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Cai W, Chen C, Bao C, Gu JN, Li K, Jia J. Nitrate reduction to nitrogen in wastewater using mesoporous carbon encapsulated Pd-Cu nanoparticles combined with in-situ electrochemical hydrogen evolution. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 362:121346. [PMID: 38824884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
The conversion of NO3--N to N2 is of great significance for zero discharge of industrial wastewater. Pd-Cu hydrogenation catalysis has high application prospects for the reduction of NO3--N to N2, but the existing form of Pd-Cu, the Pd-Cu mass ratio and the H2 evolution rate can affect the coverage of active hydrogen (*H) on the surface of Pd, thereby affecting N2 selectivity. In this work, mesoporous carbon (MC) is used as support to disperse Pd-Cu catalyst and is applied in an in-situ electrocatalytic H2 evolution system for NO3--N removal. The Pd-Cu particles with the average size of 6 nm are uniformly encapsulated in the mesopores of MC. Electrochemical in-situ H2 evolution can not only reduce the amount of H2 used, but the H2 bubbles can also be efficiently dispersed when PPy coated nickel foam (PPy/NF) is used as cathode. Moreover, the mesoporous structure of MC can further split H2 bubbles, reducing the coverage of *H on Pd. The highest 77% N2 selectivity and a relatively faster NO3--N removal rate constant (0.10362 min-1) can be achieved under the optimal conditions, which is superior to most reported Pd-Cu catalytic systems. The prepared catalyst is further applied to the denitrification of actual deplating wastewater. NO3--N with the initial concentration of 650 mg L-1 can be completely removed after 180 min of treatment, and the TN removal can be maintained at 72%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlue Cai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Chenyu Bao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Jia-Nan Gu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Kan Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Jinping Jia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
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2
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Gao W, Sun J, Zhao G. Pd Clusters Loaded with Multivalent Cu Foam for Superior Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction and Selective N≡N Bond Formation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310597. [PMID: 38143296 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical denitrification of nitrate (NO3 -) in actual wastewater to nitrogen (N2) is an effective approach to reversing the current imbalance of the nitrogen cycle and the eutrophication of water. However, electrostatic repulsion between NO3 - and the cathode results in the low efficiency of NO3 - reduction reaction (NO3RR). Here, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used as a theoretical guide to design a Pd cluster-loaded multivalent Cu foam (Pd/Cu2O-CF) electrocatalyst, which achieves a splendid 97.8% NO3 - removal rate, 97.9% N2 selectivity, 695.5 mg N g-1 Pd h-1 reduction efficiency, and 60.0% Faradaic efficiency at -1.3 V versus SCE. The projected density of states (pDOS) indicates that NO3 - and Pd/Cu2O-CF are bonded via strong complexation between the O 2p (in NO3 -) and Cu 3d (in Cu2O) with the input of voltage, which reduces the electrostatic repulsion and enhances the enrichment of NO3 - on the cathode. In-situ characterizations demonstrate that Pd[H] can reduce Cu2O to Cu, and subsequently Cu reduces NO3 - to nitrite (NO2 -) accompanied by in situ reconfiguration of multivalent Cu foam. NO2 - is then transferred to the surface of Pd clusters by the cascade catalysis and accelerates the breaking of N─O bonds to form Pd─N, and eventually achieves the N≡N bond formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Gao
- Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Guohua Zhao
- Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
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3
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Chen Z, Ma T, Wei W, Wong WY, Zhao C, Ni BJ. Work Function-Guided Electrocatalyst Design. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2401568. [PMID: 38682861 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The development of high-performance electrocatalysts for energy conversion reactions is crucial for advancing global energy sustainability. The design of catalysts based on their electronic properties (e.g., work function) has gained significant attention recently. Although numerous reviews on electrocatalysis have been provided, no such reports on work function-guided electrocatalyst design are available. Herein, a comprehensive summary of the latest advancements in work function-guided electrocatalyst design for diverse electrochemical energy applications is provided. This includes the development of work function-based catalytic activity descriptors, and the design of both monolithic and heterostructural catalysts. The measurement of work function is first discussed and the applications of work function-based catalytic activity descriptors for various reactions are fully analyzed. Subsequently, the work function-regulated material-electrolyte interfacial electron transfer (IET) is employed for monolithic catalyst design, and methods for regulating the work function and optimizing the catalytic performance of catalysts are discussed. In addition, key strategies for tuning the work function-governed material-material IET in heterostructural catalyst design are examined. Finally, perspectives on work function determination, work function-based activity descriptors, and catalyst design are put forward to guide future research. This work paves the way to the work function-guided rational design of efficient electrocatalysts for sustainable energy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Chen
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Tianyi Ma
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Wei Wei
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Wai-Yeung Wong
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and Research Institute for Smart Energy, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom Kowloon, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Chuan Zhao
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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4
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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.
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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
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5
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Zhou J, Zhu Y, Wen K, Pan F, Ma H, Niu J, Wang C, Zhao J. Efficient and Selective Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to N 2 Using a Flow-Through Zero-Gap Electrochemical Reactor with a Reconstructed Cu(OH) 2 Cathode: Insights into the Importance of Inter-Electrode Distance. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4824-4836. [PMID: 38408018 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10936] [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: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemically converting nitrate, a widely distributed nitrogen contaminant, into harmless N2 is a feasible and environmentally friendly route to close the anthropogenic nitrogen-based cycle. However, it is currently hindered by sluggish kinetics and low N2 selectivity, as well as scarce attention to reactor configuration. Here, we report a flow-through zero-gap electrochemical reactor that shows a high performance of nitrate reduction with 100% conversion and 80.36% selectivity of desired N2 in the chlorine-free system at 100 mg-N·L-1 NO3- while maintaining a rapid reduction kinetics of 0.07676 min-1. More importantly, the mass transport and current utilization efficiency are significantly improved by shortening the inter-electrode distance, especially in the zero-gap electrocatalytic system where the current efficiency reached 50.15% at 5 mA·cm-2. Detailed characterizations demonstrated that during the electroreduction process, partial Cu(OH)2 on the cathode surface was reconstructed into stable Cu/Cu2O as the active phase for efficient nitrate reduction. In situ characterizations revealed that the highly selective *NO to *N conversion and the N-N coupling step played crucial roles during the selective reduction of NO3- to N2 in the zero-gap electrochemical system. In addition, theoretical calculations demonstrated that improving the key intermediate *N coverage could effectively facilitate the N-N coupling step, thereby promoting N2 selectivity. Moreover, the environmental and economic benefits and long-term stability shown by the treatment of real nitrate-containing wastewater make our proposed electrocatalytic system more attractive for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Zhou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xian 710021, China
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Yunqing Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xian 710021, China
| | - Kaiyue Wen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xian 710021, China
| | - Fan Pan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xian 710021, China
| | - Hongrui Ma
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xian 710021, China
| | - Junfeng Niu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Chuanyi Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xian 710021, China
| | - Jincai Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Photochemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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6
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Lu C, Chen Y, Shuang C, Wang Z, Tian Y, Song H, Li A, Chen D, Li X. Simultaneous removal of nitrate nitrogen and orthophosphate by electroreduction and electrochemical precipitation. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 250:121000. [PMID: 38118253 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.121000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical methods can effectively remove nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) and orthophosphate phosphorus (PO4-P) from wastewater. This work proposed a process for the simultaneous removal of NO3-N and PO4-P by combining electroreduction with electrochemically-induced calcium phosphate precipitation, and its performance and mechanisms were studied. For the treatment of 100 mg L-1 NO3-N and 5 mg L-1 PO4-P, NO3-N removal of 60-90% (per cathode area: 0.25-0.38 mg h-1 cm-2) and 80-90% (per cathode area: 0.33-0.38 mg h-1 cm-2) could be acquired within 3 h in single-chamber cell (SCC) and dual-chamber cell (DCC), while P removal was 80-98% (per cathode area: 0.10-0.12 mg h-1 cm-2) in SCC after 30 min and 98% (per cathode area: 0.37 mg h-1 cm-2) in DCC within 10 min. The faster P removal in DCC was due to the higher pH and more abundant Ca2+ in the cathode chamber of DCC, which was caused by the cation exchange membrane (CEM). Interestingly, NO3-N reduction enhanced P removal because more OH- can be produced by nitrate reduction than hydrogen evolution for an equal-charge reaction. For 10 mg L-1 PO4-P in SCC, when the initial NO3-N was 0, 20, 100, and 500 mg L-1, the P removal efficiencies after 1 h treatment were < 10%, 45-55%, 86-99%, and above 98% respectively. An increase in Ca2+ concentration also promoted P removal. However, Ca and P inhibited nitrate reduction in SCC at the relatively low initial Ca/P, as CaP on the cathode limited the charge or mass transfer process. The removal efficiency of NO3-N in SCC after 3 h reaction can reduce by about 17%, 40%, and 34% for Co3O4/Ti, Co/Ti, and TiO2/Ti. The degree of inhibition of P on NO3-N removal was related to the content and composition of CaP deposited on the cathode. On the cathode, the lower the deposited Ca and P, and the higher the deposited Ca/P molar ratio, the weaker the inhibition of P on NO3-N removal. Especially, P had little or even no inhibition on nitrate reduction when treated in DCC instead of SCC or under high initial Ca/P. It is speculated that under these conditions, a high local pH and local high concentration Ca2+ layer near the cathode led to a decrease in CaP deposition and an increase in Ca/P molar ratio on the cathode. High initial concentrations of NO3-N might also be beneficial in reducing the inhibition of P on nitrate reduction, as few CaP with high Ca/P molar ratios were deposited on the cathode. The evaluation of the real wastewater treatment was also conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yunxuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chendong Shuang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yechao Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haiou Song
