Dynamic configurations of metallic atoms in the liquid state for selective propylene synthesis

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dc.contributor.authorTang, J.
dc.contributor.authorChristofferson, A.J.
dc.contributor.authorSun, J.
dc.contributor.authorZhai, Q.
dc.contributor.authorKumar, P.V.
dc.contributor.authorYuwono, J.A.
dc.contributor.authorTajik, M.
dc.contributor.authorMeftahi, N.
dc.contributor.authorTang, J.
dc.contributor.authorDai, L.
dc.contributor.authorMao, G.
dc.contributor.authorRusso, S.P.
dc.contributor.authorKaner, R.B.
dc.contributor.authorRahim, M.A.
dc.contributor.authorKalantar-Zadeh, K.
dc.date.issued2024
dc.descriptionPublished online: 9 November 2023
dc.description.abstractThe use of liquid gallium as a solvent for catalytic reactions has enabled access to well-dispersed metal atoms confgurations, leading to unique catalytic phenomena, including activation of neighbouring liquid atoms and mobility-induced activity enhancement. To gain mechanistic insights into liquid metal catalysts, here we introduce a GaSn0.029Ni0.023 liquid alloy for selective propylene synthesis from decane. Owing to their mobility, dispersed atoms in a Ga matrix generate confgurations where interfacial Sn and Ni atoms allow for critical alignments of reactants and intermediates. Computational modelling, corroborated by experimental analyses, suggests a particular reaction mechanism by which Sn protrudes from the interface and an adjacent Ni, below the interfacial layer, aligns precisely with a decane molecule, facilitating propylene production. We then apply this reaction pathway to canola oil, attaining a propylene selectivity of ~94.5%. Our results ofer a mechanistic interpretation of liquid metal catalysts with an eye to potential practical applications of this technology.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityJunma Tang, Andrew J. Christofferson, Jing Sun, Qingfeng Zhai, Priyank V. Kumar, Jodie A. Yuwono, Mohammad Tajik, Nastaran Meftahi, Jianbo Tang, Liming Dai, Guangzhao Mao, Salvy P. Russo, Richard B. Kaner,  Arifur Rahim, Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
dc.identifier.citationNature Nanotechnology, 2024; 19(3):306-310
dc.identifier.doi10.1038/s41565-023-01540-x
dc.identifier.issn1748-3387
dc.identifier.issn1748-3395
dc.identifier.orcidYuwono, J.A. [0000-0002-0915-0756]
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/2440/139918
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherSpringer Nature
dc.relation.granthttp://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/FL180100053
dc.rights© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-023-01540-x
dc.subjectEngineering; Materials science
dc.titleDynamic configurations of metallic atoms in the liquid state for selective propylene synthesis
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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