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Controlled Defective Engineering on CuIr Catalyst Promotes Nitrate Selective Reduction to Ammonia
Xiaotian Guo1, Jidong Yu1, Shijie Ren1
1College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Energy Material and Chemistry, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China.
This study introduces a novel copper catalyst with defects and iridium for efficient ammonia production via electrochemical nitrate reduction. The catalyst achieves a record yield, offering a promising low-carbon synthesis route.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3-RR) is a key sustainable technology for ammonia (NH3) synthesis.
- Developing efficient and selective catalysts is crucial for advancing this process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a high-performance copper (Cu) catalyst for electrochemical nitrate reduction.
- To enhance ammonia production efficiency and selectivity using defect engineering and iridium (Ir) decoration.
Main Methods:
- High-temperature quenching of Cu to create nonequilibrium phases and defects.
- Loading low concentrations of Ir species onto the Cu surface.
- Electrochemical characterization to evaluate catalytic performance.
Main Results:
- The developed CuIr catalyst exhibited a low overpotential for NO3-RR.
- Achieved a record ammonia yield of 6.01 mmol h-1 cm-2 with 93% Faradaic efficiency at -0.22 V RHE.
- Demonstrated synergistic effects between Cu defects and Ir decoration enhancing reactivity.
Conclusions:
- Defect-rich Cu catalysts decorated with Ir are highly effective for electrochemical ammonia synthesis.
- The catalyst's performance is attributed to modulated d-band center and enhanced intermediate adsorption.
- This work presents a significant advancement in sustainable ammonia production technologies.
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