Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2025.11.020
Muhammad Asim Mushtaq , Waseem Raza , Munir Ahmad , Anuj Kumar , Andleeb Mehmood , Muhammad Arif , Ghulam Yasin , Mohammad Tabish , Saira Ajmal , Muhammad Ahmad , Muhammad Sufyan Javed , Dongpeng Yan
The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has emerged as a viable substitute to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process for ambient ammonia (NH3) synthesis, but its practical implementation is limited by low NH3 yields and inadequate Faradaic efficiency under ambient circumstances. Recent advancements indicate that rare-earth (RE) elements, which contain multiple oxidation states, significant redox flexibility, a tendency to create oxygen vacancies, and multiple accessible active sites, make them suitable candidates for effective electrocatalytic NRR. Electrocatalysts are critical prerequisites for improving electrochemical efficiency and maximizing product yield. A comprehensive analysis of rare earth-based materials in influencing the electronic characteristics of NRR catalysts, alongside the structure–performance correlation in electrocatalytic activities, is summarized systematically. This review offers a timely and thorough overview of the advancements in the utilization of RE-based micro/nanomaterials and presents plausible forecasts for the future electrocatalytic NRR. Finally, challenges, perspectives, rational design, and development of highly efficient RE-based catalysts are articulated with particular focus on diverse metal-based electrocatalysts for N2 fixation.
{"title":"Recent trend in rare earth electrocatalysts for ambient ammonia synthesis: Challenges and perspectives","authors":"Muhammad Asim Mushtaq , Waseem Raza , Munir Ahmad , Anuj Kumar , Andleeb Mehmood , Muhammad Arif , Ghulam Yasin , Mohammad Tabish , Saira Ajmal , Muhammad Ahmad , Muhammad Sufyan Javed , Dongpeng Yan","doi":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.11.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.11.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has emerged as a viable substitute to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process for ambient ammonia (NH<sub>3</sub>) synthesis, but its practical implementation is limited by low NH<sub>3</sub> yields and inadequate Faradaic efficiency under ambient circumstances. Recent advancements indicate that rare-earth (RE) elements, which contain multiple oxidation states, significant redox flexibility, a tendency to create oxygen vacancies, and multiple accessible active sites, make them suitable candidates for effective electrocatalytic NRR. Electrocatalysts are critical prerequisites for improving electrochemical efficiency and maximizing product yield. A comprehensive analysis of rare earth-based materials in influencing the electronic characteristics of NRR catalysts, alongside the structure–performance correlation in electrocatalytic activities, is summarized systematically. This review offers a timely and thorough overview of the advancements in the utilization of RE-based micro/nanomaterials and presents plausible forecasts for the future electrocatalytic NRR. Finally, challenges, perspectives, rational design, and development of highly efficient RE-based catalysts are articulated with particular focus on diverse metal-based electrocatalysts for N<sub>2</sub> fixation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16940,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rare Earths","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 519-537"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146102710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The development of noble metal catalysts with sustained high activity is essential for advancing direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). In this work, we synthesized various catalysts containing Pt, Rh, and La, supported on carbon black, via a simple liquid phase chemical reduction method, enhancing their resistance to CO poisoning and promoting electrocatalytic methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). The PtRhLa/C catalyst demonstrates a low CO₂ generation onset potential and exceptional MOR activity, achieving a mass activity of 2.83 A/mgₚₜ, which is 7 times greater than that of 20 wt% Pt/C (Pt/C-JM) (0.40 A/mgₚₜ). The catalysts were characterized and tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and in-situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) reflection spectroscopy. The results confirm that the incorporation of the oxygenophilic element Rh and rare earth element La effectively fine-tunes the coordination environment and electronic structure of Pt, weakening the Pt–CO bond and enhancing conductivity, MOR performance, and stability. This study highlights the potential of oxygenophilic and rare earth element-doped materials for electrocatalytic MOR and provides valuable insights for the future development of DAFCs.