- School of the Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Aimin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Dong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinghao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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7
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Teng M, Yuan J, Li Y, Shi C, Xu Z, Ma C, Yang L, Zhang C, Gao J, Li Y. Bimetallic atom synergistic covalent organic framework for efficient electrochemical nitrate reduction. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 654:348-355. [PMID: 37844506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.10.041] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical reduction has emerged as an effective method to remove nitrate from industrial wastewater. Nevertheless, this method has been largely restricted by the lack of low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts. Here, we demonstrate a porous two-dimensional covalent organic framework (2D COF) material as a promising electrocatalyst, which is obtained via a Schiff base reaction by combining copper phthalocyanine with bipyridine sites for precise copper coordination. The bidentate coordinated COF material has a robust framework and stable chemical property, allowing the isolated Cu sites to be embedded into the regular pores with controlled and uniformly dispersed active centers. The well-defined design of the reaction monomers makes the COF material to trap nitrate ions more easily from aqueous solution. By rationally combining the synergistic effect of 2D COF and Cu active sites, the CuTAPc-CuBPy-COF electrocatalyst shows much higher nitrate reduction efficiency than CuTAPc-BPy-COF under low superpotential and different nitrate concentrations. The high NO3- conversion (90.3 %) and NH3 selectivity (69.6 %) are achieved. To our best acknowledge, this is the first demonstration of bi-copper-based COF material for NO3-RR electrocatalysis, which provides a new direction for the rational design of COFs as significant electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Teng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Heat Fluid Flow Technology and Energy Application, School of Physical Science and Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, China
| | - Junwei Yuan
- School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, China
| | - Yixiang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Heat Fluid Flow Technology and Energy Application, School of Physical Science and Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, China
| | - Chunyan Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Heat Fluid Flow Technology and Energy Application, School of Physical Science and Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Heat Fluid Flow Technology and Energy Application, School of Physical Science and Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, China
| | - Chunlan Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Heat Fluid Flow Technology and Energy Application, School of Physical Science and Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, China
| | - Liujun Yang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Heat Fluid Flow Technology and Energy Application, School of Physical Science and Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, China.
| | - Ju Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Heat Fluid Flow Technology and Energy Application, School of Physical Science and Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, China
| | - Yang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Heat Fluid Flow Technology and Energy Application, School of Physical Science and Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, China; The Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
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8
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Ye M, Jiang X, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Liu Y, Zhao L. Enhanced Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia Using Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Supported Cobalt Catalyst. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:102. [PMID: 38202557 PMCID: PMC10780991 DOI: 10.3390/nano14010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) is vital in modern agriculture and industry as a potential energy carrier. The electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate (NO3-) to ammonia under ambient conditions offers a sustainable alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. However, achieving high selectivity in this conversion poses significant challenges due to the multi-step electron and proton transfer processes and the low proton adsorption capacity of transition metal electrocatalysts. Herein, we introduce a novel approach by employing functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as carriers for active cobalt catalysts. The exceptional conductivity of MWCNTs significantly reduces charge transfer resistance. Their unique hollow structure increases the electrochemical active surface area of the electrocatalyst. Additionally, the one-dimensional hollow tube structure and graphite-like layers within MWCNTs enhance adsorption properties, thus mitigating the diffusion of intermediate and stabilizing active cobalt species during nitrate reduction reaction (NitRR). Using the MWCNT-supported cobalt catalyst, we achieved a notable NH3 yield rate of 4.03 mg h-1 cm-2 and a high Faradaic efficiency of 84.72% in 0.1 M KOH with 0.1 M NO3-. This study demonstrates the potential of MWCNTs as advanced carriers in constructing electrocatalysts for efficient nitrate reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghao Ye
- School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China; (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Xiaoli Jiang
- School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China; (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Z.)
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Yagang Zhang
- School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China; (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Z.)
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China; (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Yanxia Liu
- School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China; (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Z.)
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- School of Materials and Energy, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China; (M.Y.); (X.J.); (Y.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Z.)
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9
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Zheng X, Tian Z, Bouchal R, Antonietti M, López-Salas N, Odziomek M. Tin (II) Chloride Salt Melts as Non-Innocent Solvents for the Synthesis of Low-Temperature Nanoporous Oxo-Carbons for Nitrate Electrochemical Hydrogenation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2311575. [PMID: 38152896 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Carbonaceous electrocatalysts offer advantages over metal-based counterparts, being cost-effective, sustainable, and electrochemically stable. Their high surface area increases reaction kinetics, making them valuable for environmental applications involving contaminant removal. However, their rational synthesis is challenging due to the applied high temperatures and activation steps, leading to disordered materials with limited control over doping. Here, a new synthetic pathway using carbon oxide precursors and tin chloride as a p-block metal salt melt is presented. As a result, highly porous oxygen-rich carbon sheets (with a surface area of 1600 m2 g-1 ) are obtained at relatively low temperatures (400 °C). Mechanistic studies reveal that Sn(II) triggers reductive deoxygenation and concomitant condensation/cross-linking, facilitated by the Sn(II) → Sn(IV) transition. Due to their significant surface area and oxygen doping, these materials demonstrate exceptional electrocatalytic activity in the nitrate-to-ammonia conversion, with an ammonia yield rate of 221 mmol g-1 h-1 and a Faradic efficiency of 93%. These results surpass those of other carbon-based electrocatalysts. In situ Raman studies reveal that the reaction occurs through electrochemical hydrogenation, where active hydrogen is provided by water reduction. This work contributes to the development of carbonaceous electrocatalysts with enhanced performance for sustainable environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zheng
- Colloid Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Zhihong Tian
- Engineering Research Center for Nanomaterials, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, P. R. China
| | - Roza Bouchal
- Colloid Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Markus Antonietti
- Colloid Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Nieves López-Salas
- Colloid Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Sustainable Materials Chemistry, Paderborn University, Warburger Strasse 100, 30098, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Mateusz Odziomek
- Colloid Chemistry Department, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
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10
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Xue Y, Jia Y, Liu S, Yuan S, Ma R, Ma Q, Fan J, Zhang WX. Electrochemical reduction of wastewater by non-noble metal cathodes: From terminal purification to upcycling recovery. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132106. [PMID: 37506648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
A shift beyond conventional environmental remediation to a sustainable pollutant upgrading conversion is extremely desirable due to the rising demand for resources and widespread chemical contamination. Electrochemical reduction processes (ERPs) have drawn considerable attention in recent years in the fields of oxyanion reduction, metal recovery, detoxification and high-value conversion of halogenated organics and benzenes. ERPs also have the potential to address the inherent limitations of conventional chemical reduction technologies in terms of hydrogen and noble metal requirements. Fundamentally, mechanisms of ERPs can be categorized into three main pathways: direct electron transfer, atomic hydrogen mediation, and electrode redox pairs. Furthermore, this review consolidates state-of-the-art non-noble metal cathodes and their performance comparable to noble metals (e.g., Pd, Pt) in electrochemical reduction of inorganic/organic pollutants. To overview the research trends of ERPs, we innovatively sort out the relationship between the electrochemical reduction rate, the charge of the pollutant, and the number of electron transfers based on the statistical analysis. And we propose potential countermeasures of pulsed electrocatalysis and flow mode enhancement for the bottlenecks in electron injection and mass transfer for electronegative pollutant reduction. We conclude by discussing the gaps in the scientific and engineering level of ERPs, and envisage that ERPs can be a low-carbon pathway for industrial wastewater detoxification and valorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghao Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Yan Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Shuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Shiyin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Raner Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Qian Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jianwei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Wei-Xian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China
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11
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Xiang T, Liang Y, Zeng Y, Deng J, Yuan J, Xiong W, Song B, Zhou C, Yang Y. Transition Metal Single-Atom Catalysts for the Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction: Mechanism, Synthesis, Characterization, Application, and Prospects. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303732. [PMID: 37300329 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Excessive accumulation of nitrate in the environment will affect human health. To combat nitrate pollution, chemical, biological, and physical technologies have been developed recently. The researcher favors electrocatalytic reduction nitrate reaction (NO3 RR) because of the low post-treatment cost and simple treatment conditions. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) offer great activity, exceptional selectivity, and enhanced stability in the field of NO3 RR because of their high atomic usage and distinctive structural characteristics. Recently, efficient transition metal-based SACs (TM-SACs) have emerged as promising candidates for NO3 RR. However, the real active sites of TM-SACs applied to NO3 RR and the key factors controlling catalytic performance in the reaction process remain ambiguous. Further understanding of the catalytic mechanism of TM-SACs applied to NO3 RR is of practical significance for exploring the design of stable and efficient SACs. In this review, from experimental and theoretical studies, the reaction mechanism, rate-determining steps, and essential variables affecting activity and selectivity are examined. The performance of SACs in terms of NO3 RR, characterization, and synthesis is then discussed. In order to promote and comprehend NO3 RR on TM-SACs, the design of TM-SACs is finally highlighted, together with the current problems, their remedies, and the way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Xiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yuntao Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yuxi Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jie Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jili Yuan
