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Wang Y, Peng H, Song M, Song H, Liu Y, Chen P, Yin SF. Tuning Dynamic Structural Evolution of Bi 24O 31Cl 10 for Enhancing Piezo-Photocatalytic Nitrogen Oxidation to Nitrate. NANO LETTERS 2024. [PMID: 38885183 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Direct nitrogen oxidation into nitrate under ambient conditions presents a promising strategy for harsh and multistep industrial processes. However, the dynamic structural evolution of active sites in surface reactions constitutes a highly intricate endeavor and remains in its nascent stage. Here, we constructed a Bi24O31Cl10 material with moiré superlattice structure (BCMS) for direct piezo-photocatalytic oxidation of nitrogen into nitrate. Excitingly, BCMS achieved excellent nitric acid production (15.44 mg g-1 h-1) under light and pressure conditions. Detailed experimental results show that the unique structure extracts the local strain tensor from the constricting Bi-Bi bond and Bi-O bond for internal structural reconstruction, which promotes the formation of electron and reactive molecule vortexes to facilitate charge transfer as well as N2 and O2 adsorption. Ultimately, these initiatives strengthen electron exchange between the superoxide radical and nitrogen as well as the binding strength of multiple intermediates, which swayingly adjusts the reaction path and energy barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Provincial Guizhou Key Laboratory of Green Chemical and Clean Energy Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Haiyan Peng
- Provincial Guizhou Key Laboratory of Green Chemical and Clean Energy Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Meiyang Song
- Provincial Guizhou Key Laboratory of Green Chemical and Clean Energy Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Henghui Song
- Provincial Guizhou Key Laboratory of Green Chemical and Clean Energy Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuhui Liu
- Provincial Guizhou Key Laboratory of Green Chemical and Clean Energy Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Provincial Guizhou Key Laboratory of Green Chemical and Clean Energy Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Shuang-Feng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Advanced Catalytic Engineering Research Center of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
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2
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Zhou L, Chen X, Zhu S, You K, Wang ZJ, Fan R, Li J, Yuan Y, Wang X, Wang J, Chen Y, Jin H, Wang S, Lv JJ. Two-dimensional Cu Plates with Steady Fluid Fields for High-rate Nitrate Electroreduction to Ammonia and Efficient Zn-Nitrate Batteries. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202401924. [PMID: 38366134 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202401924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Nitrate electroreduction reaction (eNO3 -RR) to ammonia (NH3) provides a promising strategy for nitrogen utilization, while achieving high selectivity and durability at an industrial scale has remained challenging. Herein, we demonstrated that the performance of eNO3 -RR could be significantly boosted by introducing two-dimensional Cu plates as electrocatalysts and eliminating the general carrier gas to construct a steady fluid field. The developed eNO3 -RR setup provided superior NH3 Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 99 %, exceptional long-term electrolysis for 120 h at 200 mA cm-2, and a record-high yield rate of 3.14 mmol cm-2 h-1. Furthermore, the proposed strategy was successfully extended to the Zn-nitrate battery system, providing a power density of 12.09 mW cm-2 and NH3 FE of 85.4 %, outperforming the state-of-the-art eNO3 -RR catalysts. Coupled with the COMSOL multiphysics simulations and in situ infrared spectroscopy, the main contributor for the high-efficiency NH3 production could be the steady fluid field to timely rejuvenate the electrocatalyst surface during the electrocatalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Zhou
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Shaojun Zhu
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Kun You
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Zheng-Jun Wang
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Ru Fan
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Jun Li
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Electrochemical Energy Materials and Devices, Institute of New Materials and Industrial Technologies, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yifei Yuan
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jichang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, M4Y1M7, Canada
| | - Yihuang Chen
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Huile Jin
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Electrochemical Energy Materials and Devices, Institute of New Materials and Industrial Technologies, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Shun Wang
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Electrochemical Energy Materials and Devices, Institute of New Materials and Industrial Technologies, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Jing-Jing Lv
- Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Leather Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
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3