{"title":"Enhancing electrocatalytic methanol oxidation using La-doped PtRhLa multimetallic catalysts","authors":"Chunmei Xiahou , Mingli Ouyang , Lihua Zhu , An Pei , Yingliang Feng , Tongxiang Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of noble metal catalysts with sustained high activity is essential for advancing direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs). In this work, we synthesized various catalysts containing Pt, Rh, and La, supported on carbon black, via a simple liquid phase chemical reduction method, enhancing their resistance to CO poisoning and promoting electrocatalytic methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). The PtRhLa/C catalyst demonstrates a low CO₂ generation onset potential and exceptional MOR activity, achieving a mass activity of 2.83 A/mgₚₜ, which is 7 times greater than that of 20 wt% Pt/C (Pt/C-JM) (0.40 A/mgₚₜ). The catalysts were characterized and tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and <em>in-situ</em> Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) reflection spectroscopy. The results confirm that the incorporation of the oxygenophilic element Rh and rare earth element La effectively fine-tunes the coordination environment and electronic structure of Pt, weakening the Pt–CO bond and enhancing conductivity, MOR performance, and stability. This study highlights the potential of oxygenophilic and rare earth element-doped materials for electrocatalytic MOR and provides valuable insights for the future development of DAFCs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16940,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rare Earths","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 704-712"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146102786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2025.10.018
Yuanyuan Cong , Yu Gao , Xiaobo Zheng , Huibin Lai , Qiuping Zhao , Chunlei Li , Yilong Zhang , Mengling Liu
The rational design of heterostructures to simultaneously optimize local environments and electronic configurations in electrocatalysts represents a promising strategy for enhancing hydrogen oxidation (HOR) and evolution (HER) reactions, crucial for advancing next-generation anion exchange membrane fuel cells and water electrolyzers. Herein, we report a novel Rusp/TiO2–x-CeO2–x electrocatalyst with a triple-interface structure, where Ru species are anchored on the surface of both TiO2–x and CeO2–x. This engineered Rusp/TiO2–x-CeO2–x exhibits exceptional hydrogen energy conversion in the alkaline solution, significantly outperforming Pt/C. Specifically, the HOR mass activity reaches up to 4978 A/gRu, which is 16 times that of Pt/C (310 A/gPt). Meanwhile, the HER overpotential at 10 mA/cm2 is only 21 mV, 37 mV lower than that of Pt/C. More importantly, the Rusp/TiO2–x-CeO2–x demonstrates excellent anti-oxidation ability, maintaining activity even at potentials as high as 1.2 V vs. RHE. Through comprehensive characterization combining electrochemical results, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, in situ Raman spectroscopy, and in situ attenuated total reflection surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS), we elucidate the dual synergistic effects governing the superior performance: (i) the electron-rich Ru centers induced by TiO2–x-CeO2–x hybridization effectively weaken adsorption energetics of key intermediates (Had, OHad, COad); and (ii) the unique metal-support interaction creates a local acid environment, which promotes the transport of intermediate species.
