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Chipoco Haro DA, Barrera L, Iriawan H, Herzog A, Tian N, Medford AJ, Shao-Horn Y, Alamgir FM, Hatzell MC. Electrocatalysts for Inorganic and Organic Waste Nitrogen Conversion. ACS Catal 2024; 14:9752-9775. [PMID: 38988657 PMCID: PMC11232026 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.4c01398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have disrupted the natural nitrogen cycle, increasing the level of nitrogen contaminants in water. Nitrogen contaminants are harmful to humans and the environment. This motivates research on advanced and decarbonized treatment technologies that are capable of removing or valorizing nitrogen waste found in water. In this context, the electrocatalytic conversion of inorganic- and organic-based nitrogen compounds has emerged as an important approach that is capable of upconverting waste nitrogen into valuable compounds. This approach differs from state-of-the-art wastewater treatment, which primarily converts inorganic nitrogen to dinitrogen, and organic nitrogen is sent to landfills. Here, we review recent efforts related to electrocatalytic conversion of inorganic- and organic-based nitrogen waste. Specifically, we detail the role that electrocatalyst design (alloys, defects, morphology, and faceting) plays in the promotion of high-activity and high-selectivity electrocatalysts. We also discuss the impact of wastewater constituents. Finally, we discuss the critical product analyses required to ensure that the reported performance is accurate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae A Chipoco Haro
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Avenue 771 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Luisa Barrera
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 770 Ferst Ave, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, United States
| | - Haldrian Iriawan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Antonia Herzog
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Nianhan Tian
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Andrew J Medford
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Yang Shao-Horn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Faisal M Alamgir
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Avenue 771 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Marta C Hatzell
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 770 Ferst Ave, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, United States
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2
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Shi X, Xie M, Yang K, Niu Y, Ma H, Zhu Y, Li J, Pan T, Zhou X, Cui Y, Li Z, Yu Y, Yu X, Ma J, Cheng H. Synergistic Effect of Ni/Ni(OH) 2 Core-Shell Catalyst Boosts Tandem Nitrate Reduction for Ampere-Level Ammonia Production. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202406750. [PMID: 38651747 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202406750] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia provides a green alternate to the Haber-Bosch method, yet it suffers from sluggish kinetics and a low yield rate. The nitrate reduction follows a tandem reaction of nitrate reduction to nitrite and subsequent nitrite hydrogenation to generate ammonia, and the ammonia Faraday efficiency (FE) is limited by the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. Herein, we design a heterostructure catalyst to remedy the above issues, which consists of Ni nanosphere core and Ni(OH)2 nanosheet shell (Ni/Ni(OH)2). In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals Ni and Ni(OH)2 are interconvertible according to the applied potential, facilitating the cascade nitrate reduction synergistically. Consequently, it attains superior electrocatalytic nitrate reduction performance with an ammonia FE of 98.50 % and a current density of 0.934 A cm-2 at -0.476 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, and exhibits an average ammonia yield rate of 84.74 mg h-1 cm-2 during the 102-hour stability test, which is highly superior to the reported catalysts tested under similar conditions. Density functional theory calculations corroborate the synergistic effect of Ni and Ni(OH)2 in the tandem reaction of nitrate reduction. Moreover, the Ni/Ni(OH)2 catalyst also possesses good capability for methanol oxidation and thus is used to establish a system coupling with nitrate reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for R&D and Application of Metallic Functional Materials, Institute of New Energy for Vehicles, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Minghui Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for R&D and Application of Metallic Functional Materials, Institute of New Energy for Vehicles, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Kaiwen Yang
- Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yutao Niu
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650093, China
| | - Haibin Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for R&D and Application of Metallic Functional Materials, Institute of New Energy for Vehicles, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Yiming Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for R&D and Application of Metallic Functional Materials, Institute of New Energy for Vehicles, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for R&D and Application of Metallic Functional Materials, Institute of New Energy for Vehicles, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Tingting Pan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for R&D and Application of Metallic Functional Materials, Institute of New Energy for Vehicles, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for R&D and Application of Metallic Functional Materials, Institute of New Energy for Vehicles, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Yujie Cui
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for R&D and Application of Metallic Functional Materials, Institute of New Energy for Vehicles, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Zhao Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yifu Yu
- Institute of Molecular Plus, School of Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xiaohua Yu
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650093, China
| | - Jiwei Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for R&D and Application of Metallic Functional Materials, Institute of New Energy for Vehicles, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Hongfei Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for R&D and Application of Metallic Functional Materials, Institute of New Energy for Vehicles, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201804, China
