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Gold Nanoparticles Supported on Triazole-Functionalized Biochar as Nanocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution from Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Biochar is a material of great ecological interest obtained from the carbonization of biomass. Its structure is composed of graphene-like aggregates, and it contains useful functional groups such as carboxyl. Using these groups, biochar functionalization with triazole groups that improve support characteristics has been achieved to anchor and stabilize catalytically active gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The Au NPs obtained were homogeneously distributed under biochar, with a size of 7.7 ± 3.5 nm. The efficiency of the nanomaterial was shown in nanogold-catalyzed hydrogen evolution from an aqueous solution containing B2(OH)4, with a maximum hydrogen generation of 715 under optimized conditions (0.070 mmol of Au NPs and 0.300 mol L-1 of NaOH). This nanomaterial showed excellent efficiency in four successive catalytic cycles.

Keywords:
Au NPs; biochar; H2 evolution; catalysis


Introduction

Hydrogen has highlights as a clean and sustainable energy source, as it has a high energy density per unit mass and generates water as a by-product of combustion.11 Liu, K.-H.; Zhong, H.-X.; Li, S.-J.; Duan, Y.-X.; Shi, M.-M.; Zhang, X. -B.; Yan, J.-M.; Jiang, Q.; Prog. Mater. Sci. 2018, 92, 64. [ Crossref]
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Hydrogen can be produced from different processes, including fossil sources such as petroleum, from biomass22 Lalsare, A. D.; Leonard, B.; Robinson, B.; Sivri, A. C.; Vukmanovich, R.; Dumitrescu, C.; Rogers, W.; Hu, J.; Appl. Catal., B 2021, 282, 119537. [ Crossref]
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and water electrolysis.33 Ren, S.; Duan, X.; Ge, F.; Zhang, M.; Zheng, H.; J. Power Sources 2020, 480, 228866. [ Crossref]
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,44 Li, Y.; Zhang, B.; Wang, W.; Shi, X.; Zhang, J.; Wang, R.; He, B.; Wang, Q.; Jiang, J.; Gong, Y.; Wang, H.; Chem. Eng. J. 2021, 405, 126981. [ Crossref]
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However, H2 storage is problematic because it is in gaseous form under environmental conditions, resulting in low energy per volume (12.7 MJ m-3 versus 40 MJ m-3 for CH4),55 Demirci, U. B.; Energy Technol. 2018, 6, 470. [ Crossref]
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in addition, transport is dangerous, hydrogen being highly explosive. Thus, chemical hydrogen storage has attracted intense attention during the last two decades. This technology is based on the chemical bond between a heteroatom, preferably light, and atomic hydrogen, whose breakage is responsible for the formation of H2 through intra/intermolecular reactions.55 Demirci, U. B.; Energy Technol. 2018, 6, 470. [ Crossref]
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Boron-based chemical hydrides, such as NH3BH3,66 Kang, N.; Wang, Q.; Djeda, R.; Wang, W.; Fu, F.; Moro, M. M.; Ramirez, M. D. L. A.; Moya, S.; Coy, E.; Salmon, L.; Pozzo, J.; Astruc, D.; ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2020, 48, 53816. [ Crossref]
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77 Fu, F.; Wang, C.; Wang, Q.; Martinez-Villacorta, A. M.; Escobar, A.; Chong, H.; Wang, X.; Moya, S.; Salmon, L.; Fouquet, E.; Ruiz, J.; Astruc, D.; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2018, 140, 10034. [ Crossref]
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88 Wang, Q.; Fu, F.; Yang, S.; Martinez Moro, M.; Ramirez, M. D. L. A.; Moya, S.; Salmon, L.; Ruiz, J.; Astruc, D.; ACS Catal. 2019, 9, 1110. [ Crossref]
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99 Michaud, P.; Astruc, D.; Ammeter, J. H.; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1982, 104, 3755. [ Crossref]
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NaBH4,1010 Jiang, S.-F.; Xi, K.-F.; Yang, J.; Jiang, H.; Chemosphere 2019, 227, 63. [ Crossref]
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B2(OH)4,1111 Zhao, Q.; Liu, X.; Astruc, D.; Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 2023, 26, e202300024. [ Crossref]
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1212 Chen, W.; Shen, J.; Huang, Y.; Liu, X.; Astruc, D.; ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2020, 19, 7513. [ Crossref]
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1313 Zhao, Q.; Kang, N.; Moro, M. M.; Cal, E. G.; Moya, S.; Coy, E.; Salmon, L.; Liu, X.; Astruc, D.; ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2022, 5, 3834. [ Crossref]
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among others are attractive candidates as hydrogen sources for mobile and stationary applications at ambient or moderate temperature.1414 Coşkuner Filiz, B.; Kantürk Figen, A.; Pişkin, S.; Appl. Catal., B 2018, 238, 365. [ Crossref]
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The hydrolysis of tetrahydroxydiboron, B2(OH)4, occurs according to the equation 1.

