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Gradient-concentration RuCo electrocatalyst for efficient and stable electroreduction of nitrate into ammonia
Xinhong Chen1,2, Yumeng Cheng1, Bo Zhang3
1State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China.
Nature Communications
|July 25, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a novel cobalt nanosheet catalyst with gradient ruthenium dispersion for efficient electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia. This catalyst achieves high ammonia production efficiency and stability, even in low-concentration nitrate solutions.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia is crucial for sustainable energy.
- Low nitrate concentrations and competing hydrogen evolution reactions pose challenges.
- Catalyst stability and activity in dilute solutions are critical for industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-performance electrocatalyst for nitrate reduction to ammonia.
- To address challenges of low nitrate concentrations and catalyst stability.
- To investigate the effect of gradient ruthenium dispersion on catalyst performance.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of cobalt nanosheet catalyst with gradient ruthenium dispersion.
- Electrochemical testing for ammonia production (Faraday efficiency, current density).
- Long-term stability tests.
- In situ spectroscopy (Raman, FTIR) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Main Results:
- Achieved over 93% NH3 Faraday efficiency at 1.0 A/cm2 in 2000 ppm NO3-.
- Demonstrated excellent stability for 720 hours at -300 mA/cm2.
- Maintained high activity in 62 ppm NO3- electrolyte.
- Gradient Ru dispersion lowered reaction energy barriers and enhanced stability.
Conclusions:
- Gradient ruthenium dispersion in Co nanosheets significantly improves electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia.
- The catalyst design offers a promising strategy for efficient and stable ammonia synthesis from dilute nitrate sources.
- This work provides a new direction for designing advanced electrocatalysts for ammonia energy applications.
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