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Related Concept Videos

Network Covalent Solids02:18

Network Covalent Solids

Network covalent solids contain a three-dimensional network of covalently bonded atoms as found in the crystal structures of nonmetals like diamond, graphite, silicon, and some covalent compounds, such as silicon dioxide (sand) and silicon carbide (carborundum, the abrasive on sandpaper). Many minerals have networks of covalent bonds.
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...
Noble Gases02:54

Noble Gases


The elements in group 18 are noble gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon). They earned the name “noble” because they were assumed to be nonreactive since they have filled valence shells. In 1962, Dr. Neil Bartlett at the University of British Columbia proved this assumption to be false.
Catalysis02:50

Catalysis

The presence of a catalyst affects the rate of a chemical reaction. A catalyst is a substance that can increase the reaction rate without being consumed during the process. A basic comprehension of a catalysts’ role during chemical reactions can be understood from the concept of reaction mechanisms and energy diagrams.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
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Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

Published on: April 10, 2018

Catalytically active single-atom niobium in graphitic layers.

Xuefeng Zhang1, Junjie Guo, Pengfei Guan

  • 1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.

Nature Communications
|May 30, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a novel niobium-carbon structure as a highly active electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reactions in fuel cells. The material demonstrates excellent performance and stability, overcoming limitations of previous carbide catalysts.

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Niobium Oxide Films Deposited by Reactive Sputtering: Effect of Oxygen Flow Rate
08:23

Niobium Oxide Films Deposited by Reactive Sputtering: Effect of Oxygen Flow Rate

Published on: September 28, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Electrochemistry
  • Catalysis

Background:

  • Noble metal-based electrocatalysts are standard for polymer electrolyte fuel cells.
  • Carbides of groups IV-VI (e.g., Ti, V, Cr) were proposed as alternatives but showed limited activity and stability.
  • Low density and stability of active sites hindered carbide electrocatalyst performance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a high-performance electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
  • To investigate a novel niobium-carbon structure as a potential substitute for noble metal catalysts.
  • To understand the structure-activity relationship of niobium-based catalysts for fuel cell applications.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of a niobium-carbon structure.
  • Characterization using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to identify single niobium atoms and clusters.
  • Electrocatalytic testing for the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction.
  • Theoretical calculations to elucidate the mechanism of activity and stability.

Main Results:

  • A niobium-carbon structure with a high density of single niobium atoms and ultra-small clusters embedded in graphitic layers was successfully synthesized.
  • The structure exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction.
  • Enhanced conductivity and suppressed particle coarsening contributed to superior performance and stability.
  • Niobium atoms within graphitic layers facilitated O2 adsorption and dissociation through d-band electron redistribution.

Conclusions:

  • The niobium-carbon structure represents a promising, stable, and highly active electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction.
  • Single niobium atoms within graphitic layers are key active sites, offering a viable alternative to noble metal catalysts.
  • This work paves the way for developing advanced non-noble metal electrocatalysts for fuel cells.