(1) B 2 ( OH ) 4 + 2 H 2 O 2B ( OH ) 3 + H 2

Various supported late transition-metal nanocatalysts have been employed in the production of hydrogen using aqueous solutions of boron-based chemical hydrides1515 Wang, C.; Tuninetti, J.; Wang, Z.; Zhang, C.; Ciganda, R.; Salmon, L.; Moya, S.; Ruiz, J.; Astruc, D.; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 11610. [ Crossref]
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1616 Cui, C.; Liu, Y.; Mehdi, S.; Wen, H.; Zhou, B.; Li, J.; Li, B.; Appl. Catal., B 2020, 265, 118612. [ Crossref]
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1717 Wang, C.; Ciganda, R.; Yate, L.; Tuninetti, J.; Shalabaeva, V.; Salmon, L.; Moya, S.; Ruiz, J.; Astruc, D.; J. Mater. Chem. A 2017, 5, 21947. [ Crossref]
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1818 Pereira, R.; Astruc, D.; Coord. Chem. Rev. 2021, 426, 213585. [ Crossref]
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including Pd, Pt and Ag nanoparticles supported on magnetic biochar.1010 Jiang, S.-F.; Xi, K.-F.; Yang, J.; Jiang, H.; Chemosphere 2019, 227, 63. [ Crossref]
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However, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have high chemical stability and improved kinetics under aerobic conditions.66 Kang, N.; Wang, Q.; Djeda, R.; Wang, W.; Fu, F.; Moro, M. M.; Ramirez, M. D. L. A.; Moya, S.; Coy, E.; Salmon, L.; Pozzo, J.; Astruc, D.; ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2020, 48, 53816. [ Crossref]
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Besides, Au NPs present assembly of multiple types involving materials science, with behavior of the individual particles, such as size-related electronic, magnetic and optical properties (quantum size effect).1919 Daniel, M.-C.; Astruc, D.; Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 293. [ Crossref]
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Such properties allow catalytic use of Au NPs in several areas, in particular in the evolution of hydrogen from inorganic hydrides.66 Kang, N.; Wang, Q.; Djeda, R.; Wang, W.; Fu, F.; Moro, M. M.; Ramirez, M. D. L. A.; Moya, S.; Coy, E.; Salmon, L.; Pozzo, J.; Astruc, D.; ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2020, 48, 53816. [ Crossref]
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,1313 Zhao, Q.; Kang, N.; Moro, M. M.; Cal, E. G.; Moya, S.; Coy, E.; Salmon, L.; Liu, X.; Astruc, D.; ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2022, 5, 3834. [ Crossref]
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However, nanomaterials have a natural tendency to agglomerate, decreasing catalytic efficiency. To avoid this phenomenon, these nanomaterials can be anchored onto support materials that, in addition to improved dispersion, can also be used in a heterogeneous configuration, allowing reuse. Biochar of various types is a strong candidate for use as a support.1818 Pereira, R.; Astruc, D.; Coord. Chem. Rev. 2021, 426, 213585. [ Crossref]
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Biochar is a product of the biomass carbonization of high ecological interest.1818 Pereira, R.; Astruc, D.; Coord. Chem. Rev. 2021, 426, 213585. [ Crossref]
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Its structure consists of graphene-like aggregations, containing carboxylic, carbonyl and phenolic groups.1818 Pereira, R.; Astruc, D.; Coord. Chem. Rev. 2021, 426, 213585. [ Crossref]
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To improve the characteristics of biochar, various kinds of functionalization have been described in the literature. Bamdad et al.2020 Bamdad, H.; Hawboldt, K.; Macquarrie, S.; Energy Fuels 2018, 32, 11742. [ Crossref]
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modified biochar by two different methods: (i) nitration, followed by reduction, and (ii) condensation of aminopropyl triethoxysilane on the surface. Sajjadi et al.2121 Sajjadi, B.; William, J.; Yin, W.; Mattern, D. L.; Egiebor, N. O.; Hammer, N.; Smith, C. L.; Ultrason. Sonochem. 2019, 51, 20. [ Crossref]
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produced a biochar physically modified by low frequency ultrasound irradiation, treatment by H3PO4 and functionalization by urea. Xiong et al.2222 Xiong, X.; Yu, I. K. M.; Chen, S. S.; Tsang, D. C. W.; Cao, L.; Song, H.; Kwon, E. E.; Ok, Y. S.; Zhang, S.; Poon, C. S.; Catal. Today 2018, 314, 52. [ Crossref]
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synthesized sulfonated wood waste-derived biochar as catalysts for the production of value-added chemicals from carbohydrates.

