CoCuSiB Nanocrystalline for Efficient Nitrate-to-Ammonia Electroreduction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a promising dual-purpose technology for ammonia synthesis and wastewater remediation.
• Current NO3RR applications are limited by insufficient electrocatalytic activity and long-term stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly active and stable electrocatalyst for NO3RR.
• To investigate the structure-property relationships of novel nanocrystalline alloys for enhanced electrocatalysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a Co60Cu12Si18B10 nanocrystalline alloy using nonequilibrium solidification.
• Characterization of the alloy's unique Cu-CoSiB dual nanocrystalline structure.
• Evaluation of the catalyst's performance in electrocatalytic nitrate reduction.

Main Results:

• The Co60Cu12Si18B10 catalyst exhibited a high NH3 yield rate of 9.11 mg h-1 cm-2 and a Faradaic efficiency of 96.4%.
• The addition of Si and B elements refined the structure and modulated electronic properties of active sites.
• The catalyst demonstrated superior performance compared to most previously reported catalysts.

Conclusions:

• Nonmetallic alloyed nanocrystals are effective for highly efficient electrocatalysis.
• The developed Co60Cu12Si18B10 catalyst shows significant potential for sustainable ammonia production and environmental wastewater treatment.