Unveiling the exceptional evolution of solute aggregates: From micro to trace, solution to interface
Weili Wang,
Hao Ma,
Qiuting Huang,
Siheng Luo,
Bin Ren,
Zhongqun Tian,
Guokun Liu
Affiliations
Weili Wang
State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, Center for Marine Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, College of the Environment and Ecology Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China
Hao Ma
State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China
Qiuting Huang
State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, Center for Marine Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, College of the Environment and Ecology Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China
Siheng Luo
State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China
Bin Ren
State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China
Zhongqun Tian
State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China
Guokun Liu
State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, Center for Marine Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, College of the Environment and Ecology Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China
Abstract Existential state of solutes substantially affects the efficiency and direction of various chemical and biological processes, about which current consensus is still limited at macro and micro levels. At the trace level, solutes assume a pivotal role across a spectrum of critical fields. However, their existential states, especially at interfaces, remain largely elusive. Herein, an exceptional evolution of solute molecules is unveiled from micro to trace, solution to interface, with the aid of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, extinction, DLS and theoretical simulations. Given predominant existence of monomers within the solution, these aggregates dominate the interfacial behavior of solute molecules. Moreover, a universal, aggregate‐controlled mechanism is demonstrated that aggregates triggered by cosolvent, which can dramatically promote efficiency of catalytic reactions. The results provide novel insights into the interaction mechanisms between reactants and catalysts, potentially offering fresh perspectives for the manipulation of multiphase catalysis and related biological processes.