Modified biochars for evolution of hydrogen from hydrides are described in the literature. Akti2323 Akti, F.; Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 2022, 47, 35195. [ Crossref]
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synthesized pistachio shell-derived biochar supported cobalt catalyst (Co-PDA@BC) and applied it to the hydrogen evolution from NaBH4. According to the author, the maximum hydrogen generation rate and activation energy were 25 mL min-1 gcat-1 and 31.3 kJ mol-1, respectively. Li et al.2424 Li, J.; Sun, W.; Gao, P.; An, J.; Li, X.; Sun, W.; Sci. Total Environ. 2021, 761, 144192. [ Crossref]
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anchored NiCoO2 nanoparticles on biochar from waste coffee. The authors evaluated the catalytic performance of the catalyst in the hydrogen generation from NH3BH3 hydrolysis, which produced 4 mmol of H2 in less than 15 min of reaction. Saka2525 Saka, C.; Fuel 2022, 309, 122183. [ Crossref]
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produced a metal-free carbon from microalgae (Spirulina plasentis) that was doped with sulfur and phosphorus which was used as catalyst for NaBH4 methanolysis for hydrogen evolution. The author obtained a hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 18,571 mL min-1 g-1. In another work, Saka2626 Saka, C.; Appl. Catal., B 2021, 292, 120165. [ Crossref]
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produced a carbon derived from the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, also doped with sulfur and phosphorus, which was used as a catalyst for NaBH4 methanolysis. In this work, the HGR was 13,000 mL min 1 g-1. Another work by Saka2727 Saka, C.; Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 2021, 46, 26298. [ Crossref]
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consisted of the synthesis of carbon-free metal doped with oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) from the microalgae Spirulina platensis. In this work, the author obtained 10,105 mL min-1 g-1. However, NaBH4 methanolysis reaction that takes place in a non-green solvent.

Several ligands can be used to stabilize Au NPs such as sulfur ligands (thiolate ligands), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), nitrogen donors (imidazoles, pyridines). Regarding such ligands, the 1,2,3-triazole ring is an amphoteric π-electron-rich aromatic, biocompatible and stable toward both oxidizing and reducing agents.2828 Li, N.; Zhao, P.; Liu, N.; Echeverria, M.; Moya, S.; Salmon, L.; Ruiz, J.; Astruc, D.; Chem. - Eur. J. 2014, 20, 8363. [ Crossref]
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However, as far as know, there is no work using Au NPs anchored in biochar, especially functionalized with a triazole group, for the hydrolysis of B2(OH)4.

