In situ insights into boosting active hydrogen on reconstructed multiphase Heterointerfaces for efficient...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Copper catalysts are promising for electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) to ammonia (NH3).
• Achieving high selectivity and efficiency in NH3 synthesis via NO3RR remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of dynamic Cu0/Cu+/Cu2+ multiphase heterointerfaces in NO3RR.
• To enhance selective NH3 production using an electrochemical reconstruction strategy.

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical analysis of a carbon-coated CuO/Cu2O@C catalyst.
• Electrochemical reconstruction to form dynamic multiphase heterointerfaces.
• In situ structural analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Main Results:

• Dynamic Cu0/Cu+/Cu2+ interfaces act as superior active sites for NO3RR.
• Maximum NH3 Faradaic efficiency of 95.5% and productivity of 13.5 mg·h-1·mgcat-1 achieved.
• Multiphase heterointerfaces facilitate water activation, hydrogen supply, and lower energy barriers.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic multiphase heterointerfaces are key to enhancing selectivity and efficiency in NO3RR.
• This strategy offers a new pathway for designing advanced copper-based catalysts for NH3 production.
• The findings promote sustainable ammonia synthesis through improved electrochemical nitrate reduction.