Electrochemical N2 fixation by Cu-modified iron oxide dendrites
Chengrong Huang1, Longmei Shang1, Peng Han1
1Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Department of Chemistry and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Shanghai 200438, China.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|May 28, 2019
Summary
This study introduces a novel Fe2O3/Cu catalyst for efficient electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under mild conditions. The catalyst demonstrates high ammonia production rates and stability, overcoming challenges posed by N2 molecule stability and water reduction.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is challenging due to the high stability of dinitrogen (N2) molecules.
- The NRR pathway competes with the water reduction reaction in aqueous solutions.
- Developing efficient electrocatalysts for NRR under mild conditions is crucial for ammonia synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient electrocatalyst for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR).
- To investigate the catalytic activity and stability of a Fe2O3/Cu catalyst for NRR.
- To understand the electronic interactions within the catalyst that enhance NRR performance.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of a Fe2O3/Cu catalyst.
- Electrochemical measurements including NRR activity and Faradaic efficiency.
- Analysis of electronic structure and d-electron distribution to understand catalytic mechanisms.
Main Results:
- The Fe2O3/Cu catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity for NRR.
- An outstanding ammonia production rate of 15.66 μg·h-1·mgcat.-1 was achieved at -0.1 V vs RHE.
- A Faradaic efficiency of 24.4% and good electrochemical stability were observed.
Conclusions:
- Fe2O3/Cu is an efficient electrocatalyst for NRR.
- Electronic interactions in the catalyst enhance N2 adsorption and catalytic activity.
- The catalyst shows promise for sustainable ammonia production via electrocatalysis.
Related Concept Videos
01:26What is an Electrochemical Gradient?
127.5K
Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is considered the primary energy source in cells. However, energy can also be stored in the electrochemical gradient of an ion across the plasma membrane, which is determined by two factors: its chemical and electrical gradients.
The chemical gradient relies on differences in the abundance of a substance on the outside versus the inside of a cell and flows from areas of high to low ion concentration. In contrast, the electrical gradient revolves around an...
The chemical gradient relies on differences in the abundance of a substance on the outside versus the inside of a cell and flows from areas of high to low ion concentration. In contrast, the electrical gradient revolves around an...
127.5K
03:14Oxidation Numbers
42.3K
In redox reactions, the transfer of electrons occurs between reacting species. Electron transfer is described by a hypothetical number called the oxidation number (or oxidation state). It represents the effective charge of an atom or element, which is assigned using a set of rules.
42.3K
01:03Fixation and Sectioning
7.5K
Two basic types of preparation are used to visualize specimens with a light microscope: wet mounts and fixed specimens.
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
7.5K
01:15Pyruvate Oxidation
168.5K
After glycolysis, the charged pyruvate molecules enter the mitochondria via active transport and undergo three enzymatic reactions. These reactions ensure that pyruvate can enter the next metabolic pathway so that energy stored in the pyruvate molecules can be harnessed by the cells.
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
168.5K
03:11Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
75.2K
Oxidation–Reduction Reactions
75.2K
01:28Carbon-dioxide Fixation
682
Carbon dioxide fixation in prokaryotes enables the assimilation of inorganic carbon into organic molecules, supporting biosynthetic pathways, sustaining ecosystems, and contributing to the global carbon cycle. It also has industrial applications in carbon capture and bioproduct synthesis. Autotrophic organisms rely on this process to utilize CO₂ as a carbon source in diverse environments.The Calvin CycleThe Calvin cycle is the most widespread carbon fixation mechanism, primarily used by...
682