As described above, Au NPs have excellent catalytic activities in diverse applications.1919 Daniel, M.-C.; Astruc, D.; Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 293. [ Crossref]
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,2929 Haruta, M.; Daté, M.; Appl. Catal., A 2001, 222, 427. [ Crossref]
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3030 Corma, A.; Garcia, H.; Chem. Soc. Rev. 2008, 37, 2096. [ Crossref]
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3131 Alshammari, A. S.; Catalysts 2019, 9, 402. [ Crossref]
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3232 Wang, J.; Yang, J.; Xu, P.; Liu, H.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, S.; Tian, L.; Sens. Actuators, B 2020, 306, 127590. [ Crossref]
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3333 Sankar, M.; He, Q.; Engel, R. V; Sainna, M. A.; Logsdail, A. J.; Roldan, A.; Willock, D. J.; Agarwal, N.; Kiely, C. J.; Hutchings, G. J.; Chem. Rev. 2020, 120, 3890. [ Crossref]
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Various supports have been used to prevent the agglomeration and coalescence of Au NPs and increase the activities of these nanocatalysts. Nitrogen heterocycles such as triazole have been employed as stabilizing agents.3434 Caldera Villalobos, M.; Martins Alho, M.; García Serrano, J.; Álvarez Romero, G. A.; Herrera González, A. M.; J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47790. [ Crossref]
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Therefore, this work aimed to functionalize biochar with thiazole groups followed by chemical deposition of gold nanoparticles and apply them in the production of hydrogen using aqueous solutions of B2(OH)4.

Experimental

Chemicals and reagents

Sodium hydroxide (CAS 1310-73-2) was obtained from Fisher (Hampton, Nova Hampshire, USA). Sodium borohydride (CAS 16940-66-2) and trihydrate chloroauric acid (CAS 16961-25-4) were obtained from Alfa Aesar (Haverhill, Massachusetts, USA). Acetone, benzyl chloride (CAS 100-44-7), thionyl chloride (CAS 7719-09-7), tetrahydrofuran (CAS 109-99-9), sodium azide (CAS 26628-22-8), potassium carbonate (CAS 584 08 7), copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate (CAS 7758-99-8), tetrahydroxydiboron (CAS 13675-18-8) and sodium ascorbate (CAS 134-03-0) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (Saint Louis, Missouri, USA). Propargylamine (CAS 2450-71-7) was purchased from Acros (Geel, Antwerp Belgium). All reagents were analytical grade used without any purification steps. Aqueous solutions were prepared with water type 1 obtained by Milli-Q system (Millipore, Bedford, MA, USA).

Preparation of biochar

Arabica coffee straw was collected in Espírito Santo-Brazil, washed with distilled water, dried to 80 ºC for 48 h and ground in a knife mill. The biomass was added in a hollow cylinder with a lid containing a small hole for the exit of generated gases. This condition limits the oxygen ingress. The system was placed in a muffle previously heated to 600 °C, staying for 4 h. Finally, biochar was sieved to form particles of 20-200 mesh.

Benzylazide synthesis

Two milliliters (2 mL) of benzyl chloride, 1.40 g of sodium azide and 40 mL of acetone were added in a flask. The system was kept under reflux at 80 °C under constant agitation during 24 h. After that, the system was reserved for a later step.

Biochar (BC)-triazole synthesis

The material was synthesized according to Pereira et al.3535 Pereira, G. R.; Lopes, R. P.; Wang, W.; Guimarães, T.; Teixeira, R. R.; Astruc, D.; Chemosphere 2022, 308, 136250. [ Crossref]
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Firstly, the carboxyl group present in the biochar was converted into an acyl group, as shown in the equation 2 (Figure 1). For this, 0.50 g of biochar and 30 mL of SOCl2 were added to a flask.

Figure 1
Scheme for the synthesis of triazole-functionalized biochar (adapted from reference 35).