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Weiping Xiong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Chengyun Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330013, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
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12
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Zhang F, Luo J, Chen J, Luo H, Jiang M, Yang C, Zhang H, Chen J, Dong A, Yang J. Interfacial Assembly of Nanocrystals on Nanofibers with Strong Interaction for Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202310383. [PMID: 37550249 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202310383] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
One-dimensional fiber architecture serves as an excellent catalyst support. The orderly arrangement of active materials on such a fiber substrate can enhance catalytic performance by exposing more active sites and facilitating mass diffusion; however, this remains a challenge. We developed an interfacial assembly strategy for the orderly distribution of metal nanocrystals on different fiber substrates to optimize their electrocatalytic performance. Using electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3 - RR) as a representative reaction, the iron-based nanofibers (Fe/NFs) assembly structure achieved an excellent nitrate removal capacity of 2317 mg N/g Fe and N2 selectivity up to 97.2 %. This strategy could promote the rational design and synthesis of fiber-based electrocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhou Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Jiamei Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Junliang Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Hongxia Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Miaomiao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Chenxi Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Jun Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI), Australian Institute of Innovative Materials (AIIM), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Angang Dong
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, and Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jianping Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
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13
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Huang L, Cheng L, Ma T, Zhang JJ, Wu H, Su J, Song Y, Zhu H, Liu Q, Zhu M, Zeng Z, He Q, Tse MK, Yang DT, Yakobson BI, Tang BZ, Ren Y, Ye R. Direct Synthesis of Ammonia from Nitrate on Amorphous Graphene with Near 100% Efficiency. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211856. [PMID: 36799267 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia is an indispensable commodity in the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. Direct nitrate-to-ammonia electroreduction is a decentralized route yet challenged by competing side reactions. Most catalysts are metal-based, and metal-free catalysts with high nitrate-to-ammonia conversion activity are rarely reported. Herein, it is shown that amorphous graphene synthesized by laser induction and comprising strained and disordered pentagons, hexagons, and heptagons can electrocatalyze the eight-electron reduction of NO3 - to NH3 with a Faradaic efficiency of ≈100% and an ammonia production rate of 2859 µg cm-2 h-1 at -0.93 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. X-ray pair-distribution function analysis and electron microscopy reveal the unique molecular features of amorphous graphene that facilitate NO3 - reduction. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculations establish the critical role of these features in stabilizing the reaction intermediates via structural relaxation. The enhanced catalytic activity enables the implementation of flow electrolysis for the on-demand synthesis and release of ammonia with >70% selectivity, resulting in significantly increased yields and survival rates when applied to plant cultivation. The results of this study show significant promise for remediating nitrate-polluted water and completing the NOx cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libei Huang
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
- Division of Science, Engineering and Health Study, School of Professional Education and Executive Development (PolyU SPEED), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Le Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Tinghao Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Jie Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Nano Engineering and Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Haikun Wu
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jianjun Su
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yun Song
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - He Zhu
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Minghui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Zeng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Qiyuan He
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Man-Kit Tse
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Deng-Tao Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, P. R. China
| | - Boris I Yakobson
- Department of Materials Science and Nano Engineering and Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, P. R. China
| | - Yang Ren
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
- X-Ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Ave., Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Ruquan Ye
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518057, China
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14
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Yu H, Wu L, Ni B, Chen T. Research Progress on Porous Carbon-Based Non-Precious Metal Electrocatalysts. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:3283. [PMID: 37110119 PMCID: PMC10143149 DOI: 10.3390/ma16083283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The development of efficient, stable, and economic electrocatalysts are key to the large-scale application of electrochemical energy conversion. Porous carbon-based non-precious metal electrocatalysts are considered to be the most promising materials to replace Pt-based catalysts, which are limited in large-scale applications due to high costs. Because of its high specific surface area and easily regulated structure, a porous carbon matrix is conducive to the dispersion of active sites and mass transfer, showing great potential in electrocatalysis. This review will focus on porous carbon-based non-precious metal electrocatalysts and summarize their new progress, focusing on the synthesis and design of porous carbon matrix, metal-free carbon-based catalysts, non-previous metal monatomic carbon-based catalyst, and non-precious metal nanoparticle carbon-based catalysts. In addition, current challenges and future trends will be discussed for better development of porous carbon-based non-precious metal electrocatalysts.
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15
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Yuan S, Xue Y, Ma R, Ma Q, Chen Y, Fan J. Advances in iron-based electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161444. [PMID: 36621470 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Excessive nitrate has been a critical issue in the water environment, originating from the burning of fossil fuels, inefficient use of nitrogen fertilizers, and discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater. Among the effective treatments for nitrate reduction, electrocatalysis has become an advanced technique because it uses electrons as green reducing agents and can achieve high selectivity through cathode potential control. The effectiveness of electrocatalytic nitrate reduction (NO3RR) mainly lies in the electrocatalyst. Iron-based catalysts have the advantages of high activity and low cost, which are well-used in the field of electrocatalytic nitrates. A comprehensive overview of the electrocatalytic mechanism and the iron-based materials for NO3RR are given in terms of monometallic iron-based materials as well as bimetallic and oxide iron-based materials. A detailed introduction to NO3RR on zero valent iron, single-atom iron catalysts, and Cu/Fe-based bimetallic electrocatalysts are provided, as they are essential for the improvement of NO3RR performance. Finally, the advantages of iron-based materials for NO3RR and the problems in current applications are summarized, and the development prospects of efficient iron-based catalysts are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyin Yuan
- State key laboratory of pollution control and Resource reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yinghao Xue
- State key laboratory of pollution control and Resource reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Raner Ma
- State key laboratory of pollution control and Resource reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qian Ma
- State key laboratory of pollution control and Resource reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yanyan Chen
- State key laboratory of pollution control and Resource reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jianwei Fan
- State key laboratory of pollution control and Resource reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China.
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16
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He L, Zeng T, Yao F, Zhong Y, Tan C, Pi Z, Hou K, Chen S, Li X, Yang Q. Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate by carbon encapsulated Cu-Fe electroactive nanocatalysts on Ni foam. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 634:440-449. [PMID: 36542973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic denitrification is an attractive and effective method for complete elimination of nitrate (NO3-). However, its application is limited by the activity and stability of the electrocatalyst. In this work, a novel bimetallic electrode was synthesized, in which N-doped graphitized carbon sealed with Cu and Fe nanoparticles and immobilized them on nickel foam (CuFe NPs@NC/NF) without any chemical binder. The immobilized Cu-Fe nanoparticles not only facilitated the adsorption of the reactant but also enhanced the electron transfer between the cathode and NO3-, thus promoting the electrochemical reduction of NO3-. Therefore, the as-prepared electrode exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity for NO3- reduction. The composite electrode with the Cu/Fe molar ratio of 1:2 achieved the highest NO3- removal (79.4 %) and the lowest energy consumption (0.0023 kW h mg-1). Furthermore, the composite electrode had a robust NO3- removal capacity under various conditions. Benefitting from the electrochlorination on the anode, this electrochemical system achieved nitrogen (N2) selectivity of 94.0 %. Moreover, CuFe NPs@NC/NF exhibited good stability after 15 cycles, which should be attributed to the graphitized carbon layer. This study confirmed that CuFe NPs@NC/NF electrode is a promising and inexpensive electrode with long-term stability for electrocatalytic denitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China.
| | - Tianjing Zeng
- Hunan Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Changsha, 410027, PR China
| | - Fubing Yao
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control and Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Changsha, 410083, PR China.
| | - Yu Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control Technology, Hunan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Changsha, 410004, PR China
| | - Chang Tan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Zhoujie Pi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Kunjie Hou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Shengjie Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Qi Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China.