{"title":"Construction of triple interfaces to tailor electronic structure and local microenvironment of ruthenium species in Rusp/TiO2–x-CeO2–x for enhanced hydrogen energy conversion","authors":"Yuanyuan Cong , Yu Gao , Xiaobo Zheng , Huibin Lai , Qiuping Zhao , Chunlei Li , Yilong Zhang , Mengling Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.10.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.10.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rational design of heterostructures to simultaneously optimize local environments and electronic configurations in electrocatalysts represents a promising strategy for enhancing hydrogen oxidation (HOR) and evolution (HER) reactions, crucial for advancing next-generation anion exchange membrane fuel cells and water electrolyzers. Herein, we report a novel Ru<sub>sp</sub>/TiO<sub>2–<em>x</em></sub>-CeO<sub>2–<em>x</em></sub> electrocatalyst with a triple-interface structure, where Ru species are anchored on the surface of both TiO<sub>2–<em>x</em></sub> and CeO<sub>2–<em>x</em></sub>. This engineered Ru<sub>sp</sub>/TiO<sub>2–<em>x</em></sub>-CeO<sub>2–<em>x</em></sub> exhibits exceptional hydrogen energy conversion in the alkaline solution, significantly outperforming Pt/C. Specifically, the HOR mass activity reaches up to 4978 A/g<sub>Ru</sub>, which is 16 times that of Pt/C (310 A/g<sub>Pt</sub>). Meanwhile, the HER overpotential at 10 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> is only 21 mV, 37 mV lower than that of Pt/C. More importantly, the Ru<sub>sp</sub>/TiO<sub>2–<em>x</em></sub>-CeO<sub>2–<em>x</em></sub> demonstrates excellent anti-oxidation ability, maintaining activity even at potentials as high as 1.2 V vs. RHE. Through comprehensive characterization combining electrochemical results, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, <em>in situ</em> Raman spectroscopy, and <em>in situ</em> attenuated total reflection surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS), we elucidate the dual synergistic effects governing the superior performance: (i) the electron-rich Ru centers induced by TiO<sub>2–<em>x</em></sub>-CeO<sub>2–<em>x</em></sub> hybridization effectively weaken adsorption energetics of key intermediates (H<sub>ad</sub>, OH<sub>ad</sub>, CO<sub>ad</sub>); and (ii) the unique metal-support interaction creates a local acid environment, which promotes the transport of intermediate species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16940,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rare Earths","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 688-697"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146102784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-06-19DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2025.06.011
Bo Cao , Yan Cheng , Shasha Wang, Jun Zhang
Electrocatalytic technology serves as a crucial bridge for efficient energy interconversion between electrical and chemical systems. Electrocatalysis garnered significant research attention across the following areas: preparing green energy hydrogen to reduce dependence on fossil fuels; developing fuel cells with high efficiency; converting carbon dioxide into useful chemicals or fuels to achieve carbon recycling and realize the goal of carbon neutrality; reducing nitrate in wastewater to recover nitrogen. The development of these aforementioned electrocatalytic technologies relies on inexpensive and efficient catalysts. Rare earth (RE) elements, owing to their unique physical and chemical properties, have emerged as significant components in electrocatalysis research. This review systematically examined recent progress in four categories of RE-based electrocatalysts: RE-based alloys, RE-oxides based materials, RE-transition metal compound, and RE single atom. Moreover, the role of RE elements in catalysts and their mechanism in electrocatalysis process are discussed in detail. Ultimately, the challenges and outlooks are delineated to accelerate future advancements and a number of research guidance for RE-based materials in electrocatalysis is provided.
{"title":"Rare earth-based electrocatalysts: tuning performance and unraveling mechanisms for enhanced electrocatalytic reactions","authors":"Bo Cao , Yan Cheng , Shasha Wang, Jun Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.06.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.06.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electrocatalytic technology serves as a crucial bridge for efficient energy interconversion between electrical and chemical systems. Electrocatalysis garnered significant research attention across the following areas: preparing green energy hydrogen to reduce dependence on fossil fuels; developing fuel cells with high efficiency; converting carbon dioxide into useful chemicals or fuels to achieve carbon recycling and realize the goal of carbon neutrality; reducing nitrate in wastewater to recover nitrogen. The development of these aforementioned electrocatalytic technologies relies on inexpensive and efficient catalysts. Rare earth (RE) elements, owing to their unique physical and chemical properties, have emerged as significant components in electrocatalysis research. This review systematically examined recent progress in four categories of RE-based electrocatalysts: RE-based alloys, RE-oxides based materials, RE-transition metal compound, and RE single atom. Moreover, the role of RE elements in catalysts and their mechanism in electrocatalysis process are discussed in detail. Ultimately, the challenges and outlooks are delineated to accelerate future advancements and a number of research guidance for RE-based materials in electrocatalysis is provided.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16940,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rare Earths","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 409-435"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146102704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-05-22DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2025.05.015
Shuqi Yu , Chen Liu , Yungui Chen , Yao Wang
Hydrogen-electric conversion is considered to be one of the most effective means of dealing with large-scale energy storage. The key to improving the efficiency of hydrogen conversion is to develop high-performance electrocatalysts in hydrogen-electric conversion devices, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). Owing to their unique electronic structure, rare earth elements have been used to construct the high-performance electrocatalysts. Therefore, in this review, we detail the role of rare earth elements in changing the electronic structure of precious metal or non-precious metal catalysts by doping rare earth to form alloys or loading rare earth oxides to improve the electrocatalytic activity for each of the reactions. And we also summarize the application of rare earth-based perovskite oxides and MOF which can be directly used in electrocatalytic reactions. Finally, this review not only summarizes the current progress of rare earth elements in hydrogen-electric conversion system but also looks forward to their opportunities in the future.