The system was kept under stirring for 24 h under reflux at 70 °C. Then, the material was centrifuged (5 min at 5000 rpm) and subjected to three washing steps with tetrahydrofuran. The material was transferred to a flask under which 25 mL of acetonitrile, 3 mmol of K2CO3 and 3 mmol of propargylamine were added, according to equation 3, obtaining biochar with terminal alkyne. The material was centrifugated (5 min at 5000 rpm) and subjected to three washing steps with type 1 water, followed by washing with acetone. The material was transferred to the system containing benzylazide, in which 0.34 mmol CuSO4·5H2O and 3.4 mmol sodium ascorbate were added (equation 4).3636 Rostovtsev, V. V.; Green, L. G.; Fokin, V. V.; Sharpless, K. B.; Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2002, 41, 2596. [ Crossref]
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,3737 Wang, C.; Ikhlef, D.; Kahlal, S.; Saillard, J. Y.; Astruc, D.; Coord. Chem. Rev. 2016, 316, 1. [ Crossref]
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The system was kept under constant agitation at 50 °C for 24 h, forming the triazole-functionalized biochar (BC-triazole).3535 Pereira, G. R.; Lopes, R. P.; Wang, W.; Guimarães, T.; Teixeira, R. R.; Astruc, D.; Chemosphere 2022, 308, 136250. [ Crossref]
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Au-BC-triazole synthesis

The synthesis of Au NPs was performed according to Zhao et al.1313 Zhao, Q.; Kang, N.; Moro, M. M.; Cal, E. G.; Moya, S.; Coy, E.; Salmon, L.; Liu, X.; Astruc, D.; ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2022, 5, 3834. [ Crossref]
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500 mg BC-triazole was added in a flask, to which 0.19 mmol of HAuCl4·3H2O dissolved in 5 mL of water were added. The system was kept under stirring for 30 min. After that, 1.00 mmol of sodium borohydride, NaBH4, dissolved in 1.00 mL of water, was added to the system that was kept under stirring for another 10 min. The system was centrifuged and subjected to three washing steps with water type 1 and dried under vacuum.

The material was characterized by infrared spectroscopy using Bruker VERTEX 70 instrument (Billerica, USA) using the attenuated total reflection (ATR) method in the range of 350-4000 cm-1. The material was also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TEM JEOL JEM 1400, 120 kV (Akishima, Tokyo, Japan). The Au NPs size was determined for forty nanoparticles (n = 40) using ImageJ.3838 Rasband, W. S.; ImageJ, version 1.51k; U. S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA, 2017. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to evaluate the species present in the material. It was used a system: SPECS SAGE HR, X-ray source: Mg Kα non-monochromatic, operated at 12.5 kV and 250 W. Take-off angle 90°, at ca. 10−8 Torr. Pass energy for survey spectra 30 eV, 15 eV for narrow scans.

H22 Lalsare, A. D.; Leonard, B.; Robinson, B.; Sivri, A. C.; Vukmanovich, R.; Dumitrescu, C.; Rogers, W.; Hu, J.; Appl. Catal., B 2021, 282, 119537. [ Crossref]
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evolution from B22 Lalsare, A. D.; Leonard, B.; Robinson, B.; Sivri, A. C.; Vukmanovich, R.; Dumitrescu, C.; Rogers, W.; Hu, J.; Appl. Catal., B 2021, 282, 119537. [ Crossref]
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(OH)44 Li, Y.; Zhang, B.; Wang, W.; Shi, X.; Zhang, J.; Wang, R.; He, B.; Wang, Q.; Jiang, J.; Gong, Y.; Wang, H.; Chem. Eng. J. 2021, 405, 126981. [ Crossref]
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The H2 evolution from B2(OH)4 was performed according to Zhao et al.1313 Zhao, Q.; Kang, N.; Moro, M. M.; Cal, E. G.; Moya, S.; Coy, E.; Salmon, L.; Liu, X.; Astruc, D.; ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2022, 5, 3834. [ Crossref]
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The amount of Au-BC-triazole was transferred to a 50 mL Schlenk flask under which 5 mL of 0.600 mol L-1 NaOH was added. The system was properly sealed and coupled via the gas outlet to a water-filled gas burette. 90 mg (1 mmol) of B2(OH)4 was dissolved in 5 mL of water and inserted into the bottle using a syringe. The system was kept under constant agitation at a controlled temperature of 30 °C. A quantitative conversion of B2(OH)4 produced 1.0 equivalent of H2, and occupied ca. 22.4 mL at atmospheric pressure. Prior to the reactions, the volumes were measured at atmospheric pressure and corrected for water vapor pressure at room temperature.

