Boosting efficient ambient nitrogen oxidation by a well-dispersed Pd on MXene electrocatalyst

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Nitrogen oxidation is crucial for various chemical processes.
• Developing efficient and selective electrocatalysts for nitrogen oxidation remains a challenge.
• MXene-based materials offer unique properties for catalytic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the electrochemical nitrogen oxidation performance of a Pd-decorated MXene electrocatalyst.
• To evaluate the nitrate yield rate and faradaic efficiency of the developed catalyst.
• To explore the potential of MXene-based materials in sustainable nitrogen oxidation.

Main Methods:

• Experimental realization of an electrochemical nitrogen oxidation approach.
• Utilized a palladium-decorated MXene (Ti₃C₂T_x, T = F and O) electrocatalyst.
• Conducted experiments under ambient conditions and in a neutral pH environment.

Main Results:

• Achieved a desirable nitrate yield rate of 2.80 μg h^-1 mg_cat^-1 (45.16 μmol h^-1 g_cat^-1 HNO₃).
• Obtained a high nitrate faradaic efficiency of 11.34%.
• Demonstrated catalyst stability and performance in a neutral pH environment.

Conclusions:

• The Pd-decorated MXene electrocatalyst shows significant promise for efficient electrochemical nitrogen oxidation.
• The developed approach offers a sustainable and effective method for nitrate production.
• This study highlights the potential of MXene-based catalysts in advanced electrochemical applications.