Doubly-Charged Negative Ions as Novel Tunable Catalysts: Graphene and Fullerene Molecules Versus Atomic Metals

Abstract

The fundamental mechanism underlying negative-ion catalysis involves bond-strength breaking in the transition state (TS). Doubly-charged atomic/molecular anions are proposed as novel dynamic tunable catalysts, as demonstrated in water oxidation into peroxide. Density Functional Theory TS calculations have found a tunable energy activation barrier reduction ranging from 0.030 eV to 2.070 eV, with Si2−, Pu2−, Pa2− and Sn2− being the best catalysts; the radioactive elements usher in new application opportunities. C602− significantly reduces the standard C60− TS energy barrier, while graphene increases it, behaving like cationic systems. According to their reaction barrier reduction efficiency, variation across charge states and systems, rank-ordered catalysts reveal their tunable and wide applications, ranging from water purification to biocompatible antiviral and antibacterial sanitation systems.