Integration of Nitrate Denitrification and Biomass Valorization in a Water-Splitting-Based Configuration for...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Electrocatalytic water-splitting is crucial for sustainable fuel and chemical production.
• Integrating nitrate reduction (NO3RR) and biomass oxidation (BOR) offers a promising route for waste valorization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a coelectrolysis system for simultaneous ammonia and formate synthesis.
• To investigate the catalytic performance and mechanism of a CuNi alloy in NO3RR and BOR.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and characterization of a CuNi alloy catalyst.
• Electrochemical testing of the coelectrolysis system under various conditions.
• In situ spectroscopic studies to elucidate reaction mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The CuNi catalyst achieved high yield rates and Faradaic efficiencies for ammonia synthesis via NO3RR.
• Efficient oxidative upgrading of biomass derivatives to formate was observed at the anode.
• The integrated system demonstrated stable and efficient co-production of ammonia and formate over extended periods.

Conclusions:

• The designed CuNi alloy effectively catalyzes both NO3RR and BOR.
• The hybrid NO3RR||BOR system provides a sustainable pathway for converting waste feedstocks into commodity chemicals.
• This work highlights the potential of integrated electrocatalytic systems for green chemical synthesis.