{"title":"Application of rare earth elements in hydrogen-electric conversion-related catalysts","authors":"Shuqi Yu , Chen Liu , Yungui Chen , Yao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.05.015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.05.015","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrogen-electric conversion is considered to be one of the most effective means of dealing with large-scale energy storage. The key to improving the efficiency of hydrogen conversion is to develop high-performance electrocatalysts in hydrogen-electric conversion devices, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). Owing to their unique electronic structure, rare earth elements have been used to construct the high-performance electrocatalysts. Therefore, in this review, we detail the role of rare earth elements in changing the electronic structure of precious metal or non-precious metal catalysts by doping rare earth to form alloys or loading rare earth oxides to improve the electrocatalytic activity for each of the reactions. And we also summarize the application of rare earth-based perovskite oxides and MOF which can be directly used in electrocatalytic reactions. Finally, this review not only summarizes the current progress of rare earth elements in hydrogen-electric conversion system but also looks forward to their opportunities in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16940,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rare Earths","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 436-449"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146102705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-02-25DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2025.02.009
Junfeng Du , Jing Yu , Chaohui Guan, Tao Chen, Fei Yao, Shuai Zhang, Haibin Chu
Electrosynthesis leverages electrochemical reactions to transform simple molecules into complex compounds using renewable, clean energy from sources like wind and solar power. This technology has shown promise for economically converting excess atmospheric carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides into value-added products through electrochemical reduction. Additionally, the oxidation of biomass-derived substrates, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and glycerol, can serve as alternative anodic reactions to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which typically requires a higher voltage and yields lower-value products. This substitution improves the overall economic efficiency of electrosynthesis processes. Notably, the unique 4f electronic structure of rare earth elements not only increases the number of active sites and stabilizes these catalysts, but also modulates the adsorption of reaction intermediates on electrocatalysts, thereby enhancing the product selectivity. As a result, rare earth elements have found broad applications across diverse electrosynthesis reactions.
{"title":"Advances in rare earth catalysts for small molecule electrosynthesis","authors":"Junfeng Du , Jing Yu , Chaohui Guan, Tao Chen, Fei Yao, Shuai Zhang, Haibin Chu","doi":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.02.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.02.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electrosynthesis leverages electrochemical reactions to transform simple molecules into complex compounds using renewable, clean energy from sources like wind and solar power. This technology has shown promise for economically converting excess atmospheric carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides into value-added products through electrochemical reduction. Additionally, the oxidation of biomass-derived substrates, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and glycerol, can serve as alternative anodic reactions to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which typically requires a higher voltage and yields lower-value products. This substitution improves the overall economic efficiency of electrosynthesis processes. Notably, the unique 4f electronic structure of rare earth elements not only increases the number of active sites and stabilizes these catalysts, but also modulates the adsorption of reaction intermediates on electrocatalysts, thereby enhancing the product selectivity. As a result, rare earth elements have found broad applications across diverse electrosynthesis reactions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16940,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rare Earths","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 491-504"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146102708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-02-18DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2025.02.005
Xiaodan Yang , Yuan Zhang , Shimin Zhang , Hongming Sun , Xiang Chen , Chengpeng Li
Constructing strong-coupling and high-density interfaces is crucial for achieving high performance of metal/oxide heterogeneous catalysts, yet remains a significant challenge. Here, we developed a carbon auxiliary “microreactor” method to prepare the metal/oxide composites with rich heterogeneous interfaces and strong electronic metal-oxide interaction. Employing this innovative strategy, we synthesized a Ni/CeO2 heterogeneous catalyst that is in situ loaded onto carbon substrate (Ni/CeO2@C), which shows excellent performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. Specifically, the Ni/CeO2@C catalyst displays a low overpotential (75 mV) to drive a current density of 10 mA/cm2 with a low Tafel slope (65.1 mV/dec). The rich interfaces between Ni and CeO2 offer abundant dual active sites that accelerate the dissociation of water (Volmer step) and optimize the hydrogen adsorption energy (Heyrovsky step). This synergy significantly improves the overall kinetics of the HER. This method is universal and offers great potential for preparing carbon in situ supported heterogeneous nanomaterials with rich interfaces, enabling the high performance for electrocatalysis.