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17
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Duan W, Chen Y, Ma H, Lee JF, Lin YJ, Feng C. In Situ Reconstruction of Metal Oxide Cathodes for Ammonium Generation from High-Strength Nitrate Wastewater: Elucidating the Role of the Substrate in the Performance of Co 3O 4-x. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3893-3904. [PMID: 36813703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In situ electrochemical reconstruction is important for transition metal oxides explored as electrocatalysts for electrochemical nitrate reduction reactions (ENRRs). Herein, we report substantial performance enhancement of ammonium generation on Co, Fe, Ni, Cu, Ti, and W oxide-based cathodes upon reconstruction. Among them, the performance of a freestanding ER-Co3O4-x/CF (Co3O4 grown on Co foil subjected to electrochemical reduction) cathode was superior to its unreconstructed counterpart and other cathodes; e.g., an ammonium yield of 0.46 mmol h-1 cm-2, an ammonium selectivity of 100%, and a Faradaic efficiency of 99.9% were attained at -1.3 V in a 1400 mg L-1 NO3--N solution. The reconstruction behaviors were found to vary with the underlying substrate. The inert carbon cloth only acted as a supporting matrix for immobilizing Co3O4, without appreciable electronic interactions between them. A combination of physicochemical characterizations and theoretical modeling provided compelling evidence that the CF-promoted self-reconstruction of Co3O4 induced the evolution of metallic Co and the creation of oxygen vacancies, which promoted and optimized interfacial nitrate adsorption and water dissociation, thus boosting the ENRR performance. The ER-Co3O4-x/CF cathode performed well over wide ranges of pH and applied current and at high nitrate loadings, ensuring its high efficacy in treating high-strength real wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Yanyan Chen
- 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
| | - Huanxin Ma
- 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
| | - Jyh-Fu Lee
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30076, R. O. C
| | - Yu-Jung Lin
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30076, R. O. C
| | - 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
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18
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Amanze C, Anaman R, Wu X, Alhassan SI, Yang K, Fosua BA, Yunhui T, Yu R, Wu X, Shen L, Dolgor E, Zeng W. Heterotrophic anodic denitrification coupled with cathodic metals recovery from on-site smelting wastewater with a bioelectrochemical system inoculated with mixed Castellaniella species. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 231:119655. [PMID: 36706471 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Although Castellaniella species are crucial for denitrification, there is no report on their capacity to carry out denitrification and anode respiration simultaneously in a bioelectrochemical system (BES). Herein, the ability of a mixed inoculum of electricigenic Castellaniella species to perform simultaneous denitrification and anode respiration coupled with cathodic metals recovery was investigated in a BES. Results showed that 500 mg/L NO3--N significantly decreased power generation, whereas 100 and 250 mg/L NO3--N had a lesser impact. The single-chamber MFCs (SCMFCs) fed with 100 and 250 mg/L NO3--N concentrations achieved a removal efficiency higher than 90% in all cycles. In contrast, the removal efficiency in the SCMFCs declined dramatically at 500 mg/L NO3--N, which might be attributable to decreased microbial viability as revealed by SEM and CLSM. EPS protein content and enzymatic activities of the biofilms decreased significantly at this concentration. Cyclic voltammetry results revealed that the 500 mg/L NO3--N concentration decreased the redox activities of anodic biofilms, while electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the internal resistance of the SCMFCs at this concentration increased significantly. In addition, BES inoculated with the Castellaniella species was able to simultaneously perform heterotrophic anodic denitrification and cathodic metals recovery from real wastewater. The BES attained Cu2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+ removal efficiencies of 99.86 ± 0.10%, 99.98 ± 0.014%, 99.98 ± 0.01%, and 99.17 ± 0.30%, respectively, from the real wastewater. Cu2+ was bio-electrochemically reduced to Cu0 and Cu2O, whereas Hg0 and HgO constituted the Hg species recovered via bioelectrochemical reduction and chemical deposition, respectively. Furthermore, Pb2+ and Zn2+ were bio-electrochemically reduced to Pb0 and Zn0, respectively. Over 89% of NO3--N was removed from the BES anolyte during the recovery of the metals. This research reveals promising denitrifying exoelectrogens for enhanced power generation, NO3--N removal, and heavy metals recovery in BES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Amanze
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Richmond Anaman
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Sikpaam Issaka Alhassan
- College of Engineering, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Kai Yang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Bridget Ataa Fosua
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Tang Yunhui
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Runlan Yu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Xueling Wu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Li Shen
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Erdenechimeg Dolgor
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National University of Mongolia, 14200, Mongolia
| | - Weimin Zeng
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Biometallurgy, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410083, China.
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19
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Zhang H, Wang C, Luo H, Chen J, Kuang M, Yang J. Iron Nanoparticles Protected by Chainmail-structured Graphene for Durable Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Nitrogen. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202217071. [PMID: 36468671 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202217071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3 RR) is an appealing technology for regulating the nitrogen cycle. Metallic iron is one of the well-known electrocatalysts for NO3 RR, but it suffers from poor durability due to leaching and oxidation of iron during the electrocatalytic process. In this work, a graphene-nanochainmail-protected iron nanoparticle (Fe@Gnc) electrocatalyst is reported. It displays superior nitrate removal efficiency and high nitrogen selectivity. Notably, the catalyst delivers exceptional stability and durability, with the nitrate removal rate and nitrogen selectivity remained ≈96 % of that of the first time after up to 40 cycles (24 h for one cycle). As expected, the conductive graphene nanochainmail provides robust protection for the internal iron active sites, allowing Fe@Gnc to maintain its long-lasting electrochemical nitrate catalytic activity. This research proposes a workable solution for the scientific challenge of poor lasting ability of iron-based electrocatalysts in large-scale industrialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.,Center for Civil Aviation Composites, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chuqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Hongxia Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Junliang Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Min Kuang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jianping Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
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20
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Li X, Hu Y, Zhang C, Xiao C, Cheng J, Chen Y. Electro-activating of peroxymonosulfate via boron and sulfur co-doped macroporous carbon nanofibers cathode for high-efficient degradation of levofloxacin. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:130016. [PMID: 36179625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To address the difficulty of precisely regulating the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e-ORR) and investigate the synergistic effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS), a heterogeneous electro-catalyst was synthesized via carbonation of boron (B) and sulfur (S) co-doping electrospun nanofibers containing iron and cobalt (B, S-Fe/Co@C-NCNFs-900), and used to degrade levofloxacin (Levo) in the electro-activating PMS with self-made cathode material (E-cathode-PMS) system. The morphological, structural, and electrochemical characteristics have been investigated. The results showed that B and S co-doping could remarkably enhance electron transfer and manage two-electron oxygen reduction, which was more favorable for H2O2 generation. Levo degradation efficiency could reach 99.63% with a reaction rate of 0.3056 min-1 in 20 min under the appropriate conditions (pH = 4, current = 20 mA, and [PMS] = 8.0 mM). The steady-state concentration of singlet oxygen (1O2) was calculated to be 669.17 × 10-14 M, which was 15.42, 29.74, and 45.00 times respectively than that of HO2·/O2·- (43.40 × 10-14 M), ·OH (22.25 × 10-14 M) and SO4-·(14.87 × 10-14 M), signifying that 1O2 was the predominant reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in Levo removal. The high TOC removal (74.19%), low energy consumption (0.14 kWh m-3 order-1), few intermediates toxicity, and excellent Levo degradation efficiency for complex wastewater with various anions and matrixes showed the prospective practical applications of the E-cathode-PMS system. Overall, this study provides a useful strategy to regulate and control the 2e-ORR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Li
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, China; The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yongyou Hu
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, China; The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Environmental Nanomaterials, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Changyong Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China; UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Chun Xiao
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, China; The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jianhua Cheng
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuancai Chen
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, China
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21
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Sun J, Garg S, Xie J, Zhang C, Waite TD. Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrate with Simultaneous Ammonia Recovery Using a Flow Cathode Reactor. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:17298-17309. [PMID: 36394539 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The presence of excessive concentrations of nitrate in industrial wastewaters, agricultural runoff, and some groundwaters constitutes a serious issue for both environmental and human health. As a result, there is considerable interest in the possibility of converting nitrate to the valuable product ammonia by electrochemical means. In this work, we demonstrate the efficacy of a novel flow cathode system coupled with ammonia stripping for effective nitrate removal and ammonia generation and recovery. A copper-loaded activated carbon slurry (Cu@AC), made by a simple, low-cost wet impregnation method, is used as the flow cathode in this novel electrochemical reactor. Use of a 3 wt % Cu@AC suspension at an applied current density of 20 mA cm-2 resulted in almost complete nitrate removal, with 97% of the nitrate reduced to ammonia and 70% of the ammonia recovered in the acid-receiving chamber. A mathematical kinetic model was developed that satisfactorily describes the kinetics and mechanism of the overall nitrate electroreduction process. Minimal loss of Cu to solution and maintenance of nitrate removal performance over extended use of Cu@AC flow electrode augers well for long-term use of this technology. Overall, this study sheds light on an efficient, low-cost water treatment technology for simultaneous nitrate removal and ammonia generation and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Sun
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia
| | - Shikha Garg
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia
| | - Jiangzhou Xie
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia
- UNSW Centre for Transformational Environmental Technologies, Yixing, Jiangsu Province214206, P. R. China
| | - Changyong Zhang
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia
| | - T David Waite
- UNSW Water Research Centre, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia
- UNSW Centre for Transformational Environmental Technologies, Yixing, Jiangsu Province214206, P. R. China
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22
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Tian L, Yin MY, Zheng LL, Chen Y, Liu W, Fan JP, Wu DS, Zou JP, Luo SL. Extremely efficient mineralizing CN- into N2 via a newly developed system of generating sufficient ClO•/Cl2•− and self-decreasing pH. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.123021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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23
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Chu J, Liu Z, Jiang L, Cai F, Sun C, Kong A, Ding H. Coordination polymers-derived core-shell Co@N–C nanostructures as efficient dual functional catalysts for nitrate electroreduction and Fenton-like catalytic dye degradation. J SOLID STATE CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2022.123485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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24