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Xiong Y, Wang Y, Zhou J, Liu F, Hao F, Fan Z. Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction: Ammonia Synthesis and the Beyond. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2304021. [PMID: 37294062 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural nitrogen cycle has been severely disrupted by anthropogenic activities. The overuse of N-containing fertilizers induces the increase of nitrate level in surface and ground waters, and substantial emission of nitrogen oxides causes heavy air pollution. Nitrogen gas, as the main component of air, has been used for mass ammonia production for over a century, providing enough nutrition for agriculture to support world population increase. In the last decade, researchers have made great efforts to develop ammonia processes under ambient conditions to combat the intensive energy consumption and high carbon emission associated with the Haber-Bosch process. Among different techniques, electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) can achieve nitrate removal and ammonia generation simultaneously using renewable electricity as the power, and there is an exponential growth of studies in this research direction. Here, a timely and comprehensive review on the important progresses of electrochemical NO3RR, covering the rational design of electrocatalysts, emerging CN coupling reactions, and advanced energy conversion and storage systems is provided. Moreover, future perspectives are proposed to accelerate the industrialized NH3 production and green synthesis of chemicals, leading to a sustainable nitrogen cycle via prosperous N-based electrochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuecheng Xiong
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center (NPMM), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yunhao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center (NPMM), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Fu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Fengkun Hao
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Zhanxi Fan
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Hong Kong Branch of National Precious Metals Material Engineering Research Center (NPMM), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518057, P. R. China
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4
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Li H, Wang Y, Chen S, Peng F, Gao F. Boosting Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrate to Ammonia by Constructing Nitrate-Favored Active Cu-B Sites on SnS 2. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2308182. [PMID: 38308386 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia is an effective method for mitigating nitrate pollution and generating ammonia. To design superior electrocatalysts, it is essential to construct a reaction site with high activity. Herein, a simple two-step method is applied to in situ reduce amorphous copper over boron-doped SnS2 nanosheets(denoted as aCu@B-SnS2-x . DFT calculations reveal the combination of amorphous copper and B-doping strategy can construct Cu-B active twins and introduce sulfur vacancies on the surface of the inert SnS2 , the active twins can efficiently adsorb nitrate and forcibly separate oxygen atoms from nitrate under the assistance of the exposed Sn atom, leading to strong nitrate adsorption. Benefiting from this, aCu@B-SnS2-x exhibited an ultrahigh NH3 FE of 94.6% at -0.67 V versus RHE and the highest NH3 yield rate of 0.55 mmol h-1 mg-1 cat (9350 µg h-1 mg-1 cat ) at -0.77 V versus RHE under alkaline conditions. Besides, aCu@B-SnS2-x is confirmed to remain active after various stability tests, suggesting the practicality of utilizing aCu@B-SnS2-x in industrial applications. This work highlights the feasibility of enhanced nitrate-to-ammonia conversion efficiency by combining the doping method and amorphous metal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heen Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, P. R. China
| | - Yuanzhe Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brine Chemical Engineering and Resource Ecological Utilization, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300222, P. R. China
| | - Shuheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, P. R. China
| | - Fei Peng
- Analyses and Testing Center, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, 066000, P. R. China
| | - Faming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brine Chemical Engineering and Resource Ecological Utilization, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300222, P. R. China
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5
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Xu L, Liu T, Liu D, Xu A, Wang S, Huang H, Liu X, Sun M, Luo Q, Zheng X, Ding T, Yao T. Boosting Electrocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis via Synergistic Effect of Iron-Based Single Atoms and Clusters. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:1197-1204. [PMID: 38227967 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NO3RR) is gaining attention for low carbon emissions and environmental protection. However, low ammonia production rate and poor selectivity have remained major challenges in this multi-proton coupling process. Herein, we report a facile strategy toward a novel Fe-based hybrid structure composed of Fe single atoms and Fe3C atomic clusters that demonstrates outstanding performance for synergistic electrocatalytic NO3RR. By operando synchrotron Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and theoretical computation, we clarify that Fe single atoms serve as the active site for NO3RR, while Fe3C clusters facilitate H2O dissociation to provide protons (*H) for continued hydrogenation reactions. As a result, the Fe-based electrocatalyst exhibits ammonia Faradaic efficiency of nearly 100%, with a corresponding production rate of 24768 μg h-1 cm-2 at -0.4 V vs RHE, exceeding most reported metal-based catalysts. This research provides valuable guidance toward multi-step reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230029, P.R. China
| | - Tong Liu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230029, P.R. China
