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A computational screening of Single Atom Catalysts (SACs) bound to titanium nitride (TiN) is presented, for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER), based on density functional theory. The role of fundamental ingredients is explored to account for a reliable screening of SACs. Namely, the formation of H 2 -complexes besides the classical H * one impacts the predicted HER activity, in line with previous studies on other SACs. Also, the results indicate that one needs to adopt self-interaction-corrected functionals. Finally, predicting an active catalyst is of little help without an assessment of its stability. Thus, it is included in the theoretical framework the analysis of the stability of the SACs in working conditions of pH and voltage. Once unconventional intermediates and stability are considered in a self-interaction corrected scheme, the number of potential good catalysts for HER is strongly reduced since i) some potentially good catalysts are not stable against dissolution and ii) the formation of unconventional intermediates leads to thermodynamic barriers. This study highlights the importance of including ingredients for the prediction of new systems, such as the formation of unconventional intermediates, estimating the stability of SACs, and the adoption of self-interaction corrected functionals. Also, this study highlights some interesting candidates deserving of dedicated work., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Gianvito Vilé at the Politecnico di Milano. The ChemSusChem cover image depicts in an artistic manner the concept of ligand entrapping of isolated metals to design single-atom catalysts. The Research Article itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202301529., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Cross-coupling reactions are of great importance in chemistry due to their ability to facilitate the construction of complex organic molecules. Among these reactions, the Ullmann-type C-O coupling between phenols and aryl halides is particularly noteworthy and useful for preparing diarylethers. However, this reaction typically relies on homogeneous catalysts that rapidly deactivate under harsh reaction conditions. In this study, we introduce a novel heterogeneous catalyst for the Ullmann-type C-O coupling reaction, comprised of isolated Cu atoms chelated to a tetraethylenepentamine-pyrrole ligand that is immobilized on graphite nanoplatelets. The catalytic study reveals the recyclability of the material, and demonstrates the crucial role of the pyrrole linker in stabilizing the Cu sites. The work expands the potential of single-atom catalyst nanoarchitectures and underscores the significance of ligands in stabilizing metals in cationic forms, providing a novel, tailored catalyst for cross-coupling chemistries., (© 2023 The Authors. ChemSusChem published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Electronic structure calculations represent an essential complement of experiments to characterize single-atom catalysts (SACs), consisting of isolated metal atoms stabilized on a support, but also to predict new catalysts. However, simulating SACs with quantum chemistry approaches is not as simple as often assumed. In this work, the essential factors that characterize a reliable simulation of SACs activity are examined. The Perspective focuses on the importance of precise atomistic characterization of the active site, since even small changes in the metal atom's surroundings can result in large changes in reactivity. The dynamical behavior and stability of SACs under working conditions, as well as the importance of adopting appropriate methods to solve the Schrödinger equation for a quantitative evaluation of reaction energies are addressed. The Perspective also focuses on the relevance of the model adopted. For electrocatalysis this must include the effects of the solvent, the presence of electrolytes, the pH, and the external potential. Finally, it is discussed how the similarities between SACs and coordination compounds may result in reaction intermediates that usually are not observed on metal electrodes. When these aspects are not adequately considered, the predictive power of electronic structure calculations is quite limited., (© 2023 The Authors. Advanced Materials published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

CO 2 adsorption and activation on Cu single atom catalysts and Cu nanoclusters supported on the (110) surface of rutile and on the (101) surface of anatase TiO 2 have been investigated by means of first principles electronic structure calculations. The role of oxide reduction associated to the presence of oxygen vacancies has been considered. Five main messages emerge from this study. (1) CO 2 activation on Cu/TiO 2 nanostructures is surface sensitive, as the rutile and anatase surfaces can exhibit different behaviors; (2) the surface morphology is essential since CO 2 is activated only when the molecule can simultaneously bind to at least two active sites, such as a Cu atom on one side and an oxide ion on the other site; (3) Cu atoms on TiO 2 are in the +I oxidation state and can bind and activate CO 2 via charge transfer from the