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Pd-Cu Modified Cerium Oxide Catalysts for Selectively Electrocatalytic Denitrification: Significant Roles of Oxygen Vacancies and Activated Hydrogen. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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25
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Shemer H, Semiat R. Comparing the effects of Cu-Ti/RuO 2-IrO 2 electrode configuration on the electro-reduction of nitrate. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2022; 86:1642-1652. [PMID: 36240301 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2022.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate pollution is a global problem as it affects both the environment and human health. The objective of this research was to study the effect of electrode configuration on the electro-reduction of nitrate. Coaxial cylindrical (inner rod and outer tube copper cathodes) and vertical plate parallel copper cathodes paired with Ti/RuO2-IrO2 (rod, tube, and plate) configurations were studied under various current densities and initial nitrate concentrations. The efficiency of each configuration was determined based on the removal efficiency of nitrate, specific energy consumption, mass transfer coefficients, and first order rate constants. Additionally, the overall systems' resistance and geometric factors are discussed. It was found that the performances of the inner rod and outer tube copper cathodes were similar. The vertical plate parallel configuration was superior to the coaxial cylindrical electrode setup, as evident from a higher maximum nitrate removal of 74 and 56% at a current density of 7 mA/cm2 and lower energy consumption of 46.7 × 10-3 and 54.3 × 10-3 kWh/mmol NO3- at 36.4 mA/cm2, respectively. In addition, the mass transfer coefficients and first order rate constants were higher in all conditions tested for the vertical plate parallel configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilla Shemer
- Rabin Desalination Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel E-mail:
| | - Raphael Semiat
- Rabin Desalination Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel E-mail:
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26
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Wang C, Zhang Y, Luo H, Zhang H, Li W, Zhang WX, Yang J. Iron-Based Nanocatalysts for Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction. SMALL METHODS 2022; 6:e2200790. [PMID: 36103612 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202200790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate has a high level of stability and persistence in water, endangering human health and aquatic ecosystems. Due to its high reliability and efficiency, the electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3 RR) is regarded as the best available option for mitigating excess nitrate in water and wastewater, especially for the removal of trace levels of nitrate. One of the most critical factors in the electrochemical reduction are the catalysts, which directly affect the reaction efficiency of nitrate removal. Iron-based nanocatalysts, which have the advantages of nontoxicity, wide availability, and low cost, have emerged as a promising electrochemical NO3 RR material in recent years. This review covers major aspects of iron-based nanocatalysts for electrochemical NO3 RR, including synthetic methods, structural design, performance enhancement, electrocatalytic nitrate reduction test, and reduction mechanism. The recent progress of iron-based nanocatalysts for electrochemical NO3 RR and the mechanism of functional advantages for modified structures are reviewed from the perspectives of loading, doping, and assembly strategies, in order to realize the conversion from pollutant nitrate to harmless nitrogen or ammonia and other sustainable products. Finally, challenges and future directions for the development of low-cost and highly-efficient iron-based nanocatalysts are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yingbing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Hongxia Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Chemistry, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Wei-Xian Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P. R. China
| | - Jianping Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
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27
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Teng M, Ye J, Wan C, He G, Chen H. Research Progress on Cu-Based Catalysts for Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction Reaction to Ammonia. Ind Eng Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c02495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mengjuan Teng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, Advanced Catalysis and Green Manufacturing Collaborative Innovation Center, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jingrui Ye
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, Advanced Catalysis and Green Manufacturing Collaborative Innovation Center, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chao Wan
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, Advanced Catalysis and Green Manufacturing Collaborative Innovation Center, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guangyu He
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, Advanced Catalysis and Green Manufacturing Collaborative Innovation Center, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haiqun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Catalytic Materials and Technology, Advanced Catalysis and Green Manufacturing Collaborative Innovation Center, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu Province, China
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28
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Sun J, Yang H, Gao W, Cao T, Zhao G. Diatomic Pd−Cu Metal‐Phosphorus Sites for Complete N≡N Bond Formation in Photoelectrochemical Nitrate Reduction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202211373. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202211373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Sun
- Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability School of Chemical Science and Engineering Tongji University 1239 Siping Road Shanghai 200092 China
| | - Hanxue Yang
- School of Energy and Power Engineering University of Shanghai for Science and Technology 516 Jungong Road Shanghai 200093 China
| | - Weiqi Gao
- Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability School of Chemical Science and Engineering Tongji University 1239 Siping Road Shanghai 200092 China
| | - Tongcheng Cao
- Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability School of Chemical Science and Engineering Tongji University 1239 Siping Road Shanghai 200092 China
| | - Guohua Zhao
- Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and Sustainability School of Chemical Science and Engineering Tongji University 1239 Siping Road Shanghai 200092 China
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29
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Song Q, Zhang S, Hou X, Li J, Yang L, Liu X, Li M. Efficient electrocatalytic nitrate reduction via boosting oxygen vacancies of TiO 2 nanotube array by highly dispersed trace Cu doping. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 438:129455. [PMID: 35777148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate pollution of water bodies is a serious global-scale environmental problem. The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) using Cu-based electrodes allows excellent nitrate removal; however, its long-term operation results in copper leaching, leading to health risks. This study proposes a strategy for efficient nitrate removal through the activation of oxygen vacancies on a highly dispersed Cu-doped TiO2 nanotube array (Cu/TNTA) cathode via electrodeposition. The mechanism underlying the activation of oxygen vacancies and enhancement in charge transfer at the cathode-pollutant interface upon trace (0.02 wt%) Cu doping is elucidated by electron paramagnetic resonance analysis, UV-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The Cu/TNTA-300 exhibits a nitrate removal rate of 84.3% at 12 h; the electrode activity did not decrease after 10 cycles, and no Cu2+ was detected in the solution. Electrochemical characterization and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that Cu doping promotes efficient charge transfer between nitrate and the electrode and reduces the energy barrier of the nitrate reduction reaction. This work provides a platform for novel design of cathodes for use in efficient and safe electrocatalytic nitrate reduction in environmental water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinan Song
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Xiaoshu Hou
- Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, Beijing 10012, PR China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Xiang Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Miao Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China.
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30
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Sun J, Yang H, Gao W, Cao T, Zhao G. Diatomic Pd‐Cu Metal‐Phosphorus Sites for Complete N≡N Bond Formation in Photoelectrochemical Nitrate Reduction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202211373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Sun
- Tongji University Chemistry CHINA
| | - Hanxue Yang
- University of Shanghai for Science and Technology Energy and Power Engineering CHINA
| | | | | | - Guohua Zhao
- Tongji University Chemistry No.1239 Siping Road 200092 Shanghai CHINA
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31
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Tran R, Wang D, Kingsbury R, Palizhati A, Persson KA, Jain A, Ulissi ZW. Screening of bimetallic electrocatalysts for water purification with machine learning. J Chem Phys 2022; 157:074102. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0092948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrocatalysis provides a potential solution to [Formula: see text] pollution in wastewater by converting it to innocuous N2 gas. However, materials with excellent catalytic activity are typically limited to expensive precious metals, hindering their commercial viability. In response to this challenge, we have conducted the most extensive computational search to date for electrocatalysts that can facilitate [Formula: see text] reduction reaction, starting with 59 390 candidate bimetallic alloys from the Materials Project and Automatic-Flow databases. Using a joint machine learning- and computation-based screening strategy, we evaluated our candidates based on corrosion resistance, catalytic activity, N2 selectivity, cost, and the ability to synthesize. We found that only 20 materials will satisfy all criteria in our screening strategy, all of which contain varying amounts of Cu. Our proposed list of candidates is consistent with previous materials investigated in the literature, with the exception of Cu–Co and Cu–Ag based compounds that merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Tran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Duo Wang
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Ryan Kingsbury
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Aini Palizhati
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Kristin Aslaug Persson
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Anubhav Jain
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Zachary W. Ulissi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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32
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He L, Yao F, Zhong Y, Tan C, Hou K, Pi Z, Chen S, Li X, Yang Q. Achieving high-performance electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate by N-rich carbon-encapsulated Ni-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles supported nickel foam electrode. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 436:129253. [PMID: 35739771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The cathode with low-energy consumption and long-term stability is pivotal to achieve the conversion of nitrate (NO3-) to nitrogen (N2) by electrocatalytic denitrification. Herein, a binder-free electrode was synthesized by directly immobilizing N-doped graphitized carbon layer-encapsulated NiCu bimetallic nanoparticles on nickel foam (NF) (NiCu@N-C/NF) and served as the cathode for electrocatalytic NO3- reduction. Morphological characterization indicated that Ni and Cu nanoparticles were encapsulated by the N-doped graphitized carbon layer and well-dispersed on the surface of NF. Compared with monometallic composite cathode (Cu@N-C/NF and Ni@N-C/NF), NiCu@N-C/NF exhibited better NO3- removal performance (98.63 %) and lower energy consumption (0.007 kW·h mmol-1), which should be attributed to its strong adsorption ability to NO3- and excellent electron transfer property. Meanwhile, its electrocatalytic performance could be maintained in wide initial NO3- concentration (1.79-7.14 mM) and solution pH (3-11). With the assistance of electrochlorination, the N2 selectivity of electrochemical system was up to 99.89 % in the presence of 0.028 M Cl-. More importantly, NiCu@N-C/NF electrode displayed an ultra-high stability during ten recycling experiments. This study indicated that the binderless composite cathode NiCu@N-C/NF had great potential in electrocatalytic NO3- removal from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Fubing Yao
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control and Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Changsha 410083, PR China.
