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In this study, we investigate Mn-doped CeO 2 nanoribbons as photocatalysts to address the issue of performance enhancement in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) removal. Our primary focus centers on elucidating the interplay between charge rearrangement and local electric field (LEF) effects to uncover how these key factors collectively contribute to the improved photocatalytic performance. The successful doping of Mn atoms into the CeO 2 lattice resulted in a strong dopant/matrix interaction effect. In situ XPS and density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed significant local charge rearrangement due to the dopant-induced local electric field, promoting charge carrier separation. The Mn dopant facilitated the generation of superoxide and hydroxide radicals. DFT simulations showed that Mn doping promoted VOCs adsorption on CeO 2 , favoring the subsequent oxidation process. The Mn-doped CeO 2 nanoribbons achieved enhanced photodegradation performance of HCHO and CH 3 COCH 3 compared to CeO 2. This work aims to provide guidance and insights for the development of advanced photocatalysts. [Display omitted] • Electron rearrangement occurs around Mn dopant owing to the strong dopant/matrix interaction. • A localized electric field (LEF) is present with direction pointing from Mn dopant to CeO 2 matrix. • Efficient charge separation and transfer are achieved owing to the LEF. • Mn doping leads to improved photodegradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic alloy solid electrolytes were prepared based on succinonitrile-neopentylglycol (SCN-NPG) eutectics for Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The solid-state electrolytes with the SCN:NPG ratios of 40:60 to 20:80 mol% exhibited a very high conductivity of >2.0 mS cm −1 at room temperature. The DSSC cell with the organic alloy electrolyte showed highest photoconversion efficiency of 4.4% at 100 mW cm −2 and a long-term stability as compared with organic liquid or melted plastic electrolytes, offering a low cost, thermostable solid-state electrolyte for commercial development of high efficient dye-sensitized solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ti 3 C 2 /Pd was designed for efficient catalytic transfer hydrogenation of nitrobenzene. • Experimental and DFT theoretical studies unravel unique catalytic mechanism. • Electron transfer at Ti 3 C 2 /Pd interfaces changes Pd electron configure (4 d 10 → 4 d 10-x). • Electron-deficient Pd boosts formic acid dissociation for atomic H* production. • Ti 3 C 2 /Pd chemisorbs active H* and inhibits undesirable H 2 evolution. Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) with formic acid attracts much interest in catalysis, but the sluggish H* production and undesirable H 2 evolution reaction (HER) limit its practical applications. Herein we anchored Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on layered Ti 3 C 2 MXene for efficient and selective CTH of nitrobenzene in the presence of formic acid. Some electrons in Pd NPs transferred to Ti 3 C 2 MXene upon formation of Ti 3 C 2 /Pd nanohybrids, as confirmed by XPS and DFT simulations. The electron transfer changed Pd valance electron configuration from 4 d 10 to 4 d 10-x. Such electron-deficient Pd NPs tuned reaction pathway and promoted formic acid dissociation, both of which favored the production of active H* atoms, i.e., the exact reductant for CTH. Compared with Pd NPs, Ti 3 C 2 /Pd showed stronger adsorption of H* and therefore inhibited the occurrence of HER (2H*→H 2). Owing to favorable H* production and HER inhibition, Ti 3 C 2 /Pd (15 wt% Pd) showed enhanced nitrobenzene CTH performance with turnover frequency of 351.7 h−1 and 99% aniline selectivity, outperforming most of current catalysts. Our work might inspire designing more advanced CTH catalysts by tuning their valance electron configurations with 2D MXene materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]