Controllable Assembly of Planar Defect-Rich Bimetallic Oxide Interfaces for Efficient Ammonia Production
Xiaoyu Luan1,2, Lu Qi1,3, Shuya Zhao1
1Province Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Science of Material Creation and Energy Conversion, Science Center for Material Creation and Energy Conversion, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 27 Shanda Nanlu, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, P. R. China.
Small Methods
|July 7, 2025
Summary
This study introduces CuCo2Ox nanowires on graphdiyne for efficient electrocatalytic nitrate reduction. The novel catalyst achieves high ammonia yield and selectivity for sustainable synthesis and wastewater treatment.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction (NitRR) offers dual benefits for ammonia synthesis and wastewater treatment.
- The NitRR involves a complex electron/proton transfer, necessitating advanced catalysts to improve efficiency and reduce byproducts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-performance electrocatalyst for the nitrate reduction reaction (NitRR).
- To engineer CuCo2Ox nanowires with tailored defect structures using graphdiyne (GDY) via atomic-level interface engineering.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of CuCo2Ox nanowires assisted by graphdiyne (GDY).
- Atomic-level interface engineering to create synergistic interactions between GDY and CuCo2Ox.
- Characterization of defect structures and interfacial charge transfer.
Main Results:
- Achieved 100% Faradaic efficiency (FE) for NitRR.
- Obtained a record-high ammonia yield rate (YNH3) of 3332 µg cm⁻² h⁻¹ at -0.132 V vs RHE.
- Demonstrated complete suppression of byproduct formation and long-term durability.
Conclusions:
- The CuCo2Ox/GDY catalyst exhibits superior performance in NitRR due to optimized interfacial charge transfer and defect structures.
- This work establishes a general strategy for designing high-performance electrocatalysts for sustainable nitrogen cycle applications.
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