{"title":"Carbon in situ supported Ni/CeO2 heterogeneous catalyst with rich interfaces for efficient electrocatalysis","authors":"Xiaodan Yang , Yuan Zhang , Shimin Zhang , Hongming Sun , Xiang Chen , Chengpeng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Constructing strong-coupling and high-density interfaces is crucial for achieving high performance of metal/oxide heterogeneous catalysts, yet remains a significant challenge. Here, we developed a carbon auxiliary “microreactor” method to prepare the metal/oxide composites with rich heterogeneous interfaces and strong electronic metal-oxide interaction. Employing this innovative strategy, we synthesized a Ni/CeO<sub>2</sub> heterogeneous catalyst that is <em>in situ</em> loaded onto carbon substrate (Ni/CeO<sub>2</sub>@C), which shows excellent performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media. Specifically, the Ni/CeO<sub>2</sub>@C catalyst displays a low overpotential (75 mV) to drive a current density of 10 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> with a low Tafel slope (65.1 mV/dec). The rich interfaces between Ni and CeO<sub>2</sub> offer abundant dual active sites that accelerate the dissociation of water (Volmer step) and optimize the hydrogen adsorption energy (Heyrovsky step). This synergy significantly improves the overall kinetics of the HER. This method is universal and offers great potential for preparing carbon <em>in situ</em> supported heterogeneous nanomaterials with rich interfaces, enabling the high performance for electrocatalysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16940,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rare Earths","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 679-687"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146102781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Electrochemical biosensors and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) represent two pivotal directions in the field of electrochemistry. In this study, a bifunctional integrated flexible electrode material (Ce-MOF-CNT-COOHx/PVAy) was developed, capable of both uric acid recognition and water electrolysis for oxygen evolution. The synthesis process began with the modification of Ce-MOFs by incorporating carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNT-COOH), resulting in Ce-MOF-CNT-COOHx with varying degrees of CNT-COOH doping. Subsequently, Ce-MOF-CNT-COOHx was compounded with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films of different thicknesses to produce Ce-MOF-CNT-COOHx/PVAy composites. Through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) analyses, the Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH20/PVA1.2 composite emerges as the top performer. Following its identification as the optimal material, the Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH20/PVA1.2 composite was evaluated for uric acid recognition in a phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.4. The results demonstrate rapid uric acid detection (less than 5 s), with a sensitivity of 45.69 μA·L/(mmol·cm2). The linear detection range is found to be 1–9 mmol/L, and the detection limit is determined to be 69.53 μmol/L. Furthermore, Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH20/PVA1.2 exhibits exceptional specificity and remarkable cyclic stability. In addition to its biosensing capabilities, the OER performance of Ce-MO-CNT-COOH20/PVA1.2 material was assessed. At a current density of 10 mA/cm2, the overpotential was measured at 321 mV, outperforming the benchmark water electrolysis catalyst IrO2 (357 mV). The Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH20/PVA1.2 material also displays lower resistance and superior durability, further highlighting its potential for practical applications. The application of this proposed Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH20/PVA1.2 bifunctional flexible electrode material demonstrates the significant potential of rare-earth MOF-based materials in both electrochemical sensing and electrocatalysis.
