 208.3 Payment by electronic funds transfer. Subject to § 208.4, and notwithstanding any other... electronic funds transfer. ...

Electron transfer by excited benzoquinone anions: slow rates for two-electron transitions.

PubMed

Zamadar, Matibur; Cook, Andrew R; Lewandowska-Andralojc, Anna; Holroyd, Richard; Jiang, Yan; Bikalis, Jin; Miller, John R

2013-09-05

Electron transfer (ET) rate constants from the lowest excited state of the radical anion of benzoquinone, BQ(-•)*, were measured in THF solution. Rate constants for bimolecular electron transfer reactions typically reach the diffusion-controlled limit when the free-energy change, ΔG°, reaches -0.3 eV. The rate constants for ET from BQ(-•)* are one-to-two decades smaller at this energy and do not reach the diffusion-controlled limit until -ΔG° is 1.5-2.0 eV. The rates are so slow probably because a second electron must also undergo a transition to make use of the energy of the excited state. Similarly, ET, from solvated electrons to neutral BQ to form the lowest excited state, is slow, while fast ET is observed at a higher excited state, which can be populated in a transition involving only one electron. A simple picture based on perturbation theory can roughly account for the control of electron transfer by the need for transition of a second electron. The picture also explains how extra driving force (-ΔG°) can restore fast rates of electron transfer.

Steam reforming of n-hexane on pellet and monolithic catalyst beds. A comparative study on improvements due to heat transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Monolithic catalysts with higher available active surface areas and better thermal conductivity than conventional pellets beds, making possible the steam reforming of fuels heavier than naphtha, were examined. Performance comparisons were made between conventional pellet beds and honeycomb monolith catalysts using n-hexane as the fuel. Metal-supported monoliths were examined. These offer higher structural stability and higher thermal conductivity than ceramic supports. Data from two metal monoliths of different nickel catalyst loadings were compared to pellets under the same operating conditions. Improved heat transfer and better conversion efficiencies were obtained with the monolith having higher catalyst loading. Surface-gas interaction was observed throughout the length of the monoliths.

Design of a genetic algorithm for the simulated evolution of a library of asymmetric transfer hydrogenation catalysts.

PubMed

Vriamont, Nicolas; Govaerts, Bernadette; Grenouillet, Pierre; de Bellefon, Claude; Riant, Olivier

2009-06-15

A library of catalysts was designed for asymmetric-hydrogen transfer to acetophenone. At first, the whole library was submitted to evaluation using high-throughput experiments (HTE). The catalysts were listed in ascending order, with respect to their performance, and best catalysts were identified. In the second step, various simulated evolution experiments, based on a genetic algorithm, were applied to this library. A small part of the library, called the mother generation (G0), thus evolved from generation to generation. The goal was to use our collection of HTE data to adjust the parameters of the genetic algorithm, in order to obtain a maximum of the best catalysts within a minimal number of generations. It was namely found that simulated evolution's results depended on the selection of G0 and that a random G0 should be preferred. We also demonstrated that it was possible to get 5 to 6 of the ten best catalysts while investigating only 10 % of the library. Moreover, we developed a double algorithm making this result still achievable if the evolution started with one of the worst G0.

Ultrafast direct electron transfer at organic semiconductor and metal interfaces.

PubMed

Xiang, Bo; Li, Yingmin; Pham, C Huy; Paesani, Francesco; Xiong, Wei

2017-11-01

The ability to control direct electron transfer can facilitate the development of new molecular electronics, light-harvesting materials, and photocatalysis. However, control of direct electron transfer has been rarely reported, and the molecular conformation-electron dynamics relationships remain unclear. We describe direct electron transfer at buried interfaces between an organic polymer semiconductor film and a gold substrate by observing the first dynamical electric field-induced vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG). In transient electric field-induced VSFG measurements on this system, we observe dynamical responses (<150 fs) that depend on photon energy and polarization, demonstrating that electrons are directly transferred from the Fermi level of gold to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of organic semiconductor. Transient spectra further reveal that, although the interfaces are prepared without deliberate alignment control, a subensemble of surface molecules can adopt conformations for direct electron transfer. Density functional theory calculations support the experimental results and ascribe the observed electron transfer to a flat-lying polymer configuration in which electronic orbitals are found to be delocalized across the interface. The present observation of direct electron transfer at complex interfaces and the insights gained into the relationship between molecular conformations and electron dynamics will have implications for implementing novel direct electron transfer in energy materials.

14 CFR 1274.931 - Electronic funds transfer payment methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2011-01-01 2010-01-01 true Electronic funds transfer payment methods... COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH COMMERCIAL FIRMS Other Provisions and Special Conditions § 1274.931 Electronic funds transfer payment methods. Electronic Funds Transfer Payment Methods July 2002 Payments under this...

14 CFR 1274.931 - Electronic funds transfer payment methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Electronic funds transfer payment methods... COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS WITH COMMERCIAL FIRMS Other Provisions and Special Conditions § 1274.931 Electronic funds transfer payment methods. Electronic Funds Transfer Payment Methods July 2002 Payments under this...

Recent Progress on Transition Metal Catalyst Separation and Recycling in ATRP.

PubMed

Ding, Mingqiang; Jiang, Xiaowu; Zhang, Lifen; Cheng, Zhenping; Zhu, Xiulin

2015-10-01

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is a versatile and robust tool to synthesize a wide spectrum of monomers with various designable structures. However, it usually needs large amounts of transition metal as the catalyst to mediate the equilibrium between the dormant and propagating species. Unfortunately, the catalyst residue may contaminate or color the resultant polymers, which limits its application, especially in biomedical and electronic materials. How to efficiently and economically remove or reduce the catalyst residue from its products is a challenging and encouraging task. Herein, recent advances in catalyst separation and recycling are highlighted with a focus on (1) highly active ppm level transition metal or metal free catalyzed ATRP; (2) post-purification method; (3) various soluble, insoluble, immobilized/soluble, and reversible supported catalyst systems; and (4) liquid-liquid biphasic catalyzed systems, especially thermo-regulated catalysis systems. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Mechanistic Investigation of Catalyst-Transfer Suzuki-Miyaura Condensation Polymerization of Thiophene-Pyridine Biaryl Monomers with the Aid of Model Reactions.

PubMed

Tokita, Yu; Katoh, Masaru; Ohta, Yoshihiro; Yokozawa, Tsutomu

2016-11-21

We have investigated the requirements for efficient Pd-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura catalyst-transfer condensation polymerization (Pd-CTCP) reactions of 2-alkoxypropyl-6-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)pyridine (12) as a donor-acceptor (D-A) biaryl monomer. As model reactions, we first carried out the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction of X-Py-Th-X' (Th=thiophene, Py=pyridine, X, X'=Br or I) 1 with phenylboronic acid ester 2 by using tBu 3 PPd 0 as the catalyst. Monosubstitution with a phenyl group at Th-I mainly took place in the reaction of Br-Py-Th-I (1 b) with 2, whereas disubstitution selectively occurred in the reaction of I-Py-Th-Br (1 c) with 2, indicating that the Pd catalyst is intramolecularly transferred from acceptor Py to donor Th. Therefore, we synthesized monomer 12 by introduction of a boronate moiety and bromine into Py and Th, respectively. However, examination of the relationship between monomer conversion and the M n of the obtained polymer, as well as the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectra, indicated that Suzuki-Miyaura coupling polymerization of 12 with (o-tolyl)tBu 3 PPdBr initiator 13 proceeded in a step-growth polymerization manner through intermolecular transfer of the Pd catalyst. To understand the discrepancy between the model reactions and polymerization reaction, Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions of 1 c with thiopheneboronic acid ester instead of 2 were carried out. This resulted in a decrease of the disubstitution product. Therefore, step-growth polymerization appears to be due to intermolecular transfer of the Pd catalyst from Th after reductive elimination of the Th-Pd-Py complex formed by transmetalation of polymer Th-Br with (Pin)B-Py-Th-Br monomer 12 (Pin=pinacol). Catalysts with similar stabilization energies of metal-arene η 2 -coordination for D and A monomers may be needed for CTCP reactions of biaryl D-A monomers. © 2016 Wiley

Lability and Basicity of Bipyridine-Carboxylate-Phosphonate Ligand Accelerate Single-Site Water Oxidation by Ruthenium-Based Molecular Catalysts

DOE PAGES

Shaffer, David W.; Xie, Yan; Szalda, David J.; ...

2017-09-24

Here, a critical step in creating an artificial photosynthesis system for energy storage is designing catalysts that can thrive in an assembled device. Single-site catalysts have an advantage over bimolecular catalysts because they remain effective when immobilized. Hybrid water oxidation catalysts described here, combining the features of single-site bis-phosphonate catalysts and fast bimolecular bis-carboxylate catalysts, have reached turnover frequencies over 100 s –1, faster than both related catalysts under identical conditions. The new [(bpHc)Ru(L) 2] (bpH 2cH = 2,2'-bipyridine-6-phosphonic acid-6'-carboxylic acid, L = 4-picoline or isoquinoline) catalysts proceed through a single-site water nucleophilic attack pathway. The pendant phosphonate base mediatesmore » O–O bond formation via intramolecular atom-proton transfer with a calculated barrier of only 9.1 kcal/mol. Additionally, the labile carboxylate group allows water to bind early in the catalytic cycle, allowing intramolecular proton-coupled electron transfer to lower the potentials for oxidation steps and catalysis. That a single-site catalyst can be this fast lends credence to the possibility that the oxygen evolving complex adopts a similar mechanism.« less

Lability and Basicity of Bipyridine-Carboxylate-Phosphonate Ligand Accelerate Single-Site Water Oxidation by Ruthenium-Based Molecular Catalysts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shaffer, David W.; Xie, Yan; Szalda, David J.

Here, a critical step in creating an artificial photosynthesis system for energy storage is designing catalysts that can thrive in an assembled device. Single-site catalysts have an advantage over bimolecular catalysts because they remain effective when immobilized. Hybrid water oxidation catalysts described here, combining the features of single-site bis-phosphonate catalysts and fast bimolecular bis-carboxylate catalysts, have reached turnover frequencies over 100 s –1, faster than both related catalysts under identical conditions. The new [(bpHc)Ru(L) 2] (bpH 2cH = 2,2'-bipyridine-6-phosphonic acid-6'-carboxylic acid, L = 4-picoline or isoquinoline) catalysts proceed through a single-site water nucleophilic attack pathway. The pendant phosphonate base mediatesmore » O–O bond formation via intramolecular atom-proton transfer with a calculated barrier of only 9.1 kcal/mol. Additionally, the labile carboxylate group allows water to bind early in the catalytic cycle, allowing intramolecular proton-coupled electron transfer to lower the potentials for oxidation steps and catalysis. That a single-site catalyst can be this fast lends credence to the possibility that the oxygen evolving complex adopts a similar mechanism.« less

The influence of dielectric relaxation on intramolecular electron transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heitele, H.; Michel-Beyerle, M. E.; Finckh, P.

1987-07-01

An unusually strong temperature dependence on the intramolecular electron-transfer rate has been observed for bridged donor-acceptor compounds in propylene glycol solution. In the frame of recent electron-transfer theories this effect reflects the influence of dielectric relaxation dynamics on electron transfer. With increasing dielectric relaxation time a smooth transition from non-adiabatic to solvent-controlled adiabatic behaviour is observed. The electron transfer rate in the solvent-controlled adiabatic limit is dominated by an inhomogeneous distribution of relaxation times.

Estimates of electronic coupling for excess electron transfer in DNA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voityuk, Alexander A.

2005-07-01

Electronic coupling Vda is one of the key parameters that determine the rate of charge transfer through DNA. While there have been several computational studies of Vda for hole transfer, estimates of electronic couplings for excess electron transfer (ET) in DNA remain unavailable. In the paper, an efficient strategy is established for calculating the ET matrix elements between base pairs in a π stack. Two approaches are considered. First, we employ the diabatic-state (DS) method in which donor and acceptor are represented with radical anions of the canonical base pairs adenine-thymine (AT) and guanine-cytosine (GC). In this approach, similar values of Vda are obtained with the standard 6-31G* and extended 6-31++G** basis sets. Second, the electronic couplings are derived from lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) of neutral systems by using the generalized Mulliken-Hush or fragment charge methods. Because the radical-anion states of AT and GC are well reproduced by LUMOs of the neutral base pairs calculated without diffuse functions, the estimated values of Vda are in good agreement with the couplings obtained for radical-anion states using the DS method. However, when the calculation of a neutral stack is carried out with diffuse functions, LUMOs of the system exhibit the dipole-bound character and cannot be used for estimating electronic couplings. Our calculations suggest that the ET matrix elements Vda for models containing intrastrand thymine and cytosine bases are essentially larger than the couplings in complexes with interstrand pyrimidine bases. The matrix elements for excess electron transfer are found to be considerably smaller than the corresponding values for hole transfer and to be very responsive to structural changes in a DNA stack.

77 FR 40459 - Electronic Fund Transfers (Regulation E); Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-10

... Electronic Fund Transfers (Regulation E); Correction AGENCY: Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. ACTION... published the Final Rule (77 FR 6194), which implements the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, and the official... Sec. 1005.3(a) in the interim final rule, Electronic Fund Transfers (Regulation E), published on...

14 CFR 1260.69 - Electronic funds transfer payment methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Electronic funds transfer payment methods... COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS General Special Conditions § 1260.69 Electronic funds transfer payment methods. Electronic Funds Transfer Payment Methods October 2000 (a) Payments under this grant will be made by the...

14 CFR 1260.69 - Electronic funds transfer payment methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Electronic funds transfer payment methods... COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS General Special Conditions § 1260.69 Electronic funds transfer payment methods. Electronic Funds Transfer Payment Methods October 2000 (a) Payments under this grant will be made by the...

14 CFR 1260.69 - Electronic funds transfer payment methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2011-01-01 2010-01-01 true Electronic funds transfer payment methods... COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS General Special Conditions § 1260.69 Electronic funds transfer payment methods. Electronic Funds Transfer Payment Methods October 2000 (a) Payments under this grant will be made by the...

Mathematical Model of Heat Transfer in the Catalyst Granule with Point Reaction Centers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derevich, I. V.; Fokina, A. Yu.

2018-01-01

This paper considers a catalyst granule with a porous ceramic chemically inert base and active point centers, at which an exothermic reaction of synthesis takes place. The rate of a chemical reaction depends on temperature by the Arrhenius law. The heat is removed from the catalyst granule surface to the synthesis products by heat transfer. Based on the idea of self-consistent field, a closed system of equations is constructed for calculating the temperatures of the active centers. As an example, a catalyst granule of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis with active metallic cobalt particles is considered. The stationary temperatures of the active centers are calculated by the timedependent technique by solving a system of ordinary differential equations. The temperature distribution inside the granule has been found for the local centers located on one diameter of the granule and distributed randomly in the granule's volume. The existence of the critical temperature inside the reactor has been established, the excess of which leads to substantial superheating of local centers. The temperature distribution with local reaction centers differs qualitatively from the granule temperature calculated in the homogeneous approximation. The results of calculations are given.

Electron transfer from plastocyanin to photosystem I.

PubMed Central

Haehnel, W; Jansen, T; Gause, K; Klösgen, R B; Stahl, B; Michl, D; Huvermann, B; Karas, M; Herrmann, R G

1994-01-01

Mutant plastocyanins with Leu at position 10, 90 or 83 (Gly, Ala and Tyr respectively in wildtype) were constructed by site-specific mutagenesis of the spinach gene, and expressed in transgenic potato plants under the control of the authentic plastocyanin promoter, as well as in Escherichia coli as truncated precursor intermediates carrying the C-terminal 22 amino acid residues of the transit peptide, i.e. the thylakoid-targeting domain that acts as a bacterial export signal. The identity of the purified plastocyanins was verified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The formation of a complex between authentic or mutant spinach plastocyanin and isolated photosystem I and the electron transfer has been studied from the biphasic reduction kinetics of P700+ after excitation with laser flashes. The formation of the complex was abolished by the bulky hydrophobic group of Leu at the respective position of G10 or A90 which are part of the conserved flat hydrophobic surface around the copper ligand H87. The rate of electron transfer decreased by both mutations to < 20% of that found with wildtype plastocyanin. We conclude that the conserved flat surface of plastocyanin represents one of two crucial structural elements for both the docking at photosystem I and the efficient electron transfer via H87 to P700+. The Y83L mutant exhibited faster electron transfer to P700+ than did authentic plastocyanin. This proves that Y83 is not involved in electron transfer to P700 and suggests that electron transfer from cytochrome f and to P700 follows different routes in the plastocyanin molecule. Plastocyanin (Y83L) expressed in either E. coli or potato exhibited different isoelectric points and binding constants to photosystem I indicative of differences in the folding of the protein. The structure of the binding site at photosystem I and the mechanism of electron transfer are discussed. Images PMID:8131737

Visible light-driven water oxidation promoted by host-guest interaction between photosensitizer and catalyst with a high quantum efficiency.

PubMed

Li, Hua; Li, Fei; Zhang, Biaobiao; Zhou, Xu; Yu, Fengshou; Sun, Licheng

2015-04-08

A highly active supramolecular system for visible light-driven water oxidation was developed with cyclodextrin-modified ruthenium complex as the photosensitizer, phenyl-modified ruthenium complexes as the catalysts, and sodium persulfate as the sacrificial electron acceptor. The catalysts were found to form 1:1 host-guest adducts with the photosensitizer. Stopped-flow measurement revealed the host-guest interaction is essential to facilitate the electron transfer from catalyst to sensitizer. As a result, a remarkable quantum efficiency of 84% was determined under visible light irradiation in neutral aqueous phosphate buffer. This value is nearly 1 order of magnitude higher than that of noninteraction system, indicating that the noncovalent incorporation of sensitizer and catalyst is an appealing approach for efficient conversion of solar energy into fuels.

Probing electron transfer mechanisms in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 using a nanoelectrode platform and single-cell imaging

PubMed Central

Jiang, Xiaocheng; Hu, Jinsong; Fitzgerald, Lisa A.; Biffinger, Justin C.; Xie, Ping; Ringeisen, Bradley R.; Lieber, Charles M.

2010-01-01

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising approach for sustainable energy production as they generate electricity directly from metabolism of organic substrates without the need for catalysts. However, the mechanisms of electron transfer between microbes and electrodes, which could ultimately limit power extraction, remain controversial. Here we demonstrate optically transparent nanoelectrodes as a platform to investigate extracellular electron transfer in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, where an array of nanoholes precludes or single window allows for direct microbe-electrode contacts. Following addition of cells, short-circuit current measurements showed similar amplitude and temporal response for both electrode configurations, while in situ optical imaging demonstrates that the measured currents were uncorrelated with the cell number on the electrodes. High-resolution imaging showed the presence of thin, 4- to 5-nm diameter filaments emanating from cell bodies, although these filaments do not appear correlated with current generation. Both types of electrodes yielded similar currents at longer times in dense cell layers and exhibited a rapid drop in current upon removal of diffusible mediators. Reintroduction of the original cell-free media yielded a rapid increase in current to ∼80% of original level, whereas imaging showed that the positions of > 70% of cells remained unchanged during solution exchange. Together, these measurements show that electron transfer occurs predominantly by mediated mechanism in this model system. Last, simultaneous measurements of current and cell positions showed that cell motility and electron transfer were inversely correlated. The ability to control and image cell/electrode interactions down to the single-cell level provide a powerful approach for advancing our fundamental understanding of MFCs. PMID:20837546

Understanding the Electronic Structure of 4d Metal Complexes: From Molecular Spinors to L-Edge Spectra of a di-Ru Catalyst

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alperovich, Igor; Smolentsev, Grigory; Moonshiram, Dooshaye

2015-09-17

L{sub 2,3}-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) has demonstrated unique capabilities for the analysis of the electronic structure of di-Ru complexes such as the blue dimer cis,cis-[Ru{sub 2}{sup III}O(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}(bpy){sub 4}]{sup 4+} water oxidation catalyst. Spectra of the blue dimer and the monomeric [Ru(NH{sub 3}){sub 6}]{sup 3+} model complex show considerably different splitting of the Ru L{sub 2,3} absorption edge, which reflects changes in the relative energies of the Ru 4d orbitals caused by hybridization with a bridging ligand and spin-orbit coupling effects. To aid the interpretation of spectroscopic data, we developed a new approach, which computes L{sub 2,3}-edges XASmore » spectra as dipole transitions between molecular spinors of 4d transition metal complexes. This allows for careful inclusion of the spin-orbit coupling effects and the hybridization of the Ru 4d and ligand orbitals. The obtained theoretical Ru L{sub 2,3}-edge spectra are in close agreement with experiment. Critically, existing single-electron methods (FEFF, FDMNES) broadly used to simulate XAS could not reproduce the experimental Ru L-edge spectra for the [Ru(NH{sub 3}){sub 6}]{sup 3+} model complex nor for the blue dimer, while charge transfer multiplet (CTM) calculations were not applicable due to the complexity and low symmetry of the blue dimer water oxidation catalyst. We demonstrated that L-edge spectroscopy is informative for analysis of bridging metal complexes. The developed computational approach enhances L-edge spectroscopy as a tool for analysis of the electronic structures of complexes, materials, catalysts, and reactive intermediates with 4d transition metals.« less

Structure of electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase and electron transfer to the mitochondrial ubiquinone pool

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jian; Frerman, Frank E.; Kim, Jung-Ja P.

2006-01-01

Electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) is a 4Fe4S flavoprotein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It catalyzes ubiquinone (UQ) reduction by ETF, linking oxidation of fatty acids and some amino acids to the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Deficiencies in ETF or ETF-QO result in multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, a human metabolic disease. Crystal structures of ETF-QO with and without bound UQ were determined, and they are essentially identical. The molecule forms a single structural domain. Three functional regions bind FAD, the 4Fe4S cluster, and UQ and are closely packed and share structural elements, resulting in no discrete structural domains. The UQ-binding pocket consists mainly of hydrophobic residues, and UQ binding differs from that of other UQ-binding proteins. ETF-QO is a monotopic integral membrane protein. The putative membrane-binding surface contains an α-helix and a β-hairpin, forming a hydrophobic plateau. The UQ—flavin distance (8.5 Å) is shorter than the UQ—cluster distance (18.8 Å), and the very similar redox potentials of FAD and the cluster strongly suggest that the flavin, not the cluster, transfers electrons to UQ. Two possible electron transfer paths can be envisioned. First, electrons from the ETF flavin semiquinone may enter the ETF-QO flavin one by one, followed by rapid equilibration with the cluster. Alternatively, electrons may enter via the cluster, followed by equilibration between centers. In both cases, when ETF-QO is reduced to a two-electron reduced state (one electron at each redox center), the enzyme is primed to reduce UQ to ubiquinol via FAD. PMID:17050691

Structure of electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase and electron transfer to the mitochondrial ubiquinone pool.

PubMed

Zhang, Jian; Frerman, Frank E; Kim, Jung-Ja P

2006-10-31

Electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) is a 4Fe4S flavoprotein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It catalyzes ubiquinone (UQ) reduction by ETF, linking oxidation of fatty acids and some amino acids to the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Deficiencies in ETF or ETF-QO result in multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, a human metabolic disease. Crystal structures of ETF-QO with and without bound UQ were determined, and they are essentially identical. The molecule forms a single structural domain. Three functional regions bind FAD, the 4Fe4S cluster, and UQ and are closely packed and share structural elements, resulting in no discrete structural domains. The UQ-binding pocket consists mainly of hydrophobic residues, and UQ binding differs from that of other UQ-binding proteins. ETF-QO is a monotopic integral membrane protein. The putative membrane-binding surface contains an alpha-helix and a beta-hairpin, forming a hydrophobic plateau. The UQ-flavin distance (8.5 A) is shorter than the UQ-cluster distance (18.8 A), and the very similar redox potentials of FAD and the cluster strongly suggest that the flavin, not the cluster, transfers electrons to UQ. Two possible electron transfer paths can be envisioned. First, electrons from the ETF flavin semiquinone may enter the ETF-QO flavin one by one, followed by rapid equilibration with the cluster. Alternatively, electrons may enter via the cluster, followed by equilibration between centers. In both cases, when ETF-QO is reduced to a two-electron reduced state (one electron at each redox center), the enzyme is primed to reduce UQ to ubiquinol via FAD.

Electron transfer between colloidal ZnO nanocrystals.

PubMed

Hayoun, Rebecca; Whitaker, Kelly M; Gamelin, Daniel R; Mayer, James M

2011-03-30

Colloidal ZnO nanocrystals capped with dodecylamine and dissolved in toluene can be charged photochemically to give stable solutions in which electrons are present in the conduction bands of the nanocrystals. These conduction-band electrons are readily monitored by EPR spectroscopy, with g* values that correlate with the nanocrystal sizes. Mixing a solution of charged small nanocrystals (e(-)(CB):ZnO-S) with a solution of uncharged large nanocrystals (ZnO-L) caused changes in the EPR spectrum indicative of quantitative electron transfer from small to large nanocrystals. EPR spectra of the reverse reaction, e(-)(CB):ZnO-L + ZnO-S, showed that electrons do not transfer from large to small nanocrystals. Stopped-flow kinetics studies monitoring the change in the UV band-edge absorption showed that reactions of 50 μM nanocrystals were complete within the 5 ms mixing time of the instrument. Similar results were obtained for the reaction of charged nanocrystals with methyl viologen (MV(2+)). These and related results indicate that the electron-transfer reactions of these colloidal nanocrystals are quantitative and very rapid, despite the presence of ~1.5 nm long dodecylamine capping ligands. These soluble ZnO nanocrystals are thus well-defined redox reagents suitable for studies of electron transfer involving semiconductor nanostructures.

Electron-transfer oxidation properties of DNA bases and DNA oligomers.

PubMed

Fukuzumi, Shunichi; Miyao, Hiroshi; Ohkubo, Kei; Suenobu, Tomoyoshi

2005-04-21

Kinetics for the thermal and photoinduced electron-transfer oxidation of a series of DNA bases with various oxidants having the known one-electron reduction potentials (E(red)) in an aqueous solution at 298 K were examined, and the resulting electron-transfer rate constants (k(et)) were evaluated in light of the free energy relationship of electron transfer to determine the one-electron oxidation potentials (E(ox)) of DNA bases and the intrinsic barrier of the electron transfer. Although the E(ox) value of GMP at pH 7 is the lowest (1.07 V vs SCE) among the four DNA bases, the highest E(ox) value (CMP) is only 0.19 V higher than that of GMP. The selective oxidation of GMP in the thermal electron-transfer oxidation of GMP results from a significant decrease in the pH dependent oxidation potential due to the deprotonation of GMP*+. The one-electron reduced species of the photosensitizer produced by photoinduced electron transfer are observed as the transient absorption spectra when the free energy change of electron transfer is negative. The rate constants of electron-transfer oxidation of the guanine moieties in DNA oligomers with Fe(bpy)3(3+) and Ru(bpy)3(3+) were also determined using DNA oligomers containing different guanine (G) sequences from 1 to 10 G. The rate constants of electron-transfer oxidation of the guanine moieties in single- and double-stranded DNA oligomers with Fe(bpy)3(2+) and Ru(bpy)3(3+) are dependent on the number of sequential guanine molecules as well as on pH.

The surface plasmon-induced hot carrier effect on the catalytic activity of CO oxidation on a Cu2O/hexoctahedral Au inverse catalyst.

PubMed

Lee, Si Woo; Hong, Jong Wook; Lee, Hyunhwa; Wi, Dae Han; Kim, Sun Mi; Han, Sang Woo; Park, Jeong Young

2018-06-14

The intrinsic correlation between an enhancement of catalytic activity and the flow of hot electrons generated at metal-oxide interfaces suggests an intriguing way to control catalytic reactions and is a significant subject in heterogeneous catalysis. Here, we show surface plasmon-induced catalytic enhancement by the peculiar nanocatalyst design of hexoctahedral (HOH) Au nanocrystals (NCs) with Cu2O clusters. We found that this inverse catalyst comprising a reactive oxide for the catalytic portion and a metal as the source of electrons by localized surface plasmon resonance (localized SPR) exhibits a change in catalytic activity by direct hot electron transfer or plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer (PIRET) when exposed to light. We prepared two types of inverse catalysts, Cu2O at the vertex sites of HOH Au NCs (Cu2O/Au vertex site) and a HOH Au NC-Cu2O core-shell structure (HOH Au@Cu2O), to test the structural effect on surface plasmons. Under broadband light illumination, the Cu2O/Au vertex site catalyst showed 30-90% higher catalytic activity and the HOH Au@Cu2O catalyst showed 10-30% higher catalytic activity than when in the dark. Embedding thin SiO2 layers between the HOH Au NCs and the Cu2O verified that the dominant mechanism for the catalytic enhancement is direct hot electron transfer from the HOH Au to the Cu2O. Finite-difference time domain calculations show that a much stronger electric field was formed on the vertex sites after growing the Cu2O on the HOH Au NCs. These results imply that the catalytic activity is enhanced when hot electrons, created from photon absorption on the HOH Au metal and amplified by the presence of surface plasmons, are transferred to the reactive Cu2O.

The iron-sulfur cluster of electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase is the electron acceptor for electron transfer flavoprotein.

PubMed

Swanson, Michael A; Usselman, Robert J; Frerman, Frank E; Eaton, Gareth R; Eaton, Sandra S

2008-08-26

Electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) accepts electrons from electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) and reduces ubiquinone from the ubiquinone pool. It contains one [4Fe-4S] (2+,1+) and one FAD, which are diamagnetic in the isolated oxidized enzyme and can be reduced to paramagnetic forms by enzymatic donors or dithionite. In the porcine protein, threonine 367 is hydrogen bonded to N1 and O2 of the flavin ring of the FAD. The analogous site in Rhodobacter sphaeroides ETF-QO is asparagine 338. Mutations N338T and N338A were introduced into the R. sphaeroides protein by site-directed mutagenesis to determine the impact of hydrogen bonding at this site on redox potentials and activity. The mutations did not alter the optical spectra, EPR g-values, spin-lattice relaxation rates, or the [4Fe-4S] (2+,1+) to FAD point-dipole interspin distances. The mutations had no impact on the reduction potential for the iron-sulfur cluster, which was monitored by changes in the continuous wave EPR signals of the [4Fe-4S] (+) at 15 K. For the FAD semiquinone, significantly different potentials were obtained by monitoring the titration at 100 or 293 K. Based on spectra at 293 K the N338T mutation shifted the first and second midpoint potentials for the FAD from +47 and -30 mV for wild type to -11 and -19 mV, respectively. The N338A mutation decreased the potentials to -37 and -49 mV. Lowering the midpoint potentials resulted in a decrease in the quinone reductase activity and negligible impact on disproportionation of ETF 1e (-) catalyzed by ETF-QO. These observations indicate that the FAD is involved in electron transfer to ubiquinone but not in electron transfer from ETF to ETF-QO. Therefore, the iron-sulfur cluster is the immediate acceptor from ETF.

The Iron-Sulfur Cluster of Electron Transfer Flavoprotein-Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Is the Electron Acceptor for Electron Transfer Flavoprotein†

PubMed Central

Swanson, Michael A.; Usselman, Robert J.; Frerman, Frank E.; Eaton, Gareth R.; Eaton, Sandra S.

2009-01-01

Electron transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) accepts electrons from electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) and reduces ubiquinone from the ubiquinone pool. It contains one [4Fe-4S]2+,1+ and one FAD, which are diamagnetic in the isolated oxidized enzyme and can be reduced to paramagnetic forms by enzymatic donors or dithionite. In the porcine protein, threonine 367 is hydrogen bonded to N1 and O2 of the flavin ring of the FAD. The analogous site in Rhodobacter sphaeroides ETF-QO is asparagine 338. Mutations N338T and N338A were introduced into the R. sphaeroides protein by site-directed mutagenesis to determine the impact of hydrogen bonding at this site on redox potentials and activity. The mutations did not alter the optical spectra, EPR g-values, spin-lattice relaxation rates, or the [4Fe-4S]2+,1+ to FAD point-dipole interspin distances. The mutations had no impact on the reduction potential for the iron-sulfur cluster, which was monitored by changes in the continuous wave EPR signals of the [4Fe-4S]+ at 15 K. For the FAD semiquinone, significantly different potentials were obtained by monitoring the titration at 100 or 293 K. Based on spectra at 293 K the N338T mutation shifted the first and second midpoint potentials for the FAD from +47 and -30 mV for wild type to -11 and -19 mV, respectively. The N338A mutation decreased the potentials to -37 and -49 mV. Lowering the midpoint potentials resulted in a decrease in the quinone reductase activity and negligible impact on disproportionation of ETF1e- catalyzed by ETF-QO. These observations indicate that the FAD is involved in electron transfer to ubiquinone but not in electron transfer from ETF to ETF-QO. Therefore, the iron-sulfur cluster is the immediate acceptor from ETF. PMID:9585549

Catalytic alkylation of remote C-H bonds enabled by proton-coupled electron transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Gilbert J.; Zhu, Qilei; Miller, David C.; Gu, Carol J.; Knowles, Robert R.

2016-11-01

Despite advances in hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalysis, there are currently no molecular HAT catalysts that are capable of homolysing the strong nitrogen-hydrogen (N-H) bonds of N-alkyl amides. The motivation to develop amide homolysis protocols stems from the utility of the resultant amidyl radicals, which are involved in various synthetically useful transformations, including olefin amination and directed carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bond functionalization. In the latter process—a subset of the classical Hofmann-Löffler-Freytag reaction—amidyl radicals remove hydrogen atoms from unactivated aliphatic C-H bonds. Although powerful, these transformations typically require oxidative N-prefunctionalization of the amide starting materials to achieve efficient amidyl generation. Moreover, because these N-activating groups are often incorporated into the final products, these methods are generally not amenable to the direct construction of carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds. Here we report an approach that overcomes these limitations by homolysing the N-H bonds of N-alkyl amides via proton-coupled electron transfer. In this protocol, an excited-state iridium photocatalyst and a weak phosphate base cooperatively serve to remove both a proton and an electron from an amide substrate in a concerted elementary step. The resultant amidyl radical intermediates are shown to promote subsequent C-H abstraction and radical alkylation steps. This C-H alkylation represents a catalytic variant of the Hofmann-Löffler-Freytag reaction, using simple, unfunctionalized amides to direct the formation of new C-C bonds. Given the prevalence of amides in pharmaceuticals and natural products, we anticipate that this method will simplify the synthesis and structural elaboration of amine-containing targets. Moreover, this study demonstrates that concerted proton-coupled electron transfer can enable homolytic activation of common organic functional groups that are energetically inaccessible using

Catalytic alkylation of remote C-H bonds enabled by proton-coupled electron transfer.

PubMed

Choi, Gilbert J; Zhu, Qilei; Miller, David C; Gu, Carol J; Knowles, Robert R

2016-11-10

Despite advances in hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalysis, there are currently no molecular HAT catalysts that are capable of homolysing the strong nitrogen-hydrogen (N-H) bonds of N-alkyl amides. The motivation to develop amide homolysis protocols stems from the utility of the resultant amidyl radicals, which are involved in various synthetically useful transformations, including olefin amination and directed carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bond functionalization. In the latter process-a subset of the classical Hofmann-Löffler-Freytag reaction-amidyl radicals remove hydrogen atoms from unactivated aliphatic C-H bonds. Although powerful, these transformations typically require oxidative N-prefunctionalization of the amide starting materials to achieve efficient amidyl generation. Moreover, because these N-activating groups are often incorporated into the final products, these methods are generally not amenable to the direct construction of carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds. Here we report an approach that overcomes these limitations by homolysing the N-H bonds of N-alkyl amides via proton-coupled electron transfer. In this protocol, an excited-state iridium photocatalyst and a weak phosphate base cooperatively serve to remove both a proton and an electron from an amide substrate in a concerted elementary step. The resultant amidyl radical intermediates are shown to promote subsequent C-H abstraction and radical alkylation steps. This C-H alkylation represents a catalytic variant of the Hofmann-Löffler-Freytag reaction, using simple, unfunctionalized amides to direct the formation of new C-C bonds. Given the prevalence of amides in pharmaceuticals and natural products, we anticipate that this method will simplify the synthesis and structural elaboration of amine-containing targets. Moreover, this study demonstrates that concerted proton-coupled electron transfer can enable homolytic activation of common organic functional groups that are energetically inaccessible using

Group transfer and electron transfer reactions of organometallic complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atwood, Jim D.

During 1994, despite the disruptions, the authors have made progress in several aspects of their research on electron transfer reactions between organometallic complexes. This summary covers three areas that are relatively complete: (1) reactions between metal carbonyl anions and metal carbonyl halides, (2) reactions of hydrido- and alkyl-containing anions (RFe(CO)4(-) and RW(CO)5(-) with metal carbonyl cations; and (3) reactions of a seventeen-electron complex (Cp* Cr(CO)3*) with metal carbonyl derivatives. Two areas of examination that have just begun (possible carbene transfer and the possible role of metal carbonyl anions in carbon-hydrogen bond activation) will also be described.

Nanoantioxidant-driven plasmon enhanced proton-coupled electron transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sotiriou, Georgios A.; Blattmann, Christoph O.; Deligiannakis, Yiannis

2015-12-01

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions involve the transfer of a proton and an electron and play an important role in a number of chemical and biological processes. Here, we describe a novel phenomenon, plasmon-enhanced PCET, which is manifested using SiO2-coated Ag nanoparticles functionalized with gallic acid (GA), a natural antioxidant molecule that can perform PCET. These GA-functionalized nanoparticles show enhanced plasmonic response at near-IR wavelengths, due to particle agglomeration caused by the GA molecules. Near-IR laser irradiation induces strong local hot-spots on the SiO2-coated Ag nanoparticles, as evidenced by surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This leads to plasmon energy transfer to the grafted GA molecules that lowers the GA-OH bond dissociation enthalpy by at least 2 kcal mol-1 and therefore facilitates PCET. The nanoparticle-driven plasmon-enhancement of PCET brings together the so far unrelated research domains of nanoplasmonics and electron/proton translocation with significant impact on applications based on interfacial electron/proton transfer.Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions involve the transfer of a proton and an electron and play an important role in a number of chemical and biological processes. Here, we describe a novel phenomenon, plasmon-enhanced PCET, which is manifested using SiO2-coated Ag nanoparticles functionalized with gallic acid (GA), a natural antioxidant molecule that can perform PCET. These GA-functionalized nanoparticles show enhanced plasmonic response at near-IR wavelengths, due to particle agglomeration caused by the GA molecules. Near-IR laser irradiation induces strong local hot-spots on the SiO2-coated Ag nanoparticles, as evidenced by surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This leads to plasmon energy transfer to the grafted GA molecules that lowers the GA-OH bond dissociation enthalpy by at least 2 kcal mol-1 and therefore facilitates PCET. The nanoparticle-driven plasmon

The electron transfer flavoprotein: ubiquinone oxidoreductases.

PubMed

Watmough, Nicholas J; Frerman, Frank E

2010-12-01

Electron transfer flavoprotein: ubiqionone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) is a component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain that together with electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) forms a short pathway that transfers electrons from 11 different mitochondrial flavoprotein dehydrogenases to the ubiquinone pool. The X-ray structure of the pig liver enzyme has been solved in the presence and absence of a bound ubiquinone. This structure reveals ETF-QO to be a monotopic membrane protein with the cofactors, FAD and a [4Fe-4S](+1+2) cluster, organised to suggests that it is the flavin that serves as the immediate reductant of ubiquinone. ETF-QO is very highly conserved in evolution and the recombinant enzyme from the bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides has allowed the mutational analysis of a number of residues that the structure suggested are involved in modulating the reduction potential of the cofactors. These experiments, together with the spectroscopic measurement of the distances between the cofactors in solution have confirmed the intramolecular pathway of electron transfer from ETF to ubiquinone. This approach can be extended as the R. sphaeroides ETF-QO provides a template for investigating the mechanistic consequences of single amino acid substitutions of conserved residues that are associated with a mild and late onset variant of the metabolic disease multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD). Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photoinduced azidohydroperoxidation of myrtenyl hydroperoxide with semiconductor particles and lucigenin as PET-catalysts.

PubMed

Griesbeck, Axel G; Reckenthäler, Melissa; Uhlig, Johannes

2010-06-01

The allylic hydroperoxide 2 (myrtenyl hydroperoxide), available from singlet oxygen photooxygenation of beta-pinene (1), is converted into the azido bis-hydroperoxide 3 by an electron-transfer induced azidyl radical formation and trapping of the initial tertiary carbon radical by triplet oxygen. The azido bis-hydroperoxide 3 is reduced to the azido 1,2-diol 4 or the amino diol 5, respectively. Beside classical fluorescent PET sensitizers such as rhodamines, also nanosized semiconductor particles as well as lucigenin were applied as catalysts. The electron transfer rate of azide oxidation was determined for lucigenin by fluorescence quenching analysis.

