Co Nanoparticles Decorated Corncob-Derived Biomass Carbon as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia

Abstract

Nitrate (NO3 –) is a type of common pollutant in aqueous systems. Electrochemical NO3 – reduction is an ecofriendly and sustainable strategy, which can selectively reduce NO3 – to highly value-added NH3 and remove NO3 – pollutants at the same time. In this work, Co nanoparticles decorated corncob-derived biomass carbon as a highly active electrocatalyst for NO3 – to NH3 conversion. Such a catalyst can achieve an amazing Faradaic efficiency of 93.4% and a large NH3 yield of 0.60 mmol h–1 cm–2 in alkaline media. 15N-Labeling experiment proves that the detected NH3 is derived from NO3 – electroreduction. In addition, it also displays excellent durability in long-term and cycle-electrolysis tests.

Ambient Ammonia Synthesis via Nitrate Electroreduction in Neutral Media on Fe3O4 Nanoparticles-decorated TiO2 Nanoribbon Array

“…Transition metal-based electrocatalysts, in the field of eNO 3 RR, have progressively become prospective substitutes for noble metals due to their low cost, abundant resources, and high activity. − In particular, Fe-based materials are competitive in the application of eNO 3 RR for their high activity and low nitrite selectivity. , And several such Fe-based catalysts have been reported including Fe 3 O 4 particle, iron cyano nanosheets, Fe single atom, ,, etc. On the other hand, TiO 2 , with prominent chemical and structural stability, has been proven to be active for eNO 3 RR to some extent − and can act as a support to disperse high-activity transition metal-based materials. − It is thus believed to develop a low-budget and stable Fe-based material/TiO 2 hybrid for efficient NO 3 – -to-NH 3 conversion, which has not been studied yet.…”

Constructing Co@TiO2 Nanoarray Heterostructure with Schottky Contact for Selective Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia

“…− to NH 3 . [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] However, most of them have emerged due to their catalytic power toward the NO 3 − RR in alkaline media. Taking the water pollution induced by the extreme pH conditions into consideration further exploration of efficient NO 3…”

“…− RR catalysts in neutral system is necessary. [27,33] Thus, it is of great practical significance to exploit effective strategies to boost electrocatalysts with high-performance for converting NO 3…”

“…Transition metal‐based materials as attractive catalysts have manifested huge competitive potentials for electrocatalytic NO 3 − to NH 3 . [ 23–32 ] However, most of them have emerged due to their catalytic power toward the NO 3 − RR in alkaline media. Taking the water pollution induced by the extreme pH conditions into consideration further exploration of efficient NO 3 − RR catalysts in neutral system is necessary.…”

“…Taking the water pollution induced by the extreme pH conditions into consideration further exploration of efficient NO 3 − RR catalysts in neutral system is necessary. [ 27,33 ] Thus, it is of great practical significance to exploit effective strategies to boost electrocatalysts with high‐performance for converting NO 3 − to NH 3 in neutral solution. Constructing heterostructure employing different active components has proven to be a fascinating strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of catalysts.…”