Coupling electrocatalytic cathodic nitrate reduction with anodic formaldehyde oxidation at ultra-low potential over Cu₂O

Abstract

Electrocatalytic ammonia (NH3) synthesis from nitrate (NO3-) is a promising alternative to the Haber–Bosch route that requires high energy input and carbon emissions. However, sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER)...

A Perspective on Cu‐Based Electrocatalysts for Nitrate Reduction for Ammonia Synthesis

“…[ 53 ] This approach allows for the optimization of both economic benefits and yield for electrochemical synthesis. This new ideas could be provided for sustainable development and green economy, [ 54 ] by constructing a coupling reaction system between nitrate reduction and other oxidation reactions (reduction of carbon dioxide, [ 55 ] glycerol oxidation, [ 56 ] formaldehyde oxidation, [ 57 ] propane anaerobic oxidation, [ 58 ] urea electro‐oxidation [ 59 ] etc.). By designing and preparing a dual‐functional electrocatalyst, it is possible to achieve simultaneous cathodic and anodic reactions at ultralow voltage and to obtain products with high selectivity and high FE.…”

Water electrolysis for hydrogen production: from hybrid systems to self-powered/catalyzed devices

“…19b), which are much lower than the theoretical energy demand for OWS (4.10 and 4.70 kW h m −3 H 2 ). To date, the reported FOR catalysts have been concentrated on Cu-based materials, such as Cu 2 O catalyst, 420 ZrO 2 –CuO/Au, 421 Ni doped Cu, 422 Cu 2 O, 423 hollow PdCu alloy, 424 and Cu nanosheet arrays. 425 Some other transition metal-based catalysts, such as Ni nanowires, 426 S-Ni@Ni(OH )2 /NF, 427 NiCo–NiCoP@PCT, 428 NiMn phosphates, 429 S-doped MnO 2 , 430 and Co–N x –C@Co, 431 have also been used for the FOR.…”

Near 100% selectivity for ammonia synthesis at a high current density by promoting nitrate protonation on the copper dispersed todorokite-type manganese oxide

“…4–6 To date, the Haber–Bosch process is widely utilized to manufacture NH 3 ; however, it has drawbacks, such as it is an energy-intensive process (around 2.6 exajoules) and requires harsh reaction environment (temperature: 400–450 °C and pressure: 5–25 MPa). 7–9 Moreover, the massive CO 2 emission generated from the process accounts for 1% to 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the transportation expense needed for centralized production will increase the capital cost. 10 Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is gaining increasing attention to replace the Haber–Bosch process because of the abundant reserves of raw materials and environmentally friendly conditions for ammonia synthesis.…”