Insights into the Mechanism of a Covalently Linked Organic Dye–Cobaloxime Catalyst System for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Fuel Devices

PubMed Central

Pati, Palas Baran; Zhang, Lei; Philippe, Bertrand; Fernández‐Terán, Ricardo; Ahmadi, Sareh; Tian, Lei; Rensmo, Håkan; Hammarström, Leif

2017-01-01

Abstract A covalently linked organic dye–cobaloxime catalyst system based on mesoporous NiO is synthesized by a facile click reaction for mechanistic studies and application in a dye‐sensitized solar fuel device. The system is systematically investigated by photoelectrochemical measurements, density functional theory, time‐resolved fluorescence, transient absorption spectroscopy, and photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that irradiation of the dye–catalyst on NiO leads to ultrafast hole injection into NiO from the excited dye, followed by a fast electron transfer process to reduce the catalyst. Moreover, the dye adopts different structures with different excited state energies, and excitation energy transfer occurs between neighboring molecules on the semiconductor surface. The photoelectrochemical experiments also show hydrogen production by this system. The axial chloride ligands of the catalyst are released during photocatalysis to create the active sites for proton reduction. A working mechanism of the dye–catalyst system on the photocathode is proposed on the basis of this study. PMID:28338295

The oxidation of copper catalysts during ethylene epoxidation.

PubMed

Greiner, M T; Jones, T E; Johnson, B E; Rocha, T C R; Wang, Z J; Armbrüster, M; Willinger, M; Knop-Gericke, A; Schlögl, R

2015-10-14

The oxidation of copper catalysts during ethylene epoxidation was characterized using in situ photoemission spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Gas chromatography, proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometry and electron-ionization mass spectrometry were used to characterize the catalytic properties of the oxidized copper. We find that copper corrodes during epoxidation in a 1 : 1 mixture of oxygen and ethylene. The catalyst corrosion passes through several stages, beginning with the formation of an O-terminated surface, followed by the formation of Cu2O scale and eventually a CuO scale. The oxidized catalyst exhibits measurable activity for ethylene epoxidation, but with a low selectivity of <3%. Tests on pure Cu2O and CuO powders confirm that the oxides intrinsically exhibit partial-oxidation activity. Cu2O was found to form acetaldehyde and ethylene epoxide in roughly equal amounts (1.0% and 1.2% respectively), while CuO was found to form much less ethyl aldehyde than ethylene epoxide (0.1% and 1.0%, respectively). Metallic copper catalysts were examined in extreme dilute-O2 epoxidation conditions to try and keep the catalyst from oxidizing during the reaction. It was found that in feed of 1 part O2 to 2500 parts C2H4 (PO2 = 1.2 × 10(-4) mbar) the copper surface becomes O-terminated. The O-terminated surface was found to exhibit partial-oxidation selectivity similar to that of Cu2O. With increasing O2 concentration (>8/2500) Cu2O forms and eventually covers the surface.

Coherent Electron Transfer at the Ag / Graphite Heterojunction Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Shijing; Dai, Yanan; Zhang, Shengmin; Liu, Liming; Zhao, Jin; Petek, Hrvoje

2018-03-01

Charge transfer in transduction of light to electrical or chemical energy at heterojunctions of metals with semiconductors or semimetals is believed to occur by photogenerated hot electrons in metal undergoing incoherent internal photoemission through the heterojunction interface. Charge transfer, however, can also occur coherently by dipole coupling of electronic bands at the heterojunction interface. Microscopic physical insights into how transfer occurs can be elucidated by following the coherent polarization of the donor and acceptor states on the time scale of electronic dephasing. By time-resolved multiphoton photoemission spectroscopy (MPP), we investigate the coherent electron transfer from an interface state that forms upon chemisorption of Ag nanoclusters onto graphite to a σ symmetry interlayer band of graphite. Multidimensional MPP spectroscopy reveals a resonant two-photon transition, which dephases within 10 fs completing the coherent transfer.

A molecular shift register based on electron transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hopfield, J. J.; Onuchic, Josenelson; Beratan, David N.

1988-01-01

An electronic shift-register memory at the molecular level is described. The memory elements are based on a chain of electron-transfer molecules and the information is shifted by photoinduced electron-transfer reactions. This device integrates designed electronic molecules onto a very large scale integrated (silicon microelectronic) substrate, providing an example of a 'molecular electronic device' that could actually be made. The design requirements for such a device and possible synthetic strategies are discussed. Devices along these lines should have lower energy usage and enhanced storage density.

Electrochemical Measurement of Electron Transfer Kinetics by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1*

PubMed Central

Baron, Daniel; LaBelle, Edward; Coursolle, Dan; Gralnick, Jeffrey A.; Bond, Daniel R.

2009-01-01

Shewanella oneidensis strain MR-1 can respire using carbon electrodes and metal oxyhydroxides as electron acceptors, requiring mechanisms for transferring electrons from the cell interior to surfaces located beyond the cell. Although purified outer membrane cytochromes will reduce both electrodes and metals, S. oneidensis also secretes flavins, which accelerate electron transfer to metals and electrodes. We developed techniques for detecting direct electron transfer by intact cells, using turnover and single turnover voltammetry. Metabolically active cells attached to graphite electrodes produced thin (submonolayer) films that demonstrated both catalytic and reversible electron transfer in the presence and absence of flavins. In the absence of soluble flavins, electron transfer occurred in a broad potential window centered at ∼0 V (versus standard hydrogen electrode), and was altered in single (ΔomcA, ΔmtrC) and double deletion (ΔomcA/ΔmtrC) mutants of outer membrane cytochromes. The addition of soluble flavins at physiological concentrations significantly accelerated electron transfer and allowed catalytic electron transfer to occur at lower applied potentials (−0.2 V). Scan rate analysis indicated that rate constants for direct electron transfer were slower than those reported for pure cytochromes (∼1 s−1). These observations indicated that anodic current in the higher (>0 V) window is due to activation of a direct transfer mechanism, whereas electron transfer at lower potentials is enabled by flavins. The electrochemical dissection of these activities in living cells into two systems with characteristic midpoint potentials and kinetic behaviors explains prior observations and demonstrates the complementary nature of S. oneidensis electron transfer strategies. PMID:19661057

Enhanced electron transfer and silver-releasing suppression in Ag-AgBr/titanium-doped Al2O3 suspensions with visible-light irradiation.

PubMed

Zhou, Xuefeng; Hu, Chun; Hu, Xuexiang; Peng, Tianwei

2012-06-15

Ag-AgBr was deposited onto mesoporous alumina (MA) and titanium-doped MA by a deposition-precipitation method. The photocatalytic activity and the dissolution of Ag(+) from different catalysts were investigated during the photodegradation of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) and phenol in ultrapure water and tap water with visible-light irradiation. With the increase in doped titanium, the Ag(+) dissolution decreased with a decrease in the photocatalytic activity. Ag-AgBr/MA-Ti1 was considered the better catalyst for practical applications because its Ag(+) dissolution was minimal (0.4 mg L(-1) in ultrapure water and 5 μg L(-1) in tap water), although its photoactivity was slightly less than that of Ag-AgBr/MA. The dissolution of Ag(+) was related to a charge-transfer process based on the study of cyclic voltammetry analyses under a variety of experimental conditions. The results suggested that several types of anions in the water, including CO(3)(2-), SO(4)(2-), and Cl(-), could act as electron donors that trap the photogenerated holes on Ag nanoparticles to facilitate electron circulation; this would decrease the release of Ag(+). Our studies indicated that the catalyst had a higher activity and stability in water purification. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Real-time electron transfer in respiratory complex I

PubMed Central

Verkhovskaya, Marina L.; Belevich, Nikolai; Euro, Liliya; Wikström, Mårten; Verkhovsky, Michael I.

2008-01-01

Electron transfer in complex I from Escherichia coli was investigated by an ultrafast freeze-quench approach. The reaction of complex I with NADH was stopped in the time domain from 90 μs to 8 ms and analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy at low temperatures. The data show that after binding of the first molecule of NADH, two electrons move via the FMN cofactor to the iron–sulfur (Fe/S) centers N1a and N2 with an apparent time constant of ≈90 μs, implying that these two centers should have the highest redox potential in the enzyme. The rate of reduction of center N2 (the last center in the electron transfer sequence) is close to that predicted by electron transfer theory, which argues for the absence of coupled proton transfer or conformational changes during electron transfer from FMN to N2. After fast reduction of N1a and N2, we observe a slow, ≈1-ms component of reduction of other Fe/S clusters. Because all elementary electron transfer rates between clusters are several orders of magnitude higher than this observed rate, we conclude that the millisecond component is limited by a single process corresponding to dissociation of the oxidized NAD+ molecule from its binding site, where it prevents entry of the next NADH molecule. Despite the presence of approximately one ubiquinone per enzyme molecule, no transient semiquinone formation was observed, which has mechanistic implications, suggesting a high thermodynamic barrier for ubiquinone reduction to the semiquinone radical. Possible consequences of these findings for the proton translocation mechanism are discussed. PMID:18316732

Unraveling the charge transfer/electron transport in mesoporous semiconductive TiO2 films by voltabsorptometry.

PubMed

Renault, Christophe; Nicole, Lionel; Sanchez, Clément; Costentin, Cyrille; Balland, Véronique; Limoges, Benoît

2015-04-28

electron transfer/transport mechanisms in heterogeneous photoelectrocatalytic systems combining nanostructured semiconductor electrodes and heterogeneous redox-active catalysts.

Photoinduced electron transfer between benzyloxy dendrimer phthalocyanine and benzoquinone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Tiantian; Ma, Dongdong; Pan, Sujuan; Wu, Shijun; Jiang, Yufeng; Zeng, Di; Yang, Hongqin; Peng, Yiru

2016-10-01

Photo-induced electron transfer (PET) is an important and fundamental process in natural photosynthesis. To mimic such interesting PET process, a suitable donor and acceptor couple were properly chosen. Dendrimer phthalocyanines and their derivatives have emerged as promising materials for artificial photosynthesis systems. In this paper, the electron transfer between the light harvest dendrimer phthalocyanine (donor) and the 1,4-benzoquinone (acceptor) was studied by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. It was found that fluorescence of phthalocyanine was quenched by benzoquinone (BQ) via excited state electron transfer, from the phthalocyanine to the BQ upon excitation at 610 nm. The Stern-Volmer constant (KSV) of electron transfer was calculated. Our study suggests that this dendritic phthalocyanine is an effective new electron donor and transmission complex and could be used as a potential artificial photosynthesis system.

Selective Electrocatalytic Reduction of Nitrite to Dinitrogen Based on Decoupled Proton-Electron Transfer.

PubMed

He, Daoping; Li, Yamei; Ooka, Hideshi; Go, Yoo Kyung; Jin, Fangming; Kim, Sun Hee; Nakamura, Ryuhei

2018-02-14

The development of denitrification catalysts which can reduce nitrate and nitrite to dinitrogen is critical for sustaining the nitrogen cycle. However, regulating the selectivity has proven to be a challenge, due to the difficulty of controlling complex multielectron/proton reactions. Here we report that utilizing sequential proton-electron transfer (SPET) pathways is a viable strategy to enhance the selectivity of electrochemical reactions. The selectivity of an oxo-molybdenum sulfide electrocatalyst toward nitrite reduction to dinitrogen exhibited a volcano-type pH dependence with a maximum at pH 5. The pH-dependent formation of the intermediate species (distorted Mo(V) oxo species) identified using operando electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Raman spectroscopy was in accord with a mathematical prediction that the pK a of the reaction intermediates determines the pH-dependence of the SPET-derived product. By utilizing this acute pH dependence, we achieved a Faradaic efficiency of 13.5% for nitrite reduction to dinitrogen, which is the highest value reported to date under neutral conditions.

14 CFR § 1260.69 - Electronic funds transfer payment methods.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 5 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Electronic funds transfer payment methods... GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS General Special Conditions § 1260.69 Electronic funds transfer payment methods. Electronic Funds Transfer Payment Methods October 2000 (a) Payments under this grant will be made...

Photoinduced electron transfer from semiconductor quantum dots to metal oxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Tvrdy, Kevin; Frantsuzov, Pavel A; Kamat, Prashant V

2011-01-04

Quantum dot-metal oxide junctions are an integral part of next-generation solar cells, light emitting diodes, and nanostructured electronic arrays. Here we present a comprehensive examination of electron transfer at these junctions, using a series of CdSe quantum dot donors (sizes 2.8, 3.3, 4.0, and 4.2 nm in diameter) and metal oxide nanoparticle acceptors (SnO(2), TiO(2), and ZnO). Apparent electron transfer rate constants showed strong dependence on change in system free energy, exhibiting a sharp rise at small driving forces followed by a modest rise further away from the characteristic reorganization energy. The observed trend mimics the predicted behavior of electron transfer from a single quantum state to a continuum of electron accepting states, such as those present in the conduction band of a metal oxide nanoparticle. In contrast with dye-sensitized metal oxide electron transfer studies, our systems did not exhibit unthermalized hot-electron injection due to relatively large ratios of electron cooling rate to electron transfer rate. To investigate the implications of these findings in photovoltaic cells, quantum dot-metal oxide working electrodes were constructed in an identical fashion to the films used for the electron transfer portion of the study. Interestingly, the films which exhibited the fastest electron transfer rates (SnO(2)) were not the same as those which showed the highest photocurrent (TiO(2)). These findings suggest that, in addition to electron transfer at the quantum dot-metal oxide interface, other electron transfer reactions play key roles in the determination of overall device efficiency.

Coupling molecular catalysts with nanostructured surfaces for efficient solar fuel production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Tong

photosensitizers. In Chapter 3, effective coupling of the macrocyclic Co(III) complex with titanium dioxide (TiO¬2) nanoparticles was achieved by two deposition methods. The synthesized hybrid photocatalysts were thoroughly characterized with a variety of techniques. Upon UV light irradiation, photoexcited electrons in TiO2 nanoparticles were transferred to the surface Co(III) catalyst for CO2 reduction. Production of carbon monoxide (CO) from CO2 was confirmed by isotope labeling combined with infrared spectroscopy. Deposition of the Co(III) catalyst through Ti-O-Co linkages was essential for the photo-induced electron transfer and CO2-reduction activity using the hybrid photocatalysts. In Chapter 4, molecular Re(I) and Co(II) catalysts were coupled with silicon-based photoelectrodes, including a silicon nanowire (SiNW) photoelectrode, to achieve photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction. Photovoltages between 300-600 mV were obtained using the molecular catalysts on the silicon photoelectrodes. SiNWs exhibited enhanced properties, including significantly higher photovoltages than a planar silicon photoelectrode, the ability to protect one of the molecular catalysts from photo-induced decomposition, and excellent selectivity towards CO production in CO2 reduction. Recent theoretical and experimental work have demonstrated low-energy, binuclear pathways for CO2-to-CO conversion using several molecular catalysts. In such binuclear pathways, two metal centers work cooperatively to achieve two-electron CO2 reduction. Chapter 5 describes our effort to promote the binuclear pathway by grafting the molecular Co(III) catalyst onto silica surfaces. Different linking strategies were attempted to achieve this goal by planting the surface Co(III) sites in close proximity.

Analysis of the critical step in catalytic carbodiimide transformation: proton transfer from amines, phosphines, and alkynes to guanidinates, phosphaguanidinates, and propiolamidinates with Li and Al catalysts.

PubMed

Rowley, Christopher N; Ong, Tiow-Gan; Priem, Jessica; Richeson, Darrin S; Woo, Tom K

2008-12-15

While lithium amides supported by tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) are efficient catalysts in the synthesis of substituted guanidines via the guanylation of an amine with carbodiimide, as well as the guanylation of phosphines and conversion of alkynes into propiolamidines, aluminum amides are only efficient catalysts for the guanylation of amides. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to explain this difference in activity. The origin of this behavior is apparent in the critical step where a proton is transferred from the substrate to a metal guanidinate. The activation energies of these steps are modest for amines, phosphines, and alkynes when a lithium catalyst was used, but are prohibitively high for the analogous reactions with phosphines and alkynes for aluminum amide catalysts. Energy decomposition analysis (EDA) indicates that these high activations energies are due to the high energetic cost of the detachment of a chelating guanidinate nitrogen from the aluminum in the proton transfer transition state. Amines are able to adopt an ideal geometry for facile proton transfer to the aluminum guanidinate and concomitant Al-N bond formation, while phosphines and alkynes are not.

12 CFR 205.15 - Electronic fund transfer of government benefits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Electronic fund transfer of government benefits. 205.15 Section 205.15 Banks and Banking FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS (REGULATION E) § 205.15 Electronic fund transfer of government...

Proton-coupled electron transfer versus hydrogen atom transfer: generation of charge-localized diabatic states.

PubMed

Sirjoosingh, Andrew; Hammes-Schiffer, Sharon

2011-03-24

The distinction between proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanisms is important for the characterization of many chemical and biological processes. PCET and HAT mechanisms can be differentiated in terms of electronically nonadiabatic and adiabatic proton transfer, respectively. In this paper, quantitative diagnostics to evaluate the degree of electron-proton nonadiabaticity are presented. Moreover, the connection between the degree of electron-proton nonadiabaticity and the physical characteristics distinguishing PCET from HAT, namely, the extent of electronic charge redistribution, is clarified. In addition, a rigorous diabatization scheme for transforming the adiabatic electronic states into charge-localized diabatic states for PCET reactions is presented. These diabatic states are constructed to ensure that the first-order nonadiabatic couplings with respect to the one-dimensional transferring hydrogen coordinate vanish exactly. Application of these approaches to the phenoxyl-phenol and benzyl-toluene systems characterizes the former as PCET and the latter as HAT. The diabatic states generated for the phenoxyl-phenol system possess physically meaningful, localized electronic charge distributions that are relatively invariant along the hydrogen coordinate. These diabatic electronic states can be combined with the associated proton vibrational states to generate the reactant and product electron-proton vibronic states that form the basis of nonadiabatic PCET theories. Furthermore, these vibronic states and the corresponding vibronic couplings may be used to calculate rate constants and kinetic isotope effects of PCET reactions.

Tracking Catalyst Redox States and Reaction Dynamics in Ni-Fe Oxyhydroxide Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts: The Role of Catalyst Support and Electrolyte pH.

PubMed

Görlin, Mikaela; Ferreira de Araújo, Jorge; Schmies, Henrike; Bernsmeier, Denis; Dresp, Sören; Gliech, Manuel; Jusys, Zenonas; Chernev, Petko; Kraehnert, Ralph; Dau, Holger; Strasser, Peter

2017-02-08

Ni-Fe oxyhydroxides are the most active known electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolytes and are therefore of great scientific and technological importance in the context of electrochemical energy conversion. Here we uncover, investigate, and discuss previously unaddressed effects of conductive supports and the electrolyte pH on the Ni-Fe(OOH) catalyst redox behavior and catalytic OER activity, combining in situ UV-vis spectro-electrochemistry, operando electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), and in situ cryo X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Supports and pH > 13 strongly enhanced the precatalytic voltammetric charge of the Ni-Fe oxyhydroxide redox peak couple, shifted them more cathodically, and caused a 2-3-fold increase in the catalytic OER activity. Analysis of DEMS-based faradaic oxygen efficiency and electrochemical UV-vis traces consistently confirmed our voltammetric observations, evidencing both a more cathodic O 2 release and a more cathodic onset of Ni oxidation at higher pH. Using UV-vis, which can monitor the amount of oxidized Ni +3/+4 in situ, confirmed an earlier onset of the redox process at high electrolyte pH and further provided evidence of a smaller fraction of Ni +3/+4 in mixed Ni-Fe centers, confirming the unresolved paradox of a reduced metal redox activity with increasing Fe content. A nonmonotonic super-Nernstian pH dependence of the redox peaks with increasing Fe content-displaying Pourbaix slopes as steep as -120 mV/pH-suggested a two proton-one electron transfer. We explain and discuss the experimental pH effects using refined coupled (PCET) and decoupled proton transfer-electron transfer (PT/ET) schemes involving negatively charged oxygenate ligands generated at Fe centers. Together, we offer new insight into the catalytic reaction dynamics and associated catalyst redox chemistry of the most important class of alkaline OER catalysts.

Understanding catalyst behavior during in situ heating through simultaneous secondary and transmitted electron imaging.

PubMed

Howe, Jane Y; Allard, Lawrence F; Bigelow, Wilbur C; Demers, Hendrix; Overbury, Steven H

2014-01-01

By coupling techniques of simultaneous secondary (SE) and transmitted electron (TE) imaging at high resolution in a modern scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), with the ability to heat specimens using a highly stable MEMS-based heating platform, we obtained synergistic information to clarify the behavior of catalysts during in situ thermal treatments. Au/iron oxide catalyst 'leached' to remove surface Au was heated to temperatures as high as 700°C. The Fe2O3 support particle structure tended to reduce to Fe3O4 and formed surface terraces; the formation, coalescence, and mobility of 1- to 2-nm particles on the terraces were characterized in SE, STEM-ADF, and TEM-BF modes. If combined with simultaneous nanoprobe spectroscopy, this approach will open the door to a new way of studying the kinetics of nano-scaled phenomena.

Understanding catalyst behavior during in situ heating through simultaneous secondary and transmitted electron imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howe, Jane Y.; Allard, Lawrence F.; Bigelow, Wilbur C.; Demers, Hendrix; Overbury, Steven H.

2014-11-01

By coupling techniques of simultaneous secondary (SE) and transmitted electron (TE) imaging at high resolution in a modern scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), with the ability to heat specimens using a highly stable MEMS-based heating platform, we obtained synergistic information to clarify the behavior of catalysts during in situ thermal treatments. Au/iron oxide catalyst 'leached' to remove surface Au was heated to temperatures as high as 700°C. The Fe2O3 support particle structure tended to reduce to Fe3O4 and formed surface terraces; the formation, coalescence, and mobility of 1- to 2-nm particles on the terraces were characterized in SE, STEM-ADF, and TEM-BF modes. If combined with simultaneous nanoprobe spectroscopy, this approach will open the door to a new way of studying the kinetics of nano-scaled phenomena.

Photoinduced electron transfer from semiconductor quantum dots to metal oxide nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Tvrdy, Kevin; Frantsuzov, Pavel A.; Kamat, Prashant V.

2011-01-01

Quantum dot-metal oxide junctions are an integral part of next-generation solar cells, light emitting diodes, and nanostructured electronic arrays. Here we present a comprehensive examination of electron transfer at these junctions, using a series of CdSe quantum dot donors (sizes 2.8, 3.3, 4.0, and 4.2 nm in diameter) and metal oxide nanoparticle acceptors (SnO2, TiO2, and ZnO). Apparent electron transfer rate constants showed strong dependence on change in system free energy, exhibiting a sharp rise at small driving forces followed by a modest rise further away from the characteristic reorganization energy. The observed trend mimics the predicted behavior of electron transfer from a single quantum state to a continuum of electron accepting states, such as those present in the conduction band of a metal oxide nanoparticle. In contrast with dye-sensitized metal oxide electron transfer studies, our systems did not exhibit unthermalized hot-electron injection due to relatively large ratios of electron cooling rate to electron transfer rate. To investigate the implications of these findings in photovoltaic cells, quantum dot-metal oxide working electrodes were constructed in an identical fashion to the films used for the electron transfer portion of the study. Interestingly, the films which exhibited the fastest electron transfer rates (SnO2) were not the same as those which showed the highest photocurrent (TiO2). These findings suggest that, in addition to electron transfer at the quantum dot-metal oxide interface, other electron transfer reactions play key roles in the determination of overall device efficiency. PMID:21149685

Anomalous single-electron transfer in common-gate quadruple-dot single-electron devices with asymmetric junction capacitances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imai, Shigeru; Ito, Masato

2018-06-01

In this paper, anomalous single-electron transfer in common-gate quadruple-dot turnstile devices with asymmetric junction capacitances is revealed. That is, the islands have the same total number of excess electrons at high and low gate voltages of the swing that transfers a single electron. In another situation, two electrons enter the islands from the source and two electrons leave the islands for the source and drain during a gate voltage swing cycle. First, stability diagrams of the turnstile devices are presented. Then, sequences of single-electron tunneling events by gate voltage swings are investigated, which demonstrate the above-mentioned anomalous single-electron transfer between the source and the drain. The anomalous single-electron transfer can be understood by regarding the four islands as “three virtual islands and a virtual source or drain electrode of a virtual triple-dot device”. The anomalous behaviors of the four islands are explained by the normal behavior of the virtual islands transferring a single electron and the behavior of the virtual electrode.

What Hinders Electron Transfer Dissociation (ETD) of DNA Cations?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hari, Yvonne; Leumann, Christian J.; Schürch, Stefan

2017-12-01

Radical activation methods, such as electron transfer dissociation (ETD), produce structural information complementary to collision-induced dissociation. Herein, electron transfer dissociation of 3-fold protonated DNA hexamers was studied to gain insight into the fragmentation mechanism. The fragmentation patterns of a large set of DNA hexamers confirm cytosine as the primary target of electron transfer. The reported data reveal backbone cleavage by internal electron transfer from the nucleobase to the phosphate linker leading either to a•/ w or d/ z• ion pairs. This reaction pathway contrasts with previous findings on the dissociation processes after electron capture by DNA cations, suggesting multiple, parallel dissociation channels. However, all these channels merely result in partial fragmentation of the precursor ion because the charge-reduced DNA radical cations are quite stable. Two hypotheses are put forward to explain the low dissociation yield of DNA radical cations: it is either attributed to non-covalent interactions between complementary fragments or to the stabilization of the unpaired electron in stacked nucleobases. MS3 experiments suggest that the charge-reduced species is the intact oligonucleotide. Moreover, introducing abasic sites significantly increases the dissociation yield of DNA cations. Consequently, the stabilization of the unpaired electron by π-π-stacking provides an appropriate rationale for the high intensity of DNA radical cations after electron transfer. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

The Iron-Sulfur Cluster of Electron Transfer Flavoprotein-ubiquinone Oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) is the Electron Acceptor for Electron Transfer Flavoprotein†

PubMed Central

Swanson, Michael A.; Usselman, Robert J.; Frerman, Frank E.; Eaton, Gareth R.; Eaton, Sandra S.

2011-01-01

Electron-transfer flavoprotein-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (ETF-QO) accepts electrons from electron-transfer flavoprotein (ETF) and reduces ubiquinone from the ubiquinone-pool. It contains one [4Fe-4S]2+,1+ and one FAD, which are diamagnetic in the isolated oxidized enzyme and can be reduced to paramagnetic forms by enzymatic donors or dithionite. In the porcine protein, threonine 367 is hydrogen bonded to N1 and O2 of the flavin ring of the FAD. The analogous site in Rhodobacter sphaeroides ETF-QO is asparagine 338. Mutations N338T and N338A were introduced into the R. sphaeroides protein by site-directed mutagenesis to determine the impact of hydrogen bonding at this site on redox potentials and activity. The mutations did not alter the optical spectra, EPR g-values, spin-lattice relaxation rates, or the [4Fe-4S]2+,1+ to FAD point-dipole interspin distances. The mutations had no impact on the reduction potential for the iron-sulfur cluster, which was monitored by changes in the continuous wave EPR signals of the [4Fe-4S]+ at 15 K. For the FAD semiquinone, significantly different potentials were obtained by monitoring the titration at 100 or 293 K. Based on spectra at 293 K the N338T mutation shifted the first and second midpoint potentials for the FAD from +47 mV and −30 mV for wild type to −11 mV and −19 mV, respectively. The N338A mutation decreased the potentials to −37 mV and −49 mV. Lowering the midpoint potentials resulted in a decrease in the quinone reductase activity and negligible impact on disproportionation of ETF1e− catalyzed by ETF-QO. These observations indicate that the FAD is involved in electron transfer to ubiquinone, but not in electron transfer from ETF to ETF-QO. Therefore the iron-sulfur cluster is the immediate acceptor from ETF. PMID:18672901

Performance enhancement of molten carbonate-based direct carbon fuel cell (MC-DCFC) via adding mixed ionic-electronic conductors into Ni anode catalyst layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Eun-Kyung; Park, Shin-Ae; Jung, Hyun-Woo; Kim, Yong-Tae

2018-05-01

A high overpotential in the anode of Direct Carbon Fuel Cells (DCFC) is ascribed to the sluggish kinetics of solid fuel oxidation. In this study, we demonstrate a unique approach to enhance the performance of molten-carbonate electrolyte based DCFC (MC-DCFC) by decreasing a serious polarization loss at the anode side; a simple addition of lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (LSCF) having a function of mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIEC) into the Ni anode catalyst layer. Ni:LSCF = 1:1 showed markedly enhanced peak power density of 111 mW/cm2, approximately two-fold higher value than that for the anode using solely Ni and one of the best record in the literature value using carbon black fuel without any contribution of generated syngas oxidation. As can be noted from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data, the ohmic and the charge transfer resistance of the anode was markedly decreased owing to the high ionic-electronic conductivity of the MIECs. Furthermore, the enhanced performance can be also attributed to the maximized TPBs (triple phase boundaries) that participate in the carbon oxidation reaction. Based on the results, we suggest that the addition of MIEC materials into the Ni anode catalyst layer is a promising approach to improve the performance of MC-DCFC.

Extensive domain motion and electron transfer in the human electron transferring flavoprotein.medium chain Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase complex.

PubMed

Toogood, Helen S; van Thiel, Adam; Basran, Jaswir; Sutcliffe, Mike J; Scrutton, Nigel S; Leys, David

2004-07-30

The crystal structure of the human electron transferring flavoprotein (ETF).medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) complex reveals a dual mode of protein-protein interaction, imparting both specificity and promiscuity in the interaction of ETF with a range of structurally distinct primary dehydrogenases. ETF partitions the functions of partner binding and electron transfer between (i) the recognition loop, which acts as a static anchor at the ETF.MCAD interface, and (ii) the highly mobile redox active FAD domain. Together, these enable the FAD domain of ETF to sample a range of conformations, some compatible with fast interprotein electron transfer. Disorders in amino acid or fatty acid catabolism can be attributed to mutations at the protein-protein interface. Crucially, complex formation triggers mobility of the FAD domain, an induced disorder that contrasts with general models of protein-protein interaction by induced fit mechanisms. The subsequent interfacial motion in the MCAD.ETF complex is the basis for the interaction of ETF with structurally diverse protein partners. Solution studies using ETF and MCAD with mutations at the protein-protein interface support this dynamic model and indicate ionic interactions between MCAD Glu(212) and ETF Arg alpha(249) are likely to transiently stabilize productive conformations of the FAD domain leading to enhanced electron transfer rates between both partners.

Boron- and Nitrogen-Substituted Graphene Nanoribbons as Efficient Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

DOE PAGES

Gong, Yongji; Fei, Huilong; Zou, Xiaolong; ...

2015-02-02

Here, we show that nanoribbons of boron- and nitrogen-substituted graphene can be used as efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Optimally doped graphene nanoribbons made into three-dimensional porous constructs exhibit the highest onset and half-wave potentials among the reported metal-free catalysts for this reaction and show superior performance compared to commercial Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, this catalyst possesses high kinetic current density and four-electron transfer pathway with low hydrogen peroxide yield during the reaction. Finally, first-principles calculations suggest that such excellent electrocatalytic properties originate from the abundant edges of boron- and nitrogen-codoped graphene nanoribbons, which significantly reduce the energymore » barriers of the rate-determining steps of the ORR reaction.« less

Insights into the Mechanism of a Covalently Linked Organic Dye-Cobaloxime Catalyst System for Dye-Sensitized Solar Fuel Devices.

PubMed

Pati, Palas Baran; Zhang, Lei; Philippe, Bertrand; Fernández-Terán, Ricardo; Ahmadi, Sareh; Tian, Lei; Rensmo, Håkan; Hammarström, Leif; Tian, Haining

2017-06-09

A covalently linked organic dye-cobaloxime catalyst system based on mesoporous NiO is synthesized by a facile click reaction for mechanistic studies and application in a dye-sensitized solar fuel device. The system is systematically investigated by photoelectrochemical measurements, density functional theory, time-resolved fluorescence, transient absorption spectroscopy, and photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that irradiation of the dye-catalyst on NiO leads to ultrafast hole injection into NiO from the excited dye, followed by a fast electron transfer process to reduce the catalyst. Moreover, the dye adopts different structures with different excited state energies, and excitation energy transfer occurs between neighboring molecules on the semiconductor surface. The photoelectrochemical experiments also show hydrogen production by this system. The axial chloride ligands of the catalyst are released during photocatalysis to create the active sites for proton reduction. A working mechanism of the dye-catalyst system on the photocathode is proposed on the basis of this study. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

The interaction of trimethylamine dehydrogenase and electron-transferring flavoprotein.

PubMed

Shi, Weiwei; Mersfelder, John; Hille, Russ

2005-05-27

The interaction between the physiological electron transfer partners trimethylamine dehydrogenase (TMADH) and electron-transferring flavoprotein (ETF) from Methylophilus methylotrophus has been examined with particular regard to the proposal that the former protein "imprints" a conformational change on the latter. The results indicate that the absorbance change previously attributed to changes in the environment of the FAD of ETF upon binding to TMADH is instead caused by electron transfer from partially reduced, as-isolated TMADH to ETF. Prior treatment of the as-isolated enzyme with the oxidant ferricenium essentially abolishes the observed spectral change. Further, when the semiquinone form of ETF is used instead of the oxidized form, the mirror image of the spectral change seen with as-isolated TMADH and oxidized ETF is observed. This is attributable to a small amount of electron transfer in the reverse of the physiological direction. Kinetic determination of the dissociation constant and limiting rate constant for electron transfer within the complex of (reduced) TMADH with (oxidized) ETF is reconfirmed and discussed in the context of a recently proposed model for the interaction between the two proteins that involves "structural imprinting" of ETF.

Modeling electron transfer in photosystem I.

PubMed

Makita, Hiroki; Hastings, Gary

2016-06-01

Nanosecond to millisecond time-resolved absorption spectroscopy has been used to study electron transfer processes in photosystem I particles from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 with eight different quinones incorporated into the A1 binding site, at both 298 and 77K. A detailed kinetic model was constructed and solved within the context of Marcus electron transfer theory, and it was found that all of the data could be well described only if the in situ midpoint potentials of the quinones fell in a tightly defined range. For photosystem I with phylloquinone incorporated into the A1 binding site all of the time-resolved optical data is best modeled when the in situ midpoint potential of phylloquinone on the A/B branch is -635/-690 mV, respectively. With the midpoint potential of the F(X) iron sulfur cluster set at -680 mV, this indicates that forward electron transfer from A(1)(-) to F(X) is slightly endergonic/exergonic on the A/B branch, respectively. Additionally, for forward electron transfer from A(1)(-) to F(X), on both the A and B branches the reorganization energy is close to 0.7 eV. Reorganization energies of 0.4 or 1.0 eV are not possible. For the eight different quinones incorporated, the same kinetic model was used, allowing us to establish in situ redox potentials for all of the incorporated quinones on both branches. A linear correlation was found between the in situ and in vitro midpoint potentials of the quinones on both branches. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation by synthetic catalysts in cancer cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coverdale, James P. C.; Romero-Canelón, Isolda; Sanchez-Cano, Carlos; Clarkson, Guy J.; Habtemariam, Abraha; Wills, Martin; Sadler, Peter J.

2018-03-01

Catalytic anticancer metallodrugs active at low doses could minimize side-effects, introduce novel mechanisms of action that combat resistance and widen the spectrum of anticancer-drug activity. Here we use highly stable chiral half-sandwich organometallic Os(II) arene sulfonyl diamine complexes, [Os(arene)(TsDPEN)] (TsDPEN, N-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine), to achieve a highly enantioselective reduction of pyruvate, a key intermediate in metabolic pathways. Reduction is shown both in aqueous model systems and in human cancer cells, with non-toxic concentrations of sodium formate used as a hydride source. The catalytic mechanism generates selectivity towards ovarian cancer cells versus non-cancerous fibroblasts (both ovarian and lung), which are commonly used as models of healthy proliferating cells. The formate precursor N-formylmethionine was explored as an alternative to formate in PC3 prostate cancer cells, which are known to overexpress a deformylase enzyme. Transfer-hydrogenation catalysts that generate reductive stress in cancer cells offer a new approach to cancer therapy.

Extracellular electron transfer mechanisms between microorganisms and minerals.

PubMed

Shi, Liang; Dong, Hailiang; Reguera, Gemma; Beyenal, Haluk; Lu, Anhuai; Liu, Juan; Yu, Han-Qing; Fredrickson, James K

2016-10-01

Electrons can be transferred from microorganisms to multivalent metal ions that are associated with minerals and vice versa. As the microbial cell envelope is neither physically permeable to minerals nor electrically conductive, microorganisms have evolved strategies to exchange electrons with extracellular minerals. In this Review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that underlie the ability of microorganisms to exchange electrons, such as c-type cytochromes and microbial nanowires, with extracellular minerals and with microorganisms of the same or different species. Microorganisms that have extracellular electron transfer capability can be used for biotechnological applications, including bioremediation, biomining and the production of biofuels and nanomaterials.

Structure and function of real catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klier, K.

1984-11-01

This paper addresses issues such as the relation between the physical and chemical nature of active centers, activation of reactant molecules, mechanisms of catalytic reactions and distribution of promoters in real catalysts which are invariably multicomponent multiphase systems. Interactions among the catalyst components and phases often result in the formation of compounds and defects that do not exist in the separate components. Although such interactions give rise to a great variety of morphologic, chemical, and electronic properties of the real catalysts, they can be controlled, mostly by careful preparation and doping procedures, to the degree that the catalyst displays reproducible activity and selectivity. Most of the examples given in this paper are based on the results from the author's laboratory concerning the activity and selectivity of copper-based catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, the water gas shift reaction, and some reactions of amines. Evidence is presented for the interactions between the copper and zinc oxide then analyzed in terms of defect equilibria using models and constants partially known from the literature and adapted for the present system. It is shown on the basis of boundary layer theory for small particles that charge transfer between copper metal particles, also present in the system, and the zinc oxide phase is insignificant. On the other hand, electron equilibria between the solute copper species and the zinc oxide matrix are dictated primarily by intrinsic ionization Cu 0 → Cu + + e - and oxygen vacancy formation. Optical absorption spectroscopy strongly corroborates the theoretical contention that a significant portion of the copper is in electron deficient state, and there is some evidence based on Auger spectroscopy for the presence of Cu + species on the catalyst surface. It is reiterated, as has been proposed before in our earlier work, that these copper species activate substrates

Silver doped catalysts for treatment of exhaust

DOEpatents

Park, Paul Worn; Hester, Virgil Raymond; Ragle, Christie Susan; Boyer, Carrie L.

2009-06-02

A method of making an exhaust treatment element includes washcoating a substrate with a slurry that includes a catalyst support material. At least some of the catalyst support material from the slurry may be transferred to the substrate, and silver metal (Ag) is dispersed within the catalyst support material.

Graphite-Conjugated Rhenium Catalysts for Carbon Dioxide Reduction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oh, Seokjoon; Gallagher, James R.; Miller, Jeffrey T.

2016-02-17

Condensation of fac-Re(5,6-diamino-1,10-phenanthroline)(CO)(3)Cl to o-quinone edge defects on graphitic carbon surfaces generates graphite-conjugated rhenium (GCC-Re) catalysts that are highly active for CO2 reduction to CO in acetonitrile electrolyte. X-ray photo-electron and X-ray absorption spectroscopies establish the formation of surface-bound Re centers with well-defined coordination environments. GCC-Re species on glassy carbon surfaces display catalytic currents greater than 50 mA cm(-2) with 96 +/- 3% Faradaic efficiency for CO production. Normalized for the number of Re active sites, GCC-Re catalysts exhibit higher turnover frequencies than that of a soluble molecular analogue, fac-Re(1,10-phenanthroline)(CO)(3)Cl, and turnover numbers greater than 12,000. In contrast to themore » molecular analogue, GCC-Re surfaces display a Tafel slope of 150 mV/decade, indicative of a catalytic mechanism involving rate-limiting one-electron transfer. This work establishes graphite conjugation as a powerful strategy for generating well-defined, tunable, heterogeneous electrocatalysts on ubiquitous graphitic carbon surfaces.« less

Highly Active and Stable Pt–Pd Alloy Catalysts Synthesized by Room‐Temperature Electron Reduction for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

PubMed Central

Wang, Wei; Wang, Zongyuan; Wang, Jiajun; Zhong, Chuan‐Jian

2017-01-01

Carbon‐supported platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd) alloy catalyst has become a promising alternative electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this work, the synthesis of highly active and stable carbon‐supported Pt–Pd alloy catalysts is reported with a room‐temperature electron reduction method. The alloy nanoparticles thus prepared show a particle size around 2.6 nm and a core–shell structure with Pt as the shell. With this structure, the breaking of O–O bands and desorption of OH are both promoted in electrocatalysis of ORR. In comparison with the commercial Pt/C catalyst prepared by conventional method, the mass activity of the Pt–Pd/C catalyst for ORR is shown to increase by a factor of ≈4. After 10 000‐cycle durability test, the Pt–Pd/C catalyst is shown to retain 96.5% of the mass activity, which is much more stable than that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. PMID:28435780

Ultrahigh figure-of-merit for hydrogen generation from sodium borohydride using ternary metal catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Lunghao; Ceccato, R.; Raj, R.

We report further increase in the figure-of-merit (FOM) for hydrogen generation from NaBH 4 than reported in an earlier paper [1], where a sub-nanometer layer of metal catalysts are deposited on carbon nanotube paper (CNT paper) that has been functionalized with polymer-derived silicon carbonitride (SiCN) ceramic film. Ternary, Ru-Pd-Pt, instead of the binary Pd-Pt catalyst used earlier, together with a thinner CNT paper is shown to increase the figure-of-merit by up to a factor of six, putting is above any other known catalyst for hydrogen generation from NaBH 4. The catalysts are prepared by first impregnating the functionalized CNT-paper with solutions of the metal salts, followed by reduction in a sodium borohydride solution. The reaction mechanism and the catalyst efficiency are described in terms of an electric charge transfer, whereby the negative charge on the BH 4 - ion is exchanged with hydrogen via the electronically conducting SiCN/CNT substrate [1].