| | - Dong Liu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230029, P.R. China
| | - Airong Xu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230029, P.R. China
| | - Sicong Wang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230029, P.R. China
| | - Hui Huang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230029, P.R. China
| | - Xiaokang Liu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230029, P.R. China
| | - Mei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P.R. China
| | - Qiquan Luo
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P.R. China
| | - Xusheng Zheng
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230029, P.R. China
| | - Tao Ding
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230029, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P.R. China
| | - Tao Yao
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230029, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P.R. China
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6
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Zhang R, Li C, Cui H, Wang Y, Zhang S, Li P, Hou Y, Guo Y, Liang G, Huang Z, Peng C, Zhi C. Electrochemical nitrate reduction in acid enables high-efficiency ammonia synthesis and high-voltage pollutes-based fuel cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8036. [PMID: 38052852 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43897-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most current research is devoted to electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction for ammonia synthesis under alkaline/neutral media while the investigation of nitrate reduction under acidic conditions is rarely reported. In this work, we demonstrate the potential of TiO2 nanosheet with intrinsically poor hydrogen-evolution activity for selective and rapid nitrate reduction to ammonia under acidic conditions. Hybridized with iron phthalocyanine, the resulting catalyst displays remarkably improved efficiency toward ammonia formation owing to the enhanced nitrate adsorption, suppressed hydrogen evolution and lowered energy barrier for the rate-determining step. Then, an alkaline-acid hybrid Zn-nitrate battery was developed with high open-circuit voltage of 1.99 V and power density of 91.4 mW cm-2. Further, the environmental sulfur recovery can be powered by above hybrid battery and the hydrazine-nitrate fuel cell can be developed for simultaneously hydrazine/nitrate conversion and electricity generation. This work demonstrates the attractive potential of acidic nitrate reduction for ammonia electrosynthesis and broadens the field of energy conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chuan Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huilin Cui
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shaoce Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pei Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yue Hou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Guo
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, 518061, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Guojin Liang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhaodong Huang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chao Peng
- Multiscale Crystal Materials Research Center, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Chunyi Zhi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, 999077, Hong Kong, China.
- Centre for Functional Photonics, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
- Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, 523808, Dongguan, Guangdong, China.
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7
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Lv S, Gou F, Gou Q, Mao Y, Wang H, Jiang Y, Shen W, He R, Li M. Strong electron coupling of FeP 4/Ni 2P to boost highly-efficient electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 656:137-145. [PMID: 37988781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.11.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical reduction of contaminated nitrate to ammonia (NRA) opens a new window for mass production of ammonia and the alleviation of energy crises and environmental pollution. However, fabricating effective catalysts for the NRA still faces significant challenges. Herein, a highly-efficient NRA catalyst, FeP4/Ni2P, was successfully constructed. The strong electron coupling at heterointerfaces of FeP4/Ni2P promoted the generation of abundant active hydrogen *H, inhibited the competition of the HER, accelerated the hydrogenation of the NRA. Benefiting from these, the catalyst displays good NRA catalytic activity in the neutral electrolyte, with the NH3 FE of 97.83 ± 0.091 %, NH3 selectivity of 98.67 ± 0.50 %, NH3 yield rate of 0.262 ± 0.01 mmol·h-1·cm-2, and NO3- conversion rate of 93.02 ± 0.14 %. The DFT theoretical calculations demonstrated that the FeP4/Ni2P heterointerfaces played a critical role in shearing the H-OH bonds of water, resulting in generating more active hydrogen as a key NRA hydrogenation source, and hindering the *H dimerization to form H2, enhancing the NH3 selectivity. This work has a certain reference value for designing excellent catalysts for the NRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengmei Lv
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Fenglin Gou
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Qiao Gou
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Yini Mao
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Hua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Yimin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Wei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Rongxing He
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China.
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China.