| | - Yu Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control Technology, Hunan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Changsha 410004, PR China
| | - Chang Tan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Kunjie Hou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Zhoujie Pi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Shengjie Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Qi Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
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33
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Wang H, Guo Y, Li C, Yu H, Deng K, Wang Z, Li X, Xu Y, Wang L. Cu/CuO x In-Plane Heterostructured Nanosheet Arrays with Rich Oxygen Vacancies Enhance Nitrate Electroreduction to Ammonia. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:34761-34769. [PMID: 35877649 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c08534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The artificial ammonia synthesis via electrochemical nitrate reduction has met increasing research interest, but it is still necessary to develop advanced catalysts with high nitrate-to-ammonia capability. Herein, we propose and demonstrate a one-step method to construct binder-free Cu foam-supported oxygen vacancy-rich Cu/CuOx in-plane heterostructured nanosheet arrays (Cu/CuOx/CF). In addition to exposing ample active sites, the two-dimensional nanosheet morphology greatly facilitates the mass/charge-transfer process during electrocatalysis. Besides, the in-plane heterojunctions and rich oxygen vacancies induced synergistic effect can modulate the electronic structure of active sites and thus tune the adsorption properties of the reactant intermediates and inhibit the formation of undesirable byproducts, which is conducive to the further improvement of nitrate reduction activity. As a result, these advantages endow the Cu/CuOx/CF with superior performance for ammonia synthesis via nitrate electroreduction, achieving high ammonia selectivity (95.00%) and Faradaic efficiency (93.58%).
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Yanan Guo
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, P. R. China
| | - Chunjie Li
- 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Xiaonian Li
- 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
| | - 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
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Li Y, Ma J, Wu Z, Wang Z. Direct Electron Transfer Coordinated by Oxygen Vacancies Boosts Selective Nitrate Reduction to N 2 on a Co-CuO x Electroactive Filter. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:8673-8681. [PMID: 35575637 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Atomic hydrogen (H*) is used as an important mediator for electrochemical nitrate reduction; however, the Faradaic efficiency (FE) and selective reduction to N2 are likely compromised due to the side reactions (e.g., ammonia generation and hydrogen evolution reactions). This work reports a Co-CuOx electrochemical filter with CoOx nanoclusters rooted on vertically aligned CuOx nanowalls for selective nitrate reduction to N2, utilizing the direct electron transfer between oxygen vacancies and nitrate to suppress the contribution by H*. At a cathodic potential of -1.1 V (vs Ag/AgCl), the Co-CuOx filter showed 95.2% nitrate removal and 96.0% N2 selectivity at an influent nitrate concentration of 20 N-mg L-1. Meanwhile, the energy consumption and FE were 0.60 kW h m-3 and 53.5%, respectively, at a permeate flux of 60 L m-2 h-1. The presence of abundant oxygen vacancies on Co-CuOx was due to the change in the electron density of the Cu atom and a decrease of the coordination numbers of Cu-O via cobalt doping. Theoretical calculations and electrochemical tests showed that the oxygen vacancies coordinated nitrate adsorption and subsequent reduction reactions, thus suppressing the contribution of H* to nitrate reduction and leading to a thermodynamically favorable process to N2 via direct electron transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
- Tongji Advanced Membrane Technology Center, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jinxing Ma
- Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhichao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
- Tongji Advanced Membrane Technology Center, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
- Tongji Advanced Membrane Technology Center, Shanghai 200092, China
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35
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Yu H, Qu S, Chen PR, Ou KQ, Lin JY, Guo ZH, Zheng L, Li JK, Huang S, Teng Y, Zou L, Song JL. CO 2 bubble-assisted in-situ construction of mesoporous Co-doped Cu 2(OH) 2CO 3 nanosheets as advanced electrodes towards fast and highly efficient electrochemical reduction of nitrate to N 2 in wastewater. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 430:128351. [PMID: 35149487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The development of high-efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts is crucial to remove nitrate pollutant in wastewater. Herein, we design and prepare mesoporous Co-doped Cu2(OH)2CO3 malachite nanosheets as an electrocatalyst toward highly efficient nitrate reduction using a facile CO2 bubble-assisted coprecipitation synthesis. The electrocatalytic performance is subject to the Co/Cu ratio of this malachite. Remarkably, compared with the pristine monometal Cu or Co-based electrocatalyst, the optimal electrocatalyst, 0.3Co@Cu2(OH)2CO3, displays fast and highly efficient removal capacity of nitrate with an impressive high total nitrogen (TN) removal of 8628.99 mg N g-1CoCu (398.79 mg N gcat-1 h-1), N2 selectivity of 97.11% as well as negligible nitrite product at 100 mg L-1 NO3--N and 2000 mg L-1 Cl- neutral electrolyte. Above all, high total nitrogen removal efficiency (81.92%) and chemical oxygen demand (73.74%) in actual wastewater. Its excellent electrocatalytic performance is achieved by regulating the electronic structure and the adsorption/desorption of the intermediate. This study discovers a new type of electrode materials for nitrate removal in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Shuang Qu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Pei-Ru Chen
- International Joint Research Center for Photoresponsive Molecules and Materials, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Lihu Street 1800, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Kai-Qin Ou
- International Joint Research Center for Photoresponsive Molecules and Materials, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Lihu Street 1800, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jie-Ying Lin
- International Joint Research Center for Photoresponsive Molecules and Materials, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Lihu Street 1800, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zheng-Han Guo
- International Joint Research Center for Photoresponsive Molecules and Materials, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Lihu Street 1800, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jin-Kun Li
- International Joint Research Center for Photoresponsive Molecules and Materials, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Lihu Street 1800, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Sai Huang
- International Joint Research Center for Photoresponsive Molecules and Materials, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Lihu Street 1800, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yue Teng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Luyi Zou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anaerobic Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jun-Ling Song
- International Joint Research Center for Photoresponsive Molecules and Materials, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Lihu Street 1800, Wuxi 214122, China.