A unified diabatic description for electron transfer reactions, isomerization reactions, proton transfer reactions, and aromaticity.

PubMed

Reimers, Jeffrey R; McKemmish, Laura K; McKenzie, Ross H; Hush, Noel S

2015-10-14

While diabatic approaches are ubiquitous for the understanding of electron-transfer reactions and have been mooted as being of general relevance, alternate applications have not been able to unify the same wide range of observed spectroscopic and kinetic properties. The cause of this is identified as the fundamentally different orbital configurations involved: charge-transfer phenomena involve typically either 1 or 3 electrons in two orbitals whereas most reactions are typically closed shell. As a result, two vibrationally coupled electronic states depict charge-transfer scenarios whereas three coupled states arise for closed-shell reactions of non-degenerate molecules and seven states for the reactions implicated in the aromaticity of benzene. Previous diabatic treatments of closed-shell processes have considered only two arbitrarily chosen states as being critical, mapping these states to those for electron transfer. We show that such effective two-state diabatic models are feasible but involve renormalized electronic coupling and vibrational coupling parameters, with this renormalization being property dependent. With this caveat, diabatic models are shown to provide excellent descriptions of the spectroscopy and kinetics of the ammonia inversion reaction, proton transfer in N2H7(+), and aromaticity in benzene. This allows for the development of a single simple theory that can semi-quantitatively describe all of these chemical phenomena, as well as of course electron-transfer reactions. It forms a basis for understanding many technologically relevant aspects of chemical reactions, condensed-matter physics, chemical quantum entanglement, nanotechnology, and natural or artificial solar energy capture and conversion.

Finding Furfural Hydrogenation Catalysts via Predictive Modelling

PubMed Central

Strassberger, Zea; Mooijman, Maurice; Ruijter, Eelco; Alberts, Albert H; Maldonado, Ana G; Orru, Romano V A; Rothenberg, Gadi

2010-01-01

Abstract We combine multicomponent reactions, catalytic performance studies and predictive modelling to find transfer hydrogenation catalysts. An initial set of 18 ruthenium-carbene complexes were synthesized and screened in the transfer hydrogenation of furfural to furfurol with isopropyl alcohol complexes gave varied yields, from 62% up to >99.9%, with no obvious structure/activity correlations. Control experiments proved that the carbene ligand remains coordinated to the ruthenium centre throughout the reaction. Deuterium-labelling studies showed a secondary isotope effect (kH:kD=1.5). Further mechanistic studies showed that this transfer hydrogenation follows the so-called monohydride pathway. Using these data, we built a predictive model for 13 of the catalysts, based on 2D and 3D molecular descriptors. We tested and validated the model using the remaining five catalysts (cross-validation, R2=0.913). Then, with this model, the conversion and selectivity were predicted for four completely new ruthenium-carbene complexes. These four catalysts were then synthesized and tested. The results were within 3% of the model’s predictions, demonstrating the validity and value of predictive modelling in catalyst optimization. PMID:23193388

Shewanella secretes flavins that mediate extracellular electron transfer

PubMed Central

Marsili, Enrico; Baron, Daniel B.; Shikhare, Indraneel D.; Coursolle, Dan; Gralnick, Jeffrey A.; Bond, Daniel R.

2008-01-01

Bacteria able to transfer electrons to metals are key agents in biogeochemical metal cycling, subsurface bioremediation, and corrosion processes. More recently, these bacteria have gained attention as the transfer of electrons from the cell surface to conductive materials can be used in multiple applications. In this work, we adapted electrochemical techniques to probe intact biofilms of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and Shewanella sp. MR-4 grown by using a poised electrode as an electron acceptor. This approach detected redox-active molecules within biofilms, which were involved in electron transfer to the electrode. A combination of methods identified a mixture of riboflavin and riboflavin-5′-phosphate in supernatants from biofilm reactors, with riboflavin representing the dominant component during sustained incubations (>72 h). Removal of riboflavin from biofilms reduced the rate of electron transfer to electrodes by >70%, consistent with a role as a soluble redox shuttle carrying electrons from the cell surface to external acceptors. Differential pulse voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry revealed a layer of flavins adsorbed to electrodes, even after soluble components were removed, especially in older biofilms. Riboflavin adsorbed quickly to other surfaces of geochemical interest, such as Fe(III) and Mn(IV) oxy(hydr)oxides. This in situ demonstration of flavin production, and sequestration at surfaces, requires the paradigm of soluble redox shuttles in geochemistry to be adjusted to include binding and modification of surfaces. Moreover, the known ability of isoalloxazine rings to act as metal chelators, along with their electron shuttling capacity, suggests that extracellular respiration of minerals by Shewanella is more complex than originally conceived. PMID:18316736

Heterogeneous Electron-Transfer Dynamics through Dipole-Bridge Groups.

PubMed

Nieto-Pescador, Jesus; Abraham, Baxter; Li, Jingjing; Batarseh, Alberto; Bartynski, Robert A; Galoppini, Elena; Gundlach, Lars

2016-01-14

Heterogeneous electron transfer (HET) between photoexcited molecules and colloidal TiO 2 has been investigated for a set of Zn-porphyrin chromophores attached to the semiconductor via linkers that allow to change level alignment by 200 meV by reorientation of the dipole moment. These unique dye molecules have been studied by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy in solution and adsorbed on the TiO 2 colloidal film in vacuum. In solution energy transfer from the excited chromophore to the dipole group has been identified as a slow relaxation pathway competing with S 2 -S 1 internal conversion. On the film heterogeneous electron transfer occurred in 80 fs, much faster compared to all intramolecular pathways. Despite a difference of 200 meV in level alignment of the excited state with respect to the semiconductor conduction band, identical electron transfer times were measured for different linkers. The measurements are compared to a quantum-mechanical model that accounts for electronic-vibronic coupling and finite band width for the acceptor states. We conclude that HET occurs into a distribution of transition states that differs from regular surface states or bridge mediated states.

Electron Transfer Dissociation: Effects of Cation Charge State on Product Partitioning in Ion/Ion Electron Transfer to Multiply Protonated Polypeptides

PubMed Central

Liu, Jian; McLuckey, Scott A.

2012-01-01

The effect of cation charge state on product partitioning in the gas-phase ion/ion electron transfer reactions of multiply protonated tryptic peptides, model peptides, and relatively large peptides with singly charged radical anions has been examined. In particular, partitioning into various competing channels, such as proton transfer (PT) versus electron transfer (ET), electron transfer with subsequent dissociation (ETD) versus electron transfer with no dissociation (ET,noD), and fragmentation of backbone bonds versus fragmentation of side chains, was measured quantitatively as a function of peptide charge state to allow insights to be drawn about the fundamental aspects of ion/ion reactions that lead to ETD. The ET channel increases relative to the PT channel, ETD increases relative to ET,noD, and fragmentation at backbone bonds increases relative to side-chain cleavages as cation charge state increases. The increase in ET versus PT with charge state is consistent with a Landau-Zener based curve-crossing model. An optimum charge state for ET is predicted by the model for the ground state-to-ground state reaction. However, when the population of excited product ion states is considered, it is possible that a decrease in ET efficiency as charge state increases will not be observed due to the possibility of the population of excited electronic states of the products. Several factors can contribute to the increase in ETD versus ET,noD and backbone cleavage versus side-chain losses. These factors include an increase in reaction exothermicity and charge state dependent differences in precursor and product ion structures, stabilities, and sites of protonation. PMID:23264749

Extracellular electron transfer mechanisms between microorganisms and minerals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shi, Liang; Dong, Hailiang; Reguera, Gemma

Electrons can be transferred from microorganisms to multivalent metal ions that are associated with minerals and vice versa. As the microbial cell envelope is neither physically permeable to minerals nor electrically conductive, microorganisms have evolved strategies to exchange electrons with extracellular minerals. In this Review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that underlie the ability of microorganisms to exchange electrons, such as c-type cytochromes and microbial nanowires, with extracellular minerals and with microorganisms of the same or different species. Microorganisms that have extracellular electron transfer capability can be used for biotechnological applications, including bioremediation, biomining and the production of biofuels andmore » nanomaterials.« less

Study of ring influence and electronic response to proton transfer reactions. Reaction electronic flux analysis.

PubMed

Herrera, Barbara

2011-05-01

In this article, a theoretical study of 1-5 proton transfers is presented. Two model systems which represent 1-5 proton transfer, 3-hidroxy-2-propenimine and salicyldenaniline have been studied as shown in Fig. 1. For this purpose, a DFT/B3LYP/6-311+G**, reaction force and reaction electronic flux analysis is made. The obtained results indicate that both proton transfers exhibit energetic and electronic differences emphasizing the role of the neighbor ring and the impact of conjugation on electronic properties.

78 FR 49365 - Electronic Fund Transfers (Regulation E); Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-14

... BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION 12 CFR Part 1005 [Docket No. CFPB-2012-0050] RIN 3170-AA33 Electronic Fund Transfers (Regulation E); Correction AGENCY: Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. ACTION... 2013 Final Rule, which along with three other final rules \\1\\ implements the Electronic Fund Transfer...

Energy gap law of electron transfer in nonpolar solvents.

PubMed

Tachiya, M; Seki, Kazuhiko

2007-09-27

We investigate the energy gap law of electron transfer in nonpolar solvents for charge separation and charge recombination reactions. In polar solvents, the reaction coordinate is given in terms of the electrostatic potentials from solvent permanent dipoles at solutes. In nonpolar solvents, the energy fluctuation due to solvent polarization is absent, but the energy of the ion pair state changes significantly with the distance between the ions as a result of the unscreened strong Coulomb potential. The electron transfer occurs when the final state energy coincides with the initial state energy. For charge separation reactions, the initial state is a neutral pair state, and its energy changes little with the distance between the reactants, whereas the final state is an ion pair state and its energy changes significantly with the mutual distance; for charge recombination reactions, vice versa. We show that the energy gap law of electron-transfer rates in nonpolar solvents significantly depends on the type of electron transfer.

Electronic and Vibrational Coherence in Charge-Transfer Reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scherer, Norbert

1996-03-01

The ultrafast dynamics associated with optically-induced intervalence charge-transfer reactions in solution and protein environments are reported. These studies include the Fe^(II)-Fe^(III) MMCT complex Prussian blue and the mixed valence dimer (CN)_5Ru^(II)CNRuRu^(III)(NH_3)_5. The protein systems include blue copper proteins and the bacterial photosynthetic reaction center. The experimental approaches include photon echo, wavelength-resolved pump-probe and anisotropy measurements performed with 12-16fs duration optical pulses. Complicated time-domain waveforms reflect the several different p[rocesses and time scales for relaxation of coherences (both electronic and vibrational) and populations within these systems. The photon echo and anisotropy results probe electronic coherence and dephasing prior to back electron transfer. Wavelength-resolved pump-probe results reveal vibrational modes coupled to the CT-coordinate as well as formation of new product states or vibrational cooling in the ground state following back electron transfer.

Amide group anchored glucose oxidase based anodic catalysts for high performance enzymatic biofuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Yongjin; Ahn, Yeonjoo; Kim, Do-Heyoung; Kwon, Yongchai

2017-01-01

A new enzyme catalyst is formed by fabricating gold nano particle (GNP)-glucose oxidase (GOx) clusters that are then attached to polyethyleneimine (PEI) and carbon nanotube (CNT) with cross-linkable terephthalaldehyde (TPA) (TPA/[CNT/PEI/GOx-GNP]). Especially, amide bonds belonging to TPA play an anchor role for incorporating rigid bonding among GNP, GOx and CNT/PEI, while middle size GNP is well bonded with thiol group of GOx to form strong GNP-GOx cluster. Those bonds are identified by chemical and electrochemical characterizations like XPS and cyclic voltammogram. The anchording effect of amide bonds induces fast electron transfer and strong chemical bonding, resulting in enhancements in (i) catalytic activity, (ii) amount of immobilized GOx and (ii) performance of enzymatic biofuel cell (EBC) including the catalyst. Regarding the catalytic activity, the TPA/[CNT/PEI/GOx-GNP] produces high electron transfer rate constant (6 s-1), high glucose sensitivity (68 μA mM-1 cm-2), high maximum current density (113 μA cm-2), low charge transfer resistance (17.0 Ω cm2) and long-lasting durability while its chemical structure is characterized by XPS confirming large portion of amide bond. In EBC measurement, it has high maximum power density (0.94 mW cm-2) compatible with catalytic acitivity measurements.

Screening of exciplex formation by distant electron transfer.

PubMed

Fedorenko, S G; Khokhlova, S S; Burshtein, A I

2012-01-12

The excitation quenching by reversible exciplex formation, combined with irreversible but distant electron transfer, is considered by means of the integral encounter theory (IET). Assuming that the quenchers are in great excess, the set of IET equations for the excitations, free ions, and exciplexes is derived. Solving these equations gives the Laplace images of all these populations, and these are used to specify the quantum yields of the corresponding reaction products. It appears that diffusion facilitates the exciplex production and the electron transfer. On the other hand the stronger the electron transfer is, the weaker is the exciplex production. At slow diffusion the distant quenching of excitations by ionization prevents their reaching the contact where they can turn into exciplexes. This is a screening effect that is most pronounced when the ionization rate is large.

12 CFR 1005.14 - Electronic fund transfer service provider not holding consumer's account.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 8 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Electronic fund transfer service provider not... PROTECTION ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS (REGULATION E) General § 1005.14 Electronic fund transfer service provider not holding consumer's account. (a) Provider of electronic fund transfer service. A person that...

12 CFR 1005.14 - Electronic fund transfer service provider not holding consumer's account.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Electronic fund transfer service provider not... PROTECTION ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS (REGULATION E) General § 1005.14 Electronic fund transfer service provider not holding consumer's account. (a) Provider of electronic fund transfer service. A person that...

Single turnover studies of oxidative halophenol dehalogenation by horseradish peroxidase reveal a mechanism involving two consecutive one electron steps: toward a functional halophenol bioremediation catalyst.

PubMed

Sumithran, Suganya; Sono, Masanori; Raner, Gregory M; Dawson, John H

2012-12-01

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) catalyzes the oxidative para-dechlorination of the environmental pollutant/carcinogen 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP). A possible mechanism for this reaction is a direct oxygen atom transfer from HRP compound I (HRP I) to trichlorophenol to generate 2,6-dichloro 1,4-benzoquinone, a two-electron transfer process. An alternative mechanism involves two consecutive one-electron transfer steps in which HRP I is reduced to compound II (HRP II) and then to the ferric enzyme as first proposed by Wiese et al. [F.W. Wiese, H.C. Chang, R.V. Lloyd, J.P. Freeman, V.M. Samokyszyn, Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 34 (1998) 217-222]. To probe the mechanism of oxidative halophenol dehalogenation, the reactions between 2,4,6-TCP and HRP compounds I or II have been investigated under single turnover conditions (i.e., without excess H(2)O(2)) using rapid scan stopped-flow spectroscopy. Addition of 2,4,6-TCP to HRP I leads rapidly to HRP II and then more slowly to the ferric resting state, consistent with a mechanism involving two consecutive one-electron oxidations of the substrate via a phenoxy radical intermediate. HRP II can also directly dechlorinate 2,4,6-TCP as judged by rapid scan stopped-flow and mass spectrometry. This observation is particularly significant since HRP II can only carry out one-electron oxidations. A more detailed understanding of the mechanism of oxidative halophenol dehalogenation will facilitate the use of HRP as a halophenol bioremediation catalyst. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhanced electron transfer kinetics through hybrid graphene-carbon nanotube films.

PubMed

Henry, Philémon A; Raut, Akshay S; Ubnoske, Stephen M; Parker, Charles B; Glass, Jeffrey T

2014-11-01

We report the first study of the electrochemical reactivity of a graphenated carbon nanotube (g-CNT) film. The electron transfer kinetics of the ferri-ferrocyanide couple were examined for a g-CNT film and compared to the kinetics to standard carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The g-CNT film exhibited much higher catalytic activity, with a heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constant, k 0 , approximately two orders of magnitude higher than for standard CNTs. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to correlate the higher electron transfer kinetics with the higher edge-density of the g-CNT film.

Electron transfer in biology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, R. J. P.

Electron transfer is one of the key reactions of biology not just in catalysis of oxidation/reduction reactions but in the conversion of sources of energy such as light to usable form for chemical transformations. There are then two intriguing problems. What is the nature of the matrix in which electrons flow in a biological cell after the initial charge separation due for example to the absorption of light. Here we are examining biological structures similar to man's electronic wires and the construction must be of low resistance in what are apparently insulators - organic polymers. It has been found that the electronic conduction system is largely made from metallo-proteins associated with lipid membranes. We understand much about these biological wires today. The second problem concerns the conversion of the energy captured from the light into usable chemical form. The major synthetic step in the production of biological polymers, including proteins, DNA, RNA, polysaccharides and fats, is condensation, i.e. the removal of water in the formation of amides, esters and so on. Now these condensation reactions are driven in biology by using a drying agent in water, namely the anhydride, pyrophosphate, in a special compound ATP, adenosine triphosphate. The central problem is to discover exactly how the flow of electrons can be related to the synthesis of (bound) pyrophosphate. (In a thermodynamic sense pyrophosphate is a water soluble kinetically stable drying agent comparable with solid P2O5.) In the biological systems the connection between these different classes of reaction, electron transfer and condensation, is known to be via the production of an energized gradient of protons across the biological membrane which arises from the flow of electrons across the same membrane in the electron transport wires of biology. However we do not understand thoroughly the steps which lead from electron flow in a membrane to proton gradients in that membrane, i.e. electron

Electron transfer statistics and thermal fluctuations in molecular junctions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goswami, Himangshu Prabal; Harbola, Upendra

2015-02-28

We derive analytical expressions for probability distribution function (PDF) for electron transport in a simple model of quantum junction in presence of thermal fluctuations. Our approach is based on the large deviation theory combined with the generating function method. For large number of electrons transferred, the PDF is found to decay exponentially in the tails with different rates due to applied bias. This asymmetry in the PDF is related to the fluctuation theorem. Statistics of fluctuations are analyzed in terms of the Fano factor. Thermal fluctuations play a quantitative role in determining the statistics of electron transfer; they tend tomore » suppress the average current while enhancing the fluctuations in particle transfer. This gives rise to both bunching and antibunching phenomena as determined by the Fano factor. The thermal fluctuations and shot noise compete with each other and determine the net (effective) statistics of particle transfer. Exact analytical expression is obtained for delay time distribution. The optimal values of the delay time between successive electron transfers can be lowered below the corresponding shot noise values by tuning the thermal effects.« less

Bulk-surface relationship of an electronic structure for high-throughput screening of metal oxide catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kweun, Joshua Minwoo; Li, Chenzhe; Zheng, Yongping; Cho, Maenghyo; Kim, Yoon Young; Cho, Kyeongjae

2016-05-01

Designing metal-oxides consisting of earth-abundant elements has been a crucial issue to replace precious metal catalysts. To achieve efficient screening of metal-oxide catalysts via bulk descriptors rather than surface descriptors, we investigated the relationship between the electronic structure of bulk and that of the surface for lanthanum-based perovskite oxides, LaMO3 (M = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu). Through density functional theory calculations, we examined the d-band occupancy of the bulk and surface transition-metal atoms (nBulk and nSurf) and the adsorption energy of an oxygen atom (Eads) on (001), (110), and (111) surfaces. For the (001) surface, we observed strong correlation between the nBulk and nSurf with an R-squared value over 94%, and the result was interpreted in terms of ligand field splitting and antibonding/bonding level splitting. Moreover, the Eads on the surfaces was highly correlated with the nBulk with an R-squared value of more than 94%, and different surface relaxations could be explained by the bulk electronic structure (e.g., LaMnO3 vs. LaTiO3). These results suggest that a bulk-derived descriptor such as nBulk can be used to screen metal-oxide catalysts.

12 CFR 1005.14 - Electronic fund transfer service provider not holding consumer's account.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Electronic fund transfer service provider not... PROTECTION ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS (REGULATION E) § 1005.14 Electronic fund transfer service provider not holding consumer's account. (a) Provider of electronic fund transfer service. A person that provides an...

Is back-electron transfer process in Betaine-30 coherent?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rafiq, Shahnawaz; Scholes, Gregory D.

2017-09-01

The possible role of coherent vibrational motion in ultrafast photo-induced electron transfer remains unclear despite considerable experimental and theoretical advances. We revisited this problem by tracking the back-electron transfer (bET) process in Betaine-30 with broadband pump-probe spectroscopy. Dephasing time constant of certain high-frequency vibrations as a function of solvent shows a trend similar to the ET rates. In the purview of Bixon-Jortner model, high-frequency quantum vibrations bridge the reactant-product energy gap by providing activationless vibronic channels. Such interaction reduces the effective coupling significantly and thereby the coherence effects are eliminated due to energy gap fluctuations, making the back-electron transfer incoherent.

Chemical and phase evolution of amorphous molybdenum sulfide catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen production [Chemical and phase evolution of amorphous molybdenum sulfide catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen production directly observed using environmental transmission electron microscopy

DOE PAGES

Lee, Sang Chul; Benck, Jesse D.; Tsai, Charlie; ...

2015-12-01

Amorphous MoS x is a highly active, earth-abundant catalyst for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction. Previous studies have revealed that this material initially has a composition of MoS 3, but after electrochemical activation, the surface is reduced to form an active phase resembling MoS 2 in composition and chemical state. However, structural changes in the Mo Sx catalyst and the mechanism of the activation process remain poorly understood. In this study, we employ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to image amorphous MoS x catalysts activated under two hydrogen-rich conditions: ex situ in an electrochemical cell and in situ in an environmentalmore » TEM. For the first time, we directly observe the formation of crystalline domains in the MoS x catalyst after both activation procedures as well as spatially localized changes in the chemical state detected via electron energy loss spectroscopy. Using density functional theory calculations, we investigate the mechanisms for this phase transformation and find that the presence of hydrogen is critical for enabling the restructuring process. Our results suggest that the surface of the amorphous MoS x catalyst is dynamic: while the initial catalyst activation forms the primary active surface of amorphous MoS 2, continued transformation to the crystalline phase during electrochemical operation could contribute to catalyst deactivation. Finally, these results have important implications for the application of this highly active electrocatalyst for sustainable H 2 generation.« less

Recent Developments in the Synthesis of Biomacromolecules and their Conjugates by Single Electron Transfer-Living Radical Polymerization.

PubMed

Lligadas, Gerard; Grama, Silvia; Percec, Virgil

2017-04-10

Single electron transfer-living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) represents a robust and versatile tool for the synthesis of vinyl polymers with well-defined topology and chain end functionality. The crucial step in SET-LRP is the disproportionation of the Cu(I)X generated by activation with Cu(0) wire, powder, or nascent Cu(0) generated in situ into nascent, extremely reactive Cu(0) atoms and nanoparticles and Cu(II)X 2 . Nascent Cu(0) activates the initiator and dormant chains via a homogeneous or heterogeneous outer-sphere single-electron transfer mechanism (SET-LRP). SET-LRP provides an ultrafast polymerization of a plethora of monomers (e.g., (meth)-acrylates, (meth)-acrylamides, styrene, and vinyl chloride) including hydrophobic and water insoluble to hydrophilic and water soluble. Some advantageous features of SET-LRP are (i) the use of Cu(0) wire or powder as readily available catalysts under mild reaction conditions, (ii) their excellent control over molecular weight evolution and distribution as well as polymer chain ends, (iii) their high functional group tolerance allowing the polymerization of commercial-grade monomers, and (iv) the limited purification required for the resulting polymers. In this Perspective, we highlight the recent advancements of SET-LRP in the synthesis of biomacromolecules and of their conjugates.

Electronic π-Delocalization Boosts Catalytic Water Oxidation by Cu(II) Molecular Catalysts Heterogenized on Graphene Sheets.

PubMed

Garrido-Barros, Pablo; Gimbert-Suriñach, Carolina; Moonshiram, Dooshaye; Picón, Antonio; Monge, Pere; Batista, Victor S; Llobet, Antoni

2017-09-20

A molecular water oxidation catalyst based on the copper complex of general formula [(L py )Cu II ] 2- , 2 2- , (L py is 4-pyrenyl-1,2-phenylenebis(oxamidate) ligand) has been rationally designed and prepared to support a more extended π-conjugation through its structure in contrast with its homologue, the [(L)Cu II ] 2- water oxidation catalyst, 1 2- (L is o-phenylenebis(oxamidate)). The catalytic performance of both catalysts has been comparatively studied in homogeneous phase and in heterogeneous phase by π-stacking anchorage to graphene-based electrodes. In the homogeneous system, the electronic perturbation provided by the pyrene functionality translates into a 150 mV lower overpotential for 2 2- with respect to 1 2- and an impressive increase in the k cat from 6 to 128 s -1 . Upon anchorage, π-stacking interactions with the graphene sheets provide further π-delocalization that improves the catalytic performance of both catalysts. In this sense, 2 2- turned out to be the most active catalyst due to the double influence of both the pyrene and the graphene, displaying an overpotential of 538 mV, a k cat of 540 s -1 and producing more than 5300 TONs.

Electronic shift register memory based on molecular electron-transfer reactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hopfield, J. J.; Onuchic, Jose Nelson; Beratan, David N.

1989-01-01

The design of a shift register memory at the molecular level is described in detail. The memory elements are based on a chain of electron-transfer molecules incorporated on a very large scale integrated (VLSI) substrate, and the information is shifted by photoinduced electron-transfer reactions. The design requirements for such a system are discussed, and several realistic strategies for synthesizing these systems are presented. The immediate advantage of such a hybrid molecular/VLSI device would arise from the possible information storage density. The prospect of considerable savings of energy per bit processed also exists. This molecular shift register memory element design solves the conceptual problems associated with integrating molecular size components with larger (micron) size features on a chip.

ELECTRON TRANSFER MECHANISM AT THE SOLID-LIQUID INTERFACE OF PHYLLOSILICATES

EPA Science Inventory

Interfacial electron transfer processes on clay minerals have significant impact in natural environments and geochemical systems. Nitrobenzene was used as molecular probes to study the electron transfer mechanism at the solid-water interfaces of Fe-containing phyllosicates. For...

Electron Transfer Mechanisms of DNA Repair by Photolyase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Dongping

2015-04-01

Photolyase is a flavin photoenzyme that repairs two DNA base damage products induced by ultraviolet (UV) light: cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and 6-4 photoproducts. With femtosecond spectroscopy and site-directed mutagenesis, investigators have recently made significant advances in our understanding of UV-damaged DNA repair, and the entire enzymatic dynamics can now be mapped out in real time. For dimer repair, six elementary steps have been characterized, including three electron transfer reactions and two bond-breaking processes, and their reaction times have been determined. A unique electron-tunneling pathway was identified, and the critical residues in modulating the repair function at the active site were determined. The dynamic synergy between the elementary reactions for maintaining high repair efficiency was elucidated, and the biological nature of the flavin active state was uncovered. For 6-4 photoproduct repair, a proton-coupled electron transfer repair mechanism has been revealed. The elucidation of electron transfer mechanisms and two repair photocycles is significant and provides a molecular basis for future practical applications, such as in rational drug design for curing skin cancer.

Modular Homogeneous Chromophore–Catalyst Assemblies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mulfort, Karen L.; Utschig, Lisa M.

2016-05-17

supramolecular photocatalyst based on the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) light-harvesting module with cobaloxime-based catalyst module are compared, with progress in stabilizing photoinduced charge separation identified. These same modules embedded in the small electron transfer protein ferredoxin exhibit much longer charge-separation, enabled by stepwise electron transfer through the native [2Fe-2S] cofactor. We anticipate that the use of interchangeable, molecular modules which can interact in different coordination geometries or within entirely different structural platforms will provide important fundamental insights into the effect of environment on parameters such as electron transfer and charge separation, and ultimately drive more efficient designs for artificial photosynthesis.« less

Sensitization of ultra-long-range excited-state electron transfer by energy transfer in a polymerized film

PubMed Central

Ito, Akitaka; Stewart, David J.; Fang, Zhen; Brennaman, M. Kyle; Meyer, Thomas J.

2012-01-01

Distance-dependent energy transfer occurs from the Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer (MLCT) excited state to an anthracene-acrylate derivative (Acr-An) incorporated into the polymer network of a semirigid poly(ethyleneglycol)dimethacrylate monolith. Following excitation, to Acr-An triplet energy transfer occurs followed by long-range, Acr-3An—Acr-An → Acr-An—Acr-3An, energy migration. With methyl viologen dication (MV2+) added as a trap, Acr-3An + MV2+ → Acr-An+ + MV+ electron transfer results in sensitized electron transfer quenching over a distance of approximately 90 Å. PMID:22949698

Micellized tris(bipyridine)ruthenium catalysts affording preparative amounts of hydrated electrons with a green light-emitting diode.

PubMed

Naumann, Robert; Lehmann, Florian; Goez, Martin

2018-05-16

We have explored alkyl substitution of the ligands as a means to improve the performance of the title complexes in photoredox catalytic systems that produce synthetically useable amounts of hydrated electrons through photon pooling. Despite generating a superreductant, these electron sources only consume the bioavailable ascorbate and are driven by a green light-emitting diode (LED). The substitutions influence the catalyst activity through the quenching and recombination rates across the micelle-water interface, and the photoionization quantum yield. Laser flash photolysis yields comprehensive information on all these processes and allows quantitative predictions of the activity observed in LED kinetics, but the latter provides the only access to the catalyst stability under illumination on the timescale of the syntheses. The homoleptic complex with dimethylbipyridine ligands emerges as the optimum that combines an activity twice as high with an undiminished stability in relation to the parent compound. With this complex, we have effected dehalogenations of alkyl and aryl chlorides and fluorides, hydrogenations of carbon-carbon double bonds, and self- as well as cross-couplings. All the substrates employed are impervious to ordinary photoredox catalysts but present no problems to the hydrated electron as a super-reductant. A particularly attractive application is selective deuteration with high isotopic purity, which is achieved simply by using heavy water as the solvent. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Electron Transfer Strategies Regulate Carbonate Mineral and Micropore Formation.

PubMed

Zeng, Zhirui; Tice, Michael M

2018-01-01

Some microbial carbonates are robust biosignatures due to their distinct morphologies and compositions. However, whether carbonates induced by microbial iron reduction have such features is unknown. Iron-reducing bacteria use various strategies to transfer electrons to iron oxide minerals (e.g., membrane-bound enzymes, soluble electron shuttles, nanowires, as well as different mechanisms for moving over or attaching to mineral surfaces). This diversity has the potential to create mineral biosignatures through manipulating the microenvironments in which carbonate precipitation occurs. We used Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, Geothrix fermentans, and Geobacter metallireducens GS-15, representing three different strategies, to reduce solid ferric hydroxide in order to evaluate their influence on carbonate and micropore formation (micro-size porosity in mineral rocks). Our results indicate that electron transfer strategies determined the morphology (rhombohedral, spherical, or long-chained) of precipitated calcium-rich siderite by controlling the level of carbonate saturation and the location of carbonate formation. Remarkably, electron transfer strategies also produced distinctive cell-shaped micropores in both carbonate and hydroxide minerals, thus producing suites of features that could potentially serve as biosignatures recording information about the sizes, shapes, and physiologies of iron-reducing organisms. Key Words: Microbial iron reduction-Micropore-Electron transfer strategies-Microbial carbonate. Astrobiology 18, 28-36.

Charge Transfer and Catalysis at the Metal Support Interface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baker, Lawrence Robert

Kinetic, electronic, and spectroscopic characterization of model Pt–support systems are used to demonstrate the relationship between charge transfer and catalytic activity and selectivity. The results show that charge flow controls the activity and selectivity of supported metal catalysts. This dissertation builds on extensive existing knowledge of metal–support interactions in heterogeneous catalysis. The results show the prominent role of charge transfer at catalytic interfaces to determine catalytic activity and selectivity. Further, this research demonstrates the possibility of selectively driving catalytic chemistry by controlling charge flow and presents solid-state devices and doped supports as novel methods for obtaining electronic control over catalyticmore » reaction kinetics.« less

Dynamics driving function: new insights from electron transferring flavoproteins and partner complexes.

PubMed

Toogood, Helen S; Leys, David; Scrutton, Nigel S

2007-11-01

Electron transferring flavoproteins (ETFs) are soluble heterodimeric FAD-containing proteins that function primarily as soluble electron carriers between various flavoprotein dehydrogenases. ETF is positioned at a key metabolic branch point, responsible for transferring electrons from up to 10 primary dehydrogenases to the membrane-bound respiratory chain. Clinical mutations of ETF result in the often fatal disease glutaric aciduria type II. Structural and biophysical studies of ETF in complex with partner proteins have shown that ETF partitions the functions of partner binding and electron transfer between (a) a 'recognition loop', which acts as a static anchor at the ETF-partner interface, and (b) a highly mobile redox-active FAD domain. Together, this enables the FAD domain of ETF to sample a range of conformations, some compatible with fast interprotein electron transfer. This 'conformational sampling' enables ETF to recognize structurally distinct partners, whilst also maintaining a degree of specificity. Complex formation triggers mobility of the FAD domain, an 'induced disorder' mechanism contrasting with the more generally accepted models of protein-protein interaction by induced fit mechanisms. We discuss the implications of the highly dynamic nature of ETFs in biological interprotein electron transfer. ETF complexes point to mechanisms of electron transfer in which 'dynamics drive function', a feature that is probably widespread in biology given the modular assembly and flexible nature of biological electron transfer systems.

Alternative ground states enable pathway switching in biological electron transfer

DOE PAGES

Abriata, Luciano A.; Alvarez-Paggi, Damian; Ledesma, Gabirela N.; ...

2012-10-10

Electron transfer is the simplest chemical reaction and constitutes the basis of a large variety of biological processes, such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Nature has evolved specific proteins and cofactors for these functions. The mechanisms optimizing biological electron transfer have been matter of intense debate, such as the role of the protein milieu between donor and acceptor sites. Here we propose a mechanism regulating long-range electron transfer in proteins. Specifically, we report a spectroscopic, electrochemical, and theoretical study on WT and single-mutant CuA redox centers from Thermus thermophilus, which shows that thermal fluctuations may populate two alternative ground-state electronicmore » wave functions optimized for electron entry and exit, respectively, through two different and nearly perpendicular pathways. In conclusion, these findings suggest a unique role for alternative or “invisible” electronic ground states in directional electron transfer. Moreover, it is shown that this energy gap and, therefore, the equilibrium between ground states can be fine-tuned by minor perturbations, suggesting alternative ways through which protein–protein interactions and membrane potential may optimize and regulate electron–proton energy transduction.« less

Nickel oxide and carbon nanotube composite (NiO/CNT) as a novel cathode non-precious metal catalyst in microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Huang, Jianjian; Zhu, Nengwu; Yang, Tingting; Zhang, Taiping; Wu, Pingxiao; Dang, Zhi

2015-10-15

Comparing with the precious metal catalysts, non-precious metal catalysts were preferred to use in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) due to the low cost and high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) efficiency. In this study, the transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction as well as Raman investigation revealed that the prepared nanoscale NiO was attached on the surface of CNT. Cyclic voltammogram and rotating ring-disk electrode tests showed that the NiO/CNT composite catalyst had an apparent oxygen reduction peak and 3.5 electron transfer pathway was acquired under oxygen atmosphere. The catalyst performance was highly dependent on the percentage of NiO in the CNT nanocomposites. When 77% NiO/CNT nano-sized composite was applied as cathode catalyst in membrane free single-chamber air cathode MFC, a maximum power density of 670 mW/m(2) and 0.772 V of OCV was obtained. Moreover, the MFC with pure NiO (control) could not achieve more than 0.1 V. All findings suggested that NiO/CNT could be a potential cathode catalyst for ORR in MFCs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Single-molecule interfacial electron transfer dynamics in solar energy conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhital, Bharat

This dissertation work investigated the parameters affecting the interfacial electron transfer (ET) dynamics in dye-semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) system by using single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging combined with electrochemistry. The influence of the molecule-substrate electronic coupling, the molecular structure, binding geometry on the surface and the molecule-attachment surface chemistry on interfacial charge transfer processes was studied on zinc porphyrin-TiO2 NP systems. The fluorescence blinking measurement on TiO2 NP demonstrated that electronic coupling regulates dynamics of charge transfer processes at the interface depending on the conformation of molecule on the surface. Moreover, semiconductor surface charge induced electronic coupling of molecule which is electrostatically adsorbed on the semiconductor surface also predominantly alters the ET dynamics. Furthermore, interfacial electric field and electron accepting state density dependent ET dynamics has been dissected in zinc porphyrin-TiO2 NP system by observing the single-molecule fluorescence blinking dynamics and fluorescence lifetime with and without applied bias. The significant difference in fluorescence fluctuation and lifetime suggested the modulation of charge transfer dynamics at the interface with external electric field perturbation. Quasi-continuous distribution of fluorescence intensity with applied negative potential was attributed to the faster charge recombination due to reduced density of electron accepting states. The driving force and electron accepting state density ET dependent dynamics has also been probed in zinc porphyrin-TiO2 NP and zinc porphyrin-indium tin oxide (ITO) systems. Study of a molecule adsorbed on two different semiconductors (ITO and TiO2), with large difference in electron densities and distinct driving forces, allows us to observe the changes in rates of back electron transfer process reflected by the suppressed fluorescence blinking of

A Systematic Investigation of Quaternary Ammonium Ions as Asymmetric Phase Transfer Catalysts. Synthesis of Catalyst Libraries and Evaluation of Catalyst Activity

PubMed Central

Denmark, Scott E.; Gould, Nathan D.; Wolf, Larry M.

2011-01-01

Despite over three decades of research into asymmetric phase transfer catalysis (APTC), a fundamental understanding of the factors that affect the rate and stereoselectivity of this important process are still obscure. This paper describes the initial stages of a long-term program aimed at elucidating the physical organic foundations of APTC employing a chemoinformatic analysis of the alkylation of a protected glycine imine with a libraries of enantiomerically enriched quaternary ammonium ions. The synthesis of the quaternary ammonium ions follows a diversity oriented approach wherein the tandem inter[4+2]/intra[3+2] cycloaddition of nitroalkenes serves as the key transformation. A two part synthetic strategy comprised of: (1) preparation of enantioenriched scaffolds and (2) development of parallel synthesis procedures is described. The strategy allows for the facile introduction of four variable groups in the vicinity of a stereogenic quaternary ammonium ion. The quaternary ammonium ions exhibited a wide range of activity and to a lesser degree enantioselectivity. Catalyst activity and selectivity are rationalized in a qualitative way based on the effective positive potential of the ammonium ion. PMID:21446721

Direct Observation by Rapid-Scan FT-IR Spectroscopy of Two-Electron-Reduced Intermediate of Tetraaza Catalyst [Co IIN 4H(MeCN)] 2+ Converting CO 2 to CO

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sheng, Hua; Frei, Heinz

In the search for the two-electron-reduced intermediate of the tetraaza catalyst [Co IIN 4H(MeCN)] 2+ (N 4H = 2,12-dimethyl-3,7,11,17-tetraazabicyclo[11.3.1]heptadeca-1(17),2,11,13,15-pentaene) for CO 2 reduction and elementary steps that result in the formation of CO product, rapid-scan FT-IR spectroscopy of the visible-light-sensitized catalysis, using Ir(ppy) 3 in wet acetonitrile (CD 3CN) solution, led to the observation of two sequential intermediates. The initially formed one-electron-reduced [Co IN 4H] +--CO 2 adduct was converted by the second electron to a transient [Co IN 4H] +--CO 2 - complex that spontaneously converted CO 2 to CO in a rate-limiting step on the second time scalemore » in the dark under regeneration of the catalyst (room temperature). The macrocycle IR spectra of the [Co IN 4H] +--CO 2 - complex and the preceding one-electron [Co IN 4H] +--CO 2 intermediate show close similarity but distinct differences in the carboxylate modes, indicating that the second electron resides mainly on the CO 2 ligand. Vibrational assignments are corroborated by 13C isotopic labeling. The structure and stability of the two-electron-reduced intermediate derived from the time-resolved IR study are in good agreement with recent predictions by DFT electronic structure calculations. This is the first observation of an intermediate of a molecular catalyst for CO 2 reduction during the bond-breaking step producing CO. The reaction pathway for the Co tetraaza catalyst uncovered here suggests that the competition between CO 2 reduction and proton reduction of a macrocyclic multi-electron catalyst is steered toward CO 2 activation if the second electron is directly captured by an adduct of CO 2 and the one-electron-reduced catalyst intermediate.« less

76 FR 708 - Electronic Funds Transfer of Depository Taxes; Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-06

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75 FR 52485 - Electronic Funds Transfer of Depository Taxes; Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

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Effect of proton transfer on the electronic coupling in DNA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rak, Janusz; Makowska, Joanna; Voityuk, Alexander A.

2006-06-01

The effects of single and double proton transfer within Watson-Crick base pairs on donor-acceptor electronic couplings, Vda, in DNA are studied on the bases of quantum chemical calculations. Four dimers [AT,AT], [GC,GC], [GC,AT] and [GC,TA)] are considered. Three techniques - the generalized Mulliken-Hush scheme, the fragment charge method and the diabatic states method - are employed to estimate Vda for hole transfer between base pairs. We show that both single- and double proton transfer (PT) reactions may substantially affect the electronic coupling in DNA. The electronic coupling in [AT,AT] is predicted to be most sensitive to PT. Single PT within the first base pair in the dimer leads to increase in the hole transfer efficiency by a factor of 4, while proton transfer within the second pair should substantially, by 2.7 times, decrease the rate of charge transfer. Thus, directional asymmetry of the PT effects on the electronic coupling is predicted. The changes in the Vda matrix elements correlate with the topological properties of orbitals of donor and acceptor and can be qualitatively rationalized in terms of resonance structures of donor and acceptor. Atomic pair contributions to the Vda matrix elements are also analyzed.

