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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

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Published on: December 6, 2021
Boron-Modified Ni-Cu Heterostructure Electrocatalyst for Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Zhicheng Wang1, Wei Wang1, Fang Han1
1School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang315211, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Electrochemical nitrate reduction represents a dual-functional strategy for sustainable ammonia production and the remediation of nitrate-laden water. Developing robust electrocatalysts that combine high activity, selectivity, and stability is essential to realizing this potential. Herein, we report a boron-modified nickel-copper heterostructure catalyst (B-Ni2(CO3)(OH)2/Cu(OH)2/CF) for the nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR). The catalyst achieves an impressive ammonia yield of 6.8 mg h-1 cm-2 with a Faradaic efficiency of 92.0% at -0.7 V (vs RHE) in 0.1 M PBS with 0.1 M NO3-, while demonstrating strong durability over extended operation. Mechanistic studies reveal that boron doping induces surface BOx species and modulates the electronic structure of Ni sites, enhancing nitrate activation and hydrogenation kinetics. This work highlights the promise of boron doping in designing electrocatalysts for nitrate-to-ammonia conversion in water treatment contexts, offering a new technological pathway for efficient detoxification and resource recovery of nitrate pollutants.
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