Reuse assays were conducted. For this, after the first cycle, the material was subjected to three stages of washing with water type 1 and reintroduced into the system in the conditions previously described.

Results and Discussion

First, Au NPs decorated in biochar without functionalization, i.e., without triazole groups, were used in the reaction of hydrogen production from B2(OH)4; however, the yield was very low. The specific surface area of biochar before functionalization was determined as in a previous work (1.242 m22 Lalsare, A. D.; Leonard, B.; Robinson, B.; Sivri, A. C.; Vukmanovich, R.; Dumitrescu, C.; Rogers, W.; Hu, J.; Appl. Catal., B 2021, 282, 119537. [ Crossref]
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g-1).3939 Lopes, R. P.; Guimarães, T.; Astruc, D.; J. Braz. Chem. Soc. 2021, 32, 1680. [ Crossref]
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Although the surface area is low, this material has functional groups that can be functionally linked to improve catalytic efficiency. Since biochar has carboxyl groups in its structure,1818 Pereira, R.; Astruc, D.; Coord. Chem. Rev. 2021, 426, 213585. [ Crossref]
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a strategy for biochar functionalization with the 1,3-triazole group, a smooth stabilizer for Au NPs, was considered.3434 Caldera Villalobos, M.; Martins Alho, M.; García Serrano, J.; Álvarez Romero, G. A.; Herrera González, A. M.; J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47790. [ Crossref]
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This strategy consisted of the introduction of a terminal alkyne, followed by a CuI-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) “click” reaction3636 Rostovtsev, V. V.; Green, L. G.; Fokin, V. V.; Sharpless, K. B.; Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2002, 41, 2596. [ Crossref]
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,3737 Wang, C.; Ikhlef, D.; Kahlal, S.; Saillard, J. Y.; Astruc, D.; Coord. Chem. Rev. 2016, 316, 1. [ Crossref]
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with benzylazide. First, the introduction of the terminal alkyne was performed, as shown in equations 2 and 3. As can be seen in Figure 2, the introduction of this functional group was successful. It is possible to observe a band in the 2908 cm-1 region attributed to the C-H binding, confirmed by the band in 2852 cm-1. A band is observed in 1698 and 1463 cm-1 and attributed to the presence of amide. After the CuAAC “click” reaction with benzylazide, the material did not show the bands related to the terminal alkyne. However, it is possible to observe the presence of a peak referring to the amide at 1635 cm-1.

Figure 2
FTIR (ATR) spectra of () BC-CONH2CCH and () BC 1,3 triazole.

After functionalization, Au NPs were deposited by a chemical reduction method with sodium borohydride. The material was analyzed by TEM, Figure 3. The Au NPs are homogeneously distributed on the surface of the biochar, presenting a quasi-spherical format of size 7.7 ± 3.5 nm. The histogram is shown in Figure 4. NaBH4 plays a key role in determining the AuNP size.99 Michaud, P.; Astruc, D.; Ammeter, J. H.; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1982, 104, 3755. [ Crossref]
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The functionalization allowed homogeneous distribution of Au NPs, avoiding their coalescence and agglomeration. The catalytic efficiency is very dependent on the size and dispersion of the nanoparticles.

Figure 3
TEM images of Au-BC-triazole. Au NPs 7.7 ± 3.5 nm (n = 40).

Figure 4
Histogram of Au NPs. Size: 7.7 ± 3.5 nm (n = 40).