Thermal transfer structures coupling electronics card(s) to coolant-cooled structure(s)

DOEpatents

David, Milnes P; Graybill, David P; Iyengar, Madhusudan K; Kamath, Vinod; Kochuparambil, Bejoy J; Parida, Pritish R; Schmidt, Roger R

2014-12-16

Cooling apparatuses and coolant-cooled electronic systems are provided which include thermal transfer structures configured to engage with a spring force one or more electronics cards with docking of the electronics card(s) within a respective socket(s) of the electronic system. A thermal transfer structure of the cooling apparatus includes a thermal spreader having a first thermal conduction surface, and a thermally conductive spring assembly coupled to the conduction surface of the thermal spreader and positioned and configured to reside between and physically couple a first surface of an electronics card to the first surface of the thermal spreader with docking of the electronics card within a socket of the electronic system. The thermal transfer structure is, in one embodiment, metallurgically bonded to a coolant-cooled structure and facilitates transfer of heat from the electronics card to coolant flowing through the coolant-cooled structure.

Single-Molecule Interfacial Electron Transfer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ho, Wilson

Interfacial electron transfer (ET) plays an important role in many chemical and biological processes. Specifically, interfacial ET in TiO 2-based systems is important to solar energy technology, catalysis, and environmental remediation technology. However, the microscopic mechanism of interfacial ET is not well understood with regard to atomic surface structure, molecular structure, bonding, orientation, and motion. In this project, we used two complementary methodologies; single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, and scanning-tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM and STS) to address this scientific need. The goal of this project was to integrate these techniques and measure the molecular dependence of ET between adsorbed molecules andmore » TiO 2 semiconductor surfaces and the ET induced reactions such as the splitting of water. The scanning probe techniques, STM and STS, are capable of providing the highest spatial resolution but not easily time-resolved data. Single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy is capable of good time resolution but requires further development to match the spatial resolution of the STM. The integrated approach involving Peter Lu at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and Wilson Ho at the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) produced methods for time and spatially resolved chemical imaging of interfacial electron transfer dynamics and photocatalytic reactions. An integral aspect of the joint research was a significant exchange of graduate students to work at the two institutions. This project bridged complementary approaches to investigate a set of common problems by working with the same molecules on a variety of solid surfaces, but using appropriate techniques to probe under ambient (BGSU) and ultrahigh vacuum (UCI) conditions. The molecular level understanding of the fundamental interfacial electron transfer processes obtained in this joint project will be important for developing efficient light harvesting, solar

Palladium pincer complex catalyzed stannyl and silyl transfer to propargylic substrates: synthetic scope and mechanism.

PubMed

Kjellgren, Johan; Sundén, Henrik; Szabó, Kálmán J

2005-02-16

Pincer complex catalyzed substitution of various propargylic substrates could be achieved using tin- and silicon-based dimetallic reagents to obtain propargyl- and allenylstannanes and silanes. These reactions involving chloride, mesylate, and epoxide substrates could be carried out under mild conditions, and therefore many functionalities (such as COOEt, OR, OH, NR, and NAc) are tolerated. It was shown that pincer catalysts with electron-supplying ligands, such as NCN, SCS, and SeCSe complexes, display the highest catalytic activity. The catalytic substitution of secondary propargyl chlorides and primary propargyl chlorides with electron-withdrawing substituents proceeds with high regioselectivity providing the allenyl product. Opening of the propargyl epoxides takes place with an excellent stereo- and regioselectivity to give stereodefined allenylstannanes. Silylstannanes as dimetallic reagents undergo an exclusive silyl transfer to the propargylic substrate affording allenylsilanes with high regioselectivity. According to our mechanistic studies, the key intermediate of the reaction is an organostannane (or silane)-coordinated pincer complex, which is formed from the dimetallic reagent and the corresponding pincer complex catalyst. DFT modeling studies have shown that the trimethylstannyl functionality is transferred to the propargylic substrate in a single reaction step with high allenyl selectivity. Inspection of the TS structures reveals that the trimethylstannyl group transfer is initiated by the attack of the palladium-tin sigma-bond electrons on the propargylic substrate. This is a novel mechanism in palladium chemistry, which is based on the unique topology of the pincer complex catalysts.

49 CFR 225.37 - Optical media transfer and electronic submission.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Optical media transfer and electronic submission..., AND INVESTIGATIONS § 225.37 Optical media transfer and electronic submission. (a) A railroad has the option of submitting the following reports, updates, and amendments by way of optical media (CD-ROM), or...

49 CFR 225.37 - Optical media transfer and electronic submission.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Optical media transfer and electronic submission..., AND INVESTIGATIONS § 225.37 Optical media transfer and electronic submission. (a) A railroad has the option of submitting the following reports, updates, and amendments by way of optical media (CD-ROM), or...

49 CFR 225.37 - Optical media transfer and electronic submission.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Optical media transfer and electronic submission..., AND INVESTIGATIONS § 225.37 Optical media transfer and electronic submission. (a) A railroad has the option of submitting the following reports, updates, and amendments by way of optical media (CD-ROM), or...

49 CFR 225.37 - Optical media transfer and electronic submission.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Optical media transfer and electronic submission..., AND INVESTIGATIONS § 225.37 Optical media transfer and electronic submission. (a) A railroad has the option of submitting the following reports, updates, and amendments by way of optical media (CD-ROM), or...

Theory of electron transfer and molecular state in DNA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endres, Robert Gunter

2002-09-01

In this thesis, a mechanism for long-range electron transfer in DNA and a systematic search for high conductance DNA are developed. DNA is well known for containing the genetic code of all living species. On the other hand, there are some experimental indications that DNA can mediate effectively long-range electron transfer leading to the concept of chemistry at a distance. This can be important for DNA damage and healing. In the first part of the thesis, a possible mechanism for long-range electron transfer is introduced. The weak distance dependent electron transfer was experimentally observed using transition metal intercalators for donor and acceptor. In our model calculations, the transfer is mediated by the molecular analogue of a Kondo bound state well known from solid state physics of mixed-valence rare-earth compounds. We believe this is quite realistic, since localized d orbitals of the transition metal ions could function as an Anderson impurity embedded in a reservoir of rather delocalized molecular orbitals of the intercalator ligands and DNA pi orbitals. The effective Anderson model is solved with a physically intuitive variational ansatz as well as with the essentially exact DMRG method. The electronic transition matrix element, which is important because it contains the donor-acceptor distance dependence, is obtained with the Mulliken-Hush algorithm as well as from Born-Oppenheimer potential energy surfaces. Our possible explanation of long-range electron transfer is put in context to other more conventional mechanisms which also could lead to similar behavior. Another important issue of DNA is its possible use for nano-technology. Although DNA's mechanical properties are excellent, the question whether it can be conducting and be used for nano-wires is highly controversial. Experimentally, DNA shows conducting, semi-conducting and insulating properties. Motivated by these wide ranging experimental results on the conductivity of DNA, we have

Photolysis of water for H2 production with the use of biological and artificial catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, D. O.; Adams, M. W. W.; Morris, P.; Rao, K. K.

1980-02-01

An aqueous mixture of chloroplasts, hydrogenase and electron transfer catalyst on illumination liberates H2, the source of the H atoms being water. The rate and duration of H2 production from such a system depends on the stability of chloroplast and hydrogenase activities in light and oxygen. Both chloroplasts and hydrogenases can be stabilized to a certain degree by immobilization in gels or by incubation in bovine serum albumin. Natural electron carriers of hydrogenases are ferredoxin, cytochrome c3 and NAD. Viologen dyes and synthetic iron-sulphur particles (Jeevanu) can substitute for the biological carriers. Methyl viologen, photoreduced in the presence of chloroplasts, can liberate H2 in combination with Pt (Adam's catalyst). An aqueous solution of proflavine can be photoreduced in the presence of organic electron donors such as EDTA, cysteine, dithiothreitol, etc.; the reduced proflavine can subsequently liberate H2 with MV-Pt, MV-hydrogenase, ferredoxin-hydrogenase or cytochrome-hydrogenase systems.

Hydrocarbon reforming catalyst material and configuration of the same

DOEpatents

Singh, Prabhakar; Shockling, Larry A.; George, Raymond A.; Basel, Richard A.

1996-01-01

A hydrocarbon reforming catalyst material comprising a catalyst support impregnated with catalyst is provided for reforming hydrocarbon fuel gases in an electrochemical generator. Elongated electrochemical cells convert the fuel to electrical power in the presence of an oxidant, after which the spent fuel is recirculated and combined with a fresh hydrocarbon feed fuel forming the reformable gas mixture which is fed to a reforming chamber containing a reforming catalyst material, where the reforming catalyst material includes discrete passageways integrally formed along the length of the catalyst support in the direction of reformable gas flow. The spent fuel and/or combusted exhaust gases discharged from the generator chamber transfer heat to the catalyst support, which in turn transfers heat to the reformable gas and to the catalyst, preferably via a number of discrete passageways disposed adjacent one another in the reforming catalyst support. The passageways can be slots extending inwardly from an outer surface of the support body, which slots are partly defined by an exterior confining wall. According to a preferred embodiment, the catalyst support is non-rigid, porous, fibrous alumina, wherein the fibers are substantially unsintered and compressible, and the reforming catalyst support is impregnated, at least in the discrete passageways with Ni and MgO, and has a number of internal slot passageways for reformable gas, the slot passageways being partly closed by a containing outer wall.

Hydrocarbon reforming catalyst material and configuration of the same

DOEpatents

Singh, P.; Shockling, L.A.; George, R.A.; Basel, R.A.

1996-06-18

A hydrocarbon reforming catalyst material comprising a catalyst support impregnated with catalyst is provided for reforming hydrocarbon fuel gases in an electrochemical generator. Elongated electrochemical cells convert the fuel to electrical power in the presence of an oxidant, after which the spent fuel is recirculated and combined with a fresh hydrocarbon feed fuel forming the reformable gas mixture which is fed to a reforming chamber containing a reforming catalyst material, where the reforming catalyst material includes discrete passageways integrally formed along the length of the catalyst support in the direction of reformable gas flow. The spent fuel and/or combusted exhaust gases discharged from the generator chamber transfer heat to the catalyst support, which in turn transfers heat to the reformable gas and to the catalyst, preferably via a number of discrete passageways disposed adjacent one another in the reforming catalyst support. The passageways can be slots extending inwardly from an outer surface of the support body, which slots are partly defined by an exterior confining wall. According to a preferred embodiment, the catalyst support is non-rigid, porous, fibrous alumina, wherein the fibers are substantially unsintered and compressible, and the reforming catalyst support is impregnated, at least in the discrete passageways with Ni and MgO, and has a number of internal slot passageways for reformable gas, the slot passageways being partly closed by a containing outer wall. 5 figs.

Supramolecular networks with electron transfer in two dimensions

DOEpatents

Stupp, Samuel I.; Stoddart, J. Fraser; Shveyd, Alexander K.; Tayi, Alok S.; Sue, Chi-Hau; Narayanan, Ashwin

2016-09-13

Organic charge-transfer (CT) co-crystals in a crossed stack system are disclosed. The co-crystals exhibit bidirectional charge transfer interactions where one donor molecule shares electrons with two different acceptors, one acceptor face-to-face and the other edge-to-face. The assembly and charge transfer interaction results in a pleochroic material whereby the optical absorption continuously changes depending on the polarization angle of incident light.

Electron beam induced radiation damage in the catalyst layer of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

PubMed

He, Qianping; Chen, Jihua; Keffer, David J; Joy, David C

2014-01-01

Electron microscopy is an essential tool for the evaluation of microstructure and properties of the catalyst layer (CL) of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, electron microscopy has one unavoidable drawback, which is radiation damage. Samples suffer temporary or permanent change of the surface or bulk structure under radiation damage, which can cause ambiguity in the characterization of the sample. To better understand the mechanism of radiation damage of CL samples and to be able to separate the morphological features intrinsic to the material from the consequences of electron radiation damage, a series of experiments based on high-angle annular dark-field-scanning transmission scanning microscope (HAADF-STEM), energy filtering transmission scanning microscope (EFTEM), and electron energy loss spectrum (EELS) are conducted. It is observed that for thin samples (0.3-1 times λ), increasing the incident beam energy can mitigate the radiation damage. Platinum nanoparticles in the CL sample facilitate the radiation damage. The radiation damage of the catalyst sample starts from the interface of Pt/C or defective thin edge and primarily occurs in the form of mass loss accompanied by atomic displacement and edge curl. These results provide important insights on the mechanism of CL radiation damage. Possible strategies of mitigating the radiation damage are provided. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Application of Electron-Transfer Theory to Several Systems of Biological Interest

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Marcus, R. A.; Sutin, N.

1985-03-23

Electron-transfer reaction rates are compared with theoretically calculated values for several reactions in the bacterial photosynthetic reaction center. A second aspect of the theory, the cross-relation, is illustrated using protein-protein electron transfers.

Biotechnological Aspects of Microbial Extracellular Electron Transfer

PubMed Central

Kato, Souichiro

2015-01-01

Extracellular electron transfer (EET) is a type of microbial respiration that enables electron transfer between microbial cells and extracellular solid materials, including naturally-occurring metal compounds and artificial electrodes. Microorganisms harboring EET abilities have received considerable attention for their various biotechnological applications, in addition to their contribution to global energy and material cycles. In this review, current knowledge on microbial EET and its application to diverse biotechnologies, including the bioremediation of toxic metals, recovery of useful metals, biocorrosion, and microbial electrochemical systems (microbial fuel cells and microbial electrosynthesis), were introduced. Two potential biotechnologies based on microbial EET, namely the electrochemical control of microbial metabolism and electrochemical stimulation of microbial symbiotic reactions (electric syntrophy), were also discussed. PMID:26004795

Bridge-mediated hopping or superexchange electron-transfer processes in bis(triarylamine) systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lambert, Christoph; Nöll, Gilbert; Schelter, Jürgen

2002-09-01

Hopping and superexchange are generally considered to be alternative electron-transfer mechanisms in molecular systems. In this work we used mixed-valence radical cations as model systems for the investigation of electron-transfer pathways. We show that substituents attached to a conjugated bridge connecting two triarylamine redox centres have a marked influence on the near-infrared absorption spectra of the corresponding cations. Spectral analysis, followed by evaluation of the electron-transfer parameters using the Generalized Mulliken-Hush theory and simulation of the potential energy surfaces, indicate that hopping and superexchange are not alternatives, but are both present in the radical cation with a dimethoxybenzene bridge. We found that the type of electron-transfer mechanism depends on the bridge-reorganization energy as well as on the bridge-state energy. Because superexchange and hopping follow different distance laws, our findings have implications for the design of new molecular and polymeric electron-transfer materials.

Rapid total volatile organic carbon quantification from microbial fermentation using a platinum catalyst and proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Schoen, Heidi R; Peyton, Brent M; Knighton, W Berk

2016-12-01

A novel analytical system was developed to rapidly and accurately quantify total volatile organic compound (VOC) production from microbial reactor systems using a platinum catalyst and a sensitive CO 2 detector. This system allows nearly instantaneous determination of total VOC production by utilizing a platinum catalyst to completely and quantitatively oxidize headspace VOCs to CO 2 in coordination with a CO 2 detector. Measurement of respiratory CO 2 by bypassing the catalyst allowed the total VOC content to be determined from the difference in the two signals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of a platinum catalyst and CO 2 detector being used to quantify the total VOCs produced by a complex bioreactor system. Continuous recording of these CO 2 data provided a record of respiration and total VOC production throughout the experiments. Proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) was used to identify and quantify major VOCs. The sum of the individual compounds measured by PTR-MS can be compared to the total VOCs quantified by the platinum catalyst to identify potential differences in detection, identification and calibration. PTR-MS measurements accounted on average for 94 % of the total VOC carbon detected by the platinum catalyst and CO 2 detector. In a model system, a VOC producing endophytic fungus Nodulisporium isolate TI-13 was grown in a solid state reactor utilizing the agricultural byproduct beet pulp as a substrate. Temporal changes in production of major volatile compounds (ethanol, methanol, acetaldehyde, terpenes, and terpenoids) were quantified by PTR-MS and compared to the total VOC measurements taken with the platinum catalyst and CO 2 detector. This analytical system provided fast, consistent data for evaluating VOC production in the nonhomogeneous solid state reactor system.

Allosteric control of internal electron transfer in cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase

PubMed Central

Farver, Ole; Kroneck, Peter M. H.; Zumft, Walter G.; Pecht, Israel

2003-01-01

Cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase is a bifunctional multiheme enzyme catalyzing the one-electron reduction of nitrite to nitric oxide and the four-electron reduction of dioxygen to water. Kinetics and thermodynamics of the internal electron transfer process in the Pseudomonas stutzeri enzyme have been studied and found to be dominated by pronounced interactions between the c and the d1 hemes. The interactions are expressed both in dramatic changes in the internal electron-transfer rates between these sites and in marked cooperativity in their electron affinity. The results constitute a prime example of intraprotein control of the electron-transfer rates by allosteric interactions. PMID:12802018

Toddlers' word learning and transfer from electronic and print books.

PubMed

Strouse, Gabrielle A; Ganea, Patricia A

2017-04-01

Transfer from symbolic media to the real world can be difficult for young children. A sample of 73 toddlers aged 17 to 23months were read either an electronic book displayed on a touchscreen device or a traditional print book in which a novel object was paired with a novel label. Toddlers in both conditions learned the label within the context of the book. However, only those who read the traditional format book generalized and transferred the label to other contexts. An older group of 28 toddlers aged 24 to 30months did generalize and transfer from the electronic book. Across ages, those children who primarily used screens to watch prerecorded video at home transferred less from the electronic book than those with more diverse home media experiences. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst and method of preparation

DOEpatents

Sapienza, R.S.; Sansone, M.J.; Slegeir, W.A.R.

1983-08-02

A catalyst for the synthesis of hydrocarbons from carbon monoxide and hydrogen composed of palladium or platinum and cobalt supported on a solid phase is disclosed. The catalyst is prepared by heating a heterogeneous component of the palladium or platinum deposited on the solid support in a solution of cobalt carbonyl or precursors thereof. The catalyst exhibits excellent activity, stability in air, and produces highly desirable product fractions even with dilute gaseous reactants. The catalyst is preferably used in dilute slurry form, which is desirable from a heat transfer standpoint. 9 figs.

Hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst and method of preparation

DOEpatents

Sapienza, Richard S.; Sansone, Michael J.; Slegeir, William A. R.

1983-08-02

A catalyst for the synthesis of hydrocarbons from carbon monoxide and hydrogen composed of palladium or platinum and cobalt supported on a solid phase is disclosed. The catalyst is prepared by heating a heterogeneous component of the palladium or platinum deposited on the solid support in a solution of cobalt carbonyl or precursors thereof. The catalyst exhibits excellent activity, stability in air, and produces highly desirable product fractions even with dilute gaseous reactants. The catalyst is preferably used in dilute slurry form, which is desirable from a heat transfer standpoint.

Promising SiC support for Pd catalyst in selective hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Zhanglong; Liu, Yuefeng; Liu, Yan; Chu, Wei

2018-06-01

In this study, SiC supported Pd nanoparticles were found to be an efficient catalyst in acetylene selective hydrogenation reaction. The ethylene selectivity can be about 20% higher than that on Pd/TiO2 catalyst at the same acetylene conversion at 90%. Moreover, Pd/SiC catalyst showed a stable catalytic life at 65 °C with 80% ethylene selectivity. With the detailed characterization using temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption/desorption analysis, CO-chemisorption and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), it was found that SiC owns a lower surface area (22.9 m2/g) and a broad distribution of meso-/macro-porosity (from 5 to 65 nm), which enhanced the mass transfer during the chemical process at high reaction rate and decreased the residence time of ethylene on catalyst surface. Importantly, SiC support has the high thermal conductivity, which favored the rapid temperature homogenization through the catalyst bed and inhabited the over-hydrogenation of acetylene. The surface electronic density of Pd on Pd/SiC catalyst was higher than that on Pd/TiO2, which could promote desorption of ethylene from surface of the catalyst. TGA results confirmed a much less coke deposition on Pd/SiC catalyst.

12 CFR 205.14 - Electronic fund transfer service provider not holding consumer's account.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

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12 CFR 205.14 - Electronic fund transfer service provider not holding consumer's account.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

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Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

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Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

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Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

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Synthesis of nanoporous CuO/TiO2/Pd-NiO composite catalysts by chemical dealloying and their performance for methanol and ethanol electro-oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Mengying; Xu, Wence; Zhu, Shengli; Liang, Yanqin; Cui, Zhenduo; Yang, Xianjin; Inoue, Akihisa

2017-09-01

Nanoporous CuO/TiO2/Pd-NiO-x (x = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 at%) catalysts have been synthesized by dealloying Cu-Ti-Pd-Ni alloy ribbons in acid solution. The nanoporous structure and chemical composition of the catalysts distribute uniformly. Based on the electrochemical active area (EASA), electrocatalytic activity and stability, the np-CuO/TiO2/Pd-NiO-3 catalyst possesses the best performance for methanol and ethanol electro-oxidation. For methanol and ethanol electro-oxidation, the anodic current densities in forward scan of the np-CuO/TiO2/Pd-NiO-3 catalyst are about 5.6 times and 2.1 times larger than that of the np-CuO/TiO2/Pd catalyst, respectively. The introduction of NiO provides more electrochemical active sites due to the improved geometrical and bifunctional mechanism. NiO promotes the adsorption of oxygen-containing species (OHads) on the catalyst surface, and electron effect between Pd and Ni is favorable for charge transfer. This accelerates the removal of intermediate products during the oxidation process. The electrocatalytic processes of methanol and ethanol oxidation in alkaline solution are controlled by both charge transfer and diffusion.

Electronic energy transfer: Localized operator partitioning of electronic energy in composite quantum systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Yaser; Brumer, Paul

2012-11-01

A Hamiltonian based approach using spatially localized projection operators is introduced to give precise meaning to the chemically intuitive idea of the electronic energy on a quantum subsystem. This definition facilitates the study of electronic energy transfer in arbitrarily coupled quantum systems. In particular, the decomposition scheme can be applied to molecular components that are strongly interacting (with significant orbital overlap) as well as to isolated fragments. The result defines a consistent electronic energy at all internuclear distances, including the case of separated fragments, and reduces to the well-known Förster and Dexter results in their respective limits. Numerical calculations of coherent energy and charge transfer dynamics in simple model systems are presented and the effect of collisionally induced decoherence is examined.

Electron Transfer Between Electrically Conductive Minerals and Quinones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taran, Olga

2017-07-01

Long-distance electron transfer in marine environments couples physically separated redox half-reactions, impacting biogeochemical cycles of iron, sulfur and carbon. Bacterial bio-electrochemical systems that facilitate electron transfer via conductive filaments or across man-made electrodes are well known, but the impact of abiotic currents across naturally occurring conductive and semiconducitve minerals is poorly understood. In this paper I use cyclic voltammetry to explore electron transfer between electrodes made of common iron minerals (magnetite, hematite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, mackinawite and greigite), and hydroquinones - a class of organic molecules found in carbon-rich sediments. Of all tested minerals, only pyrite and magnetite showed an increase in electric current in the presence of organic molecules, with pyrite showing excellent electrocatalytic performance. Pyrite electrodes performed better than commercially available glassy carbon electrodes and showed higher peak currents, lower overpotential values and a smaller separation between oxidation and reduction peaks for each tested quinone. Hydroquinone oxidation on pyrite surfaces was reversible, diffusion controlled, and stable over a large number of potential cycles. Given the ubiquity of both pyrite and quinones, abiotic electron transfer between minerals and organic molecules is likely widespread in Nature and may contribute to several different phenomena, including anaerobic respiration of a wide variety of microorganisms in temporally anoxic zones or in the proximity of hydrothermal vent chimneys, as well as quinone cycling and the propagation of anoxic zones in organic rich waters. Finally, interactions between pyrite and quinones make use of electrochemical gradients that have been suggested as an important source of energy for the origins of life on Earth. Ubiquinones and iron sulfide clusters are common redox cofactors found in electron transport chains across all domains of life and

Synthesis and characterization of supported polysugar-stabilized palladium nanoparticle catalysts for enhanced hydrodechlorination of trichloroethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bacik, Deborah B.; Zhang, Man; Zhao, Dongye; Roberts, Christopher B.; Seehra, Mohinar S.; Singh, Vivek; Shah, Naresh

2012-07-01

Palladium (Pd) nanoparticle catalysts were successfully synthesized within an aqueous phase using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a capping ligand which offers a green alternative to conventional nanoparticle synthesis techniques. The CMC-stabilized Pd nanoparticles were subsequently dispersed within support materials using the incipient wetness impregnation technique for utilization in heterogeneous catalyst systems. The unsupported and supported (both calcined and uncalcined) Pd nanoparticle catalysts were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry, x-ray diffraction, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area measurement and their catalytic activity toward the hydrodechlorination of trichloroethylene (TCE) in aqueous media was examined using homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst systems, respectively. The unsupported Pd nanoparticles showed considerable activity toward the degradation of TCE, as demonstrated by the reaction kinetics. Although the supported Pd nanoparticle catalysts had a lower catalytic activity than the unsupported particles that were homogeneously dispersed in the aqueous solutions, the supported catalysts retained sufficient activity toward the degradation of TCE. In addition, the use of the hydrophilic Al2O3 support material induced a mass transfer resistance to TCE that affected the initial hydrodechlorination rate. This paper demonstrates that supported Pd catalysts can be applied to the heterogeneous catalytic hydrodechlorination of TCE.

Electron Spin Polarization Transfer to ortho-H2 by Interaction of para-H2 with Paramagnetic Species: A Key to a Novel para → ortho Conversion Mechanism.

PubMed

Terenzi, Camilla; Bouguet-Bonnet, Sabine; Canet, Daniel

2015-05-07

We report that at ambient temperature and with 100% enriched para-hydrogen (p-H2) dissolved in organic solvents, paramagnetic spin catalysis of para → ortho hydrogen conversion is accompanied at the onset by a negative ortho-hydrogen (o-H2) proton NMR signal. This novel finding indicates an electron spin polarization transfer, and we show here that this can only occur if the H2 molecule is dissociated upon its transient adsorption by the paramagnetic catalyst. Following desorption, o-H2 is created until the thermodynamic equilibrium is reached. A simple theory confirms that in the presence of a static magnetic field, the hyperfine coupling between unpaired electrons and nuclear spins is responsible for the observed polarization transfer. Owing to the negative electron gyromagnetic ratio, this explains the experimental results and ascertains an as yet unexplored mechanism for para → ortho conversion. Finally, we show that the recovery of o-H2 magnetization toward equilibrium can be simply modeled, leading to the para → ortho conversion rate.

Fast electron transfer through a single molecule natively structured redox protein

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Della Pia, Eduardo Antonio; Chi, Qijin; MacDonald, J. Emyr; Ulstrup, Jens; Jones, D. Dafydd; Elliott, Martin

2012-10-01

The electron transfer properties of proteins are normally measured as molecularly averaged ensembles. Through these and related measurements, proteins are widely regarded as macroscopically insulating materials. Using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), we present new measurements of the conductance through single-molecules of the electron transfer protein cytochrome b562 in its native conformation, under pseudo-physiological conditions. This is achieved by thiol (SH) linker pairs at opposite ends of the molecule through protein engineering, resulting in defined covalent contact between a gold surface and a platinum-iridium STM tip. Two different orientations of the linkers were examined: a long-axis configuration (SH-LA) and a short-axis configuration (SH-SA). In each case, the molecular conductance could be `gated' through electrochemical control of the heme redox state. Reproducible and remarkably high conductance was observed in this relatively complex electron transfer system, with single-molecule conductance values peaking around 18 nS and 12 nS for the SH-SA and SH-LA cytochrome b562 molecules near zero electrochemical overpotential. This strongly points to the important role of the heme co-factor bound to the natively structured protein. We suggest that the two-step model of protein electron transfer in the STM geometry requires a multi-electron transfer to explain such a high conductance. The model also yields a low value for the reorganisation energy, implying that solvent reorganisation is largely absent.The electron transfer properties of proteins are normally measured as molecularly averaged ensembles. Through these and related measurements, proteins are widely regarded as macroscopically insulating materials. Using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), we present new measurements of the conductance through single-molecules of the electron transfer protein cytochrome b562 in its native conformation, under pseudo-physiological conditions. This is

Role of protein fluctuation correlations in electron transfer in photosynthetic complexes.

PubMed

Nesterov, Alexander I; Berman, Gennady P

2015-04-01

We consider the dependence of the electron transfer in photosynthetic complexes on correlation properties of random fluctuations of the protein environment. The electron subsystem is modeled by a finite network of connected electron (exciton) sites. The fluctuations of the protein environment are modeled by random telegraph processes, which act either collectively (correlated) or independently (uncorrelated) on the electron sites. We derived an exact closed system of first-order linear differential equations with constant coefficients, for the average density matrix elements and for their first moments. Under some conditions, we obtained analytic expressions for the electron transfer rates and found the range of parameters for their applicability by comparing with the exact numerical simulations. We also compared the correlated and uncorrelated regimes and demonstrated numerically that the uncorrelated fluctuations of the protein environment can, under some conditions, either increase or decrease the electron transfer rates.

Atomic level study of water-gas shift catalysts via transmission electron microscopy and x-ray spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akatay, Mehmed Cem

Water-gas shift (WGS), CO + H2O ⇆ CO2 + H2 (DeltaH° = -41 kJ mol -1), is an industrially important reaction for the production of high purity hydrogen. Commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts are employed to accelerate this reaction, yet these catalysts suffer from certain drawbacks, including costly regeneration processes and sulfur poisoning. Extensive research is focused on developing new catalysts to replace the current technology. Supported noble metals stand out as promising candidates, yet comprise intricate nanostructures complicating the understanding of their working mechanism. In this study, the structure of the supported Pt catalysts is explored by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy. The effect of the supporting phase and the use of secondary metals on the reaction kinetics is investigated. Structural heterogeneities are quantified and correlated with the kinetic descriptors of the catalysts to develop a fundamental understanding of the catalytic mechanism. The effect of the reaction environment on catalyst structure is examined by in-situ techniques. This study benefitted greatly from the use of model catalysts that provide a convenient medium for the atomic level characterization of nanostructures. Based on these studies, Pt supported on iron oxide nano islands deposited on inert spherical alumina exhibited 48 times higher WGS turnover rate (normalized by the total Pt surface area) than Pt supported on bulk iron oxide. The rate of aqueous phase glycerol reforming reaction of Pt supported on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) is promoted by co-impregnating with cobalt. The synthesis resulted in a variety of nanostructures among which Pt-Co bimetallic nanoparticles are found to be responsible for the observed promotion. The unprecedented WGS rate of Pt supported on Mo2C is explored by forming Mo 2C patches on top of MWCNTs and the rate promotion is found to be caused by the Pt-Mo bimetallic entities.

Syntrophic anaerobic photosynthesis via direct interspecies electron transfer

PubMed Central

Ha, Phuc T.; Lindemann, Stephen R.; Shi, Liang; Dohnalkova, Alice C.; Fredrickson, James K.; Madigan, Michael T.; Beyenal, Haluk

2017-01-01

Microbial phototrophs, key primary producers on Earth, use H2O, H2, H2S and other reduced inorganic compounds as electron donors. Here we describe a form of metabolism linking anoxygenic photosynthesis to anaerobic respiration that we call ‘syntrophic anaerobic photosynthesis'. We show that photoautotrophy in the green sulfur bacterium Prosthecochloris aestaurii can be driven by either electrons from a solid electrode or acetate oxidation via direct interspecies electron transfer from a heterotrophic partner bacterium, Geobacter sulfurreducens. Photosynthetic growth of P. aestuarii using reductant provided by either an electrode or syntrophy is robust and light-dependent. In contrast, P. aestuarii does not grow in co-culture with a G. sulfurreducens mutant lacking a trans-outer membrane porin-cytochrome protein complex required for direct intercellular electron transfer. Syntrophic anaerobic photosynthesis is therefore a carbon cycling process that could take place in anoxic environments. This process could be exploited for biotechnological applications, such as waste treatment and bioenergy production, using engineered phototrophic microbial communities. PMID:28067226

A molecularly based theory for electron transfer reorganization energy.

PubMed

Zhuang, Bilin; Wang, Zhen-Gang

2015-12-14

Using field-theoretic techniques, we develop a molecularly based dipolar self-consistent-field theory (DSCFT) for charge solvation in pure solvents under equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions and apply it to the reorganization energy of electron transfer reactions. The DSCFT uses a set of molecular parameters, such as the solvent molecule's permanent dipole moment and polarizability, thus avoiding approximations that are inherent in treating the solvent as a linear dielectric medium. A simple, analytical expression for the free energy is obtained in terms of the equilibrium and nonequilibrium electrostatic potential profiles and electric susceptibilities, which are obtained by solving a set of self-consistent equations. With no adjustable parameters, the DSCFT predicts activation energies and reorganization energies in good agreement with previous experiments and calculations for the electron transfer between metallic ions. Because the DSCFT is able to describe the properties of the solvent in the immediate vicinity of the charges, it is unnecessary to distinguish between the inner-sphere and outer-sphere solvent molecules in the calculation of the reorganization energy as in previous work. Furthermore, examining the nonequilibrium free energy surfaces of electron transfer, we find that the nonequilibrium free energy is well approximated by a double parabola for self-exchange reactions, but the curvature of the nonequilibrium free energy surface depends on the charges of the electron-transferring species, contrary to the prediction by the linear dielectric theory.

Enzymatic cellulose oxidation is linked to lignin by long-range electron transfer

PubMed Central

Westereng, Bjørge; Cannella, David; Wittrup Agger, Jane; Jørgensen, Henning; Larsen Andersen, Mogens; Eijsink, Vincent G.H.; Felby, Claus

2015-01-01

Enzymatic oxidation of cell wall polysaccharides by lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) plays a pivotal role in the degradation of plant biomass. While experiments have shown that LPMOs are copper dependent enzymes requiring an electron donor, the mechanism and origin of the electron supply in biological systems are only partly understood. We show here that insoluble high molecular weight lignin functions as a reservoir of electrons facilitating LPMO activity. The electrons are donated to the enzyme by long-range electron transfer involving soluble low molecular weight lignins present in plant cell walls. Electron transfer was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy showing that LPMO activity on cellulose changes the level of unpaired electrons in the lignin. The discovery of a long-range electron transfer mechanism links the biodegradation of cellulose and lignin and sheds new light on how oxidative enzymes present in plant degraders may act in concert. PMID:26686263

Additive Manufacturing of Catalyst Substrates for Steam-Methane Reforming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kramer, Michelle; McKelvie, Millie; Watson, Matthew

2018-01-01

Steam-methane reforming is a highly endothermic reaction, which is carried out at temperatures up to 1100 °C and pressures up to 3000 kPa, typically with a Ni-based catalyst distributed over a substrate of discrete alumina pellets or beads. Standard pellet geometries (spheres, hollow cylinders) limit the degree of mass transfer between gaseous reactants and catalyst. Further, heat is supplied to the exterior of the reactor wall, and heat transfer is limited due to the nature of point contacts between the reactor wall and the substrate pellets. This limits the degree to which the process can be intensified, as well as limiting the diameter of the reactor wall. Additive manufacturing now gives us the capability to design structures with tailored heat and mass transfer properties, not only within the packed bed of the reactor, but also at the interface between the reactor wall and the packed bed. In this work, the use of additive manufacturing to produce monolithic-structured catalyst substrate models, made from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, with enhanced conductive heat transfer is described. By integrating the reactor wall into the catalyst substrate structure, the effective thermal conductivity increased by 34% from 0.122 to 0.164 W/(m K).

Static and dynamic structural characterization of nanomaterial catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masiel, Daniel Joseph

Heterogeneous catalysts systems are pervasive in industry, technology and academia. These systems often involve nanostructured transition metal particles that have crucial interfaces with either their supports or solid products. Understanding the nature of these interfaces as well as the structure of the catalysts and support materials themselves is crucial for the advancement of catalysis in general. Recent developments in the field of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) including dynamic transmission electron microscopy (DTEM), electron tomography, and in situ techniques stand poised to provide fresh insight into nanostructured catalyst systems. Several electron microscopy techniques are applied in this study to elucidate the mechanism of silica nanocoil growth and to discern the role of the support material and catalyst size in carbon dioxide and steam reforming of methane. The growth of silica nanocoils by faceted cobalt nanoparticles is a process that was initially believed to take place via a vapor-liquid-solid growth mechanism similar to other nanowire growth techniques. The extensive TEM work described here suggests that the process may instead occur via transport of silicate and silica species over the nanoparticle surface. Electron tomography studies of the interface between the catalyst particles and the wire indicate that they grow from edges between facets. Studies on reduction of the Co 3O4 nanoparticle precursors to the faceted pure cobalt catalysts were carried out using DTEM and in situ heating. Supported catalyst systems for methane reforming were studied using dark field scanning TEM to better understand sintering effects and the increased activity of Ni/Co catalysts supported by carbon nanotubes. Several novel electron microscopy techniques are described including annular dark field DTEM and a metaheuristic algorithm for solving the phase problem of coherent diffractive imaging. By inserting an annular dark field aperture into the back focal

Highly stable CuO incorporated TiO(2) catalyst for photo-catalytic hydrogen production from H(2)O.

PubMed

Bandara, J; Udawatta, C P K; Rajapakse, C S K

2005-11-01

A CuO incorporated TiO(2) catalyst was found to be an active photo-catalyst for the reduction of H(2)O under sacrificial conditions. The catalytic activity originates from the photogeneration of excited electrons in the conduction bands of both TiO(2) and CuO resulting in a build-up of excess electrons in the conduction band of CuO. Consequently, the accumulation of excess electrons in CuO causes a negative shift in the Fermi level of CuO. The efficient inter-particle charge transfer leads to a higher catalytic activity and the formation of highly reduced states of TiO(2)/CuO, which are stable even under oxygen saturated condition. Negative shift in the Fermi level of CuO of the catalyst TiO(2)/CuO gains the required over-voltage necessary for efficient water reduction reaction. The function of CuO is to help the charge separation and to act as a water reduction site. The amount of CuO and crystalline structure were found to be crucial for the catalytic activity and the optimum CuO loading was ca. approximately 5-10%(w/w).

On the physics of electron transfer (drift) in the substance: about the reason of “abnormal” fast transfer of electrons in the plasma of tokamak and at known Bohm’s diffusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boriev, I. A.

2018-03-01

An analysis of the problem of so-called “abnormal” fast transfer of electrons in tokamak plasma, which turned out much faster than the result of accepted calculation, is given. Such transfer of hot electrons leads to unexpectedly fast destruction of the inner tokamak wall with ejection of its matter in plasma volume, what violates a condition of plasma confinement for controlled thermonuclear fusion. It is shown, taking into account real physics of electron drift in the gas (plasma) and using the conservation law for momentum of electron transfer (drift), that the drift velocity of elastically scattered electrons should be significantly greater than that of accepted calculation. The reason is that the relaxation time of the momentum of electron transfer, to which the electron drift velocity is proportional, is significantly greater (from 16 up to 4 times) than the electron free path time. Therefore, generally accepted replacement of the relaxation time, which is unknown a priori, by the electron free path time, leads to significant (16 times for thermal electrons) underestimation of electron drift velocity (mobility). This result means, that transfer of elastically (and isotropically) scattered electrons in the gas phase should be so fast, and corresponds to multiplying coefficient (16), introduced by D. Bohm to explain the observed by him “abnormal” fast diffusion of electrons.

Hydrated Electron Transfer to Nucleobases in Aqueous Solutions Revealed by Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

PubMed

Zhao, Jing; Wang, Mei; Fu, Aiyun; Yang, Hongfang; Bu, Yuxiang

2015-08-03

We present an ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation study into the transfer dynamics of an excess electron from its cavity-shaped hydrated electron state to a hydrated nucleobase (NB)-bound state. In contrast to the traditional view that electron localization at NBs (G/A/C/T), which is the first step for electron-induced DNA damage, is related only to dry or prehydrated electrons, and a fully hydrated electron no longer transfers to NBs, our AIMD simulations indicate that a fully hydrated electron can still transfer to NBs. We monitored the transfer dynamics of fully hydrated electrons towards hydrated NBs in aqueous solutions by using AIMD simulations and found that due to solution-structure fluctuation and attraction of NBs, a fully hydrated electron can transfer to a NB gradually over time. Concurrently, the hydrated electron cavity gradually reorganizes, distorts, and even breaks. The transfer could be completed in about 120-200 fs in four aqueous NB solutions, depending on the electron-binding ability of hydrated NBs and the structural fluctuation of the solution. The transferring electron resides in the π*-type lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the NB, which leads to a hydrated NB anion. Clearly, the observed transfer of hydrated electrons can be attributed to the strong electron-binding ability of hydrated NBs over the hydrated electron cavity, which is the driving force, and the transfer dynamics is structure-fluctuation controlled. This work provides new insights into the evolution dynamics of hydrated electrons and provides some helpful information for understanding the DNA-damage mechanism in solution. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Desulfurization of benzonaphthothiophenes and dibenzothiophene with a Raney nickel catalyst and its relationship to the. pi. -electron density

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nagai, M.; Urimoto, H.; Uetake, K.

