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Harnessing Heterogeneous Interface and Oxygen Vacancy in Cu/Cu 2 O for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia

Author

Listed:
  • Yaxuan Li

    (Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Materials Surface & Interface Science and Technology, College of Material Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China)

  • Ling Fang

    (Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, China)

  • Yuanjuan Bai

    (Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Materials Surface & Interface Science and Technology, College of Material Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China)

Abstract

In recent years, the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NRA) has garnered significant research attention. However, the complex multi-step proton–electron transfer process often results in various by-products, limiting NH 3 production. Therefore, designing and developing highly active and selective electrocatalysts for efficient NRA is crucial. This study proposes a method to construct Cu/Cu 2 O nanosheet arrays with heterogeneous interfaces and oxygen vacancies on copper foam surfaces through electrochemical reduction. The interface coupling between Cu and Cu 2 O significantly optimizes the catalyst’s surface electronic structure, providing sufficient active sites. In addition, the presence of oxygen vacancies in Cu/Cu 2 O can optimize the adsorption kinetics of intermediates in the NRA process and effectively inhibit the formation of by-products. The results show that Cu/CuO 2 nanosheet arrays are superior NRA catalysts, achieving a Faradaic efficiency of up to 91.1%, a nitrate conversion of 96.25%, and an NH 3 yield rate of 6.11 mg h −1 cm −2 .

Suggested Citation

  • Yaxuan Li & Ling Fang & Yuanjuan Bai, 2024. "Harnessing Heterogeneous Interface and Oxygen Vacancy in Cu/Cu 2 O for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:17:p:4467-:d:1472293
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yueshen Wu & Zhan Jiang & Zhichao Lin & Yongye Liang & Hailiang Wang, 2021. "Direct electrosynthesis of methylamine from carbon dioxide and nitrate," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 4(8), pages 725-730, August.
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