The oxidation state of the elements present in the material was determined by XPS. Binding energies (BE) of 84.5 and 88.3 eV are observed for levels 4f7/2 and 4f5/2, respectively, and can be attributed to Au0 (Figure 5a). Similar results were observed by Zhao et al.,1313 Zhao, Q.; Kang, N.; Moro, M. M.; Cal, E. G.; Moya, S.; Coy, E.; Salmon, L.; Liu, X.; Astruc, D.; ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2022, 5, 3834. [ Crossref]
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who applied the material in the evolution of hydrogen from B2(OH)4. BE of 284.8, 286.4 and 288.4 eV are attributed to C-C, C=O and O-C=O, respectively (Figure 5b). BE of 532.1 and 532.8 eV are attributed to carbon-bound oxygen in the forms of C=O and C-O-H, respectively (Figure 5c). Finally, 400.6 eV BE is attributed to carbon-bound nitrogen (Figure 5d). These results of C, O and N bonds are in agreement with those observed in FTIR and confirm the formation of the triazole group.

Figure 5
XPS spectra of Au-BC-triazole (a) Au 4f; (b) C 1s; (c) O 1s and (d) N 1s.

The material was applied in the hydrogen evolution reaction, under different concentrations of sodium hydroxide, and the results are shown in Figure 6. According to Wang et al.,1515 Wang, C.; Tuninetti, J.; Wang, Z.; Zhang, C.; Ciganda, R.; Salmon, L.; Moya, S.; Ruiz, J.; Astruc, D.; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 11610. [ Crossref]
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the presence of OH- from NaOH improves the catalytic efficiency of the catalyst in the hydrogen production reaction from B2(OH)4. Thus, different concentrations of NaOH were evaluated in the system (0.010 to 1.00 mol L-1). It can be seen that the efficiency increases from 0 to 0.300 mol L-1 and decreases from 0.300 to 1.00 mol L-1; therefore, the optimal concentration was 0.300 mol L-1. If the concentration of OH- is very high, the efficiency is inhibited. According to Kang et al.,4040 Kang, N.; Djeda, R.; Wang, Q.; Fu, F.; Ruiz, J.; Pozzo, J. L.; Astruc, D.; ChemCatChem 2019, 11, 2341. [ Crossref]
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the presence of a small amount of NaOH should lead to coordination of OH- onto the Au NPs surface, increasing its electron density. Thus, the oxidative addition of the O−H bond from water and subsequent hydrogen production are facilitated. However, excess NaOH above 0.300 mol L-1 apparently occupies too many surfaces Au NP sites, inhibiting substrate coordination. Therefore, the 0.300 mol L-1 of NaOH was maintained for further studies.

Figure 6
Evaluation of NaOH concentration in the H2 evolution reaction. (•) 0.500 mol L-1, (•) 0.300 mol L-1, (•) 1.00 mol L-1, (•) 0.010 mol L-1. Conditions: 1.00 mmol of B2(OH)4, T = 30 °C, catalyst: 100 mg.

The mechanism of B2(OH)4 hydrolysis was proposed by Zhang et al.1313 Zhao, Q.; Kang, N.; Moro, M. M.; Cal, E. G.; Moya, S.; Coy, E.; Salmon, L.; Liu, X.; Astruc, D.; ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2022, 5, 3834. [ Crossref]
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Firstly, B2(OH)4 is adsorbed onto the catalyst surface, followed by oxidative addition of the B−B bond onto the metal surface. Two H2O molecules act as Lewis base to coordinate two boron atoms (Lewis base). Then, the oxidative addition of an O−H bond from H2O is facilitated by its initial coordination to the boron atoms. In sequence, occurs the formation of the two Au NPs−H bonds and the release of 2 equiv. B(OH)3. Finally, the generated hydride-[M]-hydride intermediate produces H2 upon reductive elimination.