The hydrodesulfurization of heavy petroleum feedstocks and coal-derived liquids requires the conversion of high molecular weight compounds like dibenzothiophene and benzonaphthothiophenes. There are several studies in the literature which deal with the mechanism of the hydrodesulfurization of multi-ring thiophenic compounds on cobalt or nickel molybdenum catalysts at high pressure. However, there are only a few studies which relate the chemical reactivity of these compounds to their electronic structure. The reactivity of a multi-ring sulfur-containing compound is not determined solely by the size of the molecule. In addition, others studied the relationship between the first step in the hydrotreating reaction ofmore » benzonaphthothiophene and the Coulombic interaction term of the compounds using the CNDO/S method. Because there is competition between the different processes (hydrogenation and desulfurization) during reaction, it is difficult to understand the relationship between desulfurization and the electronic properties of the compounds under reaction conditions. The calculation of electronic structures necessarily involves many sigma bonds of hydrogenated aromatic rings as well as many electrons of high molecular weight compounds. For this reason, it is best to select a catalyst and reaction conditions under which desulfurization takes place without hydrogenation.« less

Highly coke-resistant ni nanoparticle catalysts with minimal sintering in dry reforming of methane.

PubMed

Han, Joung Woo; Kim, Chanyeon; Park, Jun Seong; Lee, Hyunjoo

2014-02-01

Nickel catalysts are typically used for hydrogen production by reforming reactions. Reforming methane with carbon dioxide, called dry reforming of methane (DRM), is a good way to produce hydrogen or syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) from two notable greenhouse gases. However, Ni catalysts used for DRM suffer from severe coke deposition. It has been known that small Ni nanoparticles are advantageous to reduce coke formation, but the high reaction temperature of DRM (800 °C) inevitably induces aggregation of the nanoparticles, leading to severe coke formation and degraded activity. Here, we develop highly coke-resistant Ni catalysts by immobilizing premade Ni nanoparticles of 5.2 nm in size onto functionalized silica supports, and then coating the Ni/SiO2 catalyst with silica overlayers. The silica overlayers enable the transfer of reactants and products while preventing aggregation of the Ni nanoparticles. The silica-coated Ni catalysts operate stably for 170 h without any degradation in activity. No carbon deposition was observed by temperature programmed oxidation (TPO), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The Ni catalysts without silica coating show severe sintering after DRM reaction, and the formation of filamentous carbon was observed. The coke-resistant Ni catalyst is potentially useful in various hydrocarbon transformations. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Enhanced Electro-Kinetics of C-C Bond-Splitting during Ethanol Oxidation Reaction using Pt/Rh/Sn Catalyst with a Partially Oxidized Pt and Rh Core and a SnO2 Shell

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, G.; Su, D.; Frenkel, A. I.

Direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) is a promising technology for generating electricity via the electro-oxidation of liquid ethanol. Its implementation requires the development of anode catalysts capable of producing CO 2 and yielding 12-electron transfer through breaking C-C bond of ethanol. Here we presented comprehensive studies of electro-kinetics of the CO 2 generation on Pt/Rh/Sn ternary catalysts. Our studies showed that, for the first time, the tri–phase PtRhOx- SnO 2 catalysts with a partially oxidized Pt and Rh core and a SnO 2 shell, validated by X-ray absorption analyses and scanning transmission electron microscope-electron energy loss spectroscopy line scan, coincidedmore » with a 2.5-fold increase in the CO 2 generation rate towards ethanol oxidation reaction, compared with the bi-phase PtRh-SnO 2 catalysts with a metallic PtRh alloy core and commercial Pt. These studies provided insight on the design of a new genre of electro-catalysts with a partially oxidized noble metal.« less

Enhanced Electro-Kinetics of C-C Bond-Splitting during Ethanol Oxidation Reaction using Pt/Rh/Sn Catalyst with a Partially Oxidized Pt and Rh Core and a SnO2 Shell

DOE PAGES

Yang, G.; Su, D.; Frenkel, A. I.; ...

2016-09-04

Direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) is a promising technology for generating electricity via the electro-oxidation of liquid ethanol. Its implementation requires the development of anode catalysts capable of producing CO 2 and yielding 12-electron transfer through breaking C-C bond of ethanol. Here we presented comprehensive studies of electro-kinetics of the CO 2 generation on Pt/Rh/Sn ternary catalysts. Our studies showed that, for the first time, the tri–phase PtRhOx- SnO 2 catalysts with a partially oxidized Pt and Rh core and a SnO 2 shell, validated by X-ray absorption analyses and scanning transmission electron microscope-electron energy loss spectroscopy line scan, coincidedmore » with a 2.5-fold increase in the CO 2 generation rate towards ethanol oxidation reaction, compared with the bi-phase PtRh-SnO 2 catalysts with a metallic PtRh alloy core and commercial Pt. These studies provided insight on the design of a new genre of electro-catalysts with a partially oxidized noble metal.« less

Effect of group electronegativity on electron transfer in bis(hydrazine) radical cations.

PubMed

Qin, Haimei; Zhong, Xinxin; Si, Yubing; Zhang, Weiwei; Zhao, Yi

2011-04-14

The radical cation of 4,10-ditert-butyl-5,9-diisopropyl-4,5,9,10-tetraazatetracyclo[6.2.2.2]-tetradecane (sBI4T(+)), as well as its substituted bis(hydrazine) radical cations, is chosen for the investigation of the electronegativity dependence of its intramolecular electron transfer. To do so, two parameters, reorganization energy and electronic coupling, are calculated with several ab initio approaches. It is found that the electronic couplings decrease with the increase of the group electronegativity while the reorganization energies do not show an explicit dependency. Furthermore, Marcus formula is employed to reveal those effect on the electron transfer rates. The predicted rates of electron transfer generally decrease with increasing group electronegativity, although not monotonically.

Electronic energy transfer through non-adiabatic vibrational-electronic resonance. I. Theory for a dimer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, Vivek; Peters, William K.; Jonas, David M.

2017-10-01

Non-adiabatic vibrational-electronic resonance in the excited electronic states of natural photosynthetic antennas drastically alters the adiabatic framework, in which electronic energy transfer has been conventionally studied, and suggests the possibility of exploiting non-adiabatic dynamics for directed energy transfer. Here, a generalized dimer model incorporates asymmetries between pigments, coupling to the environment, and the doubly excited state relevant for nonlinear spectroscopy. For this generalized dimer model, the vibrational tuning vector that drives energy transfer is derived and connected to decoherence between singly excited states. A correlation vector is connected to decoherence between the ground state and the doubly excited state. Optical decoherence between the ground and singly excited states involves linear combinations of the correlation and tuning vectors. Excitonic coupling modifies the tuning vector. The correlation and tuning vectors are not always orthogonal, and both can be asymmetric under pigment exchange, which affects energy transfer. For equal pigment vibrational frequencies, the nonadiabatic tuning vector becomes an anti-correlated delocalized linear combination of intramolecular vibrations of the two pigments, and the nonadiabatic energy transfer dynamics become separable. With exchange symmetry, the correlation and tuning vectors become delocalized intramolecular vibrations that are symmetric and antisymmetric under pigment exchange. Diabatic criteria for vibrational-excitonic resonance demonstrate that anti-correlated vibrations increase the range and speed of vibronically resonant energy transfer (the Golden Rule rate is a factor of 2 faster). A partial trace analysis shows that vibronic decoherence for a vibrational-excitonic resonance between two excitons is slower than their purely excitonic decoherence.

Electronic energy transfer through non-adiabatic vibrational-electronic resonance. I. Theory for a dimer.

PubMed

Tiwari, Vivek; Peters, William K; Jonas, David M

2017-10-21

Non-adiabatic vibrational-electronic resonance in the excited electronic states of natural photosynthetic antennas drastically alters the adiabatic framework, in which electronic energy transfer has been conventionally studied, and suggests the possibility of exploiting non-adiabatic dynamics for directed energy transfer. Here, a generalized dimer model incorporates asymmetries between pigments, coupling to the environment, and the doubly excited state relevant for nonlinear spectroscopy. For this generalized dimer model, the vibrational tuning vector that drives energy transfer is derived and connected to decoherence between singly excited states. A correlation vector is connected to decoherence between the ground state and the doubly excited state. Optical decoherence between the ground and singly excited states involves linear combinations of the correlation and tuning vectors. Excitonic coupling modifies the tuning vector. The correlation and tuning vectors are not always orthogonal, and both can be asymmetric under pigment exchange, which affects energy transfer. For equal pigment vibrational frequencies, the nonadiabatic tuning vector becomes an anti-correlated delocalized linear combination of intramolecular vibrations of the two pigments, and the nonadiabatic energy transfer dynamics become separable. With exchange symmetry, the correlation and tuning vectors become delocalized intramolecular vibrations that are symmetric and antisymmetric under pigment exchange. Diabatic criteria for vibrational-excitonic resonance demonstrate that anti-correlated vibrations increase the range and speed of vibronically resonant energy transfer (the Golden Rule rate is a factor of 2 faster). A partial trace analysis shows that vibronic decoherence for a vibrational-excitonic resonance between two excitons is slower than their purely excitonic decoherence.

Encapsulated heterogeneous base catalysts onto SBA-15 nanoporous material as highly active catalysts in the transesterification of sunflower oil to biodiesel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albayati, Talib M.; Doyle, Aidan M.

2015-02-01

Alkali metals and their hydroxides, Na, NaOH, Li, and LiOH, were encapsulated onto SBA-15 nanoporous material as highly active catalysts for the production of biodiesel fuel from sunflower oil. The incipient wetness impregnation method was adopted for the prepared catalysts. The characterization properties of the catalysts and unmodified SBA-15 were determined using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, EDAX, nitrogen adsorption-desorption porosimetry (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Transesterification was conducted in a batch reactor at atmospheric pressure and 65 °C. The catalysts were highly active with yields of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) in the range 96-99 %. Na/SBA-15 catalyst was reused for seven consecutive cycles under the same reaction conditions; the yield to FAME on the final cycle was 96 %. This study shows that the alkali metals and their hydroxides supported on SBA-15-based catalyst are excellent catalysts for the biodiesel reaction.

Quantifying electron transfer reactions in biological systems: what interactions play the major role?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sjulstok, Emil; Olsen, Jógvan Magnus Haugaard; Solov'Yov, Ilia A.

2015-12-01

Various biological processes involve the conversion of energy into forms that are usable for chemical transformations and are quantum mechanical in nature. Such processes involve light absorption, excited electronic states formation, excitation energy transfer, electrons and protons tunnelling which for example occur in photosynthesis, cellular respiration, DNA repair, and possibly magnetic field sensing. Quantum biology uses computation to model biological interactions in light of quantum mechanical effects and has primarily developed over the past decade as a result of convergence between quantum physics and biology. In this paper we consider electron transfer in biological processes, from a theoretical view-point; namely in terms of quantum mechanical and semi-classical models. We systematically characterize the interactions between the moving electron and its biological environment to deduce the driving force for the electron transfer reaction and to establish those interactions that play the major role in propelling the electron. The suggested approach is seen as a general recipe to treat electron transfer events in biological systems computationally, and we utilize it to describe specifically the electron transfer reactions in Arabidopsis thaliana cryptochrome-a signaling photoreceptor protein that became attractive recently due to its possible function as a biological magnetoreceptor.

Operando chemistry of catalyst surfaces during catalysis.

PubMed

Dou, Jian; Sun, Zaicheng; Opalade, Adedamola A; Wang, Nan; Fu, Wensheng; Tao, Franklin Feng

2017-04-03

Chemistry of a catalyst surface during catalysis is crucial for a fundamental understanding of mechanism of a catalytic reaction performed on the catalyst in the gas or liquid phase. Due to the pressure- or molecular density-dependent entropy contribution of gas or liquid phase of the reactants and the potential formation of a catalyst surface during catalysis different from that observed in an ex situ condition, the characterization of the surface of a catalyst under reaction conditions and during catalysis can be significant and even necessary for understanding the catalytic mechanism at a molecular level. Electron-based analytical techniques are challenging for studying catalyst nanoparticles in the gas or liquid phase although they are necessary techniques to employ. Instrumentation and further development of these electron-based techniques have now made in situ/operando studies of catalysts possible. New insights into the chemistry and structure of catalyst nanoparticles have been uncovered over the last decades. Herein, the origin of the differences between ex situ and in situ/operando studies of catalysts, and the technical challenges faced as well as the corresponding instrumentation and innovations utilized for characterizing catalysts under reaction conditions and during catalysis, are discussed. The restructuring of catalyst surfaces driven by the pressure of reactant(s) around a catalyst, restructuring in reactant(s) driven by reaction temperature and restructuring during catalysis are also reviewed herein. The remaining challenges and possible solutions are briefly discussed.

Electron Transfer Strategies Regulate Carbonate Mineral and Micropore Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, Zhirui; Tice, Michael M.

2018-01-01

Some microbial carbonates are robust biosignatures due to their distinct morphologies and compositions. However, whether carbonates induced by microbial iron reduction have such features is unknown. Iron-reducing bacteria use various strategies to transfer electrons to iron oxide minerals (e.g., membrane-bound enzymes, soluble electron shuttles, nanowires, as well as different mechanisms for moving over or attaching to mineral surfaces). This diversity has the potential to create mineral biosignatures through manipulating the microenvironments in which carbonate precipitation occurs. We used Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, Geothrix fermentans, and Geobacter metallireducens GS-15, representing three different strategies, to reduce solid ferric hydroxide in order to evaluate their influence on carbonate and micropore formation (micro-size porosity in mineral rocks). Our results indicate that electron transfer strategies determined the morphology (rhombohedral, spherical, or long-chained) of precipitated calcium-rich siderite by controlling the level of carbonate saturation and the location of carbonate formation. Remarkably, electron transfer strategies also produced distinctive cell-shaped micropores in both carbonate and hydroxide minerals, thus producing suites of features that could potentially serve as biosignatures recording information about the sizes, shapes, and physiologies of iron-reducing organisms.

Water-mediated electron transfer between protein redox centers.

PubMed

Migliore, Agostino; Corni, Stefano; Felice, Rosa Di; Molinari, Elisa

2007-04-12

Recent experimental and theoretical investigations show that water molecules between or near redox partners can significantly affect their electron-transfer (ET) properties. Here we study the effects of intervening water molecules on the electron self-exchange reaction of azurin (Az), by performing a conformational sampling on the water medium and by using a newly developed ab initio method to calculate transfer integrals between molecular redox sites. We show that the insertion of water molecules at the interface between the copper active sites of Az dimers slightly increases the overall ET rate, while some favorable water conformations can considerably enhance the ET kinetics. These features are traced back to the interplay of two competing factors: the electrostatic interaction between the water and protein subsystems (mainly opposing the ET process for the water arrangements drawn from MD simulations) and the effectiveness of water in mediating ET coupling pathways. Such an interplay provides a physical basis for the found absence of correlation between the electronic couplings derived through ab initio electronic structure calculations and the related quantities obtained through the Empirical Pathways (EP) method. In fact, the latter does not account for electrostatic effects on the transfer integrals. Thus, we conclude that the water-mediated electron tunneling is not controlled by the geometry of a single physical pathway. We discuss the results in terms of the interplay between different ET pathways controlled by the conformational changes of one of the water molecules via its electrostatic influence. Finally, we examine the dynamical effects of the interfacial water and check the validity of the Condon approximation.

Inner reorganization limiting electron transfer controlled hydrogen bonding: intra- vs. intermolecular effects.

PubMed

Martínez-González, Eduardo; Frontana, Carlos

2014-05-07

In this work, experimental evidence of the influence of the electron transfer kinetics during electron transfer controlled hydrogen bonding between anion radicals of metronidazole and ornidazole, derivatives of 5-nitro-imidazole, and 1,3-diethylurea as the hydrogen bond donor, is presented. Analysis of the variations of voltammetric EpIcvs. log KB[DH], where KB is the binding constant, allowed us to determine the values of the binding constant and also the electron transfer rate k, confirmed by experiments obtained at different scan rates. Electronic structure calculations at the BHandHLYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level for metronidazole, including the solvent effect by the Cramer/Truhlar model, suggested that the minimum energy conformer is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding. In this structure, the inner reorganization energy, λi,j, contributes significantly (0.5 eV) to the total reorganization energy of electron transfer, thus leading to a diminishment of the experimental k.

Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer (PCET) in Photocatalysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-08

AFRL-AFOSR-VA-TR-2016-0244 Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer (PCET) in Photocatalysis Jahan Dawlaty UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN...TITLE AND SUBTITLE Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer (PCET) in Photocatalysis 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER FA9550...298 Back (Rev. 8/98) DISTRIBUTION A: Distribution approved for public release. Final Report: AFOSR YIP Grant FA9550-13-1-0128: Ultrafast Spectroscopy

Electron transfer and reaction mechanism of laccases.

PubMed

Jones, Stephen M; Solomon, Edward I

2015-03-01

Laccases are part of the family of multicopper oxidases (MCOs), which couple the oxidation of substrates to the four electron reduction of O2 to H2O. MCOs contain a minimum of four Cu's divided into Type 1 (T1), Type 2 (T2), and binuclear Type 3 (T3) Cu sites that are distinguished based on unique spectroscopic features. Substrate oxidation occurs near the T1, and electrons are transferred approximately 13 Å through the protein via the Cys-His pathway to the T2/T3 trinuclear copper cluster (TNC), where dioxygen reduction occurs. This review outlines the electron transfer (ET) process in laccases, and the mechanism of O2 reduction as elucidated through spectroscopic, kinetic, and computational data. Marcus theory is used to describe the relevant factors which impact ET rates including the driving force, reorganization energy, and electronic coupling matrix element. Then, the mechanism of O2 reaction is detailed with particular focus on the intermediates formed during the two 2e(-) reduction steps. The first 2e(-) step forms the peroxide intermediate, followed by the second 2e(-) step to form the native intermediate, which has been shown to be the catalytically relevant fully oxidized form of the enzyme.

Advancing Fenton and photo-Fenton water treatment through the catalyst design.

PubMed

Vorontsov, Alexander V

2018-04-20

The review is devoted to modern Fenton, photo-Fenton, as well as Fenton-like and photo-Fenton-like reactions with participation of iron species in liquid phase and as heterogeneous catalysts. Mechanisms of these reactions were considered that include hydroxyl radical and oxoferryl species as the reactive intermediates. The barriers in the way of application of these reactions to wastewater treatment were discussed. The following fundamental problems need further research efforts: inclusion of more mechanism steps and quantum calculations of all rate constants lacking in the literature, checking the outer sphere electron transfer contribution, determination of the causes for the key changes in the homogeneous Fenton reaction mechanism with a change in the reagents concentration. The key advances for Fenton reactions implementation for the water treatment are related to tremendous hydrodynamical effects on the catalytic activity, design of ligands for high rate and completeness of mineralization in short time, and design of highly active heterogeneous catalysts. While both homogeneous and heterogeneous Fenton and photo-Fenton systems are open for further improvements, heterogeneous photo-Fenton systems are most promising for practical applications because of the inherent higher catalyst stability. Modern methods of quantum chemistry are expected to play a continuously increasing role in development of such catalysts. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Laboratory-scale photoredox catalysis using hydrated electrons sustainably generated with a single green laser.

PubMed

Naumann, Robert; Kerzig, Christoph; Goez, Martin

2017-11-01

The ruthenium-tris-bipyridyl dication as catalyst combined with the ascorbate dianion as bioavailable sacrificial donor provides the first regenerative source of hydrated electrons for chemical syntheses on millimolar scales. This electron generator is operated simply by illumination with a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm) running at its normal repetition rate. Much more detailed information than by product studies alone was obtained by photokinetical characterization from submicroseconds (time-resolved laser flash photolysis) up to one hour (preparative photolysis). The experiments on short timescales established a reaction mechanism more complex than previously thought, and proved the catalytic action by unchanged concentration traces of the key transients over a number of flashes so large that the accumulated electron total surpassed the catalyst concentration many times. Preparative photolyses revealed that the sacrificial donor greatly enhances the catalyst stability through quenching the initial metal-to-ligand charge-transfer state before destructive dd states can be populated from it, such that the efficiency of this electron generator is no longer limited by catalyst decomposition but by electron scavenging by the accumulating oxidation products of the ascorbate. Applications covered dechlorinations of selected aliphatic and aromatic chlorides and the reduction of a model ketone. All these substrates are impervious to photoredox catalysts exhibiting lower reducing power than the hydrated electron, but the combination of an extremely negative standard potential and a long unquenched life allowed turnover numbers up to 1400 with our method.

Syntrophic anaerobic photosynthesis via direct interspecies electron transfer

DOE PAGES

Ha, Phuc T.; Lindemann, Stephen R.; Shi, Liang; ...

2017-01-09

Microbial phototrophs, key primary producers on Earth, use H 2O, H 2, H 2S and other reduced inorganic compounds as electron donors. Here we describe a form of metabolism linking anoxygenic photosynthesis to anaerobic respiration that we call ‘syntrophic anaerobic photosynthesis’. We show that photoautotrophy in the green sulfur bacterium Prosthecochloris aestaurii can be driven by either electrons from a solid electrode or acetate oxidation via direct interspecies electron transfer from a heterotrophic partner bacterium, Geobacter sulfurreducens. Photosynthetic growth of P. aestuarii using reductant provided by either an electrode or syntrophy is robust and light-dependent. In contrast, P. aestuarii doesmore » not grow in co-culture with a G. sulfurreducens mutant lacking a trans-outer membrane porin-cytochrome protein complex required for direct intercellular electron transfer. Syntrophic anaerobic photosynthesis is therefore a carbon cycling process that could take place in anoxic environments. Lastly, this process could be exploited for biotechnological applications, such as waste treatment and bioenergy production, using engineered phototrophic microbial communities.« less

Photosensitizing Electron Transfer Processes of Fullerenes, Carbon Nanotubes, and Carbon Nanohorns.

PubMed

Ito, Osamu

2017-03-01

In this account, studies on the photosensitizing electron transfer of nanocarbons, such as fullerenes, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and carbon nanohorns (CNH), performed in our laboratory for about 15 years in the early 21st century have been briefly reviewed. These novel nanocarbons act as excellent electron acceptors, when they are linked to light-absorbing electron donors, such as porphyrins or phthalocyanines. For such molecule-nanocarbon hybrids, the direct confirmation of fast, transient, electron-transfer phenomena must be performed with time-resolved spectroscopic methods, such as transient absorption spectral measurements, in addition to fluorescence time-profile measurements in the wide-wavelength regions. Careful use of these methods affords useful information to understand photoinduced electron-transfer mechanisms. In addition, kinetic data obtained by these methods can assist in the construction of light-active devices, such as photovoltaic cells and solar H 2 -generation systems. © 2017 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Rapid electron transfer by the carbon matrix in natural pyrogenic carbon

PubMed Central

Sun, Tianran; Levin, Barnaby D. A.; Guzman, Juan J. L.; Enders, Akio; Muller, David A.; Angenent, Largus T.; Lehmann, Johannes

2017-01-01

Surface functional groups constitute major electroactive components in pyrogenic carbon. However, the electrochemical properties of pyrogenic carbon matrices and the kinetic preference of functional groups or carbon matrices for electron transfer remain unknown. Here we show that environmentally relevant pyrogenic carbon with average H/C and O/C ratios of less than 0.35 and 0.09 can directly transfer electrons more than three times faster than the charging and discharging cycles of surface functional groups and have a 1.5 V potential range for biogeochemical reactions that invoke electron transfer processes. Surface functional groups contribute to the overall electron flux of pyrogenic carbon to a lesser extent with greater pyrolysis temperature due to lower charging and discharging capacities, although the charging and discharging kinetics remain unchanged. This study could spur the development of a new generation of biogeochemical electron flux models that focus on the bacteria–carbon–mineral conductive network. PMID:28361882

ZnO-nanorods/graphene heterostructure: a direct electron transfer glucose biosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yu; Li, Wenbo; Pan, Lijia; Zhai, Dongyuan; Wang, Yu; Li, Lanlan; Cheng, Wen; Yin, Wei; Wang, Xinran; Xu, Jian-Bin; Shi, Yi

2016-08-01

ZnO-nanorods/graphene heterostructure was synthesized by hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanorods on chemically reduced graphene (CRG) film. The hybrid structure was demonstrated as a biosensor, where direct electron transfer between glucose oxidase (GOD) and electrode was observed. The charge transfer was attributed to the ZnO nanorod wiring between the redox center of GOD and electrode, and the ZnO/graphene heterostructure facilitated the transport of electrons on the hybride electrode. The glucose sensor based on the GOD-ZnO/CRG/Pt electrode had a high sensitivity of 17.64 μA mM-1, which is higher than most of the previously reported values for direct electron transfer based glucose biosensors. Moreover, this biosensor is linearly proportional to the concentration of glucose in the range of 0.2-1.6 mM. The study revealed that the band structure of electrode could affect the detection of direct electron transfer of GOD, which would be helpful for the design of the biosensor electrodes in the future.

ZnO-nanorods/graphene heterostructure: a direct electron transfer glucose biosensor

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yu; Li, Wenbo; Pan, Lijia; Zhai, Dongyuan; Wang, Yu; Li, Lanlan; Cheng, Wen; Yin, Wei; Wang, Xinran; Xu, Jian-Bin; Shi, Yi

2016-01-01

ZnO-nanorods/graphene heterostructure was synthesized by hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanorods on chemically reduced graphene (CRG) film. The hybrid structure was demonstrated as a biosensor, where direct electron transfer between glucose oxidase (GOD) and electrode was observed. The charge transfer was attributed to the ZnO nanorod wiring between the redox center of GOD and electrode, and the ZnO/graphene heterostructure facilitated the transport of electrons on the hybride electrode. The glucose sensor based on the GOD-ZnO/CRG/Pt electrode had a high sensitivity of 17.64 μA mM−1, which is higher than most of the previously reported values for direct electron transfer based glucose biosensors. Moreover, this biosensor is linearly proportional to the concentration of glucose in the range of 0.2–1.6 mM. The study revealed that the band structure of electrode could affect the detection of direct electron transfer of GOD, which would be helpful for the design of the biosensor electrodes in the future. PMID:27572675

The role of defects in Fe(II) – goethite electron transfer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andrade de Notini, Luiza; Latta, Drew; Neumann, Anke

Despite accumulating experimental evidence for Fe(II)-Fe(III) oxide electron transfer, computational chemical calculations suggest that oxidation of sorbed Fe(II) is not energetically feasible unless defects are present. Here we used isotope specific 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy to investigate whether Fe(II)-goethite electron transfer is influenced by defects. Specifically, we heated the mineral to try to anneal the goethite surface and ground goethite to try to create defects. We found that heating goethite results in less oxidation of sorbed Fe(II) by goethite. When goethite was re-ground after heating, electron transfer was partially restored. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) ofmore » heated and ground goethite confirm that heating and grinding alter the surface structure of the goethite. We propose that the heating process annealed the surface and decreased the number of sites where electron transfer could occur. Our experimental findings suggest that surface defects play an important role in Fe(II)-goethite electron transfer as suggested by computational calculations. Our finding that defects influence heterogeneous Fe(II)-goethite electron transfer has important implications for Fe(II) driven recrystallization of Fe oxides, as well as X and Y.« less

Photocurrent generation by direct electron transfer using photosynthetic reaction centres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmoudzadeh, A.; Saer, R.; Jun, D.; Mirvakili, S. M.; Takshi, A.; Iranpour, B.; Ouellet, E.; Lagally, E. T.; Madden, J. D. W.; Beatty, J. T.

2011-09-01

Photosynthetic reaction centres (RCs) convert light into separated charges with nearly perfect quantum efficiency, and have been used to generate photocurrent. Previous work has shown that electron tunnelling rates between redox centres in proteins depend exponentially on the tunnelling distance. In this work the RC from Rhodobacter sphaeroides was genetically modified with the aim of achieving the shortest tunnelling distances yet demonstrated between the RC's electron-accepting P site and underlying graphite and gold electrodes, and between the electron donor Q site and graphite electrodes. Opposite charges are carried to counter electrodes using mobile mediators, as in dye-sensitised solar cells. Native RCs are bound to graphite surfaces through N-(1-pyrene)iodoacetamide. Although the linker's length is only 4 Å, the electron transfer pathway between the Q electron donor site on the RC and the electrode surface is still too large for current to be significant. A mutant version with the electron acceptor P side close to the graphite surface produced currents of 15 nA cm-2 upon illumination. Direct binding of RCs to a gold surface is shown, resulting in currents of 5 nA cm-2. In both cases the current was unaffected by mediator concentration but increased with illumination, suggesting that direct electron transfer was achieved. The engineering of an RC to achieve direct electron transfer will help with long term efforts to demonstrate RC-based photovoltaic devices.

Interfaces in Heterogeneous Catalysts: Advancing Mechanistic Understanding through Atomic-Scale Measurements.

PubMed

Gao, Wenpei; Hood, Zachary D; Chi, Miaofang

2017-04-18

Developing novel catalysts with high efficiency and selectivity is critical for enabling future clean energy conversion technologies. Interfaces in catalyst systems have long been considered the most critical factor in controlling catalytic reaction mechanisms. Interfaces include not only the catalyst surface but also interfaces within catalyst particles and those formed by constructing heterogeneous catalysts. The atomic and electronic structures of catalytic surfaces govern the kinetics of binding and release of reactant molecules from surface atoms. Interfaces within catalysts are introduced to enhance the intrinsic activity and stability of the catalyst by tuning the surface atomic and chemical structures. Examples include interfaces between the core and shell, twin or domain boundaries, or phase boundaries within single catalyst particles. In supported catalyst nanoparticles (NPs), the interface between the metallic NP and support serves as a critical tuning factor for enhancing catalytic activity. Surface electronic structure can be indirectly tuned and catalytically active sites can be increased through the use of supporting oxides. Tuning interfaces in catalyst systems has been identified as an important strategy in the design of novel catalysts. However, the governing principle of how interfaces contribute to catalyst behavior, especially in terms of interactions with intermediates and their stability during electrochemical operation, are largely unknown. This is mainly due to the evolving nature of such interfaces. Small changes in the structural and chemical configuration of these interfaces may result in altering the catalytic performance. These interfacial arrangements evolve continuously during synthesis, processing, use, and even static operation. A technique that can probe the local atomic and electronic interfacial structures with high precision while monitoring the dynamic interfacial behavior in situ is essential for elucidating the role of

Charge transfer to ground-state ions produces free electrons

PubMed Central

You, D.; Fukuzawa, H.; Sakakibara, Y.; Takanashi, T.; Ito, Y.; Maliyar, G. G.; Motomura, K.; Nagaya, K.; Nishiyama, T.; Asa, K.; Sato, Y.; Saito, N.; Oura, M.; Schöffler, M.; Kastirke, G.; Hergenhahn, U.; Stumpf, V.; Gokhberg, K.; Kuleff, A. I.; Cederbaum, L. S.; Ueda, K

2017-01-01

Inner-shell ionization of an isolated atom typically leads to Auger decay. In an environment, for example, a liquid or a van der Waals bonded system, this process will be modified, and becomes part of a complex cascade of relaxation steps. Understanding these steps is important, as they determine the production of slow electrons and singly charged radicals, the most abundant products in radiation chemistry. In this communication, we present experimental evidence for a so-far unobserved, but potentially very important step in such relaxation cascades: Multiply charged ionic states after Auger decay may partially be neutralized by electron transfer, simultaneously evoking the creation of a low-energy free electron (electron transfer-mediated decay). This process is effective even after Auger decay into the dicationic ground state. In our experiment, we observe the decay of Ne2+ produced after Ne 1s photoionization in Ne–Kr mixed clusters. PMID:28134238

Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation by a Homogeneous Copper Catalyst Disfavors Single-Site Mechanisms.

PubMed

Koepke, Sara J; Light, Kenneth M; VanNatta, Peter E; Wiley, Keaton M; Kieber-Emmons, Matthew T

2017-06-28

Deployment of solar fuels derived from water requires robust oxygen-evolving catalysts made from earth abundant materials. Copper has recently received much attention in this regard. Mechanistic parallels between Cu and single-site Ru/Ir/Mn water oxidation catalysts, including intermediacy of terminal Cu oxo/oxyl species, are prevalent in the literature; however, intermediacy of late transition metal oxo species would be remarkable given the high d-electron count would fill antibonding orbitals, making these species high in energy. This may suggest alternate pathways are at work in copper-based water oxidation. This report characterizes a dinuclear copper water oxidation catalyst, {[(L)Cu(II)] 2 -(μ-OH) 2 }(OTf) 2 (L = Me 2 TMPA = bis((6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) in which water oxidation proceeds with high Faradaic efficiency (>90%) and moderate rates (33 s -1 at ∼1 V overpotential, pH 12.5). A large kinetic isotope effect (k H /k D = 20) suggests proton coupled electron transfer in the initial oxidation as the rate-determining step. This species partially dissociates in aqueous solution at pH 12.5 to generate a mononuclear {[(L)Cu(II)(OH)]} + adduct (K eq = 0.0041). Calculations that reproduce the experimental findings reveal that oxidation of either the mononuclear or dinuclear species results in a common dinuclear intermediate, {[LCu(III)] 2 -(μ-O) 2 } 2+ , which avoids formation of terminal Cu(IV)═O/Cu(III)-O • intermediates. Calculations further reveal that both intermolecular water nucleophilic attack and redox isomerization of {[LCu(III)] 2 -(μ-O) 2 } 2+ are energetically accessible pathways for O-O bond formation. The consequences of these findings are discussed in relation to differences in water oxidation pathways between Cu catalysts and catalysts based on Ru, Ir, and Mn.

Thin Film Catalyst Layers for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witham, C. K.; Chun, W.; Ruiz, R.; Valdez, T. I.; Narayanan, S. R.

2000-01-01

One of the primary obstacles to the widespread use of the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is the high cost of the catalyst. Therefore, reducing the catalyst loading well below the current level of 8-12 mg/cm 2 would be important to commercialization. The current methods for preparation of catalyst layers consisting of catalyst, ionomer and sometimes a hydrophobic additive are applied by either painting, spraying, decal transfer or screen printing processes. Sputter deposition is a coating technique widely used in manufacturing and therefore particularly attractive. In this study we have begun to explore sputtering as a method for catalyst deposition. Present experiments focus on Pt-Ru catalyst layers for the anode.

Synergistic electron transfer effect-based signal amplification strategy for the ultrasensitive detection of dopamine.

PubMed

Lu, Qiujun; Chen, Xiaogen; Liu, Dan; Wu, Cuiyan; Liu, Meiling; Li, Haitao; Zhang, Youyu; Yao, Shouzhuo

2018-05-15

The selective and sensitive detection of dopamine (DA) is of great significance for the identification of schizophrenia, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease from the perspective of molecular diagnostics. So far, most of DA fluorescence sensors are based on the electron transfer from the fluorescence nanomaterials to DA-quinone. However, the limited electron transfer ability of the DA-quinone affects the level of detection sensitivity of these sensors. In this work, based on the DA can reduce Ag + into AgNPs followed by oxidized to DA-quinone, we developed a novel silicon nanoparticles-based electron transfer fluorescent sensor for the detection of DA. As electron transfer acceptor, the AgNPs and DA-quinone can quench the fluorescence of silicon nanoparticles effectively through the synergistic electron transfer effect. Compared with traditional fluorescence DA sensors, the proposed synergistic electron transfer-based sensor improves the detection sensitivity to a great extent (at least 10-fold improvement). The proposed sensor shows a low detection limit of DA, which is as low as 0.1 nM under the optimal conditions. This sensor has potential applicability for the detection of DA in practical sample. This work has been demonstrated to contribute to a substantial improvement in the sensitivity of the sensors. It also gives new insight into design electron transfer-based sensors. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Hydrazine Catalyst Production: Sustaining S-405 Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wucherer, E. J.; Cook, Timothy; Stiefel, Mark; Humphries, Randy, Jr.; Parker, Janet

2003-01-01

The development of the iridium-based Shell 405 catalyst for spontaneous decomposition of hydrazine was one of the key enabling technologies for today's spacecraft and launch vehicles. To ensure that this crucial technology was not lost when Shell elected to exit the business, Aerojet, supported by NASA, has developed a dedicated catalyst production facility that will supply catalyst for future spacecraft and launch vehicle requirements. We have undertaken a program to transfer catalyst production from Shell Chemical USA (Houston, TX) to Aerojet's Redmond, WA location. This technology transition was aided by Aerojet's 30 years of catalyst manufacturing experience and NASA diligence and support in sustaining essential technologies. The facility has produced and tested S-405 catalyst to existing Shell 405 specifications and standards. Our presentation will describe the technology transition effort including development of the manufacturing facility, capture of the manufacturing process, test equipment validation, initial batch build and final testing.

Investigation of excited state, reductive quenching, and intramolecular electron transfer of Ru(II)–Re(I) supramolecular photocatalysts for CO 2 reduction using time-resolved IR measurements

DOE PAGES

Koike, Kazuhide; Grills, David C.; Tamaki, Yusuke; ...

2018-02-14

Supramolecular photocatalysts in which Ru(II) photosensitizer and Re(I) catalyst units are connected to each other by an ethylene linker are among the best known, most effective and durable photocatalytic systems for CO 2 reduction. In this paper we report, for the first time, time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectra of three of these binuclear complexes to uncover why the catalysts function so efficiently. Selective excitation of the Ru unit with a 532 nm laser pulse induces slow intramolecular electron transfer from the 3MLCT excited state of the Ru unit to the Re unit, with rate constants of (1.0–1.1) × 10 4 smore » -1 as a major component and (3.5–4.3) × 10 6 s -1 as a minor component, in acetonitrile. The produced charge-separated state has a long lifetime, with charge recombination rate constants of only (6.5–8.4) × 10 4 s -1. Thus, although it has a large driving force (-ΔG 0 CR ~ 2.6 eV), this process is in the Marcus inverted region. On the other hand, in the presence of 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BNAH), reductive quenching of the excited Ru unit proceeds much faster (k q[BNAH (0.2 M)] = (3.5–3.8) × 10 6 s -1) than the abovementioned intramolecular oxidative quenching, producing the one-electron-reduced species (OERS) of the Ru unit. Nanosecond TRIR data clearly show that intramolecular electron transfer from the OERS of the Ru unit to the Re unit (k ET > 2 × 10 7 s -1) is much faster than from the excited state of the Ru unit, and that it is also faster than the reductive quenching process of the excited Ru unit by BNAH. To measure the exact value of k ET, picosecond TRIR spectroscopy and a stronger reductant were used. Thus, in the case of the binuclear complex with tri(p-fluorophenyl)phosphine ligands (RuRe(FPh)), for which intramolecular electron transfer is expected to be the fastest among the three binuclear complexes, in the presence of 1,3-dimethyl-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (BIH), k ET was measured as k ET = (1

Investigation of excited state, reductive quenching, and intramolecular electron transfer of Ru(II)–Re(I) supramolecular photocatalysts for CO 2 reduction using time-resolved IR measurements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koike, Kazuhide; Grills, David C.; Tamaki, Yusuke

Supramolecular photocatalysts in which Ru(II) photosensitizer and Re(I) catalyst units are connected to each other by an ethylene linker are among the best known, most effective and durable photocatalytic systems for CO 2 reduction. In this paper we report, for the first time, time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectra of three of these binuclear complexes to uncover why the catalysts function so efficiently. Selective excitation of the Ru unit with a 532 nm laser pulse induces slow intramolecular electron transfer from the 3MLCT excited state of the Ru unit to the Re unit, with rate constants of (1.0–1.1) × 10 4 smore » -1 as a major component and (3.5–4.3) × 10 6 s -1 as a minor component, in acetonitrile. The produced charge-separated state has a long lifetime, with charge recombination rate constants of only (6.5–8.4) × 10 4 s -1. Thus, although it has a large driving force (-ΔG 0 CR ~ 2.6 eV), this process is in the Marcus inverted region. On the other hand, in the presence of 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide (BNAH), reductive quenching of the excited Ru unit proceeds much faster (k q[BNAH (0.2 M)] = (3.5–3.8) × 10 6 s -1) than the abovementioned intramolecular oxidative quenching, producing the one-electron-reduced species (OERS) of the Ru unit. Nanosecond TRIR data clearly show that intramolecular electron transfer from the OERS of the Ru unit to the Re unit (k ET > 2 × 10 7 s -1) is much faster than from the excited state of the Ru unit, and that it is also faster than the reductive quenching process of the excited Ru unit by BNAH. To measure the exact value of k ET, picosecond TRIR spectroscopy and a stronger reductant were used. Thus, in the case of the binuclear complex with tri(p-fluorophenyl)phosphine ligands (RuRe(FPh)), for which intramolecular electron transfer is expected to be the fastest among the three binuclear complexes, in the presence of 1,3-dimethyl-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (BIH), k ET was measured as k ET = (1

Atmospheric pressure reaction cell for operando sum frequency generation spectroscopy of ultrahigh vacuum grown model catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roiaz, Matteo; Pramhaas, Verena; Li, Xia; Rameshan, Christoph; Rupprechter, Günther

2018-04-01

A new custom-designed ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) chamber coupled to a UHV and atmospheric-pressure-compatible spectroscopic and catalytic reaction cell is described, which allows us to perform IR-vis sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy during catalytic (kinetic) measurements. SFG spectroscopy is an exceptional tool to study vibrational properties of surface adsorbates under operando conditions, close to those of technical catalysis. This versatile setup allows performing surface science, SFG spectroscopy, catalysis, and electrochemical investigations on model systems, including single crystals, thin films, and deposited metal nanoparticles, under well-controlled conditions of gas composition, pressure, temperature, and potential. The UHV chamber enables us to prepare the model catalysts and to analyze their surface structure and composition by low energy electron diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy, respectively. Thereafter, a sample transfer mechanism moves samples under UHV to the spectroscopic cell, avoiding air exposure. In the catalytic cell, SFG spectroscopy and catalytic tests (reactant/product analysis by mass spectrometry or gas chromatography) are performed simultaneously. A dedicated sample manipulation stage allows the model catalysts to be examined from LN2 temperature to 1273 K, with gaseous reactants in a pressure range from UHV to atmospheric. For post-reaction analysis, the SFG cell is rapidly evacuated and samples are transferred back to the UHV chamber. The capabilities of this new setup are demonstrated by benchmark results of CO adsorption on Pt and Pd(111) single crystal surfaces and of CO adsorption and oxidation on a ZrO2 supported Pt nanoparticle model catalyst grown by atomic layer deposition.

