Curvature‐Controlled Field Effect Enables Thermal Localization for Low‐Temperature C─F Bond Activation
Source abstract
Abstract
ABSTRACT Geometric singularities are known to concentrate electric and optical fields, but whether curvature alone can localize thermal energy and thereby influence chemical kinetics remains unresolved. Here, we show experimentally and computationally that nanoscale curvature generates localized thermal fields that directly lower reaction barriers in heterogeneous catalysis. Using γ‐Al 2 O 3 architectures with systematically varied curvature, nanoneedles, micro‐needles, and spheres, while maintaining comparable composition, phase, acidity, and defect states, we observe curvature‐dependent temperature localization of up to ∼30 °C at nanoneedle tips under identical external heating. In situ infrared thermography confirms hotspot formation, and operando vibrational spectroscopy reveals enhanced water dissociation and increased *CF 3 intermediate populations during CF 4 decomposition. These effects reduce the apparent activation energy and enable complete CF 4 decomposition at 580 °C, substantially below that required for lower‐curvature structures. The results establish curvature‐induced thermal localization as a general physical mechanism linking geometry to interfacial energy density and reaction kinetics, providing a universal design principle for activating strongly bound molecules.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Applications · Advanced Chemical Physics Studies · Catalysis for Biomass Conversion
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Hunan Joint International Research Center For Carbon Dioxide Resource Utilization School of Physics Central South University Changsha Hunan China
Nanoinstitute Munich Faculty of Physics Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität München München Germany
School of Metallurgy and Environment Central South University Changsha Hunan China
Funding
National Natural Science Foundation of China · Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
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