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8
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Zhang M, Song K, Liu C, Zhang Z, He WQ, Huang H, Liu J. Electron-rich Au nanocrystals/Co 3O 4 interface for enhanced electrochemical nitrate reduction into ammonia. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 650:193-202. [PMID: 37402325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.06.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Solar-driven electrochemical NO3- reduction reaction (NO3-RR) is a clean and sustainable strategy that can convert pollutant NO3- in wastewater to value-added NH3. In recent years, cobalt oxides-based catalysts have shown their intrinsic catalytic properties toward NO3-RR but still have room for improvement through catalyst design. Coupling metal oxides with noble metal has been demonstrated to improve electrochemical catalytic efficiency. Here, we use Au species to tune the surface structure of Co3O4 and improve the efficiency of NO3-RR to NH3. The obtained Au nanocrystals-Co3O4 catalyst exhibited an onset potential of 0.54 V vs RHE, NH3 yield rate of 27.86 µg/h·cm2, and Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 83.1% at 0.437 V vs RHE in an H-cell, which is much higher than Au small species (Au clusters or single atoms)-Co3O4 (15.12 µg/h·cm2) and pure Co3O4 (11.38 µg/h·cm2), respectively. Combined experiments with theory calculations, we attributed the enhanced performance of Au nanocrystals-Co3O4 to the reduced energy barrier of *NO hydrogenation to the *NHO and suppression of HER, which originated from the charge transfer from Au to Co3O4. Using an amorphous silicon triple-junction (a-Si TJ) as the solar cell and an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer (AME), an unassisted solar-driven NO3-RR to NH3 prototype was realized with a yield rate of 4.65 mg/h and FE of 92.1%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maolin Zhang
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Kepeng Song
- Electron Microscopy Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zedong Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wen-Qing He
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jialei Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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9
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Xiang T, Liang Y, Zeng Y, Deng J, Yuan J, Xiong W, Song B, Zhou C, Yang Y. Transition Metal Single-Atom Catalysts for the Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction: Mechanism, Synthesis, Characterization, Application, and Prospects. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303732. [PMID: 37300329 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Excessive accumulation of nitrate in the environment will affect human health. To combat nitrate pollution, chemical, biological, and physical technologies have been developed recently. The researcher favors electrocatalytic reduction nitrate reaction (NO3 RR) because of the low post-treatment cost and simple treatment conditions. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) offer great activity, exceptional selectivity, and enhanced stability in the field of NO3 RR because of their high atomic usage and distinctive structural characteristics. Recently, efficient transition metal-based SACs (TM-SACs) have emerged as promising candidates for NO3 RR. However, the real active sites of TM-SACs applied to NO3 RR and the key factors controlling catalytic performance in the reaction process remain ambiguous. Further understanding of the catalytic mechanism of TM-SACs applied to NO3 RR is of practical significance for exploring the design of stable and efficient SACs. In this review, from experimental and theoretical studies, the reaction mechanism, rate-determining steps, and essential variables affecting activity and selectivity are examined. The performance of SACs in terms of NO3 RR, characterization, and synthesis is then discussed. In order to promote and comprehend NO3 RR on TM-SACs, the design of TM-SACs is finally highlighted, together with the current problems, their remedies, and the way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Xiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yuntao Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yuxi Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jie Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jili Yuan
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Weiping Xiong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
| | - Chengyun Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Safety, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, 330013, P. R. China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1H9, Canada
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10
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Wang Y, Fu J, Hu H, Ho D. d-Band Center Optimization of Ti 3C 2T x MXene Nanosheets for Ultrahigh NO 2 Gas Sensitivity at Room Temperature. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:40846-40854. [PMID: 37582059 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c08512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
MXene exhibits numerous advantageous properties such as high electronic conductivity, high surface area, and ease of surface modification via tailoring of functional groups. However, the mechanism by which MXene functionalization enhances gas sensing performance has not yet been well understood, let alone the development of a rational sensor design optimization strategy. This work presents a functionalization methodology for MXene based on d-band center modulation, which can be implemented by introducing Fe onto the surface of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets, for significantly improved gas sensing response and selectivity. The strategy is demonstrated in the design of gas sensors. The optimized gas sensor shows a response of 50% toward 10 ppm of NO2 at room temperature, which is over 6-fold improvement from its pristine counterpart, an unprecedented performance level among all reported MXene gas sensors. XPS characterizations, valence band analyses, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations all indicate that the underlying enhancement mechanism can be attributed to the tuning of the d-band center energy toward the Fermi level. This work provides a new design strategy based on the optimization of the d-band center energy and adds a much needed systematic and quantitative method to the design of two-dimensional materials based semiconducting gas sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jimin Fu
- Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haibo Hu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Derek Ho
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Center for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering, Hong Kong, China
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11
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Wang H, Huang J, Cai J, Wei Y, Cao A, Liu B, Lu S. In Situ/Operando Methods for Understanding Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction Reaction. SMALL METHODS 2023:e2300169. [PMID: 37035954 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
With the development of industrial and agricultural, a large amount of nitrate is produced, which not only disrupts the natural nitrogen cycle, but also endangers public health. Among the commonly used nitrate treatment techniques, the electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (eNRR) has attracted extensive attention due to its mild conditions, pollution-free nature, and other advantages. An in-depth understanding of the eNRR mechanism is the prerequisite for designing highly efficient electrocatalysts. However, some traditional characterization tools cannot comprehensively and deeply study the reaction process. It is necessary to develop in situ and operando techniques to reveal the reaction mechanism at the time-resolved and atomic level. This review discusses the eNRR mechanism and summarizes the possible in situ techniques used in eNRR. A detailed introduction of various in situ techniques and their help in understanding the reaction mechanism is provided. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities in this research area are discussed and highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, China
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jinmeng Cai
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yingying Wei
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ang Cao
- Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Baozhong Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, China
| | - Siyu Lu
- Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
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12
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Zhang H, Wang C, Luo H, Chen J, Kuang M, Yang J. Iron Nanoparticles Protected by Chainmail-structured Graphene for Durable Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Nitrogen. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202217071. [PMID: 36468671 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202217071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3 RR) is an appealing technology for regulating the nitrogen cycle. Metallic iron is one of the well-known electrocatalysts for NO3 RR, but it suffers from poor durability due to leaching and oxidation of iron during the electrocatalytic process. In this work, a graphene-nanochainmail-protected iron nanoparticle (Fe@Gnc) electrocatalyst is reported. It displays superior nitrate removal efficiency and high nitrogen selectivity. Notably, the catalyst delivers exceptional stability and durability, with the nitrate removal rate and nitrogen selectivity remained ≈96 % of that of the first time after up to 40 cycles (24 h for one cycle). As expected, the conductive graphene nanochainmail provides robust protection for the internal iron active sites, allowing Fe@Gnc to maintain its long-lasting electrochemical nitrate catalytic activity. This research proposes a workable solution for the scientific challenge of poor lasting ability of iron-based electrocatalysts in large-scale industrialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.,Center for Civil Aviation Composites, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chuqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Hongxia Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Junliang Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Min Kuang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jianping Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
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Li M, Song N, Luo W, Chen J, Jiang W, Yang J. Engineering Surface Oxophilicity of Copper for Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction to Ethanol. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2204579. [PMID: 36394094 PMCID: PMC9839838 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Copper-based materials are known for converting CO2 into deep reduction products via electrochemical reduction reaction (CO2 RR). As the major multicarbon products (C2+ ), ethanol (C2 H5 OH) and ethylene (C2 H4 ) are believed to share a common oxygenic intermediate according to theoretical studies, while the key factors that bifurcate C2 H5 OH and C2 H4 pathways on Cu-based catalysts are not fully understood. Here, a surface oxophilicity regulation strategy to enhance C2 H5 OH production in CO2 RR is proposed, demonstrated by a Cu-Sn bimetallic system. Compared with bare Cu catalyst, the Cu-Sn bimetallic catalysts show improved C2 H5 OH but suppressed C2 H4 selectivity. The experimental results and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the surface oxophilicity of Cu-Sn catalysts plays an important role in steering the protonation of the key oxygenic intermediate and guides the reaction pathways to C2 H5 OH. This study provides new insights into the electrocatalyst design for enhanced production of oxygenic products from CO2 RR by engineering the surface oxophilicity of copper-based catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and EngineeringZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450001P. R. China
| | - Nan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghai200237P. R. China
| | - Wei Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620P. R. China
| | - Jun Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials ScienceIntelligent Polymer Research InstituteAustralian Institute of Innovative MaterialsUniversity of WollongongInnovation CampusWollongongNSW2522Australia
| | - Wan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620P. R. China
| | - Jianping Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620P. R. China
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