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Updated: Jul 6, 2025

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
Electrocatalytic nitrite reduction to ammonia on an Rh single-atom catalyst
Jiaqi Xiang1, Hongyan Zhao1, Kai Chen1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
This study introduces Rhodium single-atom catalysts on defective Boron Nitride nanosheets for efficient electrocatalytic nitrite reduction to ammonia. This advanced catalyst achieves high ammonia yield and selectivity, offering a greener production method.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite to ammonia (NO2RR) is a promising green route for ammonia synthesis.
- Developing highly active and selective catalysts is crucial for efficient NO2RR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel single-atom catalyst for enhanced electrocatalytic NO2RR.
- To investigate the mechanism behind the catalyst's performance.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Rhodium single-atom catalyst supported on defective Boron Nitride nanosheets (Rh1/BN).
- Electrochemical characterization and performance testing in a flow cell.
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations for mechanistic studies.
Main Results:
- Rh1/BN demonstrated exceptional activity and selectivity for NO2RR.
- Single-atom Rh sites were found to promote NO2- activation and hydrogenation while suppressing hydrogen evolution.
- The catalyst achieved a record NH3 yield rate of 2165.4 μmol h-1 cm-2 and Faradaic efficiency of 97.83% at 355.7 mA cm-2.
Conclusions:
- Defective BN-supported Rh single atoms are highly effective for electrocatalytic NO2RR.
- The catalyst design offers a pathway towards efficient and sustainable ammonia production.
- This work sets a new benchmark for NO2RR catalysts.
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