Xiying Li

Kinetics of transesterification of methyl acetate and n-octanol catalyzed by cation exchange resins

The transesterification kinetics of methyl acetate with n-octanol to octyl acetate and methanol were studied using Amberlyst 15 as catalyst in a batch stirred reactor. The influence of the agitation speed, particle size, temperature, catalyst loading, and initial reactants molar ratio was investigated in detail. A pseudo-homogeneous (PH) kinetic model was applied to correlate the experimental data in the temperature range of 313.15 K to 328.15 K. The estimated kinetic parameters made the calculated results in good agreement with the experimental data. A kinetic model describing the transesterification reaction catalyzed by cation exchange resins was developed.

Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Properties of Two d10 Metal Complexes Based on Ferrocenyl Ligands Bearing Pyrazolyl Pyridine Substituents

Two new complexes, namely, [Cd2(L1)2(NCS)4(DMF)2] · 4H2O (I) and {[Zn3(L2)4(SO4)3(H2O)8] · 3DMF · 6H2O}n (II) have been synthesized through self-assembly of Cd(II) or Zn(II) salts with ferrocenyl ligands bearing pyrazolyl pyridine substituents. The two compounds were characterized by IR spectra, element analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, single-crystal X-ray diffraction (СIF files CCDC nos. 949526 (I), 949527 (II)), and thermogravimetric analysis. Complex I crystallizes in the monocline space group P21/c and exhibits a discrete dinuclear structure. The adjacent dinuclear molecules are packed into a 1D linear chain through the hydrogen-bond interactions. Complex II is a neutral one-dimensional infinite zigzag coordination chain. The 3D packing diagram of II contains two types of voids and the solvated DMF and water molecules filled them and stabilized by the hydrogen bonds. In addition, the redox properties of both complexes I and II have also been investigated.

Pt–Nix alloy nanoparticles: a new strategy for cocatalyst design on a CdS surface for photo-catalytic hydrogen generation

Solar photocatalytic water splitting for the production of hydrogen has been a core aspect for decades. A highly active and durable photocatalyst is crucial for the success of the renewable hydrogen economy. To date, the development of highly effective photocatalysts has been seen by the contemporary research community as a grand challenge. Thus, herein we put forward a sincere attempt to use a Pt–Nix alloy nanoparticle (NP) cocatalyst loaded CdS photocatalyst ((Pt–Nix)/CdS) for photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light. The Pt–Nix alloy NP cocatalyst was synthesized using a one-pot solvothermal method. The cocatalyst nanoparticles were deposited onto the surface of CdS, forming a Pt–Nix/CdS photocatalyst. Photocatalytic hydrogen production was carried out using a 300 W Xe light equipped with a 420 nm cut-off filter. The H2 evolution rate of the Pt–Ni3/CdS photocatalyst can reach a value as high as 48.96 mmol h−1 g−1 catalyst, with a quantum efficiency of 44.0% at 420 nm. The experimental results indicate that this Pt–Ni3/CdS photocatalyst is a prospective candidate for solar hydrogen generation from water-splitting.