Recently, Professor Zhe Weng and Chunpeng Yang from Tianjin University published a paper entitled "Unveiling multi-element synergy in polymetallic oxides for efficient nitrate reduction to ammonia". In this study, the (FeCoNiCu)O x /CeO 2 electrocatalyst for the reduction of NO 3 − to NH 3 was prepared using the rapid Joule-heating method within a short duration. Electrochemical measurements revealed that the (FeCoNiCu)O x /CeO 2 electrocatalyst exhibited a high Faradaic efficiency for NH 3 exceeding 90% in the potential range of 0 to −0.4 V vs . RHE, along with a high NH 3 yield rate of 30.3 mg h −1 cm −2 . Moreover, the (FeCoNiCu)O x /CeO 2 electrocatalyst demonstrated excellent long-term stability for more than 10 h at 200 mA cm −2 .
Through a series of comprehensive experiments, the individual contributions of each element and their synergistic effect have been clearly elucidate. Specifically, the Cu active sites efficiently reduce NO 3 − to nitrite (NO 2 − ) at low overpotential, while the adjacent Co sites facilitate the deep reduction of intermediate NO 2 − . The Fe and Ni sites play a crucial role in promoting water dissociation to ensure sufficient proton supply. Simultaneously, the CeO 2 component increases the active surface area of the (FeCoNiCu)O x electrocatalyst and improves the NH 3 yield rate, making it suitable for industrial applications. This work offers significant insights for the design of highly efficient multi-element electrocatalysts.
See the article:
Unveiling multi-element synergy in polymetallic oxides for efficient nitrate reduction to ammonia
https://www.sciengine.com/SCMs/doi/10.1007/s40843-024-3017-4
Science China Materials