{"title":"Synthesis and characterization of Ce-MOF-based flexible electrode materials for uric acid sensing and oxygen evolution reaction","authors":"Huanxi Zhang , Jianhui Liu , Chunhuan Xu , Sijia Zhang , Xuechuan Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.06.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.06.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electrochemical biosensors and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) represent two pivotal directions in the field of electrochemistry. In this study, a bifunctional integrated flexible electrode material (Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH<sub><em>x</em></sub>/PVA<sub><em>y</em></sub>) was developed, capable of both uric acid recognition and water electrolysis for oxygen evolution. The synthesis process began with the modification of Ce-MOFs by incorporating carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNT-COOH), resulting in Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH<sub><em>x</em></sub> with varying degrees of CNT-COOH doping. Subsequently, Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH<sub><em>x</em></sub> was compounded with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films of different thicknesses to produce Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH<sub><em>x</em></sub>/PVA<sub><em>y</em></sub> composites. Through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) analyses, the Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH<sub>20</sub>/PVA<sub>1.2</sub> composite emerges as the top performer. Following its identification as the optimal material, the Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH<sub>20</sub>/PVA<sub>1.2</sub> composite was evaluated for uric acid recognition in a phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.4. The results demonstrate rapid uric acid detection (less than 5 s), with a sensitivity of 45.69 μA·L/(mmol·cm<sup>2</sup>). The linear detection range is found to be 1–9 mmol/L, and the detection limit is determined to be 69.53 μmol/L. Furthermore, Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH<sub>20</sub>/PVA<sub>1.2</sub> exhibits exceptional specificity and remarkable cyclic stability. In addition to its biosensing capabilities, the OER performance of Ce-MO-CNT-COOH<sub>20</sub>/PVA<sub>1.2</sub> material was assessed. At a current density of 10 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>, the overpotential was measured at 321 mV, outperforming the benchmark water electrolysis catalyst IrO<sub>2</sub> (357 mV). The Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH<sub>20</sub>/PVA<sub>1.2</sub> material also displays lower resistance and superior durability, further highlighting its potential for practical applications. The application of this proposed Ce-MOF-CNT-COOH<sub>20</sub>/PVA<sub>1.2</sub> bifunctional flexible electrode material demonstrates the significant potential of rare-earth MOF-based materials in both electrochemical sensing and electrocatalysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16940,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rare Earths","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 616-629"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146102716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-03-17DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2025.03.012
Jingxian Li , Jun Wang , Guixi Wang , Shulin Zhao , Zhiyu Yang , Xiaoxuan Wang , Yi-Ming Yan
The development of efficient catalysts for the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) is crucial for sustainable ammonia production. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of a CeO2/ZnO heterojunction, demonstrating remarkable catalytic performance for ENRR. The heterostructure facilitates an “electron pump” effect, enhancing electron transfer and promoting nitrogen activation. The synthesized CeO2/ZnO was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), along with other analytical techniques. The material exhibits remarkable performance in ENRR, achieving an NH3 yield of 60.21 μg/(h·mgcat) at −0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a Faradaic efficiency of 11.48% at −0.2 V versus RHE with an aqueous 0.1 mol/L Li2SO4 electrolyte. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic interaction between CeO2 and ZnO, which optimizes the electronic structure and surface properties. This research elucidates the catalytic mechanisms through which CeO2 enhances the ENRR activity of ZnO, offering novel insights into the application of rare earth elements.