Effects of G-Quadruplex Topology on Electronic Transfer Integrals

PubMed Central

Sun, Wenming; Varsano, Daniele; Di Felice, Rosa

2016-01-01

G-quadruplex is a quadruple helical form of nucleic acids that can appear in guanine-rich parts of the genome. The basic unit is the G-tetrad, a planar assembly of four guanines connected by eight hydrogen bonds. Its rich topology and its possible relevance as a drug target for a number of diseases have stimulated several structural studies. The superior stiffness and electronic π-π overlap between consecutive G-tetrads suggest exploitation for nanotechnologies. Here we inspect the intimate link between the structure and the electronic properties, with focus on charge transfer parameters. We show that the electronic couplings between stacked G-tetrads strongly depend on the three-dimensional atomic structure. Furthermore, we reveal a remarkable correlation with the topology: a topology characterized by the absence of syn-anti G-G sequences can better support electronic charge transfer. On the other hand, there is no obvious correlation of the electronic coupling with usual descriptors of the helix shape. We establish a procedure to maximize the correlation with a global helix shape descriptor. PMID:28335314

Electrochemical control over photoinduced electron transfer and trapping in CdSe-CdTe quantum-dot solids.

PubMed

Boehme, Simon C; Walvis, T Ardaan; Infante, Ivan; Grozema, Ferdinand C; Vanmaekelbergh, Daniël; Siebbeles, Laurens D A; Houtepen, Arjan J

2014-07-22

Understanding and controlling charge transfer between different kinds of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) is important for devices such as light-emitting diodes and solar cells and for thermoelectric applications. Here we study photoinduced electron transfer between CdTe and CdSe QDs in a QD film. We find that very efficient electron trapping in CdTe QDs obstructs electron transfer to CdSe QDs under most conditions. Only the use of thiol ligands results in somewhat slower electron trapping; in this case the competition between trapping and electron transfer results in a small fraction of electrons being transferred to CdSe. However, we demonstrate that electron trapping can be controlled and even avoided altogether by using the unique combination of electrochemistry and transient absorption spectroscopy. When the Fermi level is raised electrochemically, traps are filled with electrons and electron transfer from CdTe to CdSe QDs occurs with unity efficiency. These results show the great importance of knowing and controlling the Fermi level in QD films and open up the possibility of studying the density of trap states in QD films as well as the systematic investigation of the intrinsic electron transfer rates in donor-acceptor films.

Simulation-Based Approach to Determining Electron Transfer Rates Using Square-Wave Voltammetry.

PubMed

Dauphin-Ducharme, Philippe; Arroyo-Currás, Netzahualcóyotl; Kurnik, Martin; Ortega, Gabriel; Li, Hui; Plaxco, Kevin W

2017-05-09

The efficiency with which square-wave voltammetry differentiates faradic and charging currents makes it a particularly sensitive electroanalytical approach, as evidenced by its ability to measure nanomolar or even picomolar concentrations of electroactive analytes. Because of the relative complexity of the potential sweep it uses, however, the extraction of detailed kinetic and mechanistic information from square-wave data remains challenging. In response, we demonstrate here a numerical approach by which square-wave data can be used to determine electron transfer rates. Specifically, we have developed a numerical approach in which we model the height and the shape of voltammograms collected over a range of square-wave frequencies and amplitudes to simulated voltammograms as functions of the heterogeneous rate constant and the electron transfer coefficient. As validation of the approach, we have used it to determine electron transfer kinetics in both freely diffusing and diffusionless surface-tethered species, obtaining electron transfer kinetics in all cases in good agreement with values derived using non-square-wave methods.

Flavin redox bifurcation as a mechanism for controlling the direction of electron flow during extracellular electron transfer.

PubMed

Okamoto, Akihiro; Hashimoto, Kazuhito; Nealson, Kenneth H

2014-10-06

The iron-reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 has a dual directional electronic conduit involving 40 heme redox centers in flavin-binding outer-membrane c-type cytochromes (OM c-Cyts). While the mechanism for electron export from the OM c-Cyts to an anode is well understood, how the redox centers in OM c-Cyts take electrons from a cathode has not been elucidated at the molecular level. Electrochemical analysis of live cells during switching from anodic to cathodic conditions showed that altering the direction of electron flow does not require gene expression or protein synthesis, but simply redox potential shift about 300 mV for a flavin cofactor interacting with the OM c-Cyts. That is, the redox bifurcation of the riboflavin cofactor in OM c-Cyts switches the direction of electron conduction in the biological conduit at the cell-electrode interface to drive bacterial metabolism as either anode or cathode catalysts. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chemical and quantum simulation of electron transfer through a polypeptide

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ungar, L.W.; Voth, G.A.; Newton, M.D.

1999-08-26

Quantum rate theory, molecular dynamics simulations, and semiempirical electronic structure calculations are used to fully investigate electron transfer mediated by a solvated polypeptide for the first time. Using a stationary-phase approximation, the nonadiabatic electron-transfer rate constant is calculated from the nuclear free energies and the electronic coupling between the initial and final states. The former are obtained from quantum path integral and classical molecular dynamics simulations; the latter are calculated using semiempirical electronic structure calculations and the generalized Mulliken-Hush method. Importantly, no parameters are fit to kinetic data. The simulated system consists of a solvated four-proline polypeptide with a tris(bipyridine)rutheniummore » donor group and an oxypentamminecobalt acceptor group. From the simulation data entropy and energy contributions to the free energies are distinguished. Quantum suppression of the barrier, including important solvent contributions, is demonstrated. Although free energy profiles along the reaction coordinate are nearly parabolic, pronounced departures from harmonic behavior are found for the separate energy and entropy functions. Harmonic models of the system are compared to simulation results in order to quantify anharmonic effects. Electronic structure calculations show that electronic coupling elements vary considerably with system conformation, even when the effective donor-acceptor separation remains roughly constant. The calculations indicate that electron transfer in a significant range of conformations linking the polypeptide to the acceptor may contribute to the overall rate constant. After correction for limitations of the solvent model, the simulations and calculations agree well with the experimental activation energy and Arrhenius prefactor.« less

Directing the path of light-induced electron transfer at a molecular fork using vibrational excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delor, Milan; Archer, Stuart A.; Keane, Theo; Meijer, Anthony J. H. M.; Sazanovich, Igor V.; Greetham, Gregory M.; Towrie, Michael; Weinstein, Julia A.

2017-11-01

Ultrafast electron transfer in condensed-phase molecular systems is often strongly coupled to intramolecular vibrations that can promote, suppress and direct electronic processes. Recent experiments exploring this phenomenon proved that light-induced electron transfer can be strongly modulated by vibrational excitation, suggesting a new avenue for active control over molecular function. Here, we achieve the first example of such explicit vibrational control through judicious design of a Pt(II)-acetylide charge-transfer donor-bridge-acceptor-bridge-donor 'fork' system: asymmetric 13C isotopic labelling of one of the two -C≡C- bridges makes the two parallel and otherwise identical donor→acceptor electron-transfer pathways structurally distinct, enabling independent vibrational perturbation of either. Applying an ultrafast UVpump(excitation)-IRpump(perturbation)-IRprobe(monitoring) pulse sequence, we show that the pathway that is vibrationally perturbed during UV-induced electron transfer is dramatically slowed down compared to its unperturbed counterpart. One can thus choose the dominant electron transfer pathway. The findings deliver a new opportunity for precise perturbative control of electronic energy propagation in molecular devices.

Methanol steam reforming promoted by molten salt-modified platinum on alumina catalysts.

PubMed

Kusche, Matthias; Agel, Friederike; Ní Bhriain, Nollaig; Kaftan, Andre; Laurin, Mathias; Libuda, Jörg; Wasserscheid, Peter

2014-09-01

We herein describe a straight forward procedure to increase the performance of platinum-on-alumina catalysts in methanol steam reforming by applying an alkali hydroxide coating according to the "solid catalyst with ionic liquid layer" (SCILL) approach. We demonstrate by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) studies that potassium doping plays an important role in the catalyst activation. Moreover, the hygroscopic nature and the basicity of the salt modification contribute to the considerable enhancement in catalytic performance. During reaction, a partly liquid film of alkali hydroxides/carbonates forms on the catalyst/alumina surface, thus significantly enhancing the availability of water at the catalytically active sites. Too high catalyst pore fillings with salt introduce a considerable mass transfer barrier into the system as indicated by kinetic studies. Thus, the optimum interplay between beneficial catalyst modification and detrimental mass transfer effects had to be identified and was found on the applied platinum-on-alumina catalyst at KOH loadings around 7.5 mass%. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Methanol Steam Reforming Promoted by Molten Salt-Modified Platinum on Alumina Catalysts

PubMed Central

Kusche, Matthias; Agel, Friederike; Ní Bhriain, Nollaig; Kaftan, Andre; Laurin, Mathias; Libuda, Jörg; Wasserscheid, Peter

2014-01-01

We herein describe a straight forward procedure to increase the performance of platinum-on-alumina catalysts in methanol steam reforming by applying an alkali hydroxide coating according to the “solid catalyst with ionic liquid layer” (SCILL) approach. We demonstrate by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) studies that potassium doping plays an important role in the catalyst activation. Moreover, the hygroscopic nature and the basicity of the salt modification contribute to the considerable enhancement in catalytic performance. During reaction, a partly liquid film of alkali hydroxides/carbonates forms on the catalyst/alumina surface, thus significantly enhancing the availability of water at the catalytically active sites. Too high catalyst pore fillings with salt introduce a considerable mass transfer barrier into the system as indicated by kinetic studies. Thus, the optimum interplay between beneficial catalyst modification and detrimental mass transfer effects had to be identified and was found on the applied platinum-on-alumina catalyst at KOH loadings around 7.5 mass %. PMID:25124120

Design of metal cofactors activated by a protein–protein electron transfer system

PubMed Central

Ueno, Takafumi; Yokoi, Norihiko; Unno, Masaki; Matsui, Toshitaka; Tokita, Yuichi; Yamada, Masako; Ikeda-Saito, Masao; Nakajima, Hiroshi; Watanabe, Yoshihito

2006-01-01

Protein-to-protein electron transfer (ET) is a critical process in biological chemistry for which fundamental understanding is expected to provide a wealth of applications in biotechnology. Investigations of protein–protein ET systems in reductive activation of artificial cofactors introduced into proteins remains particularly challenging because of the complexity of interactions between the cofactor and the system contributing to ET. In this work, we construct an artificial protein–protein ET system, using heme oxygenase (HO), which is known to catalyze the conversion of heme to biliverdin. HO uses electrons provided from NADPH/cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) through protein–protein complex formation during the enzymatic reaction. We report that a FeIII(Schiff-base), in the place of the active-site heme prosthetic group of HO, can be reduced by NADPH/CPR. The crystal structure of the Fe(10-CH2CH2COOH-Schiff-base)·HO composite indicates the presence of a hydrogen bond between the propionic acid carboxyl group and Arg-177 of HO. Furthermore, the ET rate from NADPH/CPR to the composite is 3.5-fold faster than that of Fe(Schiff-base)·HO, although the redox potential of Fe(10-CH2CH2COOH-Schiff-base)·HO (−79 mV vs. NHE) is lower than that of Fe(Schiff-base)·HO (+15 mV vs. NHE), where NHE is normal hydrogen electrode. This work describes a synthetic metal complex activated by means of a protein–protein ET system, which has not previously been reported. Moreover, the result suggests the importance of the hydrogen bond for the ET reaction of HO. Our Fe(Schiff-base)·HO composite model system may provide insights with regard to design of ET biosystems for sensors, catalysts, and electronics devices. PMID:16769893

New insight into the promoting role of process on the CeO₂-WO₃/TiO₂ catalyst for NO reduction with NH₃ at low-temperature.

PubMed

Zhang, Shule; Zhong, Qin; Shen, Yuge; Zhu, Li; Ding, Jie

2015-06-15

This study aimed at investigating the reason of high catalytic activity for CeO2-WO3/TiO2 catalyst from the aspects of WO3 interaction with other species and the NO oxidation process. Analysis by X-ray diffractometry, photoluminescence spectra, diffuse reflectance UV-visible, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, temperature-programmed-desorption of NO and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared transform spectroscopy showed that WO3 could interact with CeO2 to improve the electron gaining capability of CeO2 species. In addition, WO3 species acted as electron donating groups to transfer the electrons to CeO2 species. The two aspects enhanced the formation of reduced CeO2 species to improve the formation of superoxide ions. Furthermore, the Ce species were the active sites for the NO adsorption and the superoxide ions over the catalyst needed oxidizing the adsorbed NO to improve the NO oxidation. This process was responsible for the high catalytic activity of CeO2-WO3/TiO2 catalyst. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electron-transfer and acid-base properties of a two-electron oxidized form of quaterpyrrole that acts as both an electron donor and an acceptor.

PubMed

Zhang, Min; E, Wenbo; Ohkubo, Kei; Sanchez-Garcia, David; Yoon, Dae-Wi; Sessler, Jonathan L; Fukuzumi, Shunichi; Kadish, Karl M

2008-02-21

Electron-transfer interconversion between the four-electron oxidized form of a quaterpyrrole (abbreviated as P4 for four pyrroles) and the two-electron oxidized form (P4H2) as well as between P4H2 and its fully reduced form (P4H4) bearing analogous substituents in the alpha- and beta-pyrrolic positions was studied by means of cyclic voltammetry and UV-visible spectroelectrochemistry combined with ESR and laser flash photolysis measurements. The two-electron oxidized form, P4H2, acts as both an electron donor and an electron acceptor. The radical cation (P4H2*+) and radical anion (P4H2*-) are both produced by photoinduced electron transfer from dimeric 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide to P4H2, whereas the cation radical form of the compound is also produced by electron-transfer oxidation of P4H2 with [Ru(bpy)3]3+. The ESR spectra of P4H2*+ and P4H2*- were recorded at low temperature and exhibit spin delocalization over all four pyrrole units. Thus, the two-electron oxidized form of the quaterpyrrole (P4H2) displays redox and electronic features analogous to those seen in the case of porphyrins and may be considered as a simple, open-chain model of this well-studied tetrapyrrolic macrocycle. The dynamics of deprotonation from P4H2*+ and disproportionation of P4H2 were examined by laser flash photolysis measurements of photoinduced electron-transfer oxidation and reduction of P4H2, respectively.

Boosting mediated electron transfer in bioelectrochemical systems with tailored defined microbial cocultures.

PubMed

Schmitz, Simone; Rosenbaum, Miriam A

2018-05-19

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) hold great promise for sustainable energy generation via a microbial catalyst from organic matter, for example, from wastewater. To improve current generation in BES, understanding the underlying microbiology of the electrode community is essential. Electron mediator producing microorganism like Pseudomonas aeruginosa play an essential role in efficient electricity generation in BES. These microbes enable even nonelectroactive microorganism like Enterobacter aerogenes to contribute to current production. Together they form a synergistic coculture, where both contribute to community welfare. To use microbial co-operation in BES, the physical and chemical environments provided in the natural habitats of the coculture play a crucial role. Here, we show that synergistic effects in defined cocultures of P. aeruginosa and E. aerogenes can be strongly enhanced toward high current production by adapting process parameters, like pH, temperature, oxygen demand, and substrate requirements. Especially, oxygen was identified as a major factor influencing coculture behavior and optimization of its supply could enhance electric current production over 400%. Furthermore, operating the coculture in fed-batch mode enabled us to obtain very high current densities and to harvest electrical energy for 1 month. In this optimized condition, the coulombic efficiency of the process was boosted to 20%, which is outstanding for mediator-based electron transfer. This study lays the foundation for a rationally designed utilization of cocultures in BES for bioenergy generation from specific wastewaters or for bioprocess sensing and for benefiting from their synergistic effects under controlled bioprocess condition. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Application of Degenerately Doped Metal Oxides in the Study of Photoinduced Interfacial Electron Transfer.

PubMed

Farnum, Byron H; Morseth, Zachary A; Brennaman, M Kyle; Papanikolas, John M; Meyer, Thomas J

2015-06-18

Degenerately doped In2O3:Sn semiconductor nanoparticles (nanoITO) have been used to study the photoinduced interfacial electron-transfer reactivity of surface-bound [Ru(II)(bpy)2(4,4'-(PO3H2)2-bpy)](2+) (RuP(2+)) molecules as a function of driving force over a range of 1.8 eV. The metallic properties of the ITO nanoparticles, present within an interconnected mesoporous film, allowed for the driving force to be tuned by controlling their Fermi level with an external bias while their optical transparency allowed for transient absorption spectroscopy to be used to monitor electron-transfer kinetics. Photoinduced electron transfer from excited-state -RuP(2+*) molecules to nanoITO was found to be dependent on applied bias and competitive with nonradiative energy transfer to nanoITO. Back electron transfer from nanoITO to oxidized -RuP(3+) was also dependent on the applied bias but without complication from inter- or intraparticle electron diffusion in the oxide nanoparticles. Analysis of the electron injection kinetics as a function of driving force using Marcus-Gerischer theory resulted in an experimental estimate of the reorganization energy for the excited-state -RuP(3+/2+*) redox couple of λ* = 0.83 eV and an electronic coupling matrix element, arising from electronic wave function overlap between the donor orbital in the molecule and the acceptor orbital(s) in the nanoITO electrode, of Hab = 20-45 cm(-1). Similar analysis of the back electron-transfer kinetics yielded λ = 0.56 eV for the ground-state -RuP(3+/2+) redox couple and Hab = 2-4 cm(-1). The use of these wide band gap, degenerately doped materials provides a unique experimental approach for investigating single-site electron transfer at the surface of oxide nanoparticles.

Direct electron transfer of glucose oxidase on carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guiseppi-Elie, Anthony; Lei, Chenghong; Baughman, Ray H.

2002-10-01

In this report, exploitation of the unique properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) leads to the achievement of direct electron transfer with the redox active centres of adsorbed oxidoreductase enzymes. Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), the redox active prosthetic group of flavoenzymes that catalyses important biological redox reactions and the flavoenzyme glucose oxidase (GOx), were both found to spontaneously adsorb onto carbon nanotube bundles. Both FAD and GOx were found to spontaneously adsorb to unannealed carbon nanotubes that were cast onto glassy carbon electrodes and to display quasi-reversible one-electron transfer. Similarly, GOx was found to spontaneously adsorb to annealed, single-walled carbon nanotube paper and to display quasi-reversible one-electron transfer. In particular, GOx immobilized in this way was shown, in the presence of glucose, to maintain its substrate-specific enzyme activity. It is believed that the tubular fibrils become positioned within tunnelling distance of the cofactors with little consequence to denaturation. The combination of SWNT with redox active enzymes would appear to offer an excellent and convenient platform for a fundamental understanding of biological redox reactions as well as the development of reagentless biosensors and nanobiosensors.

Concerted electron-proton transfer in the optical excitation of hydrogen-bonded dyes.

PubMed

Westlake, Brittany C; Brennaman, M Kyle; Concepcion, Javier J; Paul, Jared J; Bettis, Stephanie E; Hampton, Shaun D; Miller, Stephen A; Lebedeva, Natalia V; Forbes, Malcolm D E; Moran, Andrew M; Meyer, Thomas J; Papanikolas, John M

2011-05-24

The simultaneous, concerted transfer of electrons and protons--electron-proton transfer (EPT)--is an important mechanism utilized in chemistry and biology to avoid high energy intermediates. There are many examples of thermally activated EPT in ground-state reactions and in excited states following photoexcitation and thermal relaxation. Here we report application of ultrafast excitation with absorption and Raman monitoring to detect a photochemically driven EPT process (photo-EPT). In this process, both electrons and protons are transferred during the absorption of a photon. Photo-EPT is induced by intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) excitation of hydrogen-bonded-base adducts with either a coumarin dye or 4-nitro-4'-biphenylphenol. Femtosecond transient absorption spectral measurements following ICT excitation reveal the appearance of two spectroscopically distinct states having different dynamical signatures. One of these states corresponds to a conventional ICT excited state in which the transferring H(+) is initially associated with the proton donor. Proton transfer to the base (B) then occurs on the picosecond time scale. The other state is an ICT-EPT photoproduct. Upon excitation it forms initially in the nuclear configuration of the ground state by application of the Franck-Condon principle. However, due to the change in electronic configuration induced by the transition, excitation is accompanied by proton transfer with the protonated base formed with a highly elongated (+)H ─ B bond. Coherent Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of a vibrational mode corresponding to the protonated base in the optically prepared state.

Copper-Containing Nitrite Reductase Employing Proton-Coupled Spin-Exchanged Electron-Transfer and Multiproton Synchronized Transfer to Reduce Nitrite.

PubMed

Qin, Xin; Deng, Li; Hu, Caihong; Li, Li; Chen, Xiaohua

2017-10-20

The possible catalytic mechanism of the reduction of nitrite by copper-containing nitrite reductases (CuNiRs) is examined by using the M06 function according to two copper models, which include type-one copper (T1Cu) and type-two copper (T2Cu) sites. Examinations confirm that the protonation of two residues, His255 and Asp98, near the T2Cu site, can modulate the redox states of T1Cu and T2Cu, but cannot directly cause electron transfer from T1Cu to T2Cu. The electron hole remains at the T2Cu site when only one residue, His255 or Asp98, is protonated. However, the hole resides at the T1Cu site when both His255 and Asp98 are protonated. Then, the first protonation of nitrite takes place through indirect proton transfer from protonated His255 through the bridging H 2 O and Asp98 with three protons moving together, which cannot cause the cleavage of the HO-NO bond. Subsequently, the substrate is required to obtain another proton from reprotonated His255 through the bridging H 2 O. The reprotonation of nitrite induces the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and H 2 O at the T2Cu site through a special double-proton-coupled spin-exchanged electron-transfer mechanism with indirect proton transfer from His255 to the substrate, a beta-electron of T2Cu I shift to the NO cation, and the remaining alpha-electron changing spin direction at the same time. These results may provide useful information to better understand detailed proton-/electron-transfer reactions for the catalytic processes of CuNiR. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Pt and PtRu catalyst bilayers increase efficiencies for ethanol oxidation in proton exchange membrane electrolysis and fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altarawneh, Rakan M.; Pickup, Peter G.

2017-10-01

Polarization curves, product distributions, and reaction stoichiometries have been measured for the oxidation of ethanol at anodes consisting of Pt and PtRu bilayers and a homogeneous mixture of the two catalysts. These anode structures all show synergies between the two catalysts that can be attributed to the oxidation of acetaldehyde produced at the PtRu catalyst by the Pt catalyst. The use of a PtRu layer over a Pt layer produces the strongest effect, with higher currents than a Pt on PtRu bilayer, mixed layer, or either catalyst alone, except for Pt at high potentials. Reaction stoichiometries (average number of electrons transferred per ethanol molecule) were closer to the values for Pt alone for both of the bilayer configurations but much lower for PtRu and mixed anodes. Although Pt alone would provide the highest overall fuel cell efficiency at low power densities, the PtRu on Pt bilayer would provide higher power densities without a significant loss of efficiency. The origin of the synergy between the Pt and PtRu catalysts was elucidated by separation of the total current into the individual components for generation of carbon dioxide and the acetaldehyde and acetic acid byproducts.

Understanding catalyst behavior during in situ heating through simultaneous secondary and transmitted electron imaging

DOE PAGES

Howe, Jane Y.; Allard, Jr., Lawrence Frederick; Demers, Hendrix; ...

2014-11-14

In situ heating study via a simultaneous secondary electron (SE) and transmitted electron (TE) microscopy is extremely insightful because information from the surface (SE) and bulk (TE) can be readily obtained. The leached Au/Fe 2O 3 catalyst has voids on the surface of Fe 2O 3. Upon heating to 500 °C, voids shrank and disappeared, while internal Au species diffused to the surface to form new nanoparticles. Heating in vacuum reduced Fe 2O 3 to Fe 3O 4. Heating at 700 °C caused coalescence and growth of Au particles and formation of faceted Fe 3O 4 surfaces. We achieved 1.1more » nm resolution in SE imaging during in situ heating.« less

Promoting Interspecies Electron Transfer with Biochar

PubMed Central

Chen, Shanshan; Rotaru, Amelia-Elena; Shrestha, Pravin Malla; Malvankar, Nikhil S.; Liu, Fanghua; Fan, Wei; Nevin, Kelly P.; Lovley, Derek R.

2014-01-01

Biochar, a charcoal-like product of the incomplete combustion of organic materials, is an increasingly popular soil amendment designed to improve soil fertility. We investigated the possibility that biochar could promote direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) in a manner similar to that previously reported for granular activated carbon (GAC). Although the biochars investigated were 1000 times less conductive than GAC, they stimulated DIET in co-cultures of Geobacter metallireducens with Geobacter sulfurreducens or Methanosarcina barkeri in which ethanol was the electron donor. Cells were attached to the biochar, yet not in close contact, suggesting that electrons were likely conducted through the biochar, rather than biological electrical connections. The finding that biochar can stimulate DIET may be an important consideration when amending soils with biochar and can help explain why biochar may enhance methane production from organic wastes under anaerobic conditions. PMID:24846283

High aspect ratio catalytic reactor and catalyst inserts therefor

DOEpatents

Lin, Jiefeng; Kelly, Sean M.

2018-04-10

The present invention relates to high efficient tubular catalytic steam reforming reactor configured from about 0.2 inch to about 2 inch inside diameter high temperature metal alloy tube or pipe and loaded with a plurality of rolled catalyst inserts comprising metallic monoliths. The catalyst insert substrate is formed from a single metal foil without a central supporting structure in the form of a spiral monolith. The single metal foil is treated to have 3-dimensional surface features that provide mechanical support and establish open gas channels between each of the rolled layers. This unique geometry accelerates gas mixing and heat transfer and provides a high catalytic active surface area. The small diameter, high aspect ratio tubular catalytic steam reforming reactors loaded with rolled catalyst inserts can be arranged in a multi-pass non-vertical parallel configuration thermally coupled with a heat source to carry out steam reforming of hydrocarbon-containing feeds. The rolled catalyst inserts are self-supported on the reactor wall and enable efficient heat transfer from the reactor wall to the reactor interior, and lower pressure drop than known particulate catalysts. The heat source can be oxygen transport membrane reactors.

Green Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Hybrid N-Doped ORR Electro-Catalysts Derived from Apricot Sap.

PubMed

Karunagaran, Ramesh; Coghlan, Campbell; Shearer, Cameron; Tran, Diana; Gulati, Karan; Tung, Tran Thanh; Doonan, Christian; Losic, Dusan

2018-01-28

Rapid depletion of fossil fuel and increased energy demand has initiated a need for an alternative energy source to cater for the growing energy demand. Fuel cells are an enabling technology for the conversion of sustainable energy carriers (e.g., renewable hydrogen or bio-gas) into electrical power and heat. However, the hazardous raw materials and complicated experimental procedures used to produce electro-catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells has been a concern for the effective implementation of these catalysts. Therefore, environmentally friendly and low-cost oxygen reduction electro-catalysts synthesised from natural products are considered as an attractive alternative to currently used synthetic materials involving hazardous chemicals and waste. Herein, we describe a unique integrated oxygen reduction three-dimensional composite catalyst containing both nitrogen-doped carbon fibers (N-CF) and carbon microspheres (N-CMS) synthesised from apricot sap from an apricot tree. The synthesis was carried out via three-step process, including apricot sap resin preparation, hydrothermal treatment, and pyrolysis with a nitrogen precursor. The nitrogen-doped electro-catalysts synthesised were characterised by SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman, and BET techniques followed by electro-chemical testing for ORR catalysis activity. The obtained catalyst material shows high catalytic activity for ORR in the basic medium by facilitating the reaction via a four-electron transfer mechanism.

Green Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Hybrid N-Doped ORR Electro-Catalysts Derived from Apricot Sap

PubMed Central

Karunagaran, Ramesh; Coghlan, Campbell; Gulati, Karan; Tung, Tran Thanh; Doonan, Christian

2018-01-01

Rapid depletion of fossil fuel and increased energy demand has initiated a need for an alternative energy source to cater for the growing energy demand. Fuel cells are an enabling technology for the conversion of sustainable energy carriers (e.g., renewable hydrogen or bio-gas) into electrical power and heat. However, the hazardous raw materials and complicated experimental procedures used to produce electro-catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells has been a concern for the effective implementation of these catalysts. Therefore, environmentally friendly and low-cost oxygen reduction electro-catalysts synthesised from natural products are considered as an attractive alternative to currently used synthetic materials involving hazardous chemicals and waste. Herein, we describe a unique integrated oxygen reduction three-dimensional composite catalyst containing both nitrogen-doped carbon fibers (N-CF) and carbon microspheres (N-CMS) synthesised from apricot sap from an apricot tree. The synthesis was carried out via three-step process, including apricot sap resin preparation, hydrothermal treatment, and pyrolysis with a nitrogen precursor. The nitrogen-doped electro-catalysts synthesised were characterised by SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman, and BET techniques followed by electro-chemical testing for ORR catalysis activity. The obtained catalyst material shows high catalytic activity for ORR in the basic medium by facilitating the reaction via a four-electron transfer mechanism. PMID:29382103

Ab Initio Analysis of Auger-Assisted Electron Transfer.

PubMed

Hyeon-Deuk, Kim; Kim, Joonghan; Prezhdo, Oleg V

2015-01-15

Quantum confinement in nanoscale materials allows Auger-type electron-hole energy exchange. We show by direct time-domain atomistic simulation and analytic theory that Auger processes give rise to a new mechanism of charge transfer (CT) on the nanoscale. Auger-assisted CT eliminates the renown Marcus inverted regime, rationalizing recent experiments on CT from quantum dots to molecular adsorbates. The ab initio simulation reveals a complex interplay of the electron-hole and charge-phonon channels of energy exchange, demonstrating a variety of CT scenarios. The developed Marcus rate theory for Auger-assisted CT describes, without adjustable parameters, the experimental plateau of the CT rate in the region of large donor-acceptor energy gap. The analytic theory and atomistic insights apply broadly to charge and energy transfer in nanoscale systems.

Communication: Charge transfer dominates over proton transfer in the reaction of nitric acid with gas-phase hydrated electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lengyel, Jozef; Med, Jakub; Slavíček, Petr; Beyer, Martin K.

2017-09-01

The reaction of HNO3 with hydrated electrons (H2O)n- (n = 35-65) in the gas phase was studied using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Kinetic analysis of the experimental data shows that OH-(H2O)m is formed primarily via a reaction of the hydrated electron with HNO3 inside the cluster, while proton transfer is not observed and NO3-(H2O)m is just a secondary product. The reaction enthalpy was determined using nanocalorimetry, revealing a quite exothermic charge transfer with -241 ± 69 kJ mol-1. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations indicate that proton transfer is an allowed reaction pathway, but the overall thermochemistry favors charge transfer.

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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-08

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The dipole moment of the electron carrier adrenodoxin is not critical for redox partner interaction and electron transfer.

PubMed

Hannemann, Frank; Guyot, Arnaud; Zöllner, Andy; Müller, Jürgen J; Heinemann, Udo; Bernhardt, Rita

2009-07-01

Dipole moments of proteins arise from helical dipoles, hydrogen bond networks and charged groups at the protein surface. High protein dipole moments were suggested to contribute to the electrostatic steering between redox partners in electron transport chains of respiration, photosynthesis and steroid biosynthesis, although so far experimental evidence for this hypothesis was missing. In order to probe this assumption, we changed the dipole moment of the electron transfer protein adrenodoxin and investigated the influence of this on protein-protein interactions and electron transfer. In bovine adrenodoxin, the [2Fe-2S] ferredoxin of the adrenal glands, a dipole moment of 803 Debye was calculated for a full-length adrenodoxin model based on the Adx(4-108) and the wild type adrenodoxin crystal structures. Large distances and asymmetric distribution of the charged residues in the molecule mainly determine the observed high value. In order to analyse the influence of the resulting inhomogeneous electric field on the biological function of this electron carrier the molecular dipole moment was systematically changed. Five recombinant adrenodoxin mutants with successively reduced dipole moment (from 600 to 200 Debye) were analysed for their redox properties, their binding affinities to the redox partner proteins and for their function during electron transfer-dependent steroid hydroxylation. None of the mutants, not even the quadruple mutant K6E/K22Q/K24Q/K98E with a dipole moment reduced by about 70% showed significant changes in the protein function as compared with the unmodified adrenodoxin demonstrating that neither the formation of the transient complex nor the biological activity of the electron transfer chain of the endocrine glands was affected. This is the first experimental evidence that the high dipole moment observed in electron transfer proteins is not involved in electrostatic steering among the proteins in the redox chain.

Photo-induced water oxidation at the aqueous GaN (101¯0) interface: Deprotonation kinetics of the first proton-coupled electron-transfer step

DOE PAGES

Ertem, Mehmed Z.; Kharche, Neerav; Batista, Victor S.; ...

2015-03-12

Photoeclectrochemical water splitting plays a key role in a promising path to the carbon-neutral generation of solar fuels. Wurzite GaN and its alloys ( e.g., GaN/ZnO and InGaN) are demonstrated photocatalysts for water oxidation, and they can drive the overall water splitting reaction when coupled with co-catalysts for proton reduction. In the present work, we investigate the water oxidation mechanism on the prototypical GaN (101¯0) surface using a combined ab initio molecular dynamics and molecular cluster model approach taking into account the role of water dissociation and hydrogen bonding within the first solvation shell of the hydroxylated surface. The investigationmore » of free-energy changes for the four proton-coupled electron-transfer (PCET) steps of the water oxidation mechanism shows that the first PCET step for the conversion of –Ga-OH to –Ga-O˙⁻ requires the highest energy input. We further examine the sequential PCETs, with the proton transfer (PT) following the electron transfer (ET), and find that photo-generated holes localize on surface –NH sites is thermodynamically more favorable than –OH sites. However, proton transfer from –OH sites with subsequent localization of holes on oxygen atoms is kinetically favored owing to hydrogen bonding interactions at the GaN (101¯0)–water interface. We find that the deprotonation of surface –OH sites is the limiting factor for the generation of reactive oxyl radical ion intermediates and consequently for water oxidation.« less

Activating catalysts with mechanical force.

PubMed

Piermattei, Alessio; Karthikeyan, S; Sijbesma, Rint P

2009-05-01

Homogeneously catalysed reactions can be 'switched on' by activating latent catalysts. Usually, activation is brought about by heat or an external chemical agent. However, activation of homogeneous catalysts with a mechanical trigger has not been demonstrated. Here, we introduce a general method to activate latent catalysts by mechanically breaking bonds between a metal and one of its ligands. We have found that silver(I) complexes of polymer-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbenes, which are latent organocatalysts, catalyse a transesterification reaction when exposed to ultrasound in solution. Furthermore, ultrasonic activation of a ruthenium biscarbene complex with appended polymer chains results in catalysis of olefin metathesis reactions. In each case, the catalytic activity results from ligand dissociation, brought about by transfer of mechanical forces from the polymeric substituents to the coordination bond. Mechanochemical catalyst activation has potential applications in transduction and amplification of mechanical signals, and mechanically initiated polymerizations hold promise as a novel repair mechanism in self-healing materials.

Experimental studies of fundamental issues in electron transfer through nanometer scale devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Hiromichi

Electron transfer reactions constitute many of the primary events in materials science, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry, e.g. the electron transport properties and photoexcited processes in solids and molecules, chemical reactions, corrosion, photosynthesis, respiration, and so forth. A self-assembled monolayer (SAM) film provides us with a unique environment not only to understand and manipulate the surface electronic properties of a solid, but also to control electron transfer processes at the interface. The first topic in this thesis describes the structure and electron tunneling characterization of alkanethiol SAMs on InP(100). Angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to characterize the bonding of alkanethiols to n-InP surfaces and to measure the monolayer thickness. The results showed that the sulfur binds to In atoms on the surface, and provided film thicknesses of 6.4 A for C8H17SH, 11.1 A for C12H25SH, and 14.9 A for C16H 33SH, resulting in an average tilt angle of 55°. The analysis indicated that super-exchange coupling between the alkane chains plays an important role in defining electron tunneling barriers, especially for highly tilted chains. The second topic describes studies of cytochrome c bound to pure and mixed SAMs of o-terminated alkanethiol (terminated with pyridine, imidazole or nitrile groups) and alkanethiol on gold. Electrochemical methods are used to determine electron transfer rate constants of cytochrome c, and scanning tunneling microscopy to observe the cytochrome c on the SAM. Detailed analysis revealed direct association of the heme of cytochrome c with the terminal groups of the SAMs and a 'turning-over' of the electron transfer of cytochrome c from adiabatic to non-adiabatic regime. The third topic describes studies of oxidation and reduction of cytochrome c in solution through eleven different self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold electrodes by cyclic voltammetry. Electron transfer rate constants of

Long-range electron transfer in a model for DNA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endres, R. G.; Cox, D. L.

2001-03-01

Long-range electron transfer (ET) between well separated donor (D) and acceptor (A) sites through quantum mechanical tunneling is essential to many biological processes like respiration, photosynthesis and possibly DNA repair and damage. We are investigating the distance dependence of the electronic transition matrix element H_DA and hence of the electron transfer rate in a model for DNA. Fluorescence quenching in DNA at D-A distances of 40 Åand more suggests ET with an unusually high decay length β-1 of order 10 Å (S.O.Kelley and J.K.Barton, in:Metal Ions in Biological Systems), A.Sigel and H.Sigel, Eds., Marcel Dekker, New York, Vol.36, 1999. Assuming strong electron interactions on the D complex and suitable energetics, this could be explained by formation of a many electron Kondo boundstate. We obtain H_DA from the splitting between the two lowest adiabatic electronic eigenenergies, which constitute the potential energy surfaces (PES) of the nuclear motion in lowest order Born-Oppenheimer approximation. The PES are constructed by coupling D and A to local breathing modes and by making a semi-analytical variational ansatz for the adiabatic eigenstates. The results from the PES are compared with results from the Mulliken-Hush algorithm.

Structural insights into electron transfer in caa3-type cytochrome oxidase

PubMed Central

Lyons, Joseph A.; Aragão, David; Slattery, Orla; Pisliakov, Andrei V.; Soulimane, Tewfik; Caffrey, Martin

2012-01-01

Summary Paragraph Cytochrome c oxidase is a member of the heme copper oxidase superfamily (HCO)1. HCOs function as the terminal enzymes in the respiratory chain of mitochondria and aerobic prokaryotes, coupling molecular oxygen reduction to transmembrane proton pumping. Integral to the enzyme’s function is the transfer of electrons from cytochrome c to the oxidase via a transient association of the two proteins. Electron entry and exit are proposed to occur from the same site on cytochrome c2–4. Here we report the crystal structure of the caa3-type cytochrome oxidase from Thermus thermophilus, which has a covalently tethered cytochrome c domain. Crystals were grown in a bicontinuous mesophase using a synthetic short-chain monoacylglycerol as the hosting lipid. From the electron density map, at 2.36 Å resolution, a novel integral membrane subunit and a native glycoglycerophospholipid embedded in the complex were identified. Contrary to previous electron transfer mechanisms observed for soluble cytochrome c, the structure reveals the architecture of the electron transfer complex for the fused cupredoxin/cytochrome c domain which implicates different sites on cytochrome c for electron entry and exit. Support for an alternative to the classical proton gate characteristic of this HCO class is presented. PMID:22763450

Probe-based measurement of lateral single-electron transfer between individual molecules

PubMed Central

Steurer, Wolfram; Fatayer, Shadi; Gross, Leo; Meyer, Gerhard

2015-01-01

The field of molecular electronics aims at using single molecules as functional building blocks for electronics components, such as switches, rectifiers or transistors. A key challenge is to perform measurements with atomistic control over the alignment of the molecule and its contacting electrodes. Here we use atomic force microscopy to examine charge transfer between weakly coupled pentacene molecules on insulating films with single-electron sensitivity and control over the atomistic details. We show that, in addition to the imaging capability, the probe tip can be used to control the charge state of individual molecules and to detect charge transfers to/from the tip, as well as between individual molecules. Our approach represents a novel route for molecular charge transfer studies with a host of opportunities, especially in combination with single atom/molecule manipulation and nanopatterning techniques. PMID:26387533

An application protocol for CAD to CAD transfer of electronic information

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Azu, Charles C., Jr.