oxide; (4) on supported Cu clusters CO 2 activation occurs mostly at the metal/oxide interface; (5) the presence of O vacancy sites facilitates the spontaneous dissociation of CO 2 to CO, or increases the electron density of the metal catalyst, two effects that can influence the mechanism of CO 2 reduction to methanol or other chemicals., (© 2023 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The interaction of CaO and Ca(OH) 2 with solvated or gaseous SO 2 plays a crucial role in the corrosion of urban infrastructure by acid rain or in the removal of SO 2 from flue gas. We carried out a combined spectroscopic and theoretical investigation on the interaction of SO 2 with a CaO(001) single crystal. First, the surface chemistry of SO 2 was investigated at different temperatures using polarization-resolved IR reflection absorption spectroscopy. Three species were identified, and an in-depth density functional theory study was carried out, which allowed deriving a consistent picture. Unexpectedly, low temperature exposure to SO 2 solely yields a physisorbed species. Only above 100 K, the transformation of this weakly bound adsorbate first to a chemisorbed sulfite and then to a sulfate occurs, effectively passivatating the surface. Our results provide the basis for more efficient strategies in corrosion protection of urban infrastructure and in lime-based desulfurization of flue gas., (© 2023 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have superior properties as building blocks of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Understanding the influence of the substrate in the molecular arrangement is a fundamental step before employing these ligands in technological applications. Herein, we study the molecular arrangement of a model NHC on Cu(100) and Cu(111). While mostly disordered phases appear on Cu(100), on Cu(111) well-defined structures are formed, evolving from magic-number islands to molecular ribbons with coverage. This work presents the first example of magic-number islands formed by NHC assemblies on flat surfaces. Diffusion and commensurability are key factors explaining the observed arrangements. These results shed light on the molecule-substrate interaction and open the possibility of tuning nanopatterned structures based on NHC assemblies., (© 2022 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Electronic structure calculations provide a useful complement to experimental characterization tools in the atomic-scale design of semiconductor heterojunctions for photocatalysis. The band alignment of the heterojunction is of fundamental importance to achieve an efficient charge carrier separation, so as to reduce electron/hole recombination and improve photoactivity. The accurate prediction of the offsets of valence and conduction bands in the constituent units is thus of key importance but poses several methodological and practical problems. In this Minireview we address some of these problems by considering selected examples of binary and ternary semiconductor heterojunctions and how these are determined at the level of density functional theory (DFT). The atomically precise description of the interface, the consequent charge polarization, the role of quantum confinement, the possibility to use facet engineering to determine a specific band alignment, are among the effects discussed, with particular attention to pros and cons of each one of these aspects. This analysis shows the increasingly important role of accurate electronic structure calculations to drive the design and the preparation of new interfaces with desired properties., (© 2021 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The present review reports on the preparation and atomic-scale characterization of the thinnest possible films of the glass-forming materials silica and germania. To this end state-of-the-art surface science techniques, in particular scanning probe microscopy, and density functional theory calculations have been employed. The investigated films range from monolayer to bilayer coverage where both, the crystalline and the amorphous films, contain characteristic XO 4 (X=Si,Ge) building blocks. A side-by-side comparison of silica and germania monolayer, zigzag phase and bilayer films supported on Mo(112), Ru(0001), Pt(111), and Au(111) leads to a more general comprehension of the network structure of glass former materials. This allows us to understand the crucial role of the metal support for the pathway from crystalline to amorphous ultrathin film growth., (© 2020 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

A new two-dimensional (2D) germanium dioxide film has been prepared. The film consists of interconnected germania tetrahedral units forming a bilayer structure, weakly coupled to the supporting Pt(111) metal-substrate. Density functional theory calculations predict a stable structure of 558-membered rings for germania films, while for silica films 6-membered rings are preferred. By varying the preparation conditions the degree of order in the germania films is tuned. Crystalline, intermediate ordered and purely amorphous film structures are resolved by analysing scanning tunnelling microscopy images., (© 2019 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.)

