Transient and in situ Growth of Nanostructured SiC on Carbon Fibers toward Highly Durable Catalysis

Abstract

Carbon is ubiquitously used as catalyst supports in various clean energy technologies, particularly emerging electrocatalysis, yet it often suffers slow oxidation and corrosion along with performance degradation. The harmonious combination of refractory silicon carbide (SiC, chemically inert) with carbon is alluring but often a great challenge, particularly to achieve desirable nanostructures and strong interfaces. Herein, a shockwave‐type transient heating is designed (> 1750 °C for 1 s per pulse) for controllable growth of conformal SiC coating and massive SiC nanowires on carbon fibers (denoted as CF/SiC‐NW), which serves as a high surface area and durable support for catalysis under harsh environments. The transient heating in SiO vapor triggers in situ transformation of the carbon surface into a seamless SiC protective layer, while the following fast cooling is essential for the growth of numerous self‐assembled SiC nanowires. The CF/SiC‐NW exhibits excellent structural stability in the air at high temperatures, in concentrated acidic/alkaline solutions after electrochemical stressing for 2000 cycles, and in oxygen evolution reaction after 10 h of continuous operation. This strategy enables delicate structure control in refractory carbides and is also general for various carbon/carbide functional materials (e.g., C/TiC, C/WC) for electro‐ or electrified catalysis under harsh conditions.

PCTS‐Controlled Synthesis of L10/L12‐Typed Pt‐Mn Intermetallics for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction

“…Such PCTS method is not only effective in controlling particle size but also saves time and energy. [ 43–45 ] The developed L1 2 ‐Pt 3 Mn exhibits a more positive half‐wave potential (0.91 V vs RHE) and onset potential (1.02 V vs RHE) than those of L1 0 ‐PtMn. Moreover, the mass activity and specific activity of L1 2 ‐Pt 3 Mn are respectively four and three times higher than those of L1 0 ‐PtMn.…”

Monolithic Catalysts Supported by Emulsion-Templated Porous Polydivinylbenzene for Continuous Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol

“…For a monolithic catalyst, the two main challenges are controlling of porous structures and loading of active components. A series of porous materials, including metal foams, − carbon materials, − ceramic foams, , porous polymers, − etc., have been successfully employed as support materials. Conventionally, active components were loaded onto porous carriers through solution impregnation, sol–gel process, or covering .…”

Investigating the Corrosion Resistance of Different SiC Crystal Types: From Energy Sectors to Advanced Applications

“…Furthermore, this research provides valuable insights for the evaluation of silicon carbide in the design of chemical reactors, corrosion-resistant pumps, and valves in actual acidic and alkaline environments. Zhang et al synthesized silicon carbide with nanostructures on carbon fibers to achieve high durability for catalysis. This material demonstrated exceptional structural stability in high-temperature air, in concentrated acidic and basic solutions after 2000 cycles of electrochemical stress, and during oxygen evolution reactions over continuous operation for 10 h. In the field of wastewater treatment, , nanofiltration (NF) membranes play a pivotal role in separation and purification processes.…”