1993-01-01

The exchange of Computer Aided Design (CAD) information between dissimilar CAD systems is a problem. This is especially true for transferring electronics CAD information such as multi-chip module (MCM), hybrid microcircuit assembly (HMA), and printed circuit board (PCB) designs. Currently, there exists several neutral data formats for transferring electronics CAD information. These include IGES, EDIF, and DXF formats. All these formats have limitations for use in exchanging electronic data. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, the Navy's MicroCIM program implemented a project to transfer hybrid microcircuit design information between dissimilar CAD systems. The IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) format is used since it is well established within the CAD industry. The goal of the project is to have a complete transfer of microelectronic CAD information, using IGES, without any data loss. An Application Protocol (AP) is being developed to specify how hybrid microcircuit CAD information will be represented by IGES entity constructs. The AP defines which IGES data items are appropriate for describing HMA geometry, connectivity, and processing as well as HMA material characteristics.

Immobilization of a Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon Catalyst on Activated Carbon with Enhanced Cathode Performance in Microbial Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Yang, Wulin; Logan, Bruce E

2016-08-23

Applications of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are limited in part by low power densities mainly due to cathode performance. Successful immobilization of an Fe-N-C co-catalyst on activated carbon (Fe-N-C/AC) improved the oxygen reduction reaction to nearly a four-electron transfer, compared to a twoelectron transfer achieved using AC. With acetate as the fuel, the maximum power density was 4.7±0.2 W m(-2) , which is higher than any previous report for an air-cathode MFC. With domestic wastewater as a fuel, MFCs with the Fe-N-C/AC cathode produced up to 0.8±0.03 W m(-2) , which was twice that obtained with a Pt-catalyzed cathode. The use of this Fe-N-C/AC catalyst can therefore substantially increase power production, and enable broader applications of MFCs for renewable electricity generation using waste materials. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nitrogen-doped graphene/CoNi alloy encased within bamboo-like carbon nanotube hybrids as cathode catalysts in microbial fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Yang; Yuan, Heyang; Wen, Zhenhai; Cui, Shumao; Guo, Xiaoru; He, Zhen; Chen, Junhong

2016-03-01

Cost-effective catalysts are of key importance to the successful deployment of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for electricity generation from organic wastes. Herein, a novel catalyst prepared by one-step synthesis strategy is reported. The catalyst features N-doped bamboo-like carbon nanotube (BCNT) in which CoNi-alloy is encapsulated at the end and/or the middle section of the tube with many graphene layers inside inner cavities of BCNT (N-G@CoNi/BCNT). The prepared N-G@CoNi/BCNT exhibits a high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity with an early onset potential of 0.06 V vs. Ag/AgCl and a comparable exchange current density to that of commercial Pt/C. The excellent catalytic activity is further evidenced by a high electron transfer number of 3.63. When being applied in MFCs, the N-G@CoNi/BCNT yields an average current density of 6.7 A m-2, slightly lower than that of Pt/C but with a less mass transfer potential loss. The cost of the N-G@CoNi/BCNT for constructing a 1-m2 cathode electrode is 200 times lower than that of Pt/C. With such a competitive price and excellent electrocatalytic-activity resulting from its unique morphology, CoNi-alloy/nitrogen dopants, considerable specific surface area, and carbon-coated alloy/graphene hybridization, the present catalyst is a promising candidate for ORR catalysts in MFCs for energy recovery from wastes.

Concerted electron-proton transfer in the optical excitation of hydrogen-bonded dyes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Westlake, Brittany C.; Brennaman, Kyle M.; Concepcion, Javier J.

2011-05-24

The simultaneous, concerted transfer of electrons and protons—electron-proton transfer (EPT)—is an important mechanism utilized in chemistry and biology to avoid high energy intermediates. There are many examples of thermally activated EPT in ground-state reactions and in excited states following photoexcitation and thermal relaxation. Here we report application of ultrafast excitation with absorption and Raman monitoring to detect a photochemically driven EPT process (photo-EPT). In this process, both electrons and protons are transferred during the absorption of a photon. Photo-EPT is induced by intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) excitation of hydrogen-bonded-base adducts with either a coumarin dye or 4-nitro-4'-biphenylphenol. Femtosecond transient absorption spectralmore » measurements following ICT excitation reveal the appearance of two spectroscopically distinct states having different dynamical signatures. One of these states corresponds to a conventional ICT excited state in which the transferring H⁺ is initially associated with the proton donor. Proton transfer to the base (B) then occurs on the picosecond time scale. The other state is an ICT-EPT photoproduct. Upon excitation it forms initially in the nuclear configuration of the ground state by application of the Franck–Condon principle. However, due to the change in electronic configuration induced by the transition, excitation is accompanied by proton transfer with the protonated base formed with a highly elongated ⁺H–B bond. Coherent Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of a vibrational mode corresponding to the protonated base in the optically prepared state.« less

Type IV pili of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans can transfer electrons from extracellular electron donors.

PubMed

Li, Yongquan; Li, Hongyu

2014-03-01

Studies on Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans accepting electrons from Fe(II) have previously focused on cytochrome c. However, we have discovered that, besides cytochrome c, type IV pili (Tfp) can transfer electrons. Here, we report conduction by Tfp of A. ferrooxidans analyzed with a conducting-probe atomic force microscope (AFM). The results indicate that the Tfp of A. ferrooxidans are highly conductive. The genome sequence of A. ferrooxidans ATCC 23270 contains two genes, pilV and pilW, which code for pilin domain proteins with the conserved amino acids characteristic of Tfp. Multiple alignment analysis of the PilV and PilW (pilin) proteins indicated that pilV is the adhesin gene while pilW codes for the major protein element of Tfp. The likely function of Tfp is to complete the circuit between the cell surface and Fe(II) oxides. These results indicate that Tfp of A. ferrooxidans might serve as biological nanowires transferring electrons from the surface of Fe(II) oxides to the cell surface. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Role of coherence and delocalization in photo-induced electron transfer at organic interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abramavicius, V.; Pranculis, V.; Melianas, A.; Inganäs, O.; Gulbinas, V.; Abramavicius, D.

2016-09-01

Photo-induced charge transfer at molecular heterojunctions has gained particular interest due to the development of organic solar cells (OSC) based on blends of electron donating and accepting materials. While charge transfer between donor and acceptor molecules can be described by Marcus theory, additional carrier delocalization and coherent propagation might play the dominant role. Here, we describe ultrafast charge separation at the interface of a conjugated polymer and an aggregate of the fullerene derivative PCBM using the stochastic Schrödinger equation (SSE) and reveal the complex time evolution of electron transfer, mediated by electronic coherence and delocalization. By fitting the model to ultrafast charge separation experiments, we estimate the extent of electron delocalization and establish the transition from coherent electron propagation to incoherent hopping. Our results indicate that even a relatively weak coupling between PCBM molecules is sufficient to facilitate electron delocalization and efficient charge separation at organic interfaces.

Distal [FeS]-Cluster Coordination in [NiFe]-Hydrogenase Facilitates Intermolecular Electron Transfer

PubMed Central

Petrenko, Alexander; Stein, Matthias

2017-01-01

Biohydrogen is a versatile energy carrier for the generation of electric energy from renewable sources. Hydrogenases can be used in enzymatic fuel cells to oxidize dihydrogen. The rate of electron transfer (ET) at the anodic side between the [NiFe]-hydrogenase enzyme distal iron–sulfur cluster and the electrode surface can be described by the Marcus equation. All parameters for the Marcus equation are accessible from Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The distal cubane FeS-cluster has a three-cysteine and one-histidine coordination [Fe4S4](His)(Cys)3 first ligation sphere. The reorganization energy (inner- and outer-sphere) is almost unchanged upon a histidine-to-cysteine substitution. Differences in rates of electron transfer between the wild-type enzyme and an all-cysteine mutant can be rationalized by a diminished electronic coupling between the donor and acceptor molecules in the [Fe4S4](Cys)4 case. The fast and efficient electron transfer from the distal iron–sulfur cluster is realized by a fine-tuned protein environment, which facilitates the flow of electrons. This study enables the design and control of electron transfer rates and pathways by protein engineering. PMID:28067774

Interplay between barrier width and height in electron tunneling: photoinduced electron transfer in porphyrin-based donor-bridge-acceptor systems.

PubMed

Pettersson, Karin; Wiberg, Joanna; Ljungdahl, Thomas; Mårtensson, Jerker; Albinsson, Bo

2006-01-12

The rate of electron tunneling in molecular donor-bridge-acceptor (D-B-A) systems is determined both by the tunneling barrier width and height, that is, both by the distance between the donor and acceptor as well as by the energy gap between the donor and bridge moieties. These factors are therefore important to control when designing functional electron transfer systems, such as constructs for photovoltaics, artificial photosynthesis, and molecular scale electronics. In this paper we have investigated a set of D-B-A systems in which the distance and the energy difference between the donor and bridge states (DeltaEDB) are systematically varied. Zinc(II) and gold(III) porphyrins were chosen as electron donor and acceptor because of their suitable driving force for photoinduced electron transfer (-0.9 eV in butyronitrile) and well-characterized photophysics. We have previously shown, in accordance with the superexchange mechanism for electron transfer, that the electron transfer rate is proportional to the inverse of DeltaEDB in a series of zinc/gold porphyrin D-B-A systems with bridges of constant edge to edge distance (19.6 A) and varying DeltaEDB (3900-17 600 cm(-1)). Here, we use the same donor and acceptor but the bridge is shortened or extended giving a set of oligo-p-phenyleneethynylene bridges (OPE) with four different edge to edge distances ranging from 12.7 to 33.4 A. These two sets of D-B-A systems-ZnP-RB-AuP+ and ZnP-nB-AuP+-have one bridge in common, and hence, for the first time both the distance and DeltaEDB dependence of electron transfer can be studied simultaneously in a systematic way.

A novel iron (Ⅱ) polyphthalocyanine catalyst assembled on graphene with significantly enhanced performance for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Lin; Li, Meng; Jiang, Liqing; Li, Yongfeng; Liu, Dajun; He, Xingquan; Cui, Lili

2014-12-01

To realize the large-scale commercial application of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), the catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are the crucial obstacle. Here, an efficient non-noble-metal catalyst for ORR, denoted FePPc/PSS-Gr, has been obtained by anchoring p-phenyl-bis(3,4-dicyanophenyl) ether iron(Ⅱ) polyphthalocyanine (FePPc) on poly(sodium-p-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) modified graphene (PSS-Gr) through a solvothermally assisted π-π assembling approach. The Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results reveal the π-π interaction between FePPc and PSS-Gr. The rotating disk electrode (RDE) and rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) measurements show that the proposed catalyst possesses an excellent catalytic performance towards ORR comparable with the commercial Pt/C catalyst in alkaline medium, such as high onset potential (-0.08 V vs. SCE), half-wave potential (-0.19 V vs. SCE), better tolerance to methanol crossover, excellent stability (81.1%, retention after 10,000 s) and an efficient four-electron pathway. The enhanced electrocatalytic performance could be chiefly attributed to its large electrochemically accessible surface area, fast electron transfer rate of PSS-Gr, in particular, the synergistic effect between the FePPc moieties and the PSS-Gr sheets.

Zircon Supported Copper Catalysts for the Steam Reforming of Methanol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widiastri, M.; Fendy, Marsih, I. N.

2008-03-01

Steam reforming of methanol (SRM) is known as one of the most favorable catalytic processes for producing hydrogen. Current research on zirconia, ZrO2 supported copper catalyst revealed that CuO/ZrO2 as an active catalyst for the SRM. Zircon, ZrSiO4 is available from the by-product of tin mining. In the work presented here, the catalytic properties of CuO/ZrSiO4 with various copper oxide compositions ranging from 2.70% (catalyst I), 4.12% (catalyst II), and 7.12%-mass (catalyst III), synthesized by an incipient wetness impregnation technique, were investigated to methanol conversion, selectivity towards CO formation, and effect of ZnO addition (7.83%CuO/8.01%ZnO/ZrSiO4 = catalyst V). The catalytic activity was obtained using a fixed bed reactor and the zircon supported catalyst activity was compared to those of CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst (catalyst IV) and commercial Kujang LTSC catalyst. An X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis was done to identify the abundant phases of the catalysts. The catalysts topography and particle diameter were measured with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and composition of the catalysts was measured by SEM-EDX, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive using X-ray analysis. The results of this research provide information on the possibility of using zircon (ZrSiO4) as solid support for SRM catalysts.

Probing conformational dynamics by photoinduced electron transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neuweiler, Hannes; Herten, Dirk P.; Marme, N.; Knemeyer, J. P.; Piestert, Oliver; Tinnefeld, Philip; Sauer, Marcus

2004-07-01

We demonstrate how photoinduced electron transfer (PET) reactions can be successfully applied to monitor conformational dynamics in individual biopolymers. Single-pair fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments are ideally suited to study conformational dynamics occurring on the nanometer scale, e.g. during protein folding or unfolding. In contrast, conformational dynamics with functional significance, for example occurring in enzymes at work, often appear on much smaller spatial scales of up to several Angströms. Our results demonstrate that selective PET-reactions between fluorophores and amino acids or DNA nucleotides represent a versatile tool to measure small-scale conformational dynamics in biopolymers on a wide range of time scales, extending from nanoseconds to seconds, at the single-molecule level under equilibrium conditions. That is, the monitoring of conformational dynamics of biopolymers with temporal resolutions comparable to those within reach using new techniques of molecular dynamic simulations. We present data about structural changes of single biomolecules like DNA hairpins and peptides by using quenching electron transfer reactions between guanosine or tryptophan residues in close proximity to fluorescent dyes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the strong distance dependence of charge separation reactions on the sub-nanometer scale can be used to develop conformationally flexible PET-biosensors. These sensors enable the detection of specific target molecules in the sub-picomolar range and allow one to follow their molecular binding dynamics with temporal resolution.

Protein Conformational Dynamics Probed by Single-Molecule Electron Transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Haw; Luo, Guobin; Karnchanaphanurach, Pallop; Louie, Tai-Man; Rech, Ivan; Cova, Sergio; Xun, Luying; Xie, X. Sunney

2003-10-01

Electron transfer is used as a probe for angstrom-scale structural changes in single protein molecules. In a flavin reductase, the fluorescence of flavin is quenched by a nearby tyrosine residue by means of photo-induced electron transfer. By probing the fluorescence lifetime of the single flavin on a photon-by-photon basis, we were able to observe the variation of flavin-tyrosine distance over time. We could then determine the potential of mean force between the flavin and the tyrosine, and a correlation analysis revealed conformational fluctuation at multiple time scales spanning from hundreds of microseconds to seconds. This phenomenon suggests the existence of multiple interconverting conformers related to the fluctuating catalytic reactivity.

Electronic energy transfer through non-adiabatic vibrational-electronic resonance. II. 1D spectra for a dimer.

PubMed

Tiwari, Vivek; Jonas, David M

2018-02-28

Vibrational-electronic resonance in photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes invalidates Förster's adiabatic framework for interpreting spectra and energy transfer, thus complicating determination of how the surrounding protein affects pigment properties. This paper considers the combined effects of vibrational-electronic resonance and inhomogeneous variations in the electronic excitation energies of pigments at different sites on absorption, emission, circular dichroism, and hole-burning spectra for a non-degenerate homodimer. The non-degenerate homodimer has identical pigments in different sites that generate differences in electronic energies, with parameters loosely based on bacteriochlorophyll a pigments in the Fenna-Matthews-Olson antenna protein. To explain the intensity borrowing, the excited state vibrational-electronic eigenvectors are discussed in terms of the vibrational basis localized on the individual pigments, as well as the correlated/anti-correlated vibrational basis delocalized over both pigments. Compared to those in the isolated pigment, vibrational satellites for the correlated vibration have the same frequency and precisely a factor of 2 intensity reduction through vibrational delocalization in both absorption and emission. Vibrational satellites for anti-correlated vibrations have their relaxed emission intensity reduced by over a factor 2 through vibrational and excitonic delocalization. In absorption, anti-correlated vibrational satellites borrow excitonic intensity but can be broadened away by the combination of vibronic resonance and site inhomogeneity; in parallel, their vibronically resonant excitonic partners are also broadened away. These considerations are consistent with photosynthetic antenna hole-burning spectra, where sharp vibrational and excitonic satellites are absent. Vibrational-excitonic resonance barely alters the inhomogeneously broadened linear absorption, emission, and circular dichroism spectra from those for a

Electronic energy transfer through non-adiabatic vibrational-electronic resonance. II. 1D spectra for a dimer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, Vivek; Jonas, David M.

2018-02-01

Vibrational-electronic resonance in photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes invalidates Förster's adiabatic framework for interpreting spectra and energy transfer, thus complicating determination of how the surrounding protein affects pigment properties. This paper considers the combined effects of vibrational-electronic resonance and inhomogeneous variations in the electronic excitation energies of pigments at different sites on absorption, emission, circular dichroism, and hole-burning spectra for a non-degenerate homodimer. The non-degenerate homodimer has identical pigments in different sites that generate differences in electronic energies, with parameters loosely based on bacteriochlorophyll a pigments in the Fenna-Matthews-Olson antenna protein. To explain the intensity borrowing, the excited state vibrational-electronic eigenvectors are discussed in terms of the vibrational basis localized on the individual pigments, as well as the correlated/anti-correlated vibrational basis delocalized over both pigments. Compared to those in the isolated pigment, vibrational satellites for the correlated vibration have the same frequency and precisely a factor of 2 intensity reduction through vibrational delocalization in both absorption and emission. Vibrational satellites for anti-correlated vibrations have their relaxed emission intensity reduced by over a factor 2 through vibrational and excitonic delocalization. In absorption, anti-correlated vibrational satellites borrow excitonic intensity but can be broadened away by the combination of vibronic resonance and site inhomogeneity; in parallel, their vibronically resonant excitonic partners are also broadened away. These considerations are consistent with photosynthetic antenna hole-burning spectra, where sharp vibrational and excitonic satellites are absent. Vibrational-excitonic resonance barely alters the inhomogeneously broadened linear absorption, emission, and circular dichroism spectra from those for a

Modeling time-coincident ultrafast electron transfer and solvation processes at molecule-semiconductor interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lesheng; Giokas, Paul G.; Kanai, Yosuke; Moran, Andrew M.

2014-06-01

Kinetic models based on Fermi's Golden Rule are commonly employed to understand photoinduced electron transfer dynamics at molecule-semiconductor interfaces. Implicit in such second-order perturbative descriptions is the assumption that nuclear relaxation of the photoexcited electron donor is fast compared to electron injection into the semiconductor. This approximation breaks down in systems where electron transfer transitions occur on 100-fs time scale. Here, we present a fourth-order perturbative model that captures the interplay between time-coincident electron transfer and nuclear relaxation processes initiated by light absorption. The model consists of a fairly small number of parameters, which can be derived from standard spectroscopic measurements (e.g., linear absorbance, fluorescence) and/or first-principles electronic structure calculations. Insights provided by the model are illustrated for a two-level donor molecule coupled to both (i) a single acceptor level and (ii) a density of states (DOS) calculated for TiO2 using a first-principles electronic structure theory. These numerical calculations show that second-order kinetic theories fail to capture basic physical effects when the DOS exhibits narrow maxima near the energy of the molecular excited state. Overall, we conclude that the present fourth-order rate formula constitutes a rigorous and intuitive framework for understanding photoinduced electron transfer dynamics that occur on the 100-fs time scale.

Dispersed metal cluster catalysts by design. Synthesis, characterization, structure, and performance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arslan, Ilke; Dixon, David A.; Gates, Bruce C.

2015-09-30

To understand the class of metal cluster catalysts better and to lay a foundation for the prediction of properties leading to improved catalysts, we have synthesized metal catalysts with well-defined structures and varied the cluster structures and compositions systematically—including the ligands bonded to the metals. These ligands include supports and bulky organics that are being tuned to control both the electron transfer to or from the metal and the accessibility of reactants to influence catalytic properties. We have developed novel syntheses to prepare these well-defined catalysts with atomic-scale control the environment by choice and placement of ligands and applied state-of-themore » art spectroscopic, microscopic, and computational methods to determine their structures, reactivities, and catalytic properties. The ligands range from nearly flat MgO surfaces to enveloping zeolites to bulky calixarenes to provide controlled coverages of the metal clusters, while also enforcing unprecedented degrees of coordinative unsaturation at the metal site—thereby facilitating bonding and catalysis events at exposed metal atoms. With this wide range of ligand properties and our arsenal of characterization tools, we worked to achieve a deep, fundamental understanding of how to synthesize robust supported and ligand-modified metal clusters with controlled catalytic properties, thereby bridging the gap between active site structure and function in unsupported and supported metal catalysts. We used methods of organometallic and inorganic chemistry combined with surface chemistry for the precise synthesis of metal clusters and nanoparticles, characterizing them at various stages of preparation and under various conditions (including catalytic reaction conditions) and determining their structures and reactivities and how their catalytic properties depend on their compositions and structures. Key characterization methods included IR, NMR, and EXAFS spectroscopies to

Mathematical model of mass transfer at electron beam treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konovalov, Sergey V.; Sarychev, Vladimir D.; Nevskii, Sergey A.; Kobzareva, Tatyana Yu.; Gromov, Victor E.; Semin, Alexander P.

2017-01-01

The paper proposes a model of convective mass transfer at electron beam treatment with beams in titanium alloys subjected to electro-explosion alloying by titanium diboride powder. The proposed model is based on the concept that treatment with concentrated flows of energy results in the initiation of vortices in the melted layer. The formation mechanism of these vortices rooted in the idea that the availability of temperature drop leads to the initiation of the thermo-capillary convection. For the melted layer of metal the equations of the convective heat transfer and boundary conditions in terms of the evaporated material are written. The finite element solution of these equations showed that electron-beam treatment results in the formation of multi-vortex structure that in developing captures all new areas of material. It leads to the fact that the strengthening particles are observed at the depth increasing many times the depth of their penetration according to the diffusion mechanism. The distribution of micro-hardness at depth and the thickness of strengthening zone determined from these data supported the view that proposed model of the convective mass transfer describes adequately the processes going on in the treatment with low-energy high-current electron beam.

Development of a Simple Electron Transfer and Polarization Model and Its Application to Biological Systems.

PubMed

Diller, David J

2017-01-10

Here we present a new method for point charge calculation which we call Q ET (charges by electron transfer). The intent of this work is to develop a method that can be useful for studying charge transfer in large biological systems. It is based on the intuitive framework of the Q EQ method with the key difference being that the Q ET method tracks all pairwise electron transfers by augmenting the Q EQ pseudoenergy function with a distance dependent cost function for each electron transfer. This approach solves the key limitation of the Q EQ method which is its handling of formally charged groups. First, we parametrize the Q ET method by fitting to electrostatic potentials calculated using ab initio quantum mechanics on over 11,000 small molecules. On an external test set of over 2500 small molecules the Q ET method achieves a mean absolute error of 1.37 kcal/mol/electron when compared to the ab initio electrostatic potentials. Second, we examine the conformational dependence of the charges on over 2700 tripeptides. With the tripeptide data set, we show that the conformational effects account for approximately 0.4 kcal/mol/electron on the electrostatic potentials. Third, we test the Q ET method for its ability to reproduce the effects of polarization and electron transfer on 1000 water clusters. For the water clusters, we show that the Q ET method captures about 50% of the polarization and electron transfer effects. Finally, we examine the effects of electron transfer and polarizability on the electrostatic interaction between p38 and 94 small molecule ligands. When used in conjunction with the Generalized-Born continuum solvent model, polarization and electron transfer with the Q ET model lead to an average change of 17 kcal/mol on the calculated electrostatic component of ΔG.

Delaminated Transfer of CVD Graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clavijo, Alexis; Mao, Jinhai; Tilak, Nikhil; Altvater, Michael; Andrei, Eva

Single layer graphene is commonly synthesized by dissociation of a carbonaceous gas at high temperatures in the presence of a metallic catalyst in a process known as Chemical Vapor Deposition or CVD. Although it is possible to achieve high quality graphene by CVD, the standard transfer technique of etching away the metallic catalyst is wasteful and jeopardizes the quality of the graphene film by contamination from etchants. Thus, development of a clean transfer technique and preservation of the parent substrate remain prominent hurdles to overcome. In this study, we employ a copper pretreatment technique and optimized parameters for growth of high quality single layer graphene at atmospheric pressure. We address the transfer challenge by utilizing the adhesive properties between a polymer film and graphene to achieve etchant-free transfer of graphene films from a copper substrate. Based on this concept we developed a technique for dry delamination and transferring of graphene to hexagonal boron nitride substrates, which produced high quality graphene films while at the same time preserving the integrity of the copper catalyst for reuse. DOE-FG02-99ER45742, Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.

Nanostructured F doped IrO2 electro-catalyst powders for PEM based water electrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadakia, Karan Sandeep; Jampani, Prashanth H.; Velikokhatnyi, Oleg I.; Datta, Moni Kanchan; Park, Sung Kyoo; Hong, Dae Ho; Chung, Sung Jae; Kumta, Prashant N.

2014-12-01

Fluorine doped iridium oxide (IrO2:F) powders with varying F content ranging from 0 to 20 wt.% has been synthesized by using a modification of the Adams fusion method. The precursors (IrCl4 and NH4F) are mixed with NaNO3 and heated to elevated temperatures to form high surface area nanomaterials as electro-catalysts for PEM based water electrolysis. The catalysts were then coated on a porous Ti substrate and have been studied for the oxygen evolution reaction in PEM based water electrolysis. The IrO2:F with an optimum composition of IrO2:10 wt.% F shows remarkably superior electrochemical activity and chemical stability compared to pure IrO2. The results have also been supported via kinetic studies by conducting rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments. The RDE studies confirm that the electro-catalysts follow the two electron transfer reaction for electrolysis with calculated activation energy of ∼25 kJ mol-1. Single full cell tests conducted also validate the superior electrochemical activity of the 10 wt.% F doped IrO2.

Photoinduced electron transfer and persistent spectral hole-burning in natural emerald.

PubMed

Riesen, Hans

2011-06-02

Wavelength-selective excited-state lifetime measurements and absorption, luminescence, and hole-burning spectra of a natural African emerald crystal are reported. The (2)E excited-state lifetime displays an extreme wavelength dependence, varying from 190 to 37 μs within 1.8 nm of the R(1)-line. Overall, the excited state is strongly quenched, in comparison to laboratory-created emerald (τ=1.3 ms), with an average quenching rate of ∼6 × 10(3) s(-1) at 2.5 K. This quenching is attributed to photoinduced electron transfer caused by a relatively high concentration of Fe(2+) ions. The forward electron-transfer rate, k(f), from the nearest possible Fe(2+) sites at around 5 Å is estimated to be ∼20 × 10(3) s(-1) at 2.5 K. The photoreductive quenching of the excited Cr(3+) ions by Fe(2+) is followed by rapid electron back-transfer in the ground state upon deactivation. The exchange interaction based quenching can be modeled by assuming a random quencher distribution within the possible Fe(2+) sites with the forward electron-transfer rate, k(f), given as a function of acceptor-donor separation R by exp[(R(f)-R)/a(f)]; R(f) and a(f) values of 13.5 and 2.7 Å are obtained at 2.5 K. The electron transfer/back-transfer reorganizes the local crystal lattice, occasionally leading to a minor variation of the short-range structure around the Cr(3+) ions. This provides a mechanism for spectral hole-burning for which a moderately high quantum efficiency of about ∼0.005% is observed. Spectral holes are subject to spontaneous hole-filling and spectral diffusion, and both effects can be quantified within the standard two-level systems for non-photochemical hole-burning. Importantly, the absorbance increases on both sides of broad spectral holes, and isosbestic points are observed, in accord with the expected distribution of the "photoproduct" in a non-photochemical hole-burning process. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Opto-electronic conversion logic behaviour through dynamic modulation of electron/energy transfer states at the TiO2-carbon quantum dot interface.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Zhang, Yonglai; Liu, Yang; Wang, Xuefeng; Shen, Mingrong; Lee, Shuit-Tong; Kang, Zhenhui

2013-03-07

Here we show a bias-mediated electron/energy transfer process at the CQDs-TiO(2) interface for the dynamic modulation of opto-electronic properties. Different energy and electron transfer states have been observed in the CQDs-TNTs system due to the up-conversion photoluminescence and the electron donation/acceptance properties of the CQDs decorated on TNTs.

Ultrafast Interlayer Electron Transfer in Incommensurate Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Homobilayers.

PubMed

Li, Yuanyuan; Cui, Qiannan; Ceballos, Frank; Lane, Samuel D; Qi, Zeming; Zhao, Hui

2017-11-08

Two-dimensional materials, such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, and phosphorene, can be used to construct van der Waals multilayer structures. This approach has shown potentials to produce new materials that combine novel properties of the participating individual layers. One key requirement for effectively harnessing emergent properties of these materials is electronic connection of the involved atomic layers through efficient interlayer charge or energy transfer. Recently, ultrafast charge transfer on a time scale shorter than 100 fs has been observed in several van der Waals bilayer heterostructures formed by two different materials. However, information on the transfer between two atomic layers of the same type is rare. Because these homobilayers are essential elements in constructing multilayer structures with desired optoelectronic properties, efficient interlayer transfer is highly desired. Here we show that electron transfer between two monolayers of MoSe 2 occurs on a picosecond time scale. Even faster transfer was observed in homobilayers of WS 2 and WSe 2 . The samples were fabricated by manually stacking two exfoliated monolayer flakes. By adding a graphene layer as a fast carrier recombination channel for one of the two monolayers, the transfer of the photoexcited carriers from the populated to the drained monolayers was time-resolved by femtosecond transient absorption measurements. The observed efficient interlayer carrier transfer indicates that such homobilayers can be used in van der Waals multilayers to enhance their optical absorption without significantly compromising the interlayer transport performance. Our results also provide valuable information for understanding interlayer charge transfer in heterostructures.

Excited state electron transfer in systems with a well-defined geometry. [cyclophane

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaufmann, K.J.

1980-12-01

The effect of temperature, dielectric strength and ligand on the structure of the mesopyropheophorbide cyclophanes will be studied. ESR, NMR, emission and absorption spectroscopy, as well as circular dichroism will be used. The changes in structure will be correlated with changes in the photochemical activity. Electron acceptors such as benzoquinone will be utilized to stabilize the charge separation. Charge separation in porphyrin quinone dimers will also be studied. It was found that electron transfer in the cyclophane system is relatively slow. This is presumably due to an orientation requirement for fast electron transfer. Solvent dielectric also is important in producingmore » a charge separation. Decreasing the temperature effects the yield of charge transfer, but not the kinetics.« less

Alternating electron and proton transfer steps in photosynthetic water oxidation

PubMed Central

Klauss, André; Haumann, Michael; Dau, Holger

2012-01-01

Water oxidation by cyanobacteria, algae, and plants is pivotal in oxygenic photosynthesis, the process that powers life on Earth, and is the paradigm for engineering solar fuel–production systems. Each complete reaction cycle of photosynthetic water oxidation requires the removal of four electrons and four protons from the catalytic site, a manganese–calcium complex and its protein environment in photosystem II. In time-resolved photothermal beam deflection experiments, we monitored apparent volume changes of the photosystem II protein associated with charge creation by light-induced electron transfer (contraction) and charge-compensating proton relocation (expansion). Two previously invisible proton removal steps were detected, thereby filling two gaps in the basic reaction-cycle model of photosynthetic water oxidation. In the S2 → S3 transition of the classical S-state cycle, an intermediate is formed by deprotonation clearly before electron transfer to the oxidant (). The rate-determining elementary step (τ, approximately 30 µs at 20 °C) in the long-distance proton relocation toward the protein–water interface is characterized by a high activation energy (Ea = 0.46 ± 0.05 eV) and strong H/D kinetic isotope effect (approximately 6). The characteristics of a proton transfer step during the S0 → S1 transition are similar (τ, approximately 100 µs; Ea = 0.34 ± 0.08 eV; kinetic isotope effect, approximately 3); however, the proton removal from the Mn complex proceeds after electron transfer to . By discovery of the transient formation of two further intermediate states in the reaction cycle of photosynthetic water oxidation, a temporal sequence of strictly alternating removal of electrons and protons from the catalytic site is established. PMID:22988080

Alternating electron and proton transfer steps in photosynthetic water oxidation.

PubMed

Klauss, André; Haumann, Michael; Dau, Holger

2012-10-02

Water oxidation by cyanobacteria, algae, and plants is pivotal in oxygenic photosynthesis, the process that powers life on Earth, and is the paradigm for engineering solar fuel-production systems. Each complete reaction cycle of photosynthetic water oxidation requires the removal of four electrons and four protons from the catalytic site, a manganese-calcium complex and its protein environment in photosystem II. In time-resolved photothermal beam deflection experiments, we monitored apparent volume changes of the photosystem II protein associated with charge creation by light-induced electron transfer (contraction) and charge-compensating proton relocation (expansion). Two previously invisible proton removal steps were detected, thereby filling two gaps in the basic reaction-cycle model of photosynthetic water oxidation. In the S(2) → S(3) transition of the classical S-state cycle, an intermediate is formed by deprotonation clearly before electron transfer to the oxidant (Y Z OX). The rate-determining elementary step (τ, approximately 30 µs at 20 °C) in the long-distance proton relocation toward the protein-water interface is characterized by a high activation energy (E(a) = 0.46 ± 0.05 eV) and strong H/D kinetic isotope effect (approximately 6). The characteristics of a proton transfer step during the S(0) → S(1) transition are similar (τ, approximately 100 µs; E(a) = 0.34 ± 0.08 eV; kinetic isotope effect, approximately 3); however, the proton removal from the Mn complex proceeds after electron transfer to . By discovery of the transient formation of two further intermediate states in the reaction cycle of photosynthetic water oxidation, a temporal sequence of strictly alternating removal of electrons and protons from the catalytic site is established.

Effect of polymer binders in anode catalyst layer on performance of alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y. S.; Zhao, T. S.; Liang, Z. X.

In preparing low-temperature fuel cell electrodes, a polymer binder is essential to bind discrete catalyst particles to form a porous catalyst layer that simultaneously facilitates the transfer of ions, electrons, and reactants/products. For two types of polymer binder, namely, an A3-an anion conducting ionomer and a PTFE-a neutral polymer, an investigation is made of the effect of the content of each binder in the anode catalyst layer on the performance of an alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) with an anion-exchange membrane and non-platinum (non-Pt) catalysts. Experiments are performed by feeding either ethanol (C 2H 5OH) solution or ethanol-potassium hydroxide (C 2H 5OH-KOH) solution. The experimental results for the case of feeding C 2H 5OH solution without added KOH indicate that the cell performance varies with the A3 ionomer content in the anode catalyst layer, and a content of 10 wt.% exhibits the best performance. When feeding C 2H 5OH-KOH solution, the results show that: (i) in the region of low current density, the best performance is achieved for a membrane electrode assembly without any binder in the anode catalyst layer; (ii) in the region of high current density, the performance is improved with incorporation of PTFE binder in the anode catalyst layer; (iii) the PTFE binder yields better performance than does the A3 binder.

Catalytic Oxidation of Hydroquinone in Aqueous Solution over Bimetallic PdCo Catalyst Supported on Carbon: Effect of Interferents and Electrochemical Measurement.

PubMed

Ye, Weichun; Shi, Xuezhao; Zhang, Yane; Hong, Chenghui; Wang, Chunming; Budzianowski, Wojciech M; Xue, Desheng

2016-02-10

Palladium-cobalt alloy nanoparticles were synthesized and dispersed on carbon black support, aiming to have a less expensive catalyst. Catalytic behaviors of PdCo/C catalyst for the oxidation of hydroquinone (HQ) with H2O2 in aqueous solution were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results revealed that PdCo/C catalyst had better catalytic activity than an equal amount of commercial Pd/C and Co/C catalysts because of the d-band hybridization between Pd and Co. The effects of pH value, solvent, and various interferents including inorganic and organic compounds on the efficiency of HQ oxidation were further investigated. Furthermore, on the basis of mixed potential theory, comprehensive electrochemical measurements such as the open-circuit potential-time (OCP-t) technique and Tafel plot were efficient to assess the catalytic activity of the catalyst, and the results obtained were consistent with those of HPLC measurements. The efficient HQ oxidation was closely associated with the catalytic activity of PdCo nanoparticles because they accelerated the electron-transfer process and facilitated the generation of OH radicals.

Triboelectric effect: A new perspective on electron transfer process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Shuaihang; Zhang, Zhinan

2017-10-01

As interest in the triboelectric effect increases in line with the development of tribo-electrification related devices, the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon require more systematic review from the dual perspectives of developed classical insights and emerging quantum understanding. In this paper, the clear energy changing and transferring process of electrons have been proposed from the quantum point of view as the trigger for the charging initiation process in the triboelectric effect, and the phonon modes on the friction surfaces are believed to hold great importance as one of the main driving forces. Compatible with Maxwell Displacement Current theory, the complete consideration for charging steady state, i.e., the competition mechanisms between the breakdown process and the continuously charging process, and the balance mechanisms of phonon-electron interaction, built voltage, and induced polarization, are illustrated. In brief, the proposed theory emphasizes the fundamental role of electron transferring in tribo-electrical fields. By comparing certain experimental results from the previous studies, the theory is justified.

Tetraalkylammonium Salts as Hydrogen-Bonding Catalysts.

PubMed

Shirakawa, Seiji; Liu, Shiyao; Kaneko, Shiho; Kumatabara, Yusuke; Fukuda, Airi; Omagari, Yumi; Maruoka, Keiji

2015-12-21

Although the hydrogen-bonding ability of the α hydrogen atoms on tetraalkylammonium salts is often discussed with respect to phase-transfer catalysts, catalysis that utilizes the hydrogen-bond-donor properties of tetraalkylammonium salts remains unknown. Herein, we demonstrate hydrogen-bonding catalysis with newly designed tetraalkylammonium salt catalysts in Mannich-type reactions. The structure and the hydrogen-bonding ability of the new ammonium salts were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis and NMR titration studies. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Charge Transfer and Support Effects in Heterogeneous Catalysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hervier, Antoine

The kinetic, electronic and spectroscopic properties of two-dimensional oxide-supported catalysts were investigated in order to understand the role of charge transfer in catalysis. Pt/TiO 2 nanodiodes were fabricated and used as catalysts for hydrogen oxidation. During the reaction, the current through the diode, as well as its I-V curve, were monitored, while gas chromatography was used to measure the reaction rate. The current and the turnover rate were found to have the same temperature dependence, indicating that hydrogen oxidation leads to the non-adiabatic excitation of electrons in Pt. A fraction of these electrons have enough energy to ballistically transport throughmore » Pt and overcome the Schottky barrier at the interface with TiO 2. The yield for this phenomenon is on the order of 10 -4 electrons per product molecule formed, similar to what has been observed for CO oxidation and for the adsorption of many different molecules. The same Pt/TiO 2 system was used to compare currents in hydrogen oxidation and deuterium oxidation. The current through the diode under deuterium oxidation was found to be greater than under hydrogen oxidation by a factor of three. Weighted by the difference in turnover frequencies for the two isotopes, this would imply a chemicurrent yield 5 times greater for D 2 compared to H 2, contrary to what is expected given the higher mass of D 2. Reversible changes in the rectification factor of the diode are observed when switching between D 2 and H 2. These changes are a likely cause for the differences in current between the two isotopes. In the nanodiode experiments, surface chemistry leads to charge flow, suggesting the possibility of creating charge flow to tune surface chemistry. This was done first by exposing a Pt/Si diode to visible light while using it as a catalyst for H 2 oxidation. Absorption of the light in the Si, combined with the band bending at the interface, gives rise to a steady-state flow of hot holes to the

Radiationless Electronic Excitation Energy Transfer Between Monolayers of J-Aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chmereva, T. M.; Kucherenko, M. G.

2018-06-01

Radiationless electronic excitation energy transfer between monolayers of cyanine dye molecules forming J-aggregates by means of surface plasmons of the metal film of nanometer thickness inserted between the monolayers is theoretically investigated. A dependence of the rate of energy transfer on the geometrical and electrodynamic parameters of the system is established. It is demonstrated that the energy transfer between the monolayers is more effective in the presence of the metal film than in a nonconductive medium.

Photoinduced Electron Transfer and Hole Migration in Nanosized Helical Aromatic Oligoamide Foldamers.

PubMed

Li, Xuesong; Markandeya, Nagula; Jonusauskas, Gediminas; McClenaghan, Nathan D; Maurizot, Victor; Denisov, Sergey A; Huc, Ivan

2016-10-07

A series of photoactive triads have been synthesized and investigated in order to elucidate photoinduced electron transfer and hole migration mechanism across nanosized, rigid helical foldamers. The triads are comprised of a central helical oligoamide foldamer bridge with 9, 14, 18, 19, or 34 8-amino-2-quinolinecarboxylic acid repeat units, and of two chromophores, an N-terminal oligo(para-phenylenevinylene) electron donor and a C-terminal perylene bis-imide electron acceptor. Time-resolved fluorescence and transient absorption spectroscopic studies showed that, following photoexcitation of the electron acceptor, fast electron transfer occurs initially from the oligoquinoline bridge to the acceptor chromophore on the picosecond time scale. The oligo(para-phenylenevinylene) electron donor is oxidized after a time delay during which the hole migrates across the foldamer from the acceptor to the donor. The charge separated state that is finally generated was found to be remarkably long-lived (>80 μs). While the initial charge injection rate is largely invariant for all foldamer lengths (ca. 60 ps), the subsequent hole transfer to the donor varies from 1 × 10 9 s -1 for the longest sequence to 17 × 10 9 s -1 for the shortest. In all cases, charge transfer is very fast considering the foldamer length. Detailed analysis of the process in different media and at varying temperatures is consistent with a hopping mechanism of hole transport through the foldamer helix, with individual hops occurring on the subpicosecond time scale (k ET = 2.5 × 10 12 s -1 in CH 2 Cl 2 ). This work demonstrates the possibility of fast long-range hole transfer over 300 Å (through bonds) across a synthetic modular bridge, an achievement that had been previously observed principally with DNA structures.