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36
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Cu2O nanoparticles modified BiO2-x nanosheets for efficient electrochemical reduction of nitrate-N and nitrobenzene from wastewater. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.120728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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37
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Liu Q, Liu Q, Xie L, Ji Y, Li T, Zhang B, Li N, Tang B, Liu Y, Gao S, Luo Y, Yu L, Kong Q, Sun X. High-Performance Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia under Ambient Conditions Using a FeOOH Nanorod Catalyst. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:17312-17318. [PMID: 35394760 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction is promising as an environmentally friendly process to produce high value-added ammonia with simultaneous removal of nitrate, a widespread nitrogen pollutant, for water treatment; however, efficient electrocatalysts with high selectivity are required for ammonia formation. In this work, FeOOH nanorod with intrinsic oxygen vacancy supported on carbon paper (FeOOH/CP) is proposed as a high-performance electrocatalyst for converting nitrate to ammonia at room temperature. When operated in a 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution with 0.1 M NaNO3, FeOOH/CP is able to obtain a large NH3 yield of 2419 μg h-1 cm-2 and a surprisingly high Faradic efficiency of 92% with excellent stability. Density functional theory calculation demonstrates that the potential-determining step for nitrate reduction over FeOOH (200) is *NO2H + H+ + e- → *NO + H2O.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Liu
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Technological University, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Lisi Xie
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuyao Ji
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, China
| | - Tingshuai Li
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Ecology and Environment of Sichuan Province, Leshan Environmental Monitoring Center Station of Sichuan Province, Leshan 614000, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Bo Tang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China
| | - Shuyan Gao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China
| | - Yonglan Luo
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Lingmin Yu
- School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Technological University, Xi'an 710021, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qingquan Kong
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuping Sun
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, China
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38
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Liu M, Mao Q, Shi K, Wang Z, Xu Y, Li X, Wang L, Wang H. Electroreduction of Nitrate to Ammonia on Palladium-Cobalt-Oxygen Nanowire Arrays. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:13169-13176. [PMID: 35263079 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c19412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Developing high-efficiency electrocatalysts for the selective reduction of nitrate to valuable ammonia is of great significance. Herein, Pd-PdO-modified Co3O4 nanowire arrays on nickel foam (PdCoO/NF) are fabricated by a facile cation-exchange reaction. Pd and PdO can facilitate the generation of adsorbed hydrogen, and abundant oxygen vacancies can promote nitrate activation. Therefore, the PdCoO/NF exhibits a superior nitrate conversion rate (89.3%), Faradaic efficiency (88.6%), and ammonium selectivity (95.3%) at -1.3 V versus a saturated calomel electrode. The source of the produced ammonia is confirmed by 15N isotope labeling experiments and 1H magnetic resonance. This presented synthetic method provides a powerful strategy for the preparation of nanowire arrays with controllable compositions for selective nitrate electroreduction to ammonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P. R. China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010022, P. R. China
| | - Qiqi Mao
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P. R. China
| | - Keke Shi
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P. R. China
| | - Ziqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 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, Zhejiang 310014, P. R. China
| | - Xiaonian Li
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green-Chemical Synthesis Technology, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 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, Zhejiang 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, Zhejiang 310014, P. R. China
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Chen J, Zhou Q, Yue L, Zhao D, Zhang L, Luo Y, Liu Q, Li N, Alshehri AA, Hamdy MS, Gong F, Sun X. Co-NCNT nanohybrid as a highly active catalyst for the electroreduction of nitrate to ammonia. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:3787-3790. [PMID: 35229095 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc00245k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO3-) reduction has emerged as an attractive dual-function strategy to produce ammonia (NH3) and simultaneously mitigate environmental issues. However, efficient electrocatalysts with high selectivity for NH3 synthesis are highly desired. In this work, we report the Co-NCNT nanohybrid as a highly active electrocatalyst towards NO3--to-NH3 conversion. In 0.1 M NaOH solution containing 0.1 M NO3-, the Co-NCNT catalyst is capable of attaining a large NH3 yield of 5996 μg h-1 cm-2 and a high faradaic efficiency of 92% at -0.6 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Moreover, it displays excellent electrochemical stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Luchao Yue
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, China.
| | - Donglin Zhao
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, China.
| | - Longcheng Zhang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yongsong Luo
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Abdulmohsen Ali Alshehri
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S Hamdy
- Catalysis Research Group (CRG), Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, 61413 Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Feng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xuping Sun
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, China. .,College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
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40
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Xu H, Ma Y, Chen J, Zhang WX, Yang J. Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate - a step towards a sustainable nitrogen cycle. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:2710-2758. [PMID: 35274646 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00857a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate enrichment, which is mainly caused by the over-utilization of fertilisers and industrial sewage discharge, is a major global engineering challenge because of its negative influence on the environment and human health. To solve this serious problem, many technologies, such as the activated sludge method, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, adsorption, and electrodialysis, have been developed to reduce the nitrate levels in water bodies. However, the applications of these traditional techniques are limited by several drawbacks, such as a long sludge retention time, slow kinetics, and undesirable by-products. From an environmental perspective, the most promising nitrate reduction technology is enabled to convert nitrate into benign N2, and features low cost, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. Recently, electrocatalytic nitrate reduction has been proven by satisfactory research achievements to be one of the most promising methods among these technologies. This review provides a comprehensive account of nitrate reduction using electrocatalysis methods. The fundamentals of electrocatalytic nitrate reduction, including the reaction mechanisms, reactor design principles, product detection methods, and performance evaluation methods, have been systematically summarised. A detailed introduction to electrocatalytic nitrate reduction on transition metals, especially noble metals and alloys, Cu-based electrocatalysts, and Fe-based electrocatalysts is provided, as they are essential for the accurate reporting of experimental results. The current challenges and potential opportunities in this field, including the innovation of material design systems, value-added product yields, and challenges for products beyond N2 and large-scale sewage treatment, are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Jun Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, Australian Institute of Innovative Materials, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Wei-Xian Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jianping Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
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41
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Interface Engineering Cerium-doped Copper Nanocrystal for Efficient Electrochemical Nitrate-to-Ammonia Production. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.140095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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42
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Yin Z, Liu J, Jiang L, Chu J, Yang T, Kong A. Semi-enclosed Cu nanoparticles with porous nitrogen-doped carbon shells for efficient and tolerant nitrate electroreduction in neutral condition. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.139585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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43
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Fang L, Wang S, Song C, Yang X, Li Y, Liu H. Enhanced nitrate reduction reaction via efficient intermediate nitrite conversion on tunable Cu xNi y/NC electrocatalysts. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 421:126628. [PMID: 34343879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Electroreduction of nitrate (NO3-) to value-added ammonia (NH3) provides an alternative to NH3 production industry and remediation of NO3--containing wastewater. This study reports a series of Cu-Ni catalysts with component-controllable CuxNiy nanoparticles encapsulated in N-doped carbon film (CuxNiy/NC), and disclosure of the associated mechanism for NO3- reduction reaction (NO3-RR). Cu0.43Ni0.57/NC achieves a better NO3--N removal proportion of 89% in comparison with the reference catalysts, including Cu/NC (73%) and CuxNiy/NC with other compositions (Cu0.79Ni0.21/NC, 83%; Cu0.26Ni0.74/NC, 62%; Ni/NC, 20%). The experimental results and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the lowered energy barriers of *NO2-to-*NO derived from appropriate Ni atom alloying plays a key role in the enhanced catalytic activity. Auxiliary porous substrate further contributes to the exposure of active sites and the durability of catalyst structure. These findings offer a mechanistic understanding of catalyst structure on the NO3-RR activity and valuable insights toward rational design of other catalysts for enhanced NO3-RR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Fang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 266, Fangzheng Avenue, Beibei District, Chongqing 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 266, Fangzheng Avenue, Beibei District, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Sha Wang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 266, Fangzheng Avenue, Beibei District, Chongqing 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 266, Fangzheng Avenue, Beibei District, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Cheng Song
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 266, Fangzheng Avenue, Beibei District, Chongqing 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 266, Fangzheng Avenue, Beibei District, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 266, Fangzheng Avenue, Beibei District, Chongqing 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 266, Fangzheng Avenue, Beibei District, Chongqing 400714, China
| | - Yuke Li
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Scientific Modeling and Computation, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 266, Fangzheng Avenue, Beibei District, Chongqing 400714, China; Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 266, Fangzheng Avenue, Beibei District, Chongqing 400714, China.
