Cyclodextrin-Based Supramolecular Crosslinking Polymers With Multiple Ruthenium Centers for Highly Efficient...

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Supramolecular polymers exhibit catalytic potential for nitrate electroreduction to ammonia.
• Developing stable and efficient catalysts is crucial for ammonia synthesis and pollution control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a covalently cross-linked supramolecular catalytic system (Ru@POP-CD) for efficient electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis from nitrate.
• To investigate its performance, stability, and potential applications in environmental remediation and energy systems.

Main Methods:

• Nucleophilic substitution reaction to synthesize Ru@POP-CD.
• Electrochemical characterization including cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry.
• Ammonia yield rate and Faradaic efficiency measurements.

Main Results:

• Ru@POP-CD achieved a high Faradaic efficiency (FE_NH3) of 78.5% at -0.8 V and a yield rate of 8.72 mg h⁻¹ cm⁻² in alkaline conditions.
• The catalyst demonstrated excellent stability and inhibited the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
• High performance was also observed in neutral electrolyte (FE_NH3 of 83.8% at -0.9 V).

Conclusions:

• The covalently cross-linked Ru@POP-CD system is a highly efficient and stable electrocatalyst for ammonia synthesis from nitrate.
• Its unique structure facilitates nitrate electroreduction and offers potential for electrochemical energy supply systems and environmental pollution control.