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Van der Waals Interactions

Van der Waals Interactions

Atoms and molecules interact with each other through intermolecular forces. These electrostatic forces arise from attractive or repulsive interactions between particles with permanent, partial, or temporary charges. The intermolecular forces between neutral atoms and molecules are ion–dipole, dipole–dipole, and dispersion forces, collectively known as van der Waals forces.

Van der Waals Equation

Van der Waals Equation

The ideal gas law is an approximation that works well at high temperatures and low pressures. The van der Waals equation of state (named after the Dutch physicist Johannes van der Waals, 1837−1923) improves it by considering two factors.
First, the attractive forces between molecules, which are stronger at higher densities and reduce the pressure, are considered by adding to the pressure a term equal to the square of the molar density multiplied by a positive coefficient a. Second, the volume...

Catalysis

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.

Valence Bond Theory

Valence Bond Theory

Overview of Valence Bond Theory

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) atomizes samples through flame atomization or electrothermal atomization. Flame atomization typically involves a nebulizer and spray chamber assembly to combine the sample with a fuel–oxidant mixture, creating a fine aerosol mist that enters a burner. Typically, the fuel and oxidant are combined in an approximately stoichiometric ratio. However, for atoms that are easily oxidized, a fuel-rich mixture may be more advantageous. Only about 5% of the...

Real Gases: Effects of Intermolecular Forces and Molecular Volume Deriving Van der Waals Equation

Real Gases: Effects of Intermolecular Forces and Molecular Volume Deriving Van der Waals Equation

Thus far, the ideal gas law, PV = nRT, has been applied to a variety of different types of problems, ranging from reaction stoichiometry and empirical and molecular formula problems to determining the density and molar mass of a gas. However, the behavior of a gas is often non-ideal, meaning that the observed relationships between its pressure, volume, and temperature are not accurately described by the gas laws.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 22, 2025

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

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

Published on: April 10, 2018

Single atom catalysts in Van der Waals gaps.

Huaning Jiang¹, Weiwei Yang^1,2, Mingquan Xu³

¹School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.

Nature Communications

|November 11, 2022

Summary

We developed new single-atom catalysts by embedding metal atoms in 2D SnS₂. These catalysts show excellent stability and activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction, matching commercial standards.

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Last Updated: Aug 22, 2025

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

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Probe Type II Band Alignment in One-Dimensional Van Der Waals Heterostructures Using First-Principles Calculations

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Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics

Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics

Published on: April 12, 2019

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Catalysis
Nanotechnology

Background:

Achieving high stability and activity in single-atom catalysts (SACs) comparable to bulk metals remains a significant challenge.
Current SACs often face issues with stability or intrinsic activity due to strong chemical bonding or weak physical adsorption.

Purpose of the Study:

To design and synthesize novel SACs by confining metal single atoms within the van der Waals gap of two-dimensional (2D) tin disulfide (SnS₂).
To investigate the impact of varying interaction strengths between metal atoms and the SnS₂ host on catalytic performance and stability.

Main Methods:

Confining various noble metal single atoms into the van der Waals gap of 2D SnS₂.
Characterizing the interaction types and stability of the intercalated single atoms.
Evaluating the catalytic performance of the developed SACs in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

Main Results:

A series of SACs with different metal-host interaction strengths were successfully synthesized.
Weakly bonded single atoms exhibited higher intrinsic catalytic activity, while the 2D SnS₂ host provided exceptional stability.
The trace platinum-intercalated SnS₂ (Pt-SnS₂) catalyst demonstrated long-term durability and HER performance comparable to commercial 10 wt% Pt/C.

Conclusions:

Confining single atoms within the van der Waals gap of 2D materials offers a promising strategy to balance catalytic activity and stability.
This approach enables the development of high-performance intercalated single-atom electrocatalysts.
The study opens new avenues for exploring SACs in various 2D material systems for energy applications.