Exploiting underpotential deposited hydrogen enables energy-efficient nitrate electroreduction to ammonia.
Leting Zhang1,2, Rupeng Liu1,2, Xiaolong Liang1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130022, P.R. China.
Nature Communications
|March 31, 2026
Summary
This study introduces an enzyme-inspired catalyst for efficient electrochemical ammonia synthesis from nitrate. The novel Ag-Ru system enhances energy efficiency and lowers production costs for sustainable ammonia production.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Electrochemical nitrate reduction offers a sustainable alternative to Haber-Bosch for ammonia synthesis.
- Challenges include sluggish kinetics, inefficient proton supply, and limited energy efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel catalyst for efficient and sustainable electrochemical ammonia synthesis.
- To enhance nitrate-to-ammonia conversion rates and energy efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a hierarchical Ag-Ru nanophase catalyst with enzyme-like channels.
- Operando characterization and theoretical calculations to elucidate reaction mechanisms.
- Electrochemical testing under various conditions.
Main Results:
- Achieved 53.7% ammonia energy efficiency at 0.2 V vs RHE with near-unity Faradaic efficiency.
- Demonstrated high ammonia partial current density of 2.2 A cm⁻² at 0 V vs RHE.
- Catalyst showed sustained energy efficiency over 100 h at 200 mA cm⁻².
Conclusions:
- The Ag-Ru catalyst effectively facilitates cascade nitrate reduction and optimizes hydrogen utilization.
- The developed system offers a cost-effective and sustainable pathway for ammonia production.
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