Enhancing Electrocatalytic Semihydrogenation of Alkynes via Weakening Alkene Adsorption over Electron-Depleted Cu Nanowires.

ABSTRACT: Electrochemical semihydrogenation (ESH) of alkynes to alkenes is an appealing technique for producing pharmaceutical precursors and polymer monomers, while also preventing catalyst poisoning by alkyne impurities. Cu is recognized as a cost-effective and highly selective catalyst for ESH, whereas its activity is somewhat limited. Here, from a mechanistic standpoint, we hypothesize that electron-deficient Cu can enhance ESH activity by promoting the rate-determining step of alkene desorption. We test this hypothesis by utilizing Cu-Ag hybrids as electrocatalysts, developed through a welding process of Ag nanoparticles with Cu nanowires. Our findings reveal that these rationally engineered Cu-Ag hybrids exhibit a notable enhancement (2-4 times greater) in alkyne conversion rates compared to i

SUBMITTER: Luo D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11487759 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature