1
|
Feng Z, He Y, Cui Y, Qu Y, Ding G, Chen X, Sui C, Wei Q, Wang Z, Jiang Q. Efficient Tandem Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia on Bimodal Nanoporous Ag/Ag-Co across Broad Nitrate Concentrations. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:11929-11936. [PMID: 39264715 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c03218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO3-) reduction reaction (NO3-RR) represents a promising strategy for both wastewater treatment and ammonia (NH3) synthesis. However, it is difficult to achieve efficient NO3-RR on a single-component catalyst due to NO3-RR involving multiple reaction steps that rely on distinct catalyst properties. Here we report a facile alloying/dealloying-driven phase-separation strategy to construct a bimodal nanoporous Ag/Ag-Co tandem catalyst that exhibits a remarkable NO3-RR performance in a broad NO3- concentration range from 5 to 500 mM. In 10 and 50 mM NO3- electrolytes, the NH3 yield rates reach 3.4 and 25.1 mg h-1 mgcat.-1 with corresponding NH3 Faradaic efficiencies of 94.0% and 97.1%, respectively, outperforming most of the reported catalysts under the same NO3- concentration. The experimental results and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that Ag ligaments preferentially reduce NO3- to NO2-, while bimetallic Ag-Co ligaments catalyze the reduction of NO2- to NH3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Yuexuan He
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Yuhuan Cui
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Yanbin Qu
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Guopeng Ding
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Chunyu Sui
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Qianling Wei
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Zhili Wang
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials, Ministry of Education, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao H, Duan Y, Cheng X, Fan C, Wang YQ. Fe 2O 3/ZnO heterojunction for efficient electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia. Dalton Trans 2024; 53:15674-15680. [PMID: 39248282 DOI: 10.1039/d4dt01578a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia (ENO3RR) has attracted great attention owing to its characteristics of treating wastewater while producing high value-added ammonia. In this study, we successfully prepared a heterojunction electrocatalyst Fe2O3/ZnO consisting of Fe2O3 nanosheets and ZnO nanoparticles, where the construction of the Fe2O3/ZnO heterojunction not only increased the exposure of the active sites of the catalyst, accelerated the interfacial electron transfer, and improved the conductivity of the catalyst but also optimized its overall electronic structure. Thus, Fe2O3/ZnO demonstrated a high Faraday efficiency of 97.4% and an ammonia yield of 6327.2 μg h-1 cm-2 at -1.0 V (vs. RHE) in 0.1 M KNO3 and 0.1 M PBS. DFT calculations also confirmed that the constructed Fe2O3/ZnO heterojunction effectively decreased the reaction energy barrier of *NO → *NHO and accelerated the reaction kinetics, which is favourable for ENO3RR. This study provides a new and facile design strategy of catalysts for electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Catalysis, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot, 010021, China.
| | - Yun Duan
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Catalysis, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot, 010021, China.
| | - Xuetao Cheng
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Catalysis, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot, 010021, China.
| | - Chao Fan
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Catalysis, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot, 010021, China.
| | - Yan-Qin Wang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Catalysis, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot, 010021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao R, Wang Y, Fu J, Zhang F, Wen L, Zhao Y, Guan B, Han B, Liu Z. Achieving over 90% Faradaic Efficiency in Cyclohexanone Oxime Electrosynthesis Using the Cu-Mo Dual-Site Catalyst. J Am Chem Soc 2024. [PMID: 39317968 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c11413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Coupling with the nitrate electroreduction reaction (NitRR), the electrosynthesis of cyclohexanone oxime (CHO, the vital feedstock in the nylon-6 industry) from cyclohexanone provides a promising alternative to the traditional energy consumption process. However, it still suffers from low efficiency because selective production of *NH2OH intermediate from NitRR under large current densities is challenging. We here report a Cu1MoOx/nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) electrocatalyst with high-density Cu-Mo dual sites for NitRR to selectively produce and stabilize *NH2OH, with the subsequent cyclohexanone oximation achieving the highest CHO Faradaic efficiency of 94.5% and a yield rate of 3.0 mol g-1 h-1 at an industrially relevant current density of 0.5 A cm-2. Furthermore, in situ characterizations evidenced that the Cu-Mo dual sites in Cu1MoOx/NC effectively inhibited hydrodeoxygenation of hydroxyl-containing intermediates of NitRR, selectively producing *NH2OH and thus achieving cyclohexanone oximation with high efficiency. This work provides a high-performance catalyst for CHO electrosynthesis from nitrogenous waste, showing promising application potential in industrial production of CHO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runyao Zhao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yiding Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jiaju Fu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Fengtao Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Linzi Wen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yanfei Zhao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Bo Guan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Buxing Han
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zhimin Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Laboratory of Colloid and Interface and Thermodynamics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Center for Carbon Neutral Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang S, Guo Z, Wang L, Zeng Y, Liang X, Dong F, Zhu P, Liu H, Wang D, Li Y. Atomically Dispersed Palladium Catalyst for Chemoselective Hydrogenation of Quinolines. NANO LETTERS 2024. [PMID: 39311622 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c02796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Chemoselective hydrogenation of quinoline and its derivatives is a significant strategy to achieve the corresponding 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines (py-THQ) for various potential applications. Here, we precisely constructed a titanium carbide supported atomically dispersed Pd catalyst (PdSA+NC/TiC) for quinoline hydrogenation, delivering above 99% py-THQ selectivity at complete conversion with an outstanding turnover frequency (TOF) of 463 h-1. AC-HAADF-STEM and XAFS demonstrate that the atomic dispersion of Pd includes Pd-Ti2C2 single atoms and Pd clusters with atomic-layer thickness. Theoretical calculation and experimental results revealed that H2 dissociation and subsequent hydrogenation rates were greatly promoted over Pd clusters. Although the adsorption of quinolines and intermediates are easier on Pd clusters than on Pd single atoms, the desorption of py-THQ is more favored over Pd single atoms than over Pd clusters. The desorption step may be the main reason for 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline (bz-THQ) and decahydroquinoline (DHQ) formation. Thus, a low reaction activity and py-THQ selectivity were received over PdSA/TiC and PdNP/TiC, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunwu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Zhenbo Guo
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P. R. China
| | - Ligang Wang
- Institute of Molecular Plus, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China
| | - Yang Zeng
- School of Traffic & Transportation, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Feng Dong
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Dingsheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Yadong Li
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241002, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu Z, Yang Z, Lu H, Zhu J, Li J, Fan MH, Zhao Z, Kong X, Wang K, Geng Z. Atomic Defects Engineering Boosts Urea Synthesis toward Carbon Dioxide and Nitrate Coelectroreduction. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:11730-11737. [PMID: 39248551 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c03451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
The atomic defect engineering could feasibly decorate the chemical behaviors of reaction intermediates to regulate catalytic performance. Herein, we created oxygen vacancies on the surface of In(OH)3 nanobelts for efficient urea electrosynthesis. When the oxygen vacancies were constructed on the surface of the In(OH)3 nanobelts, the faradaic efficiency for urea reached 80.1%, which is 2.9 times higher than that (20.7%) of the pristine In(OH)3 nanobelts. At -0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, In(OH)3 nanobelts with abundant oxygen vacancies exhibited partial current density for urea of -18.8 mA cm-2. Such a value represents the highest activity for urea electrosynthesis among recent reports. Density functional theory calculations suggested that the unsaturated In sites adjacent to oxygen defects helped to optimize the adsorbed configurations of key intermediates, promoting both the C-N coupling and the activation of the adsorbed CO2NH2 intermediate. In-situ spectroscopy measurements further validated the promotional effect of the oxygen vacancies on urea electrosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zifan Xu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengwu Yang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Lu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangchen Zhu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Junlin Li
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hui Fan
- The Instruments Center for Physical Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Zhao
- The Instruments Center for Physical Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangdong Kong
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Innovation Academy for Green Manufacture, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Geng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ge X, Pan R, Xie H, Hu S, Yuan J. Regulating Ru xMo y Nanoalloys Anchored on Porous Nitrogen-Doped Carbon via Domain-Confined Etching Strategy for Neutral Efficient Ammonia Electrosynthesis. NANO LETTERS 2024. [PMID: 39263891 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c03319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Neutral electrochemical nitrate (NO3-) reduction to ammonia involves sluggish and complex kinetics, so developing efficient electrocatalysts at low potential remains challenging. Here, we report a domain-confined etching strategy to construct RuxMoy nanoalloys on porous nitrogen-doped carbon by optimizing the Ru-to-Mo ratio, achieving efficient neutral NH3 electrosynthesis. Combining in situ spectroscopy and theoretical simulations demonstrated a rational synergic effect between Ru and Mo in nanoalloys that reinforces *H adsorption and lowers the energy barrier of NO3- hydrodeoxygenation for NH3 production. The resultant Ru5Mo5-NC surpasses 92.8% for NH3 selectivity at the potential range from -0.25 to -0.45 V vs RHE under neutral electrolyte, particularly achieving a high NH3 selectivity of 98.3% and a corresponding yield rate of 1.3 mg h-1 mgcat-1 at -0.4 V vs RHE. This work provides a synergic strategy that sheds light on a new avenue for developing efficient multicomponent heterogeneous catalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ge
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials & Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China
| | - Ronglan Pan
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials & Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China
| | - Haibo Xie
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials & Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China
| | - Shiwei Hu
- Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P.R. China
| | - Jili Yuan
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials & Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China
- College of Big Data and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang JJ, Lou YY, Wu Z, Huang XJ, Sun SG. Spatially Separated Cu/Ru on Ordered Mesoporous Carbon for Superior Ammonia Electrosynthesis from Nitrate over a Wide Potential Window. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:24966-24977. [PMID: 39197103 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c06657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3-) in wastewater poses a serious threat to human health and the ecological environment. The electrocatalytic NO3- reduction to ammonia (NH3) reaction (NO3-RR) emerges as a promising carbon-free energy route for enabling NO3- removal and sustainable NH3 synthesis. However, it remains a challenge to achieve high Faraday efficiencies at a wide potential window due to the complex multiple-electron reduction process. Herein, spatially separated dual-metal tandem electrocatalysts made of a nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon support with ultrasmall and high-content Cu nanoparticles encapsulated inside and large and low-content Ru nanoparticles dispersed on the external surface (denoted as Ru/Cu@NOMC) are designed. In electrocatalytic NO3-RR, the Cu sites can quickly convert NO3- to adsorbed NO2- (*NO2-), while the Ru sites can efficiently produce active hydrogen (*H) to enhance the kinetics of converting *NO2- to NH3 on the Cu sites. Due to the synergistic effect between the Cu and Ru sites, Ru/Cu@NOMC exhibits a maximum NH3 Faradaic efficiency (FENH3) of approximately 100% at -0.1 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a high NH3 yield rate of 1267 mmol gcat-1 h-1 at -0.5 V vs RHE. Finite element method (FEM) simulation and electrochemical in situ Raman spectroscopy revealed that the mesoporous framework can enhance the intermediate concentration due to the in situ confinement effect. Thanks to the Cu-Ru synergistic effect and the mesopore confinement effect, a wide potential window of approximately 500 mV for FENH3 over 90% and a superior stability for NH3 production over 156 h can be achieved on the Ru/Cu@NOMC catalyst.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jia Zhang
- Particle Engineering Laboratory, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, and Suzhou Key Laboratory of Novel Semiconductor-optoelectronics Materials and Devices, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
| | - Yao-Yin Lou
- Particle Engineering Laboratory, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, and Suzhou Key Laboratory of Novel Semiconductor-optoelectronics Materials and Devices, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
| | - Zhangxiong Wu
- Particle Engineering Laboratory, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, and Suzhou Key Laboratory of Novel Semiconductor-optoelectronics Materials and Devices, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Xiaoyang Jerry Huang
- Center of Advanced Electrochemical Energy, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Shi-Gang Sun
- Center of Advanced Electrochemical Energy, Institute of Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wan Y, Zhang Z, Qian J, Wei Y, Kang J, Chu K. Single-Atom Rh 1 Alloyed Co for Urea Electrosynthesis from CO 2 and NO 3. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:10928-10935. [PMID: 39162303 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c02767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Single-atom Rh1 alloyed Co (Rh1Co) is explored as an efficient catalyst for urea electrosynthesis via coelectrolysis of CO2 and NO3- (UECN). Theoretical calculations and in situ spectroscopic measurements unravel the synergetic effect of Co and Rh1 in promoting the UECN process, where the Rh1 site activates NO3- to form *NH2, while the Co site activates CO2 to form *CO. The formed *CO then desorbs from the Co site and transfers to the Rh1 site, followed by continuous C-N coupling with *NH2 formed on the Rh1 site to synthesize urea. Remarkably, Rh1Co assembled in a flow cell delivers the exceptional urea yield rate of 24.9 mmol h-1 g-1 and Faradaic efficiency of 51.1%, outperforming most previously reported UECN catalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Wan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhuoyan Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jinmei Qian
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yicheng Wei
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jilong Kang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Ke Chu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guo X, Yu J, Ren S, Gao RT, Wu L, Wang L. Controlled Defective Engineering on CuIr Catalyst Promotes Nitrate Selective Reduction to Ammonia. ACS NANO 2024; 18:24252-24261. [PMID: 39169609 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3-RR) is a promising low-carbon and environmentally friendly approach for the production of ammonia (NH3). Herein, we develop a high-temperature quenched copper (Cu) catalyst with the aim of inducing nonequilibrium phase transformation, revealing the multiple defects (distortion, dislocations, vacancies, etc.) presented in Cu, which lead to low overpotential for NO3-RR and high efficiency for NH3 production. Further loading a low content of iridium (Ir) species on the Cu surface improves the reactivity and ammonia selectivity. The resultant CuIr electrode exhibits a Faradaic efficiency of 93% and a record yield of 6.01 mmol h-1 cm-2 at -0.22 VRHE exceeding those of state-of-the-art NO3-RR catalysts. Detailed investigations have demonstrated that the synergistic effect between multiple defects and Ir decoration effectively regulate the d-band center of copper, change the adsorption state of the catalyst surface, and promote the adsorption and reduction of intermediates and reactants. The strong H* adsorption ability of the Ir element provides more active hydrogen for the generation of ammonia, promoting the reduction of nitrate to NH3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Guo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy Material and Chemistry, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Jidong Yu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy Material and Chemistry, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Shijie Ren
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy Material and Chemistry, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Rui-Ting Gao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy Material and Chemistry, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Limin Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy Material and Chemistry, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy Material and Chemistry, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Peng C, Wang M, Li S, Zeng X, Wang J, Wang W, Zhang Z, Ye M, Wei X, Wu K, Zhang K, Zeng J. A General Strategy Based on Hetero-Charge Coupling Effect for Constructing Single-Atom Sites. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202408771. [PMID: 38880771 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202408771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Single-atom catalysts have emerged as cutting-edge hotspots in the field of material science owing to their excellent catalytic performance brought about by well-defined metal single-atom sites (M SASs). However, huge challenges still lie in achieving the rational design and precise synthesis of M SASs. Herein, we report a novel synthesis strategy based on the hetero-charge coupling effect (HCCE) to prepare M SASs loaded on N and S co-doped porous carbon (M1/NSC). The proposed strategy was widely applied to prepare 17 types of M1/NSC composed of single or multi-metal with the integrated regulation of the coordination environment and electronic structure, exhibiting good universality and flexible adjustability. Furthermore, this strategy provided a low-cost method of efficiently synthesizing M1/NSC with high yields, that can produce more than 50 g catalyst at one time, which is key to large-scale production. Among various as-prepared unary M1/NSC (M can be Fe, Co, Ni, V, Cr, Mn, Mo, Pd, W, Re, Ir, Pt, or Bi) catalysts, Fe1/NSC delivered excellent performance for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to NH3 with high NH3 Faradaic efficiency of 86.6 % and high NH3 yield rate of 1.50 mg h-1 mgcat. -1 at -0.6 V vs. RHE. Even using Fe1/NSC as a cathode in a Zn-nitrate battery, it exhibited a high open circuit voltage of 1.756 V and high energy density of 4.42 mW cm-2 with good cycling stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- Institute of Clean Energy and Advanced Nanocatalysis (iClean), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, Anhui, 243032, P. R. China
| | - Mingyue Wang
- Institute of Clean Energy and Advanced Nanocatalysis (iClean), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, Anhui, 243032, P. R. China
| | - Sha Li
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P. R. China
| | - Xuezhi Zeng
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P. R. China
| | - Jieyue Wang
- Institute of Clean Energy and Advanced Nanocatalysis (iClean), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, Anhui, 243032, P. R. China
| | - Wenhai Wang
- Institute of Clean Energy and Advanced Nanocatalysis (iClean), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, Anhui, 243032, P. R. China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Mingfu Ye
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, Anhui, 243032, P. R. China
| | - Xianwen Wei
- Institute of Clean Energy and Advanced Nanocatalysis (iClean), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, Anhui, 243032, P. R. China
| | - Konglin Wu
- Institute of Clean Energy and Advanced Nanocatalysis (iClean), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, Anhui, 243032, P. R. China
| | - Kui Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, Anhui, 243032, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zeng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, Anhui, 243032, P. R. China
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhu X, Yuan X, Ge M, Tang Y. Atomic-Dispersed Cu Catalysts for Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction: Coordination Engineering and Fundamental Insights. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2405158. [PMID: 39183524 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202405158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
The development of Cu-based atomic dispersed catalysts with tailored coordination environments represents a significant step forward in enhancing the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia. By precisely modulating the electronic structures of Cu active centers, the binding strength of the *NO3 intermediates is successfully tuned, thereby substantially improving the catalytic activity toward electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (eNO3RR). This study reveals that the N4-coordinated Cu single-atom catalyst (Cu-SAC) exhibits superior performance due to its robust interaction with coordinating atoms. Notably, this optimized catalyst achieves a low limiting potential of -0.38 V, while the dual-atom system further reduces this value to -0.32 V, demonstrating exceptional activity. Detailed electronic structure analysis, including the examination of d-band centers, Bader charges, and projected density of states (PDOS), provides a comprehensive understanding of the origin of this high activity. Specifically, the high and concentrated density of states near the Fermi level plays a crucial role in facilitating the electrocatalytic nitrate reduction process. This work not only offers crucial insights into the underlying mechanisms of eNO3RR but also provides valuable guidelines for the rational design of highly efficient electrocatalysts for this important reaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Zhu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Xiaolei Yuan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Ming Ge
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Yanfeng Tang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chao G, Wang J, Zong W, Fan W, Xue T, Zhang L, Liu T. Single-atom catalysts for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction into ammonia. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 35:432001. [PMID: 39105490 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad64d9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) is a versatile and important compound with a wide range of uses, which is currently produced through the demanding Haber-Bosch process. Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction into ammonia (NRA) has recently emerged as a sustainable approach for NH3synthesis under ambient conditions. However, the NRA catalysis is a complex multistep electrochemical process with competitive hydrogen evolution reaction that usually results in poor selectivity and low yield rate for NH3synthesis. With maximum atom utilization and well-defined catalytic sites, single atom catalysts (SACs) display high activity, selectivity and stability toward various catalytic reactions. Very recently, a number of SACs have been developed as promising NRA electrocatalysts, but systematical discussion about the key factors that affect their NRA performance is not yet to be summarized to date. This review focuses on the latest breakthroughs of SACs toward NRA catalysis, including catalyst preparation, catalyst characterization and theoretical insights. Moreover, the challenges and opportunities for improving the NRA performance of SACs are discussed, with an aim to achieve further advancement in developing high-performance SACs for efficient NH3synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guojie Chao
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center of New Energy Vehicle Energy Saving and Battery Safety, WUXI Institute of Technology, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zong
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Xue
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Longsheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianxi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wen W, Fang S, Zhou Y, Zhao Y, Li P, Yu XY. Modulating the Electrolyte Microenvironment in Electrical Double Layer for Boosting Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202408382. [PMID: 38806407 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202408382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a promising approach to achieve remediation of nitrate-polluted wastewater and sustainable production of ammonia. However, it is still restricted by the low activity, selectivity and Faraday efficiency for ammonia synthesis. Herein, we propose an effective strategy to modulate the electrolyte microenvironment in electrical double layer (EDL) by mediating alkali metal cations in the electrolyte to enhance the NO3RR performance. Taking bulk Cu as a model catalyst, the experimental study reveals that the NO3 --to-NH3 performance in different electrolytes follows the trend Li+
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Wen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Shidong Fang
- Institute of Energy, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Centre (Anhui Energy Laboratory), Hefei, 230051, P. R. China
- Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hefei, 230031, P. R. China
| | - Yitong Zhou
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Xinhua University, Hefei, 230088, P. R. China
| | - Peng Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Yao Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang S, Dou M, Liu M, Yi J, Chen M, Wu L. Electrosynthesis of Ammonia from Nitrate Using a Self-Activated Carbon Fiber Paper. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:14736-14745. [PMID: 39028929 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c02353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
While electrochemically upcycling nitrate wastes to valuable ammonia is considered a very promising pathway for tackling the environmental and energy challenges underlying the nitrogen cycle, the effective catalysts involved are mainly limited to metal-based materials. Here, we report that commercial carbon fiber paper, which is a classical current collector and is typically assumed to be electrochemically inert, can be significantly activated during the reaction. As a result, it shows a high NH3 Faradaic efficiency of 87.39% at an industrial-level current density of 300 mA cm-2 for over 90 h of continuous operation, with a NH3 production rate of as high as 1.22 mmol cm-2 h-1. Through experimental and theoretical analysis, the in situ-formed oxygen functional groups are demonstrated to be responsible for the NO3RR performance. Among them, the C-O-C group is finally identified as the active center, which lowers the thermodynamic energy barrier and simultaneously improves the hydrogenation kinetics. Moreover, high-purity NH4Cl and NH3·H2O were obtained by coupling the NO3RR with an air-stripping approach, providing an effective way for converting nitrate waste into high-value-added NH3 products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sai Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Mengheng Dou
- Key Laboratory of Computational Physical Sciences, Institute of Computational Physical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Mengdi Liu
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Jianjian Yi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, P.R. China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Limin Wu
- Department of Materials Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhu H, Wang JJ, Xu Z, Tan Y, Wang J. Pd Nanoparticle Size-Dependent H * Coverage for Cu-Catalyzed Nitrate Electro-Reduction to Ammonia in Neutral Electrolyte. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2404919. [PMID: 39096112 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202404919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical conversion of nitrate (NO3 -) to ammonia (NH3) is an effective approach to reduce nitrate pollutants in the environment and also a promising low-temperature, low-pressure method for ammonia synthesis. However, adequate H* intermediates are highly expected for NO3 - hydrogenation, while suppressing competitive hydrogen evolution. Herein, the effect of H* coverage on the NO3RR for ammonia synthesis by Cu electrocatalysts is investigated. The H* coverage can be adjusted by changing Pd nanoparticle sizes. The optimized Pd@Cu with an average Pd size of 2.88 nm shows the best activity for NO3RR, achieving a maximum Faradaic efficiency of 97% (at -0.8 V vs RHE) and an NH3 yield of 21 mg h-1 cm- 2, from an industrial wastewater level of 500 ppm NO3 -. In situ electrochemical experiments indicate that Pd particles with 2.88 nm can promote NO3 - hydrogenation to NH3 via well-modulated coverage of adsorbed H* species. Coupling the anodic glycerol oxidation reaction, ammonium and formate are successfully obtained as value-added products in a membrane electrode assembly electrolyzer. This work provides a feasible strategy for obtaining size-dependent H* intermediates for hydrogenation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Zhu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Island Green Energy and New Materials, Institute of Electrochemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 318000, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jiacheng Jayden Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, P. R. China
| | - Zian Xu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yongwen Tan
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jiacheng Wang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Island Green Energy and New Materials, Institute of Electrochemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 318000, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li J, Valenza R, Haussener S. In Situ Synthesis of Cu xO/N Doped Graphdiyne with Pyridine N Configuration for Ammonia Production via Nitrate Reduction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310467. [PMID: 38552223 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Electroreduction of nitrate to ammonia provides an interesting pathway for wastewater treatment and valorization. Cu-based catalysts are active for the conversion of NO3 - to NO2 - but suffer from an inefficient hydrogenation process of NO2 -. Herein, CuxO/N-doped graphdiyne (CuxO/N-GDY) with pyridine N configuration are in situ prepared in one pot. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of pyridinic N in GDY and CuxO, the prepared CuxO/N-GDY tested in a commercial H-cell achieved a faradaic efficiency of 85% toward NH3 at -0.5 V versus RHE with a production rate of 340 µmol h-1 mgcat -1 in 0.1 M KNO3. When integrating the CuxO/N-GDY in an anion exchange membrane flow electrolyzer, a maximum Faradaic efficiency of 89% is achieved at a voltage of 2.3 V and the production rate is 1680 µmol h-1 mgcat -1 at 3.3 V in 0.1 M KNO3 at room temperature. Operation at 40 °C further promoted the overall reaction kinetics of NO3 - to NH3, but penalized its selectivity with respect to hydrogen evolution reaction. The high selectivity and production rate in this device configuration demonstrate its potential for industrial application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Laboratory of Renewable Energy Science and Engineering, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, EPFL, Station 9, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Valenza
- Laboratory of Renewable Energy Science and Engineering, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, EPFL, Station 9, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Haussener
- Laboratory of Renewable Energy Science and Engineering, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, EPFL, Station 9, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhou B, Yu L, Zhang W, Liu X, Zhang H, Cheng J, Chen Z, Zhang H, Li M, Shi Y, Jia F, Huang Y, Zhang L, Ai Z. Cu 1-Fe Dual Sites for Superior Neutral Ammonia Electrosynthesis from Nitrate. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202406046. [PMID: 38771293 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202406046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is able to convert nitrate (NO3 -) into reusable ammonia (NH3), offering a green treatment and resource utilization strategy of nitrate wastewater and ammonia synthesis. The conversion of NO3 - to NH3 undergoes water dissociation to generate active hydrogen atoms and nitrogen-containing intermediates hydrogenation tandemly. The two relay processes compete for the same active sites, especially under pH-neutral condition, resulting in the suboptimal efficiency and selectivity in the electrosynthesis of NH3 from NO3 -. Herein, we constructed a Cu1-Fe dual-site catalyst by anchoring Cu single atoms on amorphous iron oxide shell of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) for the electrochemical NO3RR, achieving an impressive NO3 - removal efficiency of 94.8 % and NH3 selectivity of 99.2 % under neutral pH and nitrate concentration of 50 mg L-1 NO3 --N conditions, greatly surpassing the performance of nZVI counterpart. This superior performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of enhanced NO3 - adsorption on Fe sites and strengthened water activation on single-atom Cu sites, decreasing the energy barrier for the rate-determining step of *NO-to-*NOH. This work develops a novel strategy of fabricating dual-site catalysts to enhance the electrosynthesis of NH3 from NO3 -, and presents an environmentally sustainable approach for neutral nitrate wastewater treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Photoenergy Utilization for Pollution Control and Carbon Reduction of Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied & Environmental Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Linghao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Photoenergy Utilization for Pollution Control and Carbon Reduction of Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied & Environmental Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Weixing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Photoenergy Utilization for Pollution Control and Carbon Reduction of Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied & Environmental Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Xupeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Photoenergy Utilization for Pollution Control and Carbon Reduction of Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied & Environmental Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Photoenergy Utilization for Pollution Control and Carbon Reduction of Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied & Environmental Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Jundi Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Photoenergy Utilization for Pollution Control and Carbon Reduction of Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied & Environmental Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Ziyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Photoenergy Utilization for Pollution Control and Carbon Reduction of Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied & Environmental Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Photoenergy Utilization for Pollution Control and Carbon Reduction of Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied & Environmental Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Meiqi Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Yanbiao Shi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Falong Jia
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Photoenergy Utilization for Pollution Control and Carbon Reduction of Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied & Environmental Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Yi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Photoenergy Utilization for Pollution Control and Carbon Reduction of Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied & Environmental Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Zhihui Ai
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Research Center of Photoenergy Utilization for Pollution Control and Carbon Reduction of Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied & Environmental Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhu Y, Duan W, Huang Z, Tian L, Wu W, Dang Z, Feng C. An Anti-Scaling Strategy for Electrochemical Wastewater Treatment: Leveraging Tip-Enhanced Electric Fields. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:13145-13156. [PMID: 38980824 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Electrode scaling poses a critical barrier to the adoption of electrochemical processes in wastewater treatment, primarily due to electrode inactivation and increased internal reactor resistance. We introduce an antiscaling strategy using tip-enhanced electric fields to redirect scale-forming compounds (e.g., Mg(OH)2 and CaCO3) from the electrode-electrolyte interface to the bulk solution. Our study utilized Cu nanowires (Cu NW) with high-curvature nanostructures as the cathode, in contrast to Cu nanoparticles (Cu NP), Cu foil (CF), and Cu mesh (CM), to evaluate the electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) performance in hard water conditions. The Cu NW/CF cathode demonstrated superior NO3RR efficiency, with an apparent rate constant (Kapp) of 1.04 h-1, significantly outperforming control electrodes under identical conditions (Kapp < 0.051 h-1). Through experimental and theoretical analysis, including COMSOL simulations, we show that the high-curvature design of Cu NW induced localized electric field enhancements, propelling OH- ions away from the electrode surface into the bulk solution, thus mitigating scale formation on the cathode. Testing with real nitrate-contaminated wastewater confirms that the Cu NW/CF cathode maintained excellent denitrification efficiency over a 60-day period. This study offers a promising perspective on preventing electrode scaling in electrochemical wastewater treatment, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Zhu
- The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Weijian Duan
- The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Ziyuan Huang
- The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Li Tian
- The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Wenbo Wu
- The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Zhi Dang
- The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Chunhua Feng
- The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang B, Ma J, Yang R, Meng B, Yang X, Zhang Q, Zhang B, Zhuo S. Bridging Nickel-MOF and Copper Single Atoms/Clusters with H-Substituted Graphdiyne for the Tandem Catalysis of Nitrate to Ammonia. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202404819. [PMID: 38728151 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202404819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Interfacial engineering of synergistic catalysts is one of the keys to achieving multiple proton-coupled electron transfer processes in nitrate-to-ammonia conversion. Herein, by joining ultrathin nickel-based metal-organic framework (denoted Ni-MOF) nanosheets with few-layered hydrogen-substituted graphdiyne-supported copper single atoms and clusters (denoted HsGDY@Cu), a tandem catalyst of Ni-MOFs@HsGDY@Cu with dual-active interfaces was developed for the concerted catalysis of nitrate-to-ammonia. In such a system, the sandwiched HsGDY layer could serve as a bridge to connect the coordinated unsaturated Ni2+ sites with Cu single atoms/clusters in a limited range of 0 to 3.6 nm. From Ni2+ to Cu, via the hydrogen spillover process, the hydrogen radicals (H⋅) generated at the unsaturated Ni2+ sites could migrate across HsGDY to the Cu sites to participate in the transformation of *HNO3 to NH3. From Cu to Ni2+, bypassing the higher reaction energy for *HNO3 formation on the Ni2+ sites, the NO2 - detached from the Cu sites could diffuse onto the unsaturated Ni2+ sites to form NH3 as well. The combined results make this hybrid a tandem catalyst with dual active sites for the catalysis of nitrate-to-ammonia conversion with improved Faradaic efficiency at lower overpotentials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biwen Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Functional Organic Porous Materials, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Jiahao Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Functional Organic Porous Materials, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
- Research & Development Institute of, Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen City, 518063, P. R. China
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Bocheng Meng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Functional Organic Porous Materials, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Xiubo Yang
- Analytical & Testing Center, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Qiuyu Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Functional Organic Porous Materials, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Sifei Zhuo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Functional Organic Porous Materials, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
- Research & Development Institute of, Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen City, 518063, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhai P, Wang C, Li Y, Jin D, Shang B, Chang Y, Liu W, Gao J, Hou J. Molecular Engineering of Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework for Enhanced Nitrate Electroreduction to Ammonia. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:8687-8695. [PMID: 38973752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c02030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction is an efficient way to produce ammonia sustainably. Herein, we rationally designed a copper metalloporphyrin-based hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF-Cu) through molecular engineering strategies for electrochemical nitrate reduction. As a result, the state-of-the-art HOF-Cu catalyst exhibits high NH3 Faradaic efficiency of 93.8%, and the NH3 production rate achieves a superior activity of 0.65 mmol h-1 cm-2. The in situ electrochemical spectroscopic combined with density functional theory calculations reveals that the dispersed Cu promotes the adsorption of NO3- and the mechanism is followed by deoxidation of NO3- to *NO and accompanied by deep hydrogenation. The generated *H participates in the deep hydrogenation of intermediate with fast kinetics as revealed by operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and the competing hydrogen evolution reaction is suppressed. This research provides a promising approach to the conversion of nitrate to ammonia, maintaining the nitrogen balance in the atmosphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panlong Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, P. R. China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, P. R. China
| | - Yaning Li
- The Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, P. R. China
| | - Dingfeng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, P. R. China
| | - Bing Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Chang
- The Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, P. R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, P. R. China
| | - Junfeng Gao
- The Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, P. R. China
| | - Jungang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang Z, Song J, Zhang H, Deng K, Yu H, Xu Y, Wang H, Wang L. Electrocatalytic Valorization of Nitrate and Polyester Plastic for Simultaneous Production of Ammonia and Glycolic Acid. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2404124. [PMID: 39016131 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202404124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical upcycling of nitrate and polyester plastic into valuable products is an ideal solution to realize the resource utilization. Here, the co-production of ammonia (NH3) and glycolic acid (GA) via electrochemical upcycling of nitrate and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics over mesoporous Pd3Au film on Ni foam (mPd3Au/NF), which is synthesized by micelle-assisted replacement method, is proposed. The mPd3Au/NF with well-developed mesoporous structure provides abundant active sites and facilitated transfer channels and strong electronic effect. As such, the mPd3Au/NF exhibits high Faraday efficiencies of 97.28% and 95.32% at 0.9 V for the formation of NH3 and GA, respectively. Theoretical results indicate that the synergistic effect of Pd and Au can optimize adsorption energy of key intermediates *NOH and *OCH2-CH2OH on active sites and increase bond energy of C─C band, thereby improving the activity and selectivity for the formation of NH3 and GA. This work proposes a promising strategy for the simultaneous conversation of nitrate and PET plastic into high-value NH3 and GA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China
| | - Jiale Song
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China
| | - Hugang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China
| | - Kai Deng
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China
| | - Hongjie Yu
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China
| | - You Xu
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China
| | - Hongjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China
| | - Liang Wang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Shen Z, Chen G, Cheng X, Xu F, Huang H, Wang X, Yang L, Wu Q, Hu Z. Self-enhanced localized alkalinity at the encapsulated Cu catalyst for superb electrocatalytic nitrate/nitrite reduction to NH 3 in neutral electrolyte. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadm9325. [PMID: 38985876 PMCID: PMC11235175 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adm9325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The electrocatalytic nitrate/nitrite reduction reaction (eNOx-RR) to ammonia (NH3) is thermodynamically more favorable than the eye-catching nitrogen (N2) electroreduction. To date, the high eNOx-RR-to-NH3 activity is limited to strong alkaline electrolytes but cannot be achieved in economic and sustainable neutral/near-neutral electrolytes. Here, we construct a copper (Cu) catalyst encapsulated inside the hydrophilic hierarchical nitrogen-doped carbon nanocages (Cu@hNCNC). During eNOx-RR, the hNCNC shell hinders the diffusion of generated OH- ions outward, thus creating a self-enhanced local high pH environment around the inside Cu nanoparticles. Consequently, the Cu@hNCNC catalyst exhibits an excellent eNOx-RR-to-NH3 activity in the neutral electrolyte, equivalent to the Cu catalyst immobilized on the outer surface of hNCNC (Cu/hNCNC) in strong alkaline electrolyte, with much better stability for the former. The optimal NH3 yield rate reaches 4.0 moles per hour per gram with a high Faradaic efficiency of 99.7%. The strong-alkalinity-free advantage facilitates the practicability of Cu@hNCNC catalyst as demonstrated in a coupled plasma-driven N2 oxidization with eNOx-RR-to-NH3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Shen
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry of MOE and Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory for Nanotechnology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Guanghai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry of MOE and Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory for Nanotechnology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Xueyi Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry of MOE and Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory for Nanotechnology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Fengfei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry of MOE and Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory for Nanotechnology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Hongwen Huang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xizhang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry of MOE and Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory for Nanotechnology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Lijun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry of MOE and Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory for Nanotechnology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry of MOE and Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory for Nanotechnology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry of MOE and Jiangsu Provincial Laboratory for Nanotechnology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhao K, Jiang X, Wu X, Feng H, Wang X, Wan Y, Wang Z, Yan N. Recent development and applications of differential electrochemical mass spectrometry in emerging energy conversion and storage solutions. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:6917-6959. [PMID: 38836324 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00840a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical energy conversion and storage are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the sustainable future. Differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) offers an operando and cost-effective tool to monitor the evolution of gaseous/volatile intermediates and products during these processes. It can deliver potential-, time-, mass- and space-resolved signals which facilitate the understanding of reaction kinetics. In this review, we show the latest developments and applications of DEMS in various energy-related electrochemical reactions from three distinct perspectives. (I) What is DEMS addresses the working principles and key components of DEMS, highlighting the new and distinct instrumental configurations for different applications. (II) How to use DEMS tackles practical matters including the electrochemical test protocols, quantification of both potential and mass signals, and error analysis. (III) Where to apply DEMS is the focus of this review, dealing with concrete examples and unique values of DEMS studies in both energy conversion applications (CO2 reduction, water electrolysis, carbon corrosion, N-related catalysis, electrosynthesis, fuel cells, photo-electrocatalysis and beyond) and energy storage applications (Li-ion batteries and beyond, metal-air batteries, supercapacitors and flow batteries). The recent development of DEMS-hyphenated techniques and the outlook of the DEMS technique are discussed at the end. As DEMS celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024, we hope this review can offer electrochemistry researchers a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments of DEMS and will inspire them to tackle emerging scientific questions using DEMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Key Lab of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education of China, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Xiaoyi Jiang
- Key Lab of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education of China, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- Key Lab of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education of China, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Haozhou Feng
- Key Lab of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education of China, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Xiude Wang
- Key Lab of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education of China, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Yuyan Wan
- Key Lab of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education of China, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Key Lab of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education of China, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
| | - Ning Yan
- Key Lab of Artificial Micro- and Nano-Structures of Ministry of Education of China, School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Wuhan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wei J, Li Y, Lin H, Lu X, Zhou C, Li YY. Copper-based electro-catalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia from water: Mechanism, preparation, and research directions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 20:100383. [PMID: 38304117 PMCID: PMC10830547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Global water bodies are increasingly imperiled by nitrate pollution, primarily originating from industrial waste, agricultural runoffs, and urban sewage. This escalating environmental crisis challenges traditional water treatment paradigms and necessitates innovative solutions. Electro-catalysis, especially utilizing copper-based catalysts, known for their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness, offer a promising avenue for the electro-catalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia. In this review, we systematically consolidate current research on diverse copper-based catalysts, including pure Cu, Cu alloys, oxides, single-atom entities, and composites. Furthermore, we assess their catalytic performance, operational mechanisms, and future research directions to find effective, long-term solutions to water purification and ammonia synthesis. Electro-catalysis technology shows the potential in mitigating nitrate pollution and has strategic importance in sustainable environmental management. As to the application, challenges regarding complexity of the real water, the scale-up of the commerical catalysts, and the efficient collection of produced NH3 are still exist. Following reseraches of catalyst specially on long term stability and in situ mechanisms are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chucheng Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials & Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Advance Technology of Ceramics, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China
| | - Ya-yun Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials & Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Advance Technology of Ceramics, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wei Y, Huang J, Chen H, Zheng SJ, Huang RW, Dong XY, Li LK, Cao A, Cai J, Zang SQ. Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction on Metallic CoNi-Terminated Catalyst with Industrial-Level Current Density in Neutral Medium. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2404774. [PMID: 38721927 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Green ammonia synthesis through electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (eNO3RR) can serve as an effective alternative to the traditional energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. However, achieving high Faradaic efficiency (FE) at industrially relevant current density in neutral medium poses significant challenges in eNO3RR. Herein, with the guidance of theoretical calculation, a metallic CoNi-terminated catalyst is successfully designed and constructed on copper foam, which achieves an ammonia FE of up to 100% under industrial-level current density and very low overpotential (-0.15 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode) in a neutral medium. Multiple characterization results have confirmed that the maintained metal atom-terminated surface through interaction with copper atoms plays a crucial role in reducing overpotential and achieving high current density. By constructing a homemade gas stripping and absorption device, the complete conversion process for high-purity ammonium nitrate products is demonstrated, displaying the potential for practical application. This work suggests a sustainable and promising process toward directly converting nitrate-containing pollutant solutions into practical nitrogen fertilizers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Wei
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Su-Jun Zheng
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ren-Wu Huang
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xi-Yan Dong
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454003, China
| | - Lin-Ke Li
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ang Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Clean Energy Utilization, Institute for Thermal Power Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Jinmeng Cai
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Shuang-Quan Zang
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang W, Zhou Y, Zhu Y, Guo Y, Zhang B, Zhang LH, Li F, Yu F. Boosting Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction at Low Concentrations Through Simultaneous Electronic States Regulation and Proton Provision. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2404792. [PMID: 38923291 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202404792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemically converting nitrate (NO3 -) into ammonia (NH3) has emerged as an alternative strategy for NH3 production and effluent treatment. Nevertheless, the electroreduction of dilute NO3 - is still challenging due to the competitive adsorption between various aqueous species and NO3 -, and unfavorable water dissociation providing *H. Herein, a new tandem strategy is proposed to boost the electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) performance of Cu nanoparticles supported on single Fe atoms dispersed N-doped carbon (Cu@Fe1-NC) at dilute NO3 - concentrations (≤100 ppm NO3 --N). The optimized Cu@Fe1-NC presents a FENH3 of 97.7% at -0.4 V versus RHE, and a significant NH3 yield of 1953.9 mmol h-1 gCu -1 at 100 ppm NO3 --N, a record-high activity for dilute NO3RR. The metal/carbon heterojunctions in Cu@Fe1-NC enable a spontaneous electron transfer from Cu to carbon substrate, resulting in electron-deficient Cu. As a result, the electron-deficient Cu facilitates the adsorption of NO3 - compared with the pristine Cu. The adjacent atomic Fe sites efficiently promote water dissociation, providing abundant *H for the hydrogenation of *NOx e at Cu sites. The synergistic effects between Cu and single Fe atom sites simultaneously decrease the energy barrier for NO3 - adsorption and hydrogenation, thereby enhancing the overall activity of NO3 - reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenlin Zhang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300130, P. R. China
| | - Yuzhuo Zhou
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300130, P. R. China
| | - Yong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Yabo Guo
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300130, P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300130, P. R. China
| | - Lu-Hua Zhang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300130, P. R. China
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, P. R. China
| | - Fengshou Yu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300130, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang G, Wang C, Tian X, Li Q, Liu S, Zhao X, Waterhouse GIN, Zhao X, Lv X, Xu J. Facile Construction of CuFe-Based Metal Phosphides for Synergistic NO x -Reduction to NH 3 and Zn-Nitrite Batteries in Electrochemical Cell. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311439. [PMID: 38161250 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The electrocatalytic nitrite/nitrate reduction reaction (eNO2RR/eNO3RR) offer a promising route for green ammonia production. The development of low cost, highly selective and long-lasting electrocatalysts for eNO2RR/eNO3RR is challenging. Herein, a method is presented for constructing Cu3P-Fe2P heterostructures on iron foam (CuFe-P/IF) that facilitates the effective conversion of NO2 - and NO3 - to NH3. At -0.1 and -0.2 V versus RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode), CuFe-P/IF achieves a Faradaic efficiency (FE) for NH3 production of 98.36% for eNO2RR and 72% for eNO3RR, while also demonstrating considerable stability across numerous cycles. The superior performance of CuFe-P/IF catalyst is due tothe rich Cu3P-Fe2P heterstuctures. Density functional theory calculations have shed light on the distinct roles that Cu3P and Fe2P play at different stages of the eNO2RR/eNO3RR processes. Fe2P is notably active in the early stages, engaging in the capture of NO2 -/NO3 -, O─H formation, and N─OH scission. Conversely, Cu3P becomes more dominant in the subsequent steps, which involve the formation of N─H bonds, elimination of OH* species, and desorption of the final products. Finally, a primary Zn-NO2 - battery is assembled using CuFe-P/IF as the cathode catalyst, which exhibits a power density of 4.34 mW cm-2 and an impressive NH3 FE of 96.59%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Chuanjun Wang
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Film Application of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Xinxin Tian
- Institute of Molecular Science, Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage of Shanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation, University of Delaware, 221 Academy St., Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Shenjie Liu
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Xiuying Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | | | - Xin Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lv
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| | - Jing Xu
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Film Application of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tai'an, Shandong, 271018, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhang C, Zhang Y, Deng R, Yuan L, Zou Y, Bao T, Zhang X, Wei G, Yu C, Liu C. Enabling Logistics Automation in Nanofactory: Cobalt Phosphide Embedded Metal-Organic Frameworks for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2313844. [PMID: 38615269 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NitRR) in neutral condition offers a promising strategy for green ammonia synthesis and wastewater treatment, the rational design of electrocatalysts is the cornerstone. Inspired by modern factory design where both machines and logistics matter for manufacturing, it is reported that cobalt phosphide (CoP) nanoparticles embedded in zinc-based zeolite imidazole frameworks (Zn-ZIF) function as a nanofactory with high performance. By selective phosphorization of ZnCo bimetallic zeolite imidazole framework (ZnCo-ZIF), the generated CoP nanoparticles act as "machines" (active sites) for molecular manufacturing (NO3 - to NH4 + conversion). The purposely retained framework (Zn-ZIFs) with positive charge promotes logistics automation, i.e., the automatic delivery of NO3 - reactants and timely discharge of NH4 + products in-and-out the nanofactory due to electrostatic interaction. Moreover, the interaction between Zn-ZIF and CoP modulates the Co sites into electron insufficient state with upshifted d-band center, facilitating the reduction/hydrogenation of NO3 - to ammonia and restricting the competitive hydrogen evolution. Consequently, the assembled CoP/Zn-ZIF nanofactory exhibits superior NitRR performances with a high Faraday efficiency of ≈97% and a high ammonia yield of 0.89 mmol cm-1 h-1 in neutral condition, among the best of reported electrocatalysts. The work provides new insights into the design principles of efficient NitRR electrocatalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqi Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China
| | - Rong Deng
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China
| | - Ling Yuan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China
| | - Yingying Zou
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China
| | - Tong Bao
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China
| | - Xinchan Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China
| | - GuangFeng Wei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P. R. China
| | - Chengzhong Yu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular and Process Engineering, SKLPMPE, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular and Process Engineering, SKLPMPE, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wang H, Du G, Jia J, Huang J, Tu M, Zhang J, Peng Y, Li H, Xu C. Ru-Doped NiFe-MIL-53 with Facilitated Reconstruction and Active Hydrogen Supplement for Enhanced Nitrate Reduction. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:9212-9220. [PMID: 38718298 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The Electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NH3) is a process of great significance to energy utilization and environmental protection. However, it suffers from sluggish multielectron/proton-involved steps involving coupling reactions between different reaction intermediates and active hydrogen species (Hads) produced by water decomposition. In this study, a Ru-doped NiFe-MIL-53 (NiFeRu-MIL-53) supported on Ni foam (NF) has been designed for the nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR). The NiFeRu-MIL-53 exhibits excellent NO3RR activity with a maximum Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 100% at -0.4 V vs. RHE for NH3 and a maximum NH3 yield of 62.39 mg h-1 cm-2 at -0.7 V vs. RHE in alkaline media. This excellent performance for the NO3RR is attributed to a strong synergistic effect between Ru and reconstructed NiFe(OH)2. Additionally, the doped Ru facilitates water dissociation, leading to an appropriate supply of Hads required for N species hydrogenation during NO3RR, thereby further enhancing its performance. Furthermore, in situ Raman analysis reveals that incorporating Ru facilitates the reconstruction of MOFs and promotes the formation of hydroxide active species during the NO3RR process. This work provides a valuable strategy for designing electrocatalysts to improve the efficiency of the reduction of electrochemical nitrate to ammonia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huijiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Gening Du
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Jinzhi Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Junfeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Mudong Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Hua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Cailing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ma H, Yan J, Xu J, Chen P, Qi J, Ding Y, Zhang S, Lu L. Dendritic copper oxide catalyst engineering weak-polarity Cu-O bond for high-efficiency nitrate electroreduction. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134261. [PMID: 38608589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is deemed a promising pathway for both ammonia synthesis and water purification. Developing a high-efficiency catalyst with excellent NH3 selectivity and catalytic stability is desirable but remains challenging. In this work, a dendritic copper oxide catalyst (Cu-B2) has been developed to efficiently catalyze NO3RR for ammonia production, the Cu-B2 exhibits excellent catalytic performance, achieving an NH3 Faradaic efficiency as high as 94 % and an NH3 yield of 16.9 mg h-1 cm-2 with a current density of 192.3 mA cm-2 at - 0.6 V (vs. RHE, reversible hydrogen electrode). During NO3RR testing, the Cu-B2 catalysts are reduced in situ to form highly active Cu0/Cu+ sites, while retaining its dendritic morphology. Compared with other catalysts, the Cu-O bond in Cu-B2 catalyst has weaker polarity, resulting in Cu0/Cu+ sites in lower oxidation states. In situ attenuated total reflection surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS) studies reveal the Cu-B2 catalyst exhibits a potential-independent capability for *NO3- adsorption and high conversion efficiency of NO2- intermediate into ammonia, DFT calculations reveal that Cu-B2 exhibts higher NO3- adsorption energy and lower NO3- adsorption energy barrier than Cu-B1, thus endowing it with a remarkably improved catalytic activity and durability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Jing Yan
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Ping Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Jiaou Qi
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Yue Ding
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Shaowei Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK.
| | - Lilin Lu
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Liu Y, Wei J, Yang Z, Zheng L, Zhao J, Song Z, Zhou Y, Cheng J, Meng J, Geng Z, Zeng J. Efficient tandem electroreduction of nitrate into ammonia through coupling Cu single atoms with adjacent Co 3O 4. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3619. [PMID: 38684692 PMCID: PMC11059385 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48035-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The nitrate (NO3-) electroreduction into ammonia (NH3) represents a promising approach for sustainable NH3 synthesis. However, the variation of adsorption configurations renders great difficulties in the simultaneous optimization of binding energy for the intermediates. Though the extensively reported Cu-based electrocatalysts benefit NO3- adsorption, one of the key issues lies in the accumulation of nitrite (NO2-) due to its weak adsorption, resulting in the rapid deactivation of catalysts and sluggish kinetics of subsequent hydrogenation steps. Here we report a tandem electrocatalyst by combining Cu single atoms catalysts with adjacent Co3O4 nanosheets to boost the electroreduction of NO3- to NH3. The obtained tandem catalyst exhibits a yield rate for NH3 of 114.0 mgNH 3 h-1 cm-2, which exceeds the previous values for the reported Cu-based catalysts. Mechanism investigations unveil that the combination of Co3O4 regulates the adsorption configuration of NO2- and strengthens the binding with NO2-, thus accelerating the electroreduction of NO3- to NH3.
Collapse
Grants
- National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFA1500500, 2019YFA0405600),National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (21925204), CAS project for young scientists in basic research (YSBR-051), Collaborative Innovation Program of Hefei Science Center, CAS (2022HSC-CIP004), International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (123GJHZ2022101GC), the Joint Fund of the Yulin University and the Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy (YLU-DNL Fund 2022012), Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
- China Postdoctoral Program for Innovative Talents (BX20200324)
- the Anhui Natural Science Foundation for Young Scholars (2208085QB41), and the Fellowship of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2021M693058)
- the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB0450401),CAS project for young scientists in basic research (YSBR-022)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, PR China
| | - Jie Wei
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, PR China
| | - Zhengwu Yang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, PR China
| | - Lirong Zheng
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiankang Zhao
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, PR China
| | - Zhimin Song
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, PR China
| | - Yuhan Zhou
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, PR China
| | - Jiajie Cheng
- Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, PR China
| | - Junyang Meng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, PR China
| | - Zhigang Geng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, PR China.
| | - Jie Zeng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, PR China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Strongly-Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Chemistry and Energy Catalysis of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, PR China.
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, 243002, Anhui, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Liu W, Xia M, Zhao C, Chong B, Chen J, Li H, Ou H, Yang G. Efficient ammonia synthesis from the air using tandem non-thermal plasma and electrocatalysis at ambient conditions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3524. [PMID: 38664388 PMCID: PMC11045753 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47765-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
While electrochemical N2 reduction presents a sustainable approach to NH3 synthesis, addressing the emission- and energy-intensive limitations of the Haber-Bosch process, it grapples with challenges in N2 activation and competing with pronounced hydrogen evolution reaction. Here we present a tandem air-NOx-NOx--NH3 system that combines non-thermal plasma-enabled N2 oxidation with Ni(OH)x/Cu-catalyzed electrochemical NOx- reduction. It delivers a high NH3 yield rate of 3 mmol h-1 cm-2 and a corresponding Faradaic efficiency of 92% at -0.25 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in batch experiments, outperforming previously reported ones. Furthermore, in a flow mode concurrently operating the non-thermal plasma and the NOx- electrolyzer, a stable NH3 yield rate of approximately 1.25 mmol h-1 cm-2 is sustained over 100 h using pure air as the intake. Mechanistic studies indicate that amorphous Ni(OH)x on Cu interacts with hydrated K+ in the double layer through noncovalent interactions and accelerates the activation of water, enriching adsorbed hydrogen species that can readily react with N-containing intermediates. In situ spectroscopies and density functional theory (DFT) results reveal that NOx- adsorption and their hydrogenation process are optimized over the Ni(OH)x/Cu surface. This work provides new insights into electricity-driven distributed NH3 production using natural air at ambient conditions.
Collapse
Grants
- This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2020YFA0710000, G.Y.), Joint Funds of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U22A20391, G.Y.), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 22108214, 22078256, G.Y.), Innovation Capability Support Program of Shaanxi (NO. 2023-CX-TD-26, G.Y.), and the Programme of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities (B23025, G.Y.)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Mengyang Xia
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Ben Chong
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Jiahe Chen
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - He Li
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Honghui Ou
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Guidong Yang
- A XJTU-Oxford International Joint Laboratory for Catalysis, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zhou L, Chen X, Zhu S, You K, Wang ZJ, Fan R, Li J, Yuan Y, Wang X, Wang J, Chen Y, Jin H, Wang S, Lv JJ. Two-dimensional Cu Plates with Steady Fluid Fields for High-rate Nitrate Electroreduction to Ammonia and Efficient Zn-Nitrate Batteries. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202401924. [PMID: 38366134 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate electroreduction reaction (eNO3 -RR) to ammonia (NH3) provides a promising strategy for nitrogen utilization, while achieving high selectivity and durability at an industrial scale has remained challenging. Herein, we demonstrated that the performance of eNO3 -RR could be significantly boosted by introducing two-dimensional Cu plates as electrocatalysts and eliminating the general carrier gas to construct a steady fluid field. The developed eNO3 -RR setup provided superior NH3 Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 99 %, exceptional long-term electrolysis for 120 h at 200 mA cm-2, and a record-high yield rate of 3.14 mmol cm-2 h-1. Furthermore, the proposed strategy was successfully extended to the Zn-nitrate battery system, providing a power density of 12.09 mW cm-2 and NH3 FE of 85.4 %, outperforming the state-of-the-art eNO3 -RR catalysts. Coupled with the COMSOL multiphysics simulations and in situ infrared spectroscopy, the main contributor for the high-efficiency NH3 production could be the steady fluid field to timely rejuvenate the electrocatalyst surface during the electrocatalysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Limin Zhou
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Shaojun Zhu
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Kun You
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Zheng-Jun Wang
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Ru Fan
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Jun Li
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Electrochemical Energy Materials and Devices, Institute of New Materials and Industrial Technologies, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yifei Yuan
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jichang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, M4Y1M7, Canada
| | - Yihuang Chen
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Huile Jin
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Electrochemical Energy Materials and Devices, Institute of New Materials and Industrial Technologies, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Shun Wang
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Electrochemical Energy Materials and Devices, Institute of New Materials and Industrial Technologies, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Jing-Jing Lv
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhang W, Yao Y, Chen Z, Zhao S, Guo F, Zhang L. Fluorine Modification Promoted Water Dissociation into Atomic Hydrogen on a Copper Electrode for Efficient Neutral Nitrate Reduction and Ammonia Recovery. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7208-7216. [PMID: 38615328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia (NITRR) offers an attractive solution for alleviating environmental concerns, yet in neutral media, it is challenging as a result of the reliance on the atomic hydrogen (H*) supply by breaking the stubborn HO-H bond (∼492 kJ/mol) of H2O. Herein, we demonstrate that fluorine modification on a Cu electrode (F-NFs/CF) favors the formation of an O-H···F hydrogen bond at the Cu-H2O interface, remarkably stretching the O-H bond of H2O from 0.98 to 1.01 Å and lowering the energy barrier of water dissociation into H* from 0.64 to 0.35 eV at neutral pH. As a benefit from these advantages, F-NFs/CF could rapidly reduce NO3- to NH3 with a rate constant of 0.055 min-1 and a NH3 selectivity of ∼100%, far higher than those (0.004 min-1 and 9.2%) of the Cu counterpart. More importantly, we constructed a flow-through coupled device consisting of a NITRR electrolyzer and a NH3 recovery unit, realizing 98.1% of total nitrogen removal with 99.3% of NH3 recovery and reducing the denitrification cost to $5.1/kg of N. This study offers an effective strategy to manipulate the generation of H* from water dissociation for efficient NO3--to-NH3 conversion and sheds light on the importance of surface modification on a Cu electrode toward electrochemical reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weixing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Yancai Yao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengxi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Furong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, People's Republic of China
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental & Applied Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, People's Republic of China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Xu Y, Cheng C, Zhu J, Zhang B, Wang Y, Yu Y. Sulphur-Boosted Active Hydrogen on Copper for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Nitrate-to-Ammonia Selectivity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400289. [PMID: 38372474 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia is a promising approach in term of pollutant appreciation. Cu-based catalysts performs a leading-edge advantage for nitrate reduction due to its favorable adsorption with *NO3. However, the formation of active hydrogen (*H) on Cu surface is difficult and insufficient, leading to the significant generation of by-product NO2 -. Herein, sulphur doped Cu (Cu-S) is prepared via an electrochemical conversion strategy and used for nitrate electroreduction. The high Faradaic efficiency (FE) of ammonia (~98.3 %) and an extremely low FE of nitrite (~1.4 %) are achieved on Cu-S, obviously superior to its counterpart of Cu (FENH3: 70.4 %, FENO2 -: 18.8 %). Electrochemical in situ characterizations and theoretical calculations indicate that a small amount of S doping on Cu surface can promote the kinetics of H2O dissociation to active hydrogen. The optimized hydrogen affinity validly decreases the hydrogenation kinetic energy barrier of *NO2, leading to an enhanced NH3 selectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Chuanqi Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Jiewei Zhu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Yifu Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bai L, Franco F, Timoshenko J, Rettenmaier C, Scholten F, Jeon HS, Yoon A, Rüscher M, Herzog A, Haase FT, Kühl S, Chee SW, Bergmann A, Beatriz RC. Electrocatalytic Nitrate and Nitrite Reduction toward Ammonia Using Cu 2O Nanocubes: Active Species and Reaction Mechanisms. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:9665-9678. [PMID: 38557016 PMCID: PMC11009949 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO3-) and nitrite (NO2-) enables sustainable, carbon-neutral, and decentralized routes to produce ammonia (NH3). Copper-based materials are promising electrocatalysts for NOx- conversion to NH3. However, the underlying reaction mechanisms and the role of different Cu species during the catalytic process are still poorly understood. Herein, by combining quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), we unveiled that Cu is mostly in metallic form during the highly selective reduction of NO3-/NO2- to NH3. On the contrary, Cu(I) species are predominant in a potential region where the two-electron reduction of NO3- to NO2- is the major reaction. Electrokinetic analysis and in situ Raman spectroscopy was also used to propose possible steps and intermediates leading to NO2- and NH3, respectively. This work establishes a correlation between the catalytic performance and the dynamic changes of the chemical state of Cu, and provides crucial mechanistic insights into the pathways for NO3-/NO2- electrocatalytic reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janis Timoshenko
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz-Haber-Institute of Max-Planck-Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Clara Rettenmaier
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz-Haber-Institute of Max-Planck-Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Scholten
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz-Haber-Institute of Max-Planck-Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Aram Yoon
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz-Haber-Institute of Max-Planck-Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Rüscher
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz-Haber-Institute of Max-Planck-Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonia Herzog
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz-Haber-Institute of Max-Planck-Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix T. Haase
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz-Haber-Institute of Max-Planck-Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kühl
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz-Haber-Institute of Max-Planck-Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - See Wee Chee
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz-Haber-Institute of Max-Planck-Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Arno Bergmann
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz-Haber-Institute of Max-Planck-Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roldan Cuenya Beatriz
- Department of Interface Science, Fritz-Haber-Institute of Max-Planck-Society, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang Z, Zhou N, Wang J, Wang D, Zeng J, Zhong H, Zhang X. Highly efficient electrochemical ammonia synthesis via nitrate reduction over metallic Cu phase coupling sulfion oxidation. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202301050. [PMID: 38126956 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a promising technology for ammonia production and denitrification of wastewater. Its application is seriously restricted by the development of the highly active and selective electrocatalyst and a rational electrolysis system. Here, we constructed an efficient electrochemical ammonia production process via nitrate reduction on the metallic Cu electrocatalyst when coupled with anodic sulfion oxidation reaction (SOR). The synthesized Cu catalyst delivers an excellent NH3 Faradaic efficiency of 96.0 % and a NH3 yield of 0.391 mmol h-1 cm-2 at -0.2 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, which mainly stem from the more favorable conversion of NO2 - to NH3 on Cu0. Importantly, the well-designed electrolysis system with cathodic NO3RR and anodic SOR achieves a dramatically reduced cell voltage of 0.8 V at 50 mA cm-2 in comparison with the one with anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of 1.9 V. This work presents an effective strategy for the energy-saving ammonia production via constructing effective nitrate reduction catalyst and replacing the OER with SOR while removing the pollutants including nitrate and sulfion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Street, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Na Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Street, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jiazhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Street, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Depeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Street, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jianrong Zeng
- Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 239 Zhangheng Street, Shanghai, 201204, China
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2019 Jialuogong Street, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Haixia Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Street, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Xinbo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun, 130022, China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Street, Hefei, 230026, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Sun L, Dai C, Wang T, Jin X, Xu ZJ, Wang X. Modulating the Electronic Structure of Cobalt in Molecular Catalysts via Coordination Environment Regulation for Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Nitrate Reduction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202320027. [PMID: 38317616 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202320027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) is pivotal in modern industry and represents a promising next-generation carbon-free energy carrier. Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (eNO3RR) presents viable solutions for NH3 production and removal of ambient nitrate pollutants. However, the development of eNO3RR is hindered by lacking the efficient electrocatalysts. To address this challenge, we synthesized a series of macrocyclic molecular catalysts for the heterogeneous eNO3RR. These materials possess different coordination environments around metal centers by surrounding subunits. Consequently, electronic structures of the active centers can be altered, enabling tunable activity towards eNO3RR. Our investigation reveals that metal center with an N2(pyrrole)-N2(pyridine) configuration demonstrates superior activity over the others and achieves a high NH3 Faradaic efficiency (FE) of over 90 % within the tested range, where the highest FE of approximately 94 % is obtained. Furthermore, it achieves a production rate of 11.28 mg mgcat -1 h-1, and a turnover frequency of up to 3.28 s-1. Further tests disclose that these molecular catalysts with diverse coordination environments showed different magnetic moments. Theoretical calculation results indicate that variated coordination environments can result in a d-band center variation which eventually affects rate-determining step energy and calculated magnetic moments, thus establishing a correlation between electronic structure, experimental activity, and computational parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Libo Sun
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore Ltd (Cambridge CARES), CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Chencheng Dai
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore Ltd (Cambridge CARES), CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Tianjiao Wang
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore Ltd (Cambridge CARES), CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Xindie Jin
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore Ltd (Cambridge CARES), CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
| | - Zhichuan J Xu
- Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore Ltd (Cambridge CARES), CREATE Tower, Singapore, 138602, Singapore
- School of Material Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fang L, Lu S, Wang S, Yang X, Song C, Yin F, Liu H. Defect engineering on electrocatalysts for sustainable nitrate reduction to ammonia: Fundamentals and regulations. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303249. [PMID: 37997008 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO3 -) reduction to ammonia (NH3) is a "two birds-one stone" method that targets remediation of NO3 --containing sewage and production of valuable NH3. The exploitation of advanced catalysts with high activity, selectivity, and durability is a key issue for the efficient catalytic performance. Among various strategies for catalyst design, defect engineering has gained increasing attention due to its ability to modulate the electronic properties of electrocatalysts and optimize the adsorption energy of reactive species, thereby enhancing the catalytic performance. Despite previous progress, there remains a lack of mechanistic insights into the regulation of catalyst defects for NO3 - reduction. Herein, this review presents insightful understanding of defect engineering for NO3 - reduction, covering its background, definition, classification, construction, and underlying mechanisms. Moreover, the relationships between regulation of catalyst defects and their catalytic activities are illustrated by investigating the properties of electrocatalysts through the analysis of electronic band structure, charge density distribution, and controllable adsorption energy. Furthermore, challenges and perspectives for future development of defects in NO3RR are also discussed, which can help researchers to better understand the defect engineering in catalysts, and also inspire scientists entering into this promising field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Fang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1400714, Chongqing, China
| | - Shun Lu
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1400714, Chongqing, China
| | - Sha Wang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1400714, Chongqing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1400714, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng Song
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1400714, Chongqing, China
| | - Fengjun Yin
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1400714, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1400714, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Xiong Y, Wang Y, Zhou J, Liu F, Hao F, Fan Z. Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction: Ammonia Synthesis and the Beyond. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2304021. [PMID: 37294062 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural nitrogen cycle has been severely disrupted by anthropogenic activities. The overuse of N-containing fertilizers induces the increase of nitrate level in surface and ground waters, and substantial emission of nitrogen oxides causes heavy air pollution. Nitrogen gas, as the main component of air, has been used for mass ammonia production for over a century, providing enough nutrition for agriculture to support world population increase. In the last decade, researchers have made great efforts to develop ammonia processes under ambient conditions to combat the intensive energy consumption and high carbon emission associated with the Haber-Bosch process. Among different techniques, electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) can achieve nitrate removal and ammonia generation simultaneously using renewable electricity as the power, and there is an exponential growth of studies in this research direction. Here, a timely and comprehensive review on the important progresses of electrochemical NO3RR, covering the rational design of electrocatalysts, emerging CN coupling reactions, and advanced energy conversion and storage systems is provided. Moreover, future perspectives are proposed to accelerate the industrialized NH3 production and green synthesis of chemicals, leading to a sustainable nitrogen cycle via prosperous N-based electrochemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuecheng Xiong
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center (NPMM), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yunhao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center (NPMM), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Fu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Fengkun Hao
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Zhanxi Fan
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center (NPMM), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhang B, Dai Z, Chen Y, Cheng M, Zhang H, Feng P, Ke B, Zhang Y, Zhang G. Defect-induced triple synergistic modulation in copper for superior electrochemical ammonia production across broad nitrate concentrations. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2816. [PMID: 38561364 PMCID: PMC10984973 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47025-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitrate can be electrochemically degraded to produce ammonia while treating sewage while it remains grand challenge to simultaneously realize high Faradaic efficiency and production rate over wide-range concentrations in real wastewater. Herein, we report the defect-rich Cu nanowire array electrode generated by in-situ electrochemical reduction, exhibiting superior performance in the electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction benefitting from the triple synergistic modulation. Notably, the defect-rich Cu nanowire array electrode delivers current density ranging from 50 to 1100 mA cm-2 across wide nitrate concentrations (1-100 mM) with Faradaic efficiency over 90%. Operando Synchrotron radiation Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and theoretical calculations revealed that the defective Cu sites can simultaneously enhance nitrate adsorption, promote water dissociation and suppress hydrogen evolution. A two-electrode system integrating nitrate reduction reaction in industrial wastewater with glycerol oxidation reaction achieves current density of 550 mA cm-2 at -1.4 V with 99.9% ammonia selectivity and 99.9% nitrate conversion with 100 h stability, demonstrating outstanding practicability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bocheng Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Zechuan Dai
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Yanxu Chen
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Mingyu Cheng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Huaikun Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Pingyi Feng
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Buqi Ke
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Genqiang Zhang
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Askari MJ, Kallick JD, McCrory CCL. Selective Reduction of Aqueous Nitrate to Ammonium with an Electropolymerized Chromium Molecular Catalyst. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:7439-7455. [PMID: 38465608 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate (NO3-) is a common nitrogen-containing contaminant in agricultural, industrial, and low-level nuclear wastewater that causes significant environmental damage. In this work, we report a bioinspired Cr-based molecular catalyst incorporated into a redox polymer that selectively and efficiently reduces aqueous NO3- to ammonium (NH4+), a desirable value-added fertilizer component and industrial precursor, at rates of ∼0.36 mmol NH4+ mgcat-1 h-1 with >90% Faradaic efficiency for NH4+. The NO3- reduction reaction occurs through a cascade catalysis mechanism involving the stepwise reduction of NO3- to NH4+ via observed NO2- and NH2OH intermediates. To our knowledge, this is one of the first examples of a molecular catalyst, homogeneous or heterogenized, that is reported to reduce aqueous NO3- to NH4+ with rates and Faradaic efficiencies comparable to those of state-of-the-art solid-state electrocatalysts. This work highlights a promising and previously unexplored area of electrocatalyst research using polymer-catalyst composites containing complexes with oxophilic transition metal active sites for electrochemical nitrate remediation with nutrient recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maiko J Askari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jeremy D Kallick
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Charles C L McCrory
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Li J, Ma Y, Ho JC, Qu Y. Hydrogen Spillover Phenomenon at the Interface of Metal-Supported Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:895-904. [PMID: 38427852 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
ConspectusHydrogen spillover, as a well-known phenomenon for thermal hydrogenation, generally involves the migration of active hydrogen on the surface of metal-supported catalysts. For thermocatalytic hydrogenation, hydrogen spillover generally takes place from metals with superiority for dissociating hydrogen molecules to supports with strong hydrogen adsorption under a H2 environment with high pressures. The former can bring high hydrogen chemical potential to largely reduce the kinetic barrier of the migration of active hydrogen species from metals to supports. At the same time, the latter can make H* migration thermodynamically spontaneous. For these reasons, hydrogen spillover is a common interfacial phenomenon occurring on metal-supported catalysts during thermocatalysis. Recently, this phenomenon has been observed for the exceptionally enhanced electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution and other electrocatalytic organic synthesis. Different from hydrogen spillover for thermocatalysis under high H2 pressure, hydrogen spillover for electrocatalysis involves the migration of active hydrogen species (H*) from metals with strong hydrogen adsorption to supports with weak hydrogen adsorption, thereby suffering from a thermodynamically unfavorable process accompanied by a high kinetic barrier. Thus, the occurrence of hydrogen spillover at the electrocatalytic interface is not easy, and successful cases are rare. Understanding the underlying nature of hydrogen spillover at the electrocatalytic interface of metal-supported catalysts is critical to the rational design of advanced electrocatalysts.In this Account, we provide in-depth insights into recent advances in hydrogen spillover at the electrocatalytic interface for a significantly enhanced hydrogen evolution performance. Electron accumulation at the metal-support interface induces severe interfacial H* trapping and is recognized as the main factor in the failed hydrogen spillover. Given this, we developed two novel strategies to promote the occurrence of hydrogen spillover at the electrocatalytic interface. These strategies include (i) the introduction of ligand environments to enrich the local hydrogen coverage on metals and lower the barrier for interfacial hydrogen spillover and (ii) the minimization of work function difference between metals and supports (ΔΦ) to relieve electron accumulation and lower the kinetic barrier for hydrogen spillover. Also, we summarize the previously reported strategy of shortening the metal-support interface distance to lower the kinetic barrier for interfacial hydrogen spillover. Afterward, some criteria and methodologies are proposed to identify the hydrogen spillover phenomenon at the electrocatalytic interface. Finally, the remaining challenges and future perspectives are also discussed. Based on this Account, we aim to provide new insights into electrocatalysis, particularly the targeted control of hydrogen spillover at the electrocatalytic interface, and then to offer guidelines for the rational design of advanced electrocatalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Special Functional and Smart Polymer Materials of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Special Functional and Smart Polymer Materials of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Johnny C Ho
- Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yongquan Qu
- Key Laboratory of Special Functional and Smart Polymer Materials of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Liang S, Teng X, Xu H, Chen L, Shi J. H* Species Regulation by Mn-Co(OH) 2 for Efficient Nitrate Electro-reduction in Neutral Solution. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400206. [PMID: 38253953 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
During the electrocatalytic NO3 - reduction reaction (NO3 - RR) under neutral condition, the activation of H2 O to generate H* and the inhibition of inter-H* species binding, are critically important but remain challenging for suppressing the non-desirable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, a Mn-doped Co(OH)2 (named as Mn-Co(OH)2 ) has been synthesized by in situ reconstruction in the electrolyte, which is able to dissociate H2 O molecules but inhibits the binding of H* species between each other owing to the increased interatomic spacing by the Mn-doping. The Mn-Co(OH)2 electrocatalyst offers a faradaic efficiency (FE) of as high as 98.9±1.7% at -0.6 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and an energy efficiency (EE) of 49.90±1.03% for NH3 production by NO3 - RR, which are among the highest of the recently reported state-of-the-art catalysts in neutral electrolyte. Moreover, negligible degradation at -200 mA cm-2 has been found for at least 500 h, which is the longest catalytic durations ever reported. This work paves a novel approach for the design and synthesis of efficient NO3 - RR electrocatalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaozhen Liang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
| | - Xue Teng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
| | - Heng Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
| | - Lisong Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, P. R. China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming, Shanghai, 202162, P. R. China
| | - Jianlin Shi
- State Key Laboratory of High-Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhang MD, Huang JR, Liao PQ, Chen XM. Utilisation of carbon dioxide and nitrate for urea electrosynthesis with a Cu-based metal-organic framework. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024. [PMID: 38456336 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc05821b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
It is important and challenging to utilise CO2 and NO3- as a feedstock for electrosynthesis of urea. Herein, we reported a stable 2D metal-organic framework (MOF) Cu-HATNA, possessing planar CuO4 active sites, as an efficient electrocatalyst for coupling CO2 and NO3- into urea, achieving a high yield rate of 1.46 g h-1 gcat-1 with a current density of 44.2 mA cm-1 at -0.6 V vs. RHE. This performance surpasses most of the previously reported catalysts, revealing the great prospects of MOFs in sustainable urea synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Di Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, GBRCE for Functional Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry, IGCME, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Jia-Run Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, GBRCE for Functional Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry, IGCME, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Pei-Qin Liao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, GBRCE for Functional Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry, IGCME, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Xiao-Ming Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, GBRCE for Functional Molecular Engineering, School of Chemistry, IGCME, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Shantou, 515031, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chen W, Wu Y, Jiang Y, Yang G, Li Y, Xu L, Yang M, Wu B, Pan Y, Xu Y, Liu Q, Chen C, Peng F, Wang S, Zou Y. Catalyst Selection over an Electrochemical Reductive Coupling Reaction toward Direct Electrosynthesis of Oxime from NO x and Aldehyde. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:6294-6306. [PMID: 38377334 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c14687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Aqueous electrochemical coupling reactions, which enable the green synthesis of complex organic compounds, will be a crucial tool in synthetic chemistry. However, a lack of informed approaches for screening suitable catalysts is a major obstacle to its development. Here, we propose a pioneering electrochemical reductive coupling reaction toward direct electrosynthesis of oxime from NOx and aldehyde. Through integrating experimental and theoretical methods, we screen out the optimal catalyst, i.e., metal Fe catalyst, that facilitates the enrichment and C-N coupling of key reaction intermediates, all leading to high yields (e.g., ∼99% yield of benzaldoxime) for the direct electrosynthesis of oxime over Fe. With a divided flow reactor, we achieve a high benzaldoxime production of 22.8 g h-1 gcat-1 in ∼94% isolated yield. This work not only paves the way to the industrial mass production of oxime via electrosynthesis but also offers references for the catalyst selection of other electrochemical coupling reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yandong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yimin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, P. R. China
| | - Guangxing Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yingying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, P. R. China
| | - Leitao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, P. R. China
| | - Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, P. R. China
| | - Binbin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yuping Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yanzhi Xu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, P. R. China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, P. R. China
| | - Chen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, P. R. China
| | - Feng Peng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Shuangyin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yuqin Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Sharp J, Ciotti A, Andrews H, Udayasurian SR, García-Melchor M, Li T. Sustainable Electrosynthesis of Cyclohexanone Oxime through Nitrate Reduction on a Zn-Cu Alloy Catalyst. ACS Catal 2024; 14:3287-3297. [PMID: 38449527 PMCID: PMC10913030 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.3c05388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Cyclohexanone oxime is an important precursor for Nylon-6 and is typically synthesized via the nucleophilic addition-elimination of hydroxylamine with cyclohexanone. Current technologies for hydroxylamine production are, however, not environment-friendly due to the requirement of harsh reaction conditions. Here, we report an electrochemical method for the one-pot synthesis of cyclohexanone oxime under ambient conditions with aqueous nitrate as the nitrogen source. A series of Zn-Cu alloy catalysts are developed to drive the electrochemical reduction of nitrate, where the hydroxylamine intermediate formed in the electroreduction process can undergo a chemical reaction with the cyclohexanone present in the electrolyte to produce the corresponding oxime. The best performance is achieved on a Zn93Cu7 electrocatalyst with a 97% yield and a 27% Faradaic efficiency for cyclohexanone oxime at 100 mA/cm2. By analyzing the catalytic activities/selectivities of the different Zn-Cu alloys and conducting in-depth mechanistic studies via in situ Raman spectroscopy and theoretical calculations, we demonstrate that the adsorption of nitrogen species plays a central role in catalytic performance. Overall, this work provides an attractive strategy to build the C-N bond in oxime and drive organic synthesis through electrochemical nitrate reduction, while highlighting the importance of controlling surface adsorption for product selectivity in electrosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Sharp
- School
of Chemistry and Environment, Manchester
Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Ciotti
- School
of Chemistry, CRANN and AMBER Research Centres,
Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Hayley Andrews
- School
of Chemistry and Environment, Manchester
Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, United Kingdom
| | - Shaktiswaran R. Udayasurian
- School
of Chemistry and Environment, Manchester
Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, United Kingdom
| | - Max García-Melchor
- School
of Chemistry, CRANN and AMBER Research Centres,
Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Tengfei Li
- School
of Chemistry and Environment, Manchester
Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Zhong W, Hong QL, Ai X, Zhang C, Li FM, Li XF, Chen Y. RhNi Bimetallenes with Lattice-Compressed Rh Skin towards Ultrastable Acidic Nitrate Electroreduction. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2314351. [PMID: 38408278 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Harvesting recyclable ammonia (NH3 ) from acidic nitrate (NO3 - )-containing wastewater requires the utilization of corrosion-resistant electrocatalytic materials with high activity and selectivity towards acidic electrochemical nitrate reduction (NO3 ER). Herein, ultrathin RhNi bimetallenes with Rh-skin-type structure (RhNi@Rh BMLs) are fabricated towards acidic NO3 ER. The Rh-skin atoms on the surface of RhNi@Rh BMLs experience the lattice compression-induced strain effect, resulting in shortened Rh-Rh bond and downshifted d-band center. Experimental and theoretical calculation results corroborate that Rh-skin atoms can inhibit NO2 */NH2 * adsorption-induced Rh dissolution, contributing to the exceptional electrocatalytic durability of RhNi@Rh BMLs (over 400 h) towards acidic NO3 ER. RhNi@Rh BMLs also reveal an excellent catalytic performance, boasting a 98.4% NH3 Faradaic efficiency and a 13.4 mg h-1 mgcat -1 NH3 yield. Theoretical calculations reveal that compressive stress tunes the electronic structure of Rh skin atoms, which facilitates the reduction of NO* to NOH* in NO3 ER. The practicality of RhNi@Rh BMLs has also been confirmed in an alkaline-acidic hybrid zinc-nitrate battery with a 1.39 V open circuit voltage and a 10.5 mW cm-2 power density. This work offers valuable insights into the nature of electrocatalyst deactivation behavior and guides the development of high-efficiency corrosion-resistant electrocatalysts for applications in energy and environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Ling Hong
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Ai
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, P. R. China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, P. R. China
| | - Fu-Min Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Xi-Fei Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Batteries Materials for Electric Vehicles of China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, 710048, P. R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710062, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kim Y, Ko J, Shim M, Park J, Shin HH, Kim ZH, Jung Y, Byon HR. Identifying the active sites and intermediates on copper surfaces for electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia. Chem Sci 2024; 15:2578-2585. [PMID: 38362436 PMCID: PMC10866343 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05793c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is a widely used catalyst for the nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR), but its susceptibility to surface oxidation and complex electrochemical conditions hinders the identification of active sites. Here, we employed electropolished metallic Cu with a predominant (100) surface and compared it to native oxide-covered Cu. The electropolished Cu surface rapidly oxidized after exposure to either air or electrolyte solutions. However, this oxide was reduced below 0.1 V vs. RHE, thus returning to the metallic Cu before NO3RR. It was distinguished from the native oxide on Cu, which remained during NO3RR. Fast NO3- and NO reduction on the metallic Cu delivered 91.5 ± 3.7% faradaic efficiency for NH3 at -0.4 V vs. RHE. In contrast, the native oxide on Cu formed undesired products and low NH3 yield. Operando shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) analysis revealed the adsorbed NO3-, NO2, and NO species on the electropolished Cu as the intermediates of NH3. Low overpotential NO3- and NO adsorptions and favorable NO reduction are key to increased NH3 productivity over Cu samples, which was consistent with the DFT calculation on Cu(100).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yohan Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) 291, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Ko
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Minyoung Shim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) 291, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Park
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) 291, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Hang Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Zee Hwan Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Yousung Jung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Ryung Byon
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) 291, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Udayasurian SR, Li T. Recent research progress on building C-N bonds via electrochemical NO x reduction. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:2805-2819. [PMID: 38240609 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06151e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The release of NOx species (such as nitrate, nitrite and nitric oxide) into water and the atmosphere due to human being's agricultural and industrial activities has caused a series of environmental problems, including accumulation of toxic pollutants that are dangerous to humans and animals, acid rain, the greenhouse effect and disturbance of the global nitrogen cycle balance. Electrosynthesis of organonitrogen compounds with NOx species as the nitrogen source offers a sustainable strategy to upgrade the waste NOx into value-added organic products under ambient conditions. The electrochemical reduction of NOx species can generate surface-adsorbed intermediates such as hydroxylamine, which are usually strong nucleophiles and can undergo nucleophilic attack to carbonyl groups to build C-N bonds and generate organonitrogen compounds such as amine, oxime, amide and amino acid. This mini-review summarizes the most recent progress in building C-N bonds via the in situ generation of nucleophilic intermediates from electrochemical NOx reduction, and highlights some important strategies in facilitating the reaction rates and selectivities towards the C-N coupling products. In particular, the preparation of high-performance electrocatalysts (e.g., nano-/atomic-scale catalysts, single-atom catalysts, alloy catalysts), selection of nucleophilic intermediates, novel design of reactors and understanding the surface adsorption process are highlighted. A few key challenges and knowledge gaps are discussed, and some promising research directions are also proposed for future advances in electrochemical C-N coupling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaktiswaran R Udayasurian
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
| | - Tengfei Li
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|