The dose of catalyst used in the H2 production reaction was evaluated, and the results are shown in Figure 7. Different masses of the catalyst were used, which corresponded to an Au content ranging from 0.0175 to 0.070 mmol. The best efficiency was obtained with a mass of 200 mg of catalyst (Au 0.070 mmol), i.e., 7.0 mmol%. The increase in yield can be attributed to the greater number of catalytic cycles.

Figure 7
Evaluation of the material dose in the H2 evolution reaction. (•) 200 mg (Au 0.070 mmol), (•) 150 mg (Au 0.0525 mmol), (•) 100 mg (Au 0.035 mmol), (•) 50 mg (Au 0.0175 mmol), conditions: 1.00 mmol of B2(OH)4, T = 30 °C, NaOH solution 0.300 mol L-1.

The maximum hydrogen generation was calculated for the best conditions, i.e., 200 mg of catalyst containing 0.070 mmol of Au (7.0 mmol%), being 715.74 or 6.29 . Works involving the use of biochars as support in the evolution of hydrogen from hydrides are very limited. Akti2323 Akti, F.; Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 2022, 47, 35195. [ Crossref]
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used pistachio shell-derived biochar supported cobalt catalysts in the H2 evolution from NaBH4. The author obtained a maximum hydrogen generation of 25 . Zhou et al.4141 Zhou, J.; Huang, Y.; Shen, J.; Liu, X.; Catal. Lett. 2021, 151, 3004. [ Crossref]
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used commercial Pd/C in the hydrolysis of B2(OH)4 to produce H2. The authors obtained 286 . Therefore, it can be concluded that the results are quite promising.

Reuse assays were conducted, and the results are shown in Figure 8. It can be seen that the material is efficient until the third cycle, with a reduction in efficiency and reaction kinetics being observed in the fourth cycle. The gold nanoparticles are very stable. Thus, the recovery should be 100%.2828 Li, N.; Zhao, P.; Liu, N.; Echeverria, M.; Moya, S.; Salmon, L.; Ruiz, J.; Astruc, D.; Chem. - Eur. J. 2014, 20, 8363. [ Crossref]
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The deactivation of nanomaterial can be related to its agglomeration or adsorption of product on its surface, inhibiting the access and activation of substrates to the active sites of the material.4040 Kang, N.; Djeda, R.; Wang, Q.; Fu, F.; Ruiz, J.; Pozzo, J. L.; Astruc, D.; ChemCatChem 2019, 11, 2341. [ Crossref]
Crossref...

Figure 8
Reuse of the material in the H2 evolution reaction. (•) 1st cycle, (•) 2nd cycle, (•) 3rd cycle, (•) 4th cycle. Conditions: 1.00 mmol of B2(OH)4, T = 40 °C, NaOH solution 0.300 mol L-1.

Conclusions

In this work biochar obtained from agribusiness waste (coffee straw) functionalized with triazole group was successfully used in the hydrolysis of B2(OH)4 for hydrogen generation for the first time. The functionalization of the biochar with triazole group is easily obtained through the introduction of a terminal alkyne followed by a CuAAC “click” reaction with benzylazide. The triazole formed anchored and stabilized gold nanoparticles, allowing their homogeneous distribution on the surface of biochar. In addition to avoiding agglomeration, easily visualized by microscopy images, it enabled its reuse in other catalytic cycles. The resulting material showed satisfactory reactivity in the hydrogen evolution reaction, showing the potential of this material in reactions of interest. Hydrogen produced by these processes is considered green because it does not release substances with a greenhouse effect. However, improvements to ensure its reuse in several catalytic cycles must be investigated.

Acknowledgments

CNPq (Process: 312400/2021-7), CAPES/Brazil, Process: 88881.337360/2019-01, FAPEMIG (Process: RED-00144-22), CNPq (Process: 405828/2022-5), the University of Bordeaux and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) are gratefully acknowledged.

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Edited by

Editor handled this article: Célia M. Ronconi (Associate)

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    05 Feb 2024
  • Date of issue
    Feb 2024

History

  • Received
    11 May 2023
  • Accepted
    26 July 2023
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