We report direct evidence for quintuplet spin states in a particular kind of reduced TiO 2 anatase obtained by the mild oxidation of TiB 2 under hydrothermal conditions. Continuous-wave and pulse EPR spectroscopy at X and Q band frequencies provide compelling evidence for the presence of S=2 states, stable in a wide range of temperatures up to room temperature. A tentative model, corroborated by spin-polarized DFT calculations, is proposed, which consists of four ferromagnetically interacting Ti 3+ ions with distances ranging from 0.5 nm to 0.8 nm and tetrahedral arrangement., (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Dehydroxylated, hydroxylated and hydrated anatase TiO 2 samples have been exposed to acetylene at room temperature. The interaction leads to the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and is accompanied by the appearance of Ti 3+ ions, as shown by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. Fully or partly dehydroxylated samples show higher reactivity, whereas the hydrated samples are chemically inert. The experimental results point towards a crucial role of the more reactive (001) facets of anatase nanoparticles. Density functional theory calculations show that acetylene physisorbs on the anatase (101) surface without activation of the C-H bond. The reduced (101) surface (O vacancies) leads to acetylene activation but not to dissociative adsorption. In contrast, the dehydroxylated (001) anatase surface is very active and leads to the spontaneous splitting of the C-H bond with formation of Ti-C 2 H and OH groups. This is followed by subsequent additions of C 2 H 2 molecules with formation of PAHs. During the dissociation of C 2 H 2 , radical species do not form and electrons are not transferred to the surface because direct Ti-C covalent bonds form on the surface. However, the ring closure in the formation of the aromatic compounds leaves behind hydrogen atoms that donate their valence electrons to the oxide. This results in the appearance of EPR-active Ti 3+ centres., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The last decade has seen spectacular progress in the design, preparation, and characterization down to the atomic scale of oxide ultrathin films of few nanometers thickness grown on a different material. This has paved the way towards several sophisticated applications in advanced technologies. By playing around with the low-dimensionality of the oxide layer, which sometimes leads to truly two-dimensional systems, one can exploit new properties and functionalities that are not present in the corresponding bulk materials or thick films. In this review we provide some clues about the most recent advances in the design of these systems based on modern electronic structure theory and on their preparation and characterization with specifically developed growth techniques and analytical methods. We show how two-dimensional oxides can be used in mature technologies by providing added value to existing materials, or in new technologies based on completely new paradigms. The fields in which two-dimensional oxides are used are classified based on the properties that are exploited, chemical or physical. With respect to chemical properties we discuss use of oxide ultrathin films in catalysis, solid oxide fuel cells, gas sensors, corrosion protection, and biocompatible materials; regarding the physical properties we discuss metal-oxide field effect transistors and memristors, spintronic devices, ferroelectrics and thermoelectrics, and solar energy materials., (Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The formation of O(2) (-) radical anions by contact of O(2) molecules with a Na pre-covered MgO surface is studied by a combined EPR and quantum chemical approach. Na atoms deposited on polycrystalline MgO samples are brought into contact with O(2). The typical EPR signal of isolated Na atoms disappears when the reaction with O(2) takes place and new paramagnetic species are observed, which are attributed to different surface-stabilised O(2) (-) radicals. Hyperfine sublevel correlation (HYSCORE) spectroscopy allows the superhyperfine interaction tensor of O(2) (-)Na(+) species to be determined, demonstrating the direct coordination of the O(2) (-) adsorbate to surface Na(+) cations. DFT calculations enable the structural details of the formed species to be determined. Matrix-isolated alkali superoxides are used as a standard to enable comparison of the formed species, revealing important and unexpected contributions of the MgO matrix in determining the electronic structure of the surface-stabilised Na(+)-O(2) (-) complexes.

The adsorption of small amounts of alkali metal atoms (Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs) on the surface of MgO powders and thin films has been studied by means of EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. From a comparison of the measured and computed g values and hyperfine coupling constants (hfccs), a tentative assignment of the preferred adsorption sites is proposed. All atoms bind preferentially to surface oxide anions, but the location of these anions differs as a function of the deposition temperature and alkali metal. Lithium forms relatively strong bonds with MgO and can be stabilized at low temperatures on terrace sites. Potassium interacts very weakly with MgO and is stabilized only at specific sites, such as at reverse corners where it can interact simultaneously with three surface oxygen atoms (rubidium and cesium presumably behave in the same way). Sodium forms bonds of intermediate strength and could, in principle, populate more than a single site when deposited at room temperature. In all cases, large deviations of the hfccs from the gas-phase values are observed. These reductions in the hfccs are due to polarization effects and are not connected to ionization of the alkali metal, which would lead to the formation of an adsorbed cation and a trapped electron. In this respect, hydrogen atoms behave completely differently. Under similar conditions, they form (H(+))(e(-)) pairs. The reasons for this different behavior are discussed.