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44
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Xu B, Chen Z, Zhang G, Wang Y. On-Demand Atomic Hydrogen Provision by Exposing Electron-Rich Cobalt Sites in an Open-Framework Structure toward Superior Electrocatalytic Nitrate Conversion to Dinitrogen. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:614-623. [PMID: 34914357 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO3-) reduction to N2 via atomic hydrogen (H*) is a promising approach for advanced water treatment. However, the reduction rate and N2 selectivity are hindered by slow mass transfer and H* provision-utilization mismatch, respectively. Herein, we report an open-framework cathode bearing electron-rich Co sites with extraordinary H* provision performance, which was validated by electron spin resonance (ESR) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests. Benefiting from its abundant channels, NO3- has a greater opportunity to be efficiently transferred to the vicinity of the Co active sites. Owing to the enhanced mass transfer and on-demand H* provision, the nitrate removal efficiency and N2 selectivity of the proposed cathode were 100 and 97.89%, respectively, superior to those of noble metal-based electrodes. In addition, in situ differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) indicated that ultrafast *NO2- to *NO reduction and highly selective *NO to *N2O or *N transformation played crucial roles during the NO3- reduction process. Moreover, the proposed electrochemical system can achieve remarkable N2 selectivity without the additional Cl- supply, thus avoiding the formation of chlorinated byproducts, which are usually observed in conventional electrochemical nitrate reduction processes. Environmentally, energy conservation and negligible byproduct release ensure its practicability for use in nitrate remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bincheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhixuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
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45
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Ma J, Wei W, Qin G, Xiao T, Tang W, Zhao S, Jiang L, Liu S. Electrochemical reduction of nitrate in a catalytic carbon membrane nano-reactor. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 208:117862. [PMID: 34814021 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate pollution is a critical environmental issue in need of urgent addressing. Electrochemical reduction is an attractive strategy for treating nitrate due to the environmental friendliness. However, it is still a challenge to achieve the simultaneous high activity and selectivity. Here we report the design of a porous tubular carbon membrane as the electrode deposited with catalysts, which provides a large triple-phase boundary area for nitrate removal reactions. The achieved nitrate removal rate is one order of magnitude higher than other literatures with high nitrate conversion and high selectivity of nitrogen. The carbon membrane itself had a limited catalytic property thus Cu-Pd bimetal catalysts were deposited inside the nano-pores to enhance the activity and selectivity. When Na2SO4 electrolyte was applied, the achieved single-pass removal of nitrate was increased from 55.15% (for blank membrane) to 97.12% by adding catalysts inside the membrane. In case of NaOH as the electrolyte, the single-pass nitrate removal efficiency, selectivity to nitrogen formation and nitrate removal rate was 90.66%, 96.40% and 1.47 × 10-3 mmol min-1 cm-2, respectively. Density functional theory studies demonstrate that the loading of bimetal catalysts compared with single metal catalysts enhances the adsorption of *NO3 on membrane surface favorable for N2 formation than NH3 on Cu-Pd surface. The application of catalytic carbon membrane nano-reactors can open new windows for nitrate removal due to the high reactor efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ma
- School of Space and Environment, Beihang University, Shahe Campus, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wei Wei
- College of Biochemical Engineering, Beijing Union University, 18 Sanqu Fatouxili, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Guotong Qin
- School of Space and Environment, Beihang University, Shahe Campus, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Tianliang Xiao
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, Shahe Campus, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Weiqiang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shuangliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and School of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Resource Processing and Process Intensification Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- School of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beihang University, 37 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shaomin Liu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
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46
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Su Y, Muller KR, Yoshihara-Saint H, Najm I, Jassby D. Nitrate Removal in an Electrically Charged Granular-Activated Carbon Column. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:16597-16606. [PMID: 34874719 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02152] [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: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate removal from groundwater remains a challenge. Here, we report on the development of a flow-through, electrically charged, granular-activated carbon (GAC)-filled column, which effectively removes nitrate. In this system, the GAC functioned as an anode, while a titanium sheet acted as a cathode. The high removal rate of nitrate was achieved through a combination of electrosorption and electrochemical transformation to N2. The column could be readily regenerated in situ by reversing the polarity of the applied potential. We demonstrate that in the presence of chloride, the mechanism responsible for the observed nitrate removal involves a combination of electroadsorption of nitrate to the anodically charged GAC, electroreduction of nitrate to ammonium, and the oxidation of ammonium to N2 gas by reactive chlorine and other oxidative radicals (with nearly 100% N2 selectivity). Given the ubiquitous presence of chloride in groundwater, this method represents a ready, green, and sustainable treatment process with significant potential for the remediation of contaminated groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Su
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Katherine R Muller
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Hira Yoshihara-Saint
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Issam Najm
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - David Jassby
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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Fu J, Yao F, Xie T, Zhong Y, Tao Z, Chen S, He L, Pi Z, Hou K, Wang D, Li X, Yang Q. In-situ growth of needle-like Co3O4 on cobalt foam as a self-supported cathode for electrochemical reduction of nitrate. Sep Purif Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.119329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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48
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Li X, Gu Y, Wu S, Chen S, Quan X, Yu H. Selective reduction of nitrate to ammonium over charcoal electrode derived from natural wood. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 285:131501. [PMID: 34252808 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction has been regarded as an efficient alternative route for ammonia production. Developing efficient, economical and environment-friendly cathodes is a significant concern for the practical applications of this method. Herein, we report a charcoal electrode fabricated by carbonizing natural wood for efficient nitrate reduction. It displays high overpotential for hydrogen evolution, moderate sp3 C structure and oxygen-containing surface groups. Benefiting from these features, the charcoal cathode exhibits high nitrate removal rate (91.2%), outstanding selectivity (98.5%) and fast production rate (0.570 mmol L-1 h-1 cm-2) for ammonium. Both removal rate and selectivity are superior to other carbon materials and comparable to metal-containing cathodes. These results exhibit the possibility of using charcoal as cathodes for denitrification and ammonia recovery from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Yuwei Gu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Shuai Wu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Xie Quan
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Hongtao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
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49
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Wang Y, Shu S, Peng M, Hu L, Lv X, Shen Y, Gong H, Jiang G. Dual-site electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia on oxygen vacancy-enriched and Pd-decorated MnO 2 nanosheets. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:17504-17511. [PMID: 34651160 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr04962c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction (NRR) represents one promising alternative to the Haber-Bosch process for NH3 production due to the lower reaction energy barrier compared to N2 reduction and the potential recycling of nitrogen source from nitrate wastewater. The metal oxides with oxygen vacancy (Ov) display high NH3 selectivities in NRR (NO2-/N2 as side products), but the complexity in Ov enrichment and the inferior hydrogen adsorption on oxides make NRR an inefficient process. Herein, one superior dual-site NRR electrocatalyst that is composed of Ov-enriched MnO2 nanosheets (MnO2-Ov) and Pd nanoparticles (deposited on MnO2) is constructed over the three-dimensional porous nickel foam (Pd-MnO2-Ov/Ni foam). In a continuous-flow reaction cell, this electrode delivers a NO3--N conversion rate of 642 mg N m-2electrode h-1 and a NH3 selectivity of 87.64% at -0.85 V vs. Ag/AgCl when feeding 22.5 mg L-1 of NO3--N (0.875 mL min-1), outperforming the Pd/Ni foam (369 mg N m-2electrode h-1, 85.02%) and MnO2-Ov/Ni foam (118 mg N m-2electrode h-1, 32.25%). Increasing the feeding NO3--N concentration and flow rate to 180.0 mg L-1 and 2.81 mL min-1 can further lift the conversion rate to 1933 and 1171 mg N m-2electrode h-1, respectively. The combination of experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the MnO2-Ov adsorbs, immobilizes, and activates the NO3- and N-intermediates, while the Pd supplies the Ov sites with sufficient adsorbed hydrogen (H*) for both the NRR and Ov refreshment. Our work presents a good example of utilizing dual-site catalysis in the highly selective conversion of NO3- to NH3 that is important for nitrate pollution abatement, nitrogen resource recycling, as well as sustainable NH3 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Engineering Research Center for Waste Oil Recovery Technology and Equipment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China.
| | - Song Shu
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Min Peng
- Engineering Research Center for Waste Oil Recovery Technology and Equipment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China.
| | - Lin Hu
- Engineering Research Center for Waste Oil Recovery Technology and Equipment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China.
| | - Xiaoshu Lv
- Engineering Research Center for Waste Oil Recovery Technology and Equipment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China.
| | - Yu Shen
- Engineering Research Center for Waste Oil Recovery Technology and Equipment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China.
| | - Haifeng Gong
- Engineering Research Center for Waste Oil Recovery Technology and Equipment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China.
| | - Guangming Jiang
- Engineering Research Center for Waste Oil Recovery Technology and Equipment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing 400067, China.
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50
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Zheng W, Zhu L, Yan Z, Lin Z, Lei Z, Zhang Y, Xu H, Dang Z, Wei C, Feng C. Self-Activated Ni Cathode for Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia: From Fundamentals to Scale-Up for Treatment of Industrial Wastewater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:13231-13243. [PMID: 34379386 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic reduction has recently received increasing attention as a method of converting waste nitrate into value-added ammonia, but most studies have focused on complex strategies of catalyst preparation and little has been done in the way of large-scale demonstrations. Herein, we report that in situ activation of a pristine Ni electrode, either on a lab scale or a pilot scale, is effective in facilitating nitrate reduction to ammonia, exhibiting extraordinarily high activity, selectivity, and stability. The self-activated Ni cathode has a robust capacity to reduce nitrate over a wide range of concentrations and achieves great conversion yield, NH4+-N selectivity, and Faradaic efficiency, respectively, 95.3, 95.5, and 64.4% at 200 mg L-1 NO3--N and 97.8, 97.1, and 90.4% at 2000 mg L-1 NO3--N, for example. Fundamental research indicates that Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles are formed on the Ni electrode surface upon self-activation, which play crucial roles in governing nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) through the atomic H*-mediated pathway and accordingly suppressing hydrogen evolution reaction. More importantly, the self-activated Ni(OH)2@Ni cathode can be easily scaled up to allow large volumes of real industrial wastewater to be processed, successfully transferring nitrate into ammonia with high yields and Faradaic efficiency. This study demonstrates a new, mild, and promising method of cleaning nitrate-laden wastewater that produces ammonia as a valuable byproduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiao Zheng
- 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
| | - Liuyi 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
| | - Zhang Yan
- 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
| | - Zichao Lin
- 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
| | - Zhenchao Lei
- 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
| | - Yifan Zhang
- 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
| | - Haolin Xu
- 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
| | - Chaohai Wei
- 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
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