Experimental exploration of the Mulliken-Hush relationship for intramolecular electron transfer reactions.

PubMed

Mukherjee, Tamal; Ito, Naoki; Gould, Ian R

2011-03-17

The Mulliken-Hush (M-H) relationship provides the critical link between optical and thermal electron transfer processes, and yet very little direct experimental support for its applicability has been provided. Dicyanovinylazaadamantane (DCVA) represents a simple two-state (neutral/charge-transfer) intramolecular electron transfer system that exhibits charge-transfer absorption and emission spectra that are readily measurable in solvents with a wide range of polarities. In this regard it represents an ideal model system for studying the factors that control both optical charge separation (absorption) and recombination (emission) processes in solution. Here we explore the applicability of the M-H relation to quantitative descriptions of the optical charge-transfer processes in DCVA. For DCVA, the measured radiative rate constants exhibit a linear dependence on transition energy, and transition dipole moments exhibit an inverse dependence on transition energy, consistent with the M-H relationship.

Combined UHV/high-pressure catalysis setup for depth-resolved near-surface spectroscopic characterization and catalytic testing of model catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayr, Lukas; Rameshan, Raffael; Klötzer, Bernhard; Penner, Simon; Rameshan, Christoph

2014-05-01

An ultra-high vacuum (UHV) setup for "real" and "inverse" model catalyst preparation, depth-resolved near-surface spectroscopic characterization, and quantification of catalytic activity and selectivity under technologically relevant conditions is described. Due to the all-quartz reactor attached directly to the UHV-chamber, transfer of the catalyst for in situ testing without intermediate contact to the ambient is possible. The design of the UHV-compatible re-circulating batch reactor setup allows the study of reaction kinetics under close to technically relevant catalytic conditions up to 1273 K without contact to metallic surfaces except those of the catalyst itself. With the attached differentially pumped exchangeable evaporators and the quartz-microbalance thickness monitoring equipment, a reproducible, versatile, and standardised sample preparation is possible. For three-dimensional near-surface sample characterization, the system is equipped with a hemispherical analyser for X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron-beam or X-ray-excited Auger-electron spectroscopy, and low-energy ion scattering measurements. Due the dedicated geometry of the X-ray gun (54.7°, "magic angle") and the rotatable sample holder, depth analysis by angle-resolved XPS measurements can be performed. Thus, by the combination of characterisation methods with different information depths, a detailed three-dimensional picture of the electronic and geometric structure of the model catalyst can be obtained. To demonstrate the capability of the described system, comparative results for depth-resolved sample characterization and catalytic testing in methanol steam reforming on PdGa and PdZn near-surface intermetallic phases are shown.

New electron-energy transfer rates for vibrational excitation of O2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, D. B.; Campbell, L.; Bottema, M. J.; Brunger, M. J.

2003-09-01

We report on our computation of electron-energy transfer rates for vibrational excitation of O2. This work was necessitated by inadequacies in the electron-impact cross section databases employed in previous studies and, in one case, an inaccurate approximate formulation to the rate equation. Both these inadequacies led to incorrect energy transfer rates being published in the literature. We also demonstrate the importance of using cross sections that encompass an energy range that is extended enough to appropriately describe the environment under investigation.

CO-oxidation catalysts: Low-temperature CO oxidation over Noble-Metal Reducible Oxide (NMRO) catalysts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herz, Richard K.

1990-01-01

Oxidation of CO to CO2 is an important reaction technologically and environmentally and a complex and interesting reaction scientifically. In most cases, the reaction is carried out in order to remove CO as an environmental hazard. A major application of heterogeneous catalysts is catalytic oxidation of CO in the exhaust of combustion devices. The reaction over catalysts in exhaust gas is fast and often mass-transfer-limited since exhaust gases are hot and O2/CO ratios are high. The main challenges to catalyst designers are to control thermal sintering and chemical poisoning of the active materials. The effect of the noble metal on the oxide is discussed, followed by the effect of the oxide on the noble metal, the interaction of the noble metal and oxide to form unique catalytic sites, and the possible ways in which the CO oxidation reaction is catalyzed by the NMRO materials.

Correlation between Fischer-Tropsch catalytic activity and composition of catalysts

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of monometallic and bimetallic cobalt and iron nanoparticles supported on alumina. The catalysts were prepared by a wet impregnation method. Samples were characterized using temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO), CO-chemisorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM-EDX) and N2-adsorption analysis. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) was carried out in a fixed-bed microreactor at 543 K and 1 atm, with H2/CO = 2 v/v and space velocity, SV = 12L/g.h. The physicochemical properties and the FTS activity of the bimetallic catalysts were analyzed and compared with those of monometallic cobalt and iron catalysts at similar operating conditions. H2-TPR analysis of cobalt catalyst indicated three temperature regions at 506°C (low), 650°C (medium) and 731°C (high). The incorporation of iron up to 30% into cobalt catalysts increased the reduction, CO chemisorption and number of cobalt active sites of the catalyst while an opposite trend was observed for the iron-riched bimetallic catalysts. The CO conversion was 6.3% and 4.6%, over the monometallic cobalt and iron catalysts, respectively. Bimetallic catalysts enhanced the CO conversion. Amongst the catalysts studied, bimetallic catalyst with the composition of 70Co30Fe showed the highest CO conversion (8.1%) while exhibiting the same product selectivity as that of monometallic Co catalyst. Monometallic iron catalyst showed the lowest selectivity for C5+ hydrocarbons (1.6%). PMID:22047220

Facile fabrication of palladium-ionic liquids-nitrogen-doped graphene nanocomposites as enhanced electro-catalyst for ethanol oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shuwen; Yang, Honglei; Ren, Ren; Ma, Jianxin; Jin, Jun; Ma, Jiantai

2015-10-01

The palladium-ionic liquids-nitrogen-doped graphene nanocomposites are facile fabricated as enhanced electro-catalyst for ethanol oxidation. First, the ionic liquids functionalized nitrogen-doping graphene nanosheets (PDIL-NGS) with few layers is synthesized through a facile and effective one-pot hydrothermal method with graphene oxide as raw material, urea as reducing-doping agents and ionic liquids (ILs) derived from 3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic acid as functional molecules. The results of systematic characterization reveal that the PDIL molecules not only can functionalize NGS by π-π stacking with no affecting the nitrogen doping but also prevent the agglomeration of NGS. More importantly, the processing performance and the property of electron transfer are remarkably enhanced duo to introducing a large number of ILs groups. Then, the enhanced electrocatalytic Pd nanoparticles are successfully anchored on PDIL-NGS by a facile and surfactant-free synthetic technique. As an anode catalyst, the novel catalyst exhibits better kinetics, more superior electrocatalytic performance, higher tolerance and electrochemical stability than the other catalysts toward ethanol electrooxidation, owing to the role of PDIL molecules. Therefore, the new catalyst is believed to have the potential use for direct alcohol fuel cells in the future and the functionalized NGS is promising useful materials applied in other fields.

Direct Electron Transfer of Dehydrogenases for Development of 3rd Generation Biosensors and Enzymatic Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Bollella, Paolo; Gorton, Lo; Antiochia, Riccarda

2018-04-24

Dehydrogenase based bioelectrocatalysis has been increasingly exploited in recent years in order to develop new bioelectrochemical devices, such as biosensors and biofuel cells, with improved performances. In some cases, dehydrogeases are able to directly exchange electrons with an appropriately designed electrode surface, without the need for an added redox mediator, allowing bioelectrocatalysis based on a direct electron transfer process. In this review we briefly describe the electron transfer mechanism of dehydrogenase enzymes and some of the characteristics required for bioelectrocatalysis reactions via a direct electron transfer mechanism. Special attention is given to cellobiose dehydrogenase and fructose dehydrogenase, which showed efficient direct electron transfer reactions. An overview of the most recent biosensors and biofuel cells based on the two dehydrogenases will be presented. The various strategies to prepare modified electrodes in order to improve the electron transfer properties of the device will be carefully investigated and all analytical parameters will be presented, discussed and compared.

Enhanced activity of Pt/CNTs anode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells using Ni2P as co-catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiang; Luo, Lanping; Peng, Feng; Wang, Hongjuan; Yu, Hao

2018-03-01

The direct methanol fuel cell is a promising energy conversion device because of the utilization of the state-of-the-art platinum (Pt) anode catalyst. In this work, novel Pt/Ni2P/CNTs catalysts were prepared by the H2 reduction method. It was found that the activity and stability of Pt for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) could be significantly enhanced while using nickel phosphide (Ni2P) nanoparticles as co-catalyst. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the existence of Ni2P affected the particle size and electronic distribution of Pt obviously. Pt/CNTs catalyst, Pt/Ni2P/CNTs catalysts with different Ni2P amount were synthesized, among which Pt/6%Ni2P/CNTs catalyst exhibited the best MOR activity of 1400 mAmg-1Pt, which was almost 2.5 times of the commercial Pt/C-JM catalyst. Moreover, compared to other Pt-based catalysts, this novel Pt/Ni2P/CNTs catalyst also exhibited higher onset current density and better steady current density. The result of this work may provide positive guidance to the research on high efficiency and stability of Pt-based catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells.

Fabrication and single-electron-transfer operation of a triple-dot single-electron transistor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jo, Mingyu, E-mail: mingyujo@eis.hokudai.ac.jp; Uchida, Takafumi; Tsurumaki-Fukuchi, Atsushi

2015-12-07

A triple-dot single-electron transistor was fabricated on silicon-on-insulator wafer using pattern-dependent oxidation. A specially designed one-dimensional silicon wire having small constrictions at both ends was converted to a triple-dot single-electron transistor by means of pattern-dependent oxidation. The fabrication of the center dot involved quantum size effects and stress-induced band gap reduction, whereas that of the two side dots involved thickness modulation because of the complex edge structure of two-dimensional silicon. Single-electron turnstile operation was confirmed at 8 K when a 100-mV, 1-MHz square wave was applied. Monte Carlo simulations indicated that such a device with inhomogeneous tunnel and gate capacitances canmore » exhibit single-electron transfer.« less

Ultrafast fluorescence quenching dynamics of Atto655 in the presence of N-acetyltyrosine and N-acetyltryptophan in aqueous solution: proton-coupled electron transfer versus electron transfer.

PubMed

Zhang, Ying; Yuan, Shuwei; Lu, Rong; Yu, Anchi

2013-06-20

We studied the ultrafast fluorescence quenching dynamics of Atto655 in the presence of N-acetyltyrosine (AcTyr) and N-acetyltryptophan (AcTrp) in aqueous solution with femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. We found that the charge-transfer rate between Atto655 and AcTyr is about 240 times smaller than that between Atto655 and AcTrp. The pH value and D2O dependences of the excited-state decay kinetics of Atto655 in the presence of AcTyr and AcTrp reveal that the quenching of Atto655 fluorescence by AcTyr in aqueous solution is via a proton-coupled electron-transfer (PCET) process and that the quenching of Atto655 fluorescence by AcTrp in aqueous solution is via an electron-transfer process. With the version of the semiclassical Marcus ET theory, we derived that the electronic coupling constant for the PCET reaction between Atto655 and AcTyr in aqueous solution is 8.3 cm(-1), indicating that the PCET reaction between Atto655 and AcTyr in aqueous solution is nonadiabatic.

Direct Observation of Excimer-Mediated Intramolecular Electron Transfer in a Cofacially-Stacked Perylene Bisimide Pair.

PubMed

Sung, Jooyoung; Nowak-Król, Agnieszka; Schlosser, Felix; Fimmel, Benjamin; Kim, Woojae; Kim, Dongho; Würthner, Frank

2016-07-27

We have elucidated excimer-mediated intramolecular electron transfer in cofacially stacked PBIs tethered by two phenylene-butadiynylene loops. The electron transfer between energetically equivalent PBIs is revealed by the simultaneous observation of the PBI radical anion and cation bands in the transient absorption spectra. The fluorescence decay time of the excimer states is in good agreement with the rise time of PBI radical bands in transient absorption spectra suggesting that the electron transfer dynamics proceed via the excimer state. We can conclude that the excimer state effectuates the efficient charge transfer in the cofacially stacked PBI dimer.

Potential for direct interspecies electron transfer in methanogenic wastewater digester aggregates.

PubMed

Morita, Masahiko; Malvankar, Nikhil S; Franks, Ashley E; Summers, Zarath M; Giloteaux, Ludovic; Rotaru, Amelia E; Rotaru, Camelia; Lovley, Derek R

2011-01-01

Mechanisms for electron transfer within microbial aggregates derived from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor converting brewery waste to methane were investigated in order to better understand the function of methanogenic consortia. The aggregates were electrically conductive, with conductivities 3-fold higher than the conductivities previously reported for dual-species aggregates of Geobacter species in which the two species appeared to exchange electrons via interspecies electron transfer. The temperature dependence response of the aggregate conductance was characteristic of the organic metallic-like conductance previously described for the conductive pili of Geobacter sulfurreducens and was inconsistent with electron conduction through minerals. Studies in which aggregates were incubated with high concentrations of potential electron donors demonstrated that the aggregates had no significant capacity for conversion of hydrogen to methane. The aggregates converted formate to methane but at rates too low to account for the rates at which that the aggregates syntrophically metabolized ethanol, an important component of the reactor influent. Geobacter species comprised 25% of 16S rRNA gene sequences recovered from the aggregates, suggesting that Geobacter species may have contributed to some but probably not all of the aggregate conductivity. Microorganisms most closely related to the acetate-utilizing Methanosaeta concilii accounted for more than 90% of the sequences that could be assigned to methane producers, consistent with the poor capacity for hydrogen and formate utilization. These results demonstrate for the first time that methanogenic wastewater aggregates can be electrically conductive and suggest that direct interspecies electron transfer could be an important mechanism for electron exchange in some methanogenic systems.

InP Nanoflag Growth from a Nanowire Template by in Situ Catalyst Manipulation.

PubMed

Kelrich, Alexander; Sorias, Ofir; Calahorra, Yonatan; Kauffmann, Yaron; Gladstone, Ran; Cohen, Shimon; Orenstein, Meir; Ritter, Dan

2016-04-13

Quasi-two-dimensional semiconductor materials are desirable for electronic, photonic, and energy conversion applications as well as fundamental science. We report on the synthesis of indium phosphide flag-like nanostructures by epitaxial growth on a nanowire template at 95% yield. The technique is based on in situ catalyst unpinning from the top of the nanowire and its induced migration along the nanowire sidewall. Investigation of the mechanism responsible for catalyst movement shows that its final position is determined by the structural defect density along the nanowire. The crystal structure of the "flagpole" nanowire is epitaxially transferred to the nanoflag. Pure wurtzite InP nanomembranes with just a single stacking fault originating from the defect in the flagpole that pinned the catalyst were obtained. Optical characterization shows efficient highly polarized photoluminescence at room temperature from a single nanoflag with up to 90% degree of linear polarization. Electric field intensity enhancement of the incident light was calculated to be 57, concentrated at the nanoflag tip. The presented growth method is general and thus can be employed for achieving similar nanostructures in other III-V semiconductor material systems with potential applications in active nanophotonics.

Charge Transfer from n-Doped Nanocrystals: Mimicking Intermediate Events in Multielectron Photocatalysis.

PubMed

Wang, Junhui; Ding, Tao; Wu, Kaifeng

2018-06-12

In multielectron photocatalytic reactions, an absorbed photon triggers charge transfer from the light-harvester to the attached catalyst, leaving behind a charge of the opposite sign in the light-harvester. If this charge is not scavenged before the absorption of the following photons, photoexcitation generates not neutral but charged excitons from which the extraction of charges should become more difficult. This is potentially an efficiency-limiting intermediate event in multielectron photocatalysis. To study the charge dynamics in this event, we doped CdS nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) with an extra electron and measured hole transfer from n-doped QDs to attached acceptors. We find that the Auger decay of charged excitons lowers the charge separation yield to 68.6% from 98.4% for neutral excitons. In addition, the hole transfer rate in the presence of two electrons (1290 ps) is slower than that in the presence one electron (776 ps), and the recombination rate of charge separated states is about 2 times faster in the former case. This model study provides important insights into possible efficiency-limiting intermediate events involved in photocatalysis.

Electronically conducting hybrid material as high performance catalyst support for electrocatalytic application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajesh, B.; Ravindranathan Thampi, K.; Bonard, J.-M.; Mathieu, H. J.; Xanthopoulos, N.; Viswanathan, B.

The electronically conducting hybrid material based on transition metal oxide and conducting polymer has been used as the catalyst support for Pt nanoparticles. The Pt nanoparticles loaded hybrid organic (polyaniline)-inorganic (vanadium pentoxide) composite has been used as the electrode material for methanol oxidation, a reaction of importance for the development of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). The hybrid material exhibited excellent electrochemical and thermal stability in comparison to the physical mixture of conducting polymer and transition metal oxide. The Pt nanoparticles loaded hybrid material exhibited high electrocatalytic activity and stability for methanol oxidation in comparison to the Pt supported on the Vulcan XC 72R carbon support. The higher activity and stability is attributed to the better CO tolerance of the composite material.

Intermolecular electron transfer from intramolecular excitation and coherent acoustic phonon generation in a hydrogen-bonded charge-transfer solid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rury, Aaron S., E-mail: arury@usc.edu; Sorenson, Shayne; Dawlaty, Jahan M.

2016-03-14

Organic materials that produce coherent lattice phonon excitations in response to external stimuli may provide next generation solutions in a wide range of applications. However, for these materials to lead to functional devices in technology, a full understanding of the possible driving forces of coherent lattice phonon generation must be attained. To facilitate the achievement of this goal, we have undertaken an optical spectroscopic study of an organic charge-transfer material formed from the ubiquitous reduction-oxidation pair hydroquinone and p-benzoquinone. Upon pumping this material, known as quinhydrone, on its intermolecular charge transfer resonance as well as an intramolecular resonance of p-benzoquinone,more » we find sub-cm{sup −1} oscillations whose dispersion with probe energy resembles that of a coherent acoustic phonon that we argue is coherently excited following changes in the electron density of quinhydrone. Using the dynamical information from these ultrafast pump-probe measurements, we find that the fastest process we can resolve does not change whether we pump quinhydrone at either energy. Electron-phonon coupling from both ultrafast coherent vibrational and steady-state resonance Raman spectroscopies allows us to determine that intramolecular electronic excitation of p-benzoquinone also drives the electron transfer process in quinhydrone. These results demonstrate the wide range of electronic excitations of the parent of molecules found in many functional organic materials that can drive coherent lattice phonon excitations useful for applications in electronics, photonics, and information technology.« less

Intermolecular electron transfer from intramolecular excitation and coherent acoustic phonon generation in a hydrogen-bonded charge-transfer solid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rury, Aaron S.; Sorenson, Shayne; Dawlaty, Jahan M.

2016-03-01

Organic materials that produce coherent lattice phonon excitations in response to external stimuli may provide next generation solutions in a wide range of applications. However, for these materials to lead to functional devices in technology, a full understanding of the possible driving forces of coherent lattice phonon generation must be attained. To facilitate the achievement of this goal, we have undertaken an optical spectroscopic study of an organic charge-transfer material formed from the ubiquitous reduction-oxidation pair hydroquinone and p-benzoquinone. Upon pumping this material, known as quinhydrone, on its intermolecular charge transfer resonance as well as an intramolecular resonance of p-benzoquinone, we find sub-cm-1 oscillations whose dispersion with probe energy resembles that of a coherent acoustic phonon that we argue is coherently excited following changes in the electron density of quinhydrone. Using the dynamical information from these ultrafast pump-probe measurements, we find that the fastest process we can resolve does not change whether we pump quinhydrone at either energy. Electron-phonon coupling from both ultrafast coherent vibrational and steady-state resonance Raman spectroscopies allows us to determine that intramolecular electronic excitation of p-benzoquinone also drives the electron transfer process in quinhydrone. These results demonstrate the wide range of electronic excitations of the parent of molecules found in many functional organic materials that can drive coherent lattice phonon excitations useful for applications in electronics, photonics, and information technology.

Mechanisms of transport and electron transfer at conductive polymer/liquid interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratcliff, Erin

Organic semiconductors (OSCs) have incredible prospects for next-generation, flexible electronic devices including bioelectronics, thermoelectrics, opto-electronics, and energy storage and conversion devices. Yet many fundamental challenges still exist. First, solution processing prohibits definitive control over microstructure, which is fundamental for controlling electrical, ionic, and thermal transport properties. Second, OSCs generally suffer from poor electrical conductivities due to a combination of low carriers and low mobility. Third, polymeric semiconductors have potential-dependent, dynamically evolving electronic and chemical states, leading to complex interfacial charge transfer properties in contact with liquids. This talk will focus on the use of alternative synthetic strategies of oxidative chemical vapor deposition and electrochemical deposition to control physical, electronic, and chemical structure. We couple our synthetic efforts with energy-, time-, and spatially resolved spectroelectrochemical and microscopy techniques to understand the critical interfacial chemistry-microstructure-property relationships: first at the macroscale, and then moving towards the nanoscale. In particular, approaches to better understand electron transfer events at polymer/liquid interfaces as a function of: 1.) chemical composition; 2.) electronic density of states (DOS); and 3.) crystallinity and microstructure will be discussed.

Tip-Enhanced Photoinduced Electron Transfer and Ionization on Vertical Silicon Nanowires.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaoming; Wang, Tao; Lin, Leimiao; Wo, Fangjie; Liu, Yaqin; Liang, Xiao; Ye, Hui; Wu, Jianmin

2018-05-02

Nanostructured semiconductors are one of the most potent candidates for matrix-free laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric (LDI-MS) analysis of low-molecular-weight molecules. Herein, the enhanced photoinduced electron transfer and LDI on the tip of a vertical silicon nanowire (SiNW) array were investigated. Theoretical simulation and LDI detection of indigo and isatin molecules in negative ion mode revealed that the electric field can be enhanced on the tip end of SiNWs, thereby promoting the energy and electron transfer to the analytes adsorbed on the tip of SiNWs. On the basis of this finding, a tip-contact sampling method coupled with LDI-MS detection was established. In this strategy, the tip of SiNWs can be regarded as microextraction heads for the sampling of molecules when they come in contact with analytes. Impression of skin, tissue, and pericarp on the vertical SiNW array can effectively transfer endogenous metabolites or exogenous substances onto the tip. Upon laser irradiation, the adsorbed molecules on the SiNW tip can be efficiently ionized and detected in negative ion mode because of the tip-enhanced electron transfer and LDI effect. We believe this work may significantly expand the application of LDI-MS in various fields.

Regulation of electron transfer processes affects phototrophic mat structure and activity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ha, Phuc T.; Renslow, Ryan S.; Atci, Erhan

Phototrophic microbial mats are among the most diverse ecosystems in nature. These systems undergo daily cycles in redox potential caused by variations in light energy input and metabolic interactions among the microbial species. In this work, solid electrodes with controlled potentials were placed under mats to study the electron transfer processes between the electrode and the microbial mat. The phototrophic microbial mat was harvested from Hot Lake, a hypersaline, epsomitic lake located near Oroville (Washington, USA). We operated two reactors: graphite electrodes were polarized at potentials of -700 mV Ag/AgCl [cathodic (CAT) mat system] and +300 mV Ag/AgCl [anodic (AN)more » mat system] and the electron transfer rates between the electrode and mat were monitored. We observed a diel cycle of electron transfer rates for both AN and CAT mat systems. Interestingly, the CAT mats generated the highest reducing current at the same time points that the AN mats showed the highest oxidizing current. To characterize the physicochemical factors influencing electron transfer processes, we measured depth profiles of dissolved oxygen (DO) and sulfide in the mats using microelectrodes. We further demonstrated that the mat-to-electrode and electrode-to-mat electron transfer rates were light- and temperature-dependent. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, we determined that the electrode potential regulated the diffusivity and porosity of the microbial mats. Both porosity and diffusivity were higher in the CAT mats than in the AN mats. We also used NMR spectroscopy for high-resolution quantitative metabolite analysis and found that the CAT mats had significantly higher concentrations of osmoprotectants such as betaine and trehalose. Subsequently, we performed amplicon sequencing across the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene of incubated mats to understand the impact of electrode potential on microbial community structure. In conclusion, these data suggested that

Regulation of electron transfer processes affects phototrophic mat structure and activity

DOE PAGES

Ha, Phuc T.; Renslow, Ryan S.; Atci, Erhan; ...

2015-09-03

Phototrophic microbial mats are among the most diverse ecosystems in nature. These systems undergo daily cycles in redox potential caused by variations in light energy input and metabolic interactions among the microbial species. In this work, solid electrodes with controlled potentials were placed under mats to study the electron transfer processes between the electrode and the microbial mat. The phototrophic microbial mat was harvested from Hot Lake, a hypersaline, epsomitic lake located near Oroville (Washington, USA). We operated two reactors: graphite electrodes were polarized at potentials of -700 mV Ag/AgCl [cathodic (CAT) mat system] and +300 mV Ag/AgCl [anodic (AN)more » mat system] and the electron transfer rates between the electrode and mat were monitored. We observed a diel cycle of electron transfer rates for both AN and CAT mat systems. Interestingly, the CAT mats generated the highest reducing current at the same time points that the AN mats showed the highest oxidizing current. To characterize the physicochemical factors influencing electron transfer processes, we measured depth profiles of dissolved oxygen (DO) and sulfide in the mats using microelectrodes. We further demonstrated that the mat-to-electrode and electrode-to-mat electron transfer rates were light- and temperature-dependent. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, we determined that the electrode potential regulated the diffusivity and porosity of the microbial mats. Both porosity and diffusivity were higher in the CAT mats than in the AN mats. We also used NMR spectroscopy for high-resolution quantitative metabolite analysis and found that the CAT mats had significantly higher concentrations of osmoprotectants such as betaine and trehalose. Subsequently, we performed amplicon sequencing across the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene of incubated mats to understand the impact of electrode potential on microbial community structure. In conclusion, these data suggested that

Focusing the view on nature's water-splitting catalyst.

PubMed

Zein, Samir; Kulik, Leonid V; Yano, Junko; Kern, Jan; Pushkar, Yulia; Zouni, Athina; Yachandra, Vittal K; Lubitz, Wolfgang; Neese, Frank; Messinger, Johannes

2008-03-27

Nature invented a catalyst about 3Gyr ago, which splits water with high efficiency into molecular oxygen and hydrogen equivalents (protons and electrons). This reaction is energetically driven by sunlight and the active centre contains relatively cheap and abundant metals: manganese and calcium. This biological system therefore forms the paradigm for all man-made attempts for direct solar fuel production, and several studies are underway to determine the electronic and geometric structures of this catalyst. In this report we briefly summarize the problems and the current status of these efforts and propose a density functional theory-based strategy for obtaining a reliable high-resolution structure of this unique catalyst that includes both the inorganic core and the first ligand sphere.

Focusing the view on nature's water-splitting catalyst

PubMed Central

Zein, Samir; Kulik, Leonid V; Yano, Junko; Kern, Jan; Pushkar, Yulia; Zouni, Athina; Yachandra, Vittal K; Lubitz, Wolfgang; Neese, Frank; Messinger, Johannes

2007-01-01

Nature invented a catalyst about 3 Gyr ago, which splits water with high efficiency into molecular oxygen and hydrogen equivalents (protons and electrons). This reaction is energetically driven by sunlight and the active centre contains relatively cheap and abundant metals: manganese and calcium. This biological system therefore forms the paradigm for all man-made attempts for direct solar fuel production, and several studies are underway to determine the electronic and geometric structures of this catalyst. In this report we briefly summarize the problems and the current status of these efforts and propose a density functional theory-based strategy for obtaining a reliable high-resolution structure of this unique catalyst that includes both the inorganic core and the first ligand sphere. PMID:17989003

Investigating catalyst coated membrane equilibration time for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cote, Philippe

Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Fuel Cell Division, manufactures polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stacks for use in vehicles. The manufacturing line is being optimized for efficiency and quality control, in order to uphold the high standards of Mercedes-Benz Inc. vehicles. In an operating polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, the catalyst coated membrane facilitates the electrochemical reaction that generates electricity. This research examines the equilibration of catalyst coated membrane rolls to controlled temperature and humidity conditions, before they are used in the manufacturing of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Equilibration involves allowing the water content in the catalyst coated membrane to stabilize at the controlled conditions, in order to reduce mechanical stress in the material for better manufacturability. Initial equilibration measurements were conducted on discrete catalyst coated membrane samples using novel electronic conductivity measurements of the catalyst layer, and compared to ionic conductivity measurements of the membrane. Electronic conductivity measurements are easier to implement in the manufacturing environment than the more complex ionic conductivity measurements. When testing discrete catalyst coated membrane samples in an environmental chamber, the equilibration trends for the measured ionic and electronic conductivity signals were similar enough to permit us to adapt the electronic conductivity measurements for catalyst coated membrane in roll form. Equilibration measurements of catalyst coated membrane rolls were optimized to achieve a robust and repeatable procedure which could be used in the manufacturing environment at Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Fuel Cell Division.

Anionic Four Electron Donor-Based Palladacycles as Catalysts for Addition Reactions of Arylboronic Acids with α,β-Unsaturated Ketones, Aldehydes and α-Ketoesters

PubMed Central

He, Ping; Lu, Yong; Dong, Cheng-Guo; Hu, Qiao-Sheng

2008-01-01

Anionic four electron donor-based palladacycle-catalyzed 1,4-additions of arylboronic acids with α,β-unsaturated ketones and 1,2-additions of arylboronic acids with aldehydes and α-ketoesters are described. Our study demonstrated that palladacycles were highly efficient, practical catalysts for these addition reactions. The work described here not only opened a new paradigm for the application of palladacycles, but may also pave the road for other metalacycles as practically useful catalysts for such addition reactions including asymmetric ones. PMID:17217300

Hydrogenation of p-chloronitrobenzene on Ni-B Nanometal Catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yu-Chang; Huang, Chung-Yin; Chen, Yu-Wen

2006-04-01

A series of Ni-B catalysts were prepared by mixing nickel acetate in 50% ethanol/water or methanol/water solution. The solution of sodium borohydride (1 M) in excess amount to nickel was then added dropwise into the mixture to ensure full reduction of nickel cations. The mol ratio of boron to nickel in mother solution was 3 to 1. The effects of preparation conditions such as temperature, stirring speed, and sheltering gas on the particle size, surface compositions, electronic states of surface atoms and catalytic activities of the Ni-B catalysts were studied. Ranel nickel catalyst was included for comparison. These catalysts were characterized by N2 sorption, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The catalysts were tested for liquid phase hydrogenation of p-chloronitrobenzene. All of the catalysts prepared in this study had nanosized particles. The preparation condition has significant influence on the particle size and surface compositions of the catalyst. The Ni-B catalyst was passivated by boron; therefore it was more stable than Raney nickel and did not catch fire after exposure to air. The catalysts prepared under N2 flow could suppress the oxidation of Ni by the dissolved oxygen in water and had metallic state of nickel. The catalyst prepared with vigorous stirring at 25°C under N2 stream yielded the smallest particles and resulted in the highest activity. It was much more active than the Raney nickel catalyst. The reaction condition also has pronounced effect on the hydrogenation activity. Using methanol as the reaction solvent increased p-chloronitrobenzene conversion to a large extent, compared to that using ethanol as the reaction medium. The selectivity of main product ( p-chloroaniline) was greater than 99% on all of the Ni-B catalysts.

Performance of alumina-supported Pt catalysts in an electron-beam-sustained CO2 laser amplifier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cunningham, D. L.; Jones, P. L.; Miyake, C. I.; Moody, S. E.

1990-01-01

The performance of an alumina-supported Pt catalyst system used to maintain the gas purity in an electron-beam-sustained (636) isotope CO2 laser amplifier has been tested. The system characteristics using the two-zone, parallel flow reactor were determined for both continuous- and end-of-day reactor operation using on-line mass spectrometric sampling. The laser amplifier was run with an energy loading of typically 110 J-l/atm and an electron-beam current of 4 mA/sq cm. With these conditions and a pulse repetition frequency of 10 Hz for up to 10,000 shots, increases on the order of 100 ppm O2 were observed with the purifier on and 150 ppm with it off. The 1/e time recovery time was found to be approximately 75 minutes.

Long-range electron transfer in porphyrin-containing [2]-rotaxanes: tuning the rate by metal cation coordination.

PubMed

Andersson, Mikael; Linke, Myriam; Chambron, Jean-Claude; Davidsson, Jan; Heitz, Valérie; Hammarström, Leif; Sauvage, Jean-Pierre

2002-04-24

A series of [2]-rotaxanes has been synthesized in which two Zn(II)-porphyrins (ZnP) electron donors were attached as stoppers on the rod. A macrocycle attached to a Au(III)-porphyrin (AuP+) acceptor was threaded on the rod. By selective excitation of either porphyrin, we could induce an electron transfer from the ZnP to the AuP+ unit that generated the same ZnP*+-AuP* charge-transfer state irrespective of which porphyrin was excited. Although the reactants were linked only by mechanical or coordination bonds, electron-transfer rate constants up to 1.2x10(10) x s(-1) were obtained over a 15-17 A edge-to-edge distance between the porphyrins. The resulting charge-transfer state had a relatively long lifetime of 10-40 ns and was formed in high yield (>80%) in most cases. By a simple variation of the link between the reactants, viz. a coordination of the phenanthroline units on the rotaxane rod and ring by either Ag+ or Cu+, we could enhance the electron-transfer rate from the ZnP to the excited 3AuP+. We interpret our data in terms of an enhanced superexchange mechanism with Ag+ and a change to a stepwise hopping mechanism with Cu+, involving the oxidized Cu(phen)22+ unit as a real intermediate. When the ZnP unit was excited instead, electron transfer from the excited 1ZnP to AuP+ was not affected, or even slowed, by Ag+ or Cu+. We discuss this asymmetry in terms of the different orbitals involved in mediating the reaction in an electron- and a hole-transfer mechanism. Our results show the possibility to tune the rates of electron transfer between noncovalently linked reactants by a convenient modification of the link. The different effect of Ag+ and Cu+ on the rate with ZnP and AuP+ excitation shows an additional possibility to control the electron-transfer reactions by selective excitation. We also found that coordination of the Cu+ introduced an energy-transfer reaction from 1ZnP to Cu(phen)2+ (k = 5.1x10(9) x s(-1)) that proceeded in competition with electron

Marcus Bell-Shaped Electron Transfer Kinetics Observed in an Arrhenius Plot.

PubMed

Waskasi, Morteza M; Kodis, Gerdenis; Moore, Ana L; Moore, Thomas A; Gust, Devens; Matyushov, Dmitry V

2016-07-27

The Marcus theory of electron transfer predicts a bell-shaped dependence of the reaction rate on the reaction free energy. The top of the "inverted parabola" corresponds to zero activation barrier when the electron-transfer reorganization energy and the reaction free energy add up to zero. Although this point has traditionally been reached by altering the chemical structures of donors and acceptors, the theory suggests that it can also be reached by varying other parameters of the system including temperature. We find here dramatic evidence of this phenomenon from experiments on a fullerene-porphyrin dyad. Following photoinduced electron transfer, the rate of charge recombination shows a bell-shaped dependence on the inverse temperature, first increasing with cooling and then decreasing at still lower temperatures. This non-Arrhenius rate law is a result of a strong, approximately hyperbolic temperature variation of the reorganization energy and the reaction free energy. Our results provide potentially the cleanest confirmation of the Marcus energy gap law so far since no modification of the chemical structure is involved.

Novel Architectures for Achieving Direct Electron Transfer in Enzymatic Biofuel Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blaik, Rita A.

Enzymatic biofuel cells are a promising source of alternative energy for small device applications, but still face the challenge of achieving direct electron transfer with high enzyme concentrations in a simple system. In this dissertation, methods of constructing electrodes consisting of enzymes attached to nanoparticle-enhanced substrates that serve as high surface area templates are evaluated. In the first method described, glucose oxidase is covalently attached to gold nanoparticles that are assembled onto genetically engineered M13 bacteriophage. The resulting anodes achieve a high peak current per area and a significant improvement in enzyme surface coverage. In the second system, fructose dehydrogenase, a membrane-bound enzyme that has the natural ability to achieve direct electron transfer, is immobilized into a matrix consisting of binders and carbon nanotubes to extend the lifetime of the anode. For the cathode, bilirubin oxidase is immobilized in a carbon nanotube and sol-gel matrix to achieve direct electron transfer. Finally, a full fuel cell consisting of both an anode and cathode is constructed and evaluated with each system described.

Distance dependence in photo-induced intramolecular electron transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larsson, Sven; Volosov, Andrey

1986-09-01

The distance dependence of the rate of photo-induced electron transfer reactions is studied. A quantum mechanical method CNDO/S is applied to a series of molecules recently investigated by Hush et al. experimentally. The calculations show a large interaction through the saturated bridge which connects the two chromophores. The electronic matrix element HAB decreases a factor 10 in about 4 Å. There is also a decrease of the rate due to less exothermicity for the longer molecule. The results are in fair agreement with the experimental results.

Role of bonding mechanisms during transfer hydrogenation reaction on heterogeneous catalysts of platinum nanoparticles supported on zinc oxide nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Alawi, Reem A.; Laxman, Karthik; Dastgir, Sarim; Dutta, Joydeep

2016-07-01

For supported heterogeneous catalysis, the interface between a metal nanoparticle and the support plays an important role. In this work the dependency of the catalytic efficiency on the bonding chemistry of platinum nanoparticles supported on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods is studied. Platinum nanoparticles were deposited on ZnO nanorods (ZnO NR) using thermal and photochemical processes and the effects on the size, distribution, density and chemical state of the metal nanoparticles upon the catalytic activities are presented. The obtained results indicate that the bonding at Pt-ZnO interface depends on the deposition scheme which can be utilized to modulate the surface chemistry and thus the activity of the supported catalysts. Additionally, uniform distribution of metal on the catalyst support was observed to be more important than the loading density. It is also found that oxidized platinum Pt(IV) (platinum hydroxide) provided a more suitable surface for enhancing the transfer hydrogenation reaction of cyclohexanone with isopropanol compared to zero valent platinum. Photochemically synthesized ZnO supported nanocatalysts were efficient and potentially viable for upscaling to industrial applications.

Electric field changes on Au nanoparticles on semiconductor supports--the molecular voltmeter and other methods to observe adsorbate-induced charge-transfer effects in Au/TiO2 nanocatalysts.

PubMed

McEntee, Monica; Stevanovic, Ana; Tang, Wenjie; Neurock, Matthew; Yates, John T

2015-02-11

Infrared (IR) studies of Au/TiO2 catalyst particles indicate that charge transfer from van der Waals-bound donor or acceptor molecules on TiO2 to or from Au occurs via transport of charge carriers in the semiconductor TiO2 support. The ΔνCO on Au is shown to be proportional to the polarizability of the TiO2 support fully covered with donor or acceptor molecules, producing a proportional frequency shift in νCO. Charge transfer through TiO2 is associated with the population of electron trap sites in the bandgap of TiO2 and can be independently followed by changes in photoluminescence intensity and by shifts in the broad IR absorbance region for electron trap sites, which is also proportional to the polarizability of donors by IR excitation. Density functional theory calculations show that electron transfer from the donor molecules to TiO2 and to supported Au particles produces a negative charge on the Au, whereas the transfer from the Au particles to the TiO2 support into acceptor molecules results in a positive charge on the Au. These changes along with the magnitudes of the shifts are consistent with the Stark effect. A number of experiments show that the ∼3 nm Au particles act as "molecular voltmeters" in influencing ΔνCO. Insulator particles, such as SiO2, do not display electron-transfer effects to Au particles on their surface. These studies are preliminary to doping studies of semiconductor-oxide particles by metal ions which modify Lewis acid/base oxide properties and possibly strongly modify the electron-transfer and catalytic activity of supported metal catalyst particles.

Powering microbes with electricity: direct electron transfer from electrodes to microbes.

PubMed

Lovley, Derek R

2011-02-01

The discovery of electrotrophs, microorganisms that can directly accept electrons from electrodes for the reduction of terminal electron acceptors, has spurred the investigation of a wide range of potential applications. To date, only a handful of pure cultures have been shown to be capable of electrotrophy, but this process has also been inferred in many studies with undefined consortia. Potential electron acceptors include: carbon dioxide, nitrate, metals, chlorinated compounds, organic acids, protons and oxygen. Direct electron transfer from electrodes to cells has many advantages over indirect electrical stimulation of microbial metabolism via electron shuttles or hydrogen production. Supplying electrons with electrodes for the bioremediation of chlorinated compounds, nitrate or toxic metals may be preferable to adding organic electron donors or hydrogen to the subsurface or bioreactors. The most transformative application of electrotrophy may be microbial electrosynthesis in which carbon dioxide and water are converted to multi-carbon organic compounds that are released extracellularly. Coupling photovoltaic technology with microbial electrosynthesis represents a novel photosynthesis strategy that avoids many of the drawbacks of biomass-based strategies for the production of transportation fuels and other organic chemicals. The mechanisms for direct electron transfer from electrodes to microorganisms warrant further investigation in order to optimize envisioned applications. © 2010 Society for Applied Microbiology and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.