{"title":"CeO2/ZnO heterojunction as an efficient catalyst for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction via an “electron pump” effect","authors":"Jingxian Li , Jun Wang , Guixi Wang , Shulin Zhao , Zhiyu Yang , Xiaoxuan Wang , Yi-Ming Yan","doi":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.03.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.03.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of efficient catalysts for the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) is crucial for sustainable ammonia production. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of a CeO<sub>2</sub>/ZnO heterojunction, demonstrating remarkable catalytic performance for ENRR. The heterostructure facilitates an “electron pump” effect, enhancing electron transfer and promoting nitrogen activation. The synthesized CeO<sub>2</sub>/ZnO was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), along with other analytical techniques. The material exhibits remarkable performance in ENRR, achieving an NH<sub>3</sub> yield of 60.21 μg/(h·mg<sub>cat</sub>) at −0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a Faradaic efficiency of 11.48% at −0.2 V versus RHE with an aqueous 0.1 mol/L Li<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> electrolyte. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic interaction between CeO<sub>2</sub> and ZnO, which optimizes the electronic structure and surface properties. This research elucidates the catalytic mechanisms through which CeO<sub>2</sub> enhances the ENRR activity of ZnO, offering novel insights into the application of rare earth elements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16940,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rare Earths","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 698-703"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146102785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-08-22DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2025.08.011
Bolin Zhao , Rana Muhammad Irfan , Chuhao Liu , Shamraiz Hussain Talib , Azhar Mahmood , Li Niu
Rare-earth based transition metal oxides have proved to be the most promising candidates in the exploration of non-precious oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. However, the knowledge regarding their active sites and electrocatalytic mechanism is very limited due to their different crystallization behaviors and there are still big challenges in the efficient coupling of transition and rare-earth metals with full utilization of active sites. To improve and stabilize OER catalysis, we developed the core–shell CeO2@CoNiO2 nanoplates (NPLs) for enhanced and stable OER catalysis. Surprisingly, CeO2 shell regulates the electronic structure of CoNiO2 core and increases the number of active sites and oxygen vacancies to achieve high electrochemical performance in a three-electrode system. Compared with CoNiO2 nanoparticles, the developed core–shell NPLs exhibit favorable performance with an overpotential of only 206 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and robust electrochemical stability of 500 h at 10 mA/cm2 and 300 h at 50 mA/cm2. In situ Raman spectroscopy unveils that CeO2@CoNiO2 is structurally more stable than CoNiO2, which is consistent with its performance persistence. Besides, theoretical calculations confirm that the Ce shell serves as the active centers for OER, and the formed core–shell metal oxides NPLs promote the adsorption and dissociation of water, thus causing the fast generation of O2. This work provides a new perspective for designing highly active core–shell structure of mixed metal oxides of transition and rare-earth metals for OER.
{"title":"Water oxidation promoted synergistically by CeO2-shell on CoNiO2-core","authors":"Bolin Zhao , Rana Muhammad Irfan , Chuhao Liu , Shamraiz Hussain Talib , Azhar Mahmood , Li Niu","doi":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.08.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jre.2025.08.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rare-earth based transition metal oxides have proved to be the most promising candidates in the exploration of non-precious oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. However, the knowledge regarding their active sites and electrocatalytic mechanism is very limited due to their different crystallization behaviors and there are still big challenges in the efficient coupling of transition and rare-earth metals with full utilization of active sites. To improve and stabilize OER catalysis, we developed the core–shell CeO<sub>2</sub>@CoNiO<sub>2</sub> nanoplates (NPLs) for enhanced and stable OER catalysis. Surprisingly, CeO<sub>2</sub> shell regulates the electronic structure of CoNiO<sub>2</sub> core and increases the number of active sites and oxygen vacancies to achieve high electrochemical performance in a three-electrode system. Compared with CoNiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles, the developed core–shell NPLs exhibit favorable performance with an overpotential of only 206 mV at 10 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> and robust electrochemical stability of 500 h at 10 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> and 300 h at 50 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>. <em>In situ</em> Raman spectroscopy unveils that CeO<sub>2</sub>@CoNiO<sub>2</sub> is structurally more stable than CoNiO<sub>2</sub>, which is consistent with its performance persistence. Besides, theoretical calculations confirm that the Ce shell serves as the active centers for OER, and the formed core–shell metal oxides NPLs promote the adsorption and dissociation of water, thus causing the fast generation of O<sub>2</sub>. This work provides a new perspective for designing highly active core–shell structure of mixed metal oxides of transition and rare-earth metals for OER.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16940,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Rare Earths","volume":"44 2","pages":"Pages 642-649"},"PeriodicalIF":7.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146102779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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