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3
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Maeng J, Jang D, Ha J, Ji J, Heo J, Park Y, Kim S, Kim WB. Oxygen Vacancy-Controlled CuO x/N,Se Co-Doped Porous Carbon via Plasma-Treatment for Enhanced Electro-Reduction of Nitrate to Green Ammonia. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2403253. [PMID: 38860540 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202403253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is of significance in regards of environmentally friendly issues and green ammonia production. However, relatively low performance with a competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a challenge to overcome for the NO3RR. In this study, oxygen vacancy-controlled copper oxide (CuOx) catalysts through a plasma treatment are successfully prepared and supported on high surface area porous carbon that are co-doped with N, Se species for its enhanced electrochemical properties. The oxygen vacancy-increased CuOx catalyst supported on the N,Se co-doped porous carbon (CuOx-H/NSePC) exhibited the highest NO3RR performance with faradaic efficiency (FE) of 87.2% and yield of 7.9 mg cm-2 h-1 for the ammonia production, representing significant enhancements of FE and ammonia yield as compared to the un-doped or the oxygen vacancy-decreased catalysts. This high performance should be attributed to a significant increase in the catalytic active sites with facilitated energetics from strategies of doping the catalytic materials and weakening the N─O bonding strength for the adsorption of NO3 - ions on the modulated oxygen vacancies. This results show a promise that co-doping of heteroatoms and regulating of oxygen vacancies can be key factors for performance enhancement, suggesting new guidelines for effective catalyst design of NO3RR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbeom Maeng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehee Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungseub Ha
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhyuk Ji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyun Heo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeji Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Subin Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Bae Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37673, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Institute of Ferrous & Eco Materials Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37673, Republic of Korea
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4
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Fan X, Liu C, He X, Li Z, Yue L, Zhao W, Li J, Wang Y, Li T, Luo Y, Zheng D, Sun S, Liu Q, Li L, Chu W, Gong F, Tang B, Yao Y, Sun X. Efficient Electrochemical Co-Reduction of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrate to Urea with High Faradaic Efficiency on Cobalt-Based Dual-Sites. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2401221. [PMID: 38563723 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Renewable electricity-powered nitrate/carbon dioxide co-reduction reaction toward urea production paves an attractive alternative to industrial urea processes and offers a clean on-site approach to closing the global nitrogen cycle. However, its large-scale implantation is severely impeded by challenging C-N coupling and requires electrocatalysts with high activity/selectivity. Here, cobalt-nanoparticles anchored on carbon nanosheet (Co NPs@C) are proposed as a catalyst electrode to boost yield and Faradaic efficiency (FE) toward urea electrosynthesis with enhanced C-N coupling. Such Co NPs@C renders superb urea-producing activity with a high FE reaching 54.3% and a urea yield of 2217.5 µg h-1 mgcat. -1, much superior to the Co NPs and C nanosheet counterparts, and meanwhile shows strong stability. The Co NPs@C affords rich catalytically active sites, fast reactant diffusion, and sufficient catalytic surfaces-electrolyte contacts with favored charge and ion transfer efficiencies. The theoretical calculations reveal that the high-rate formation of *CO and *NH2 intermediates is crucial for facilitating urea synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Fan
- Center for High Altitude Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, China
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Chaozhen Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211189, China
| | - Xun He
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, China
| | - Zixiao Li
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, China
| | - Luchao Yue
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, China
| | - Wenxi Zhao
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, China
| | - Jun Li
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, China
| | - Tingshuai Li
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, China
| | - Yongsong Luo
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Dongdong Zheng
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Shengjun Sun
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China
| | - Luming Li
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China
| | - Wei Chu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China
| | - Feng Gong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211189, China
| | - Bo Tang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
- Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, China
| | - Yongchao Yao
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xuping Sun
- Center for High Altitude Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, China
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
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5
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Gao Q, Han X, Liu Y, Zhu H. Electrifying Energy and Chemical Transformations with Single-Atom Alloy Nanoparticle Catalysts. ACS Catal 2024; 14:6045-6061. [PMID: 38660612 PMCID: PMC11036398 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.4c00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Single-atom alloys (SAAs) have attracted considerable attention as promising electrocatalysts in reactions central to energy conversion and chemical transformation. In contrast to monometallic nanocrystals and metal alloys, SAAs possess unique and intriguing physicochemical properties, positioning them as ideal model systems for studying structure-property relationships. However, the field is still in its early stages. In this Perspective, we first review and summarize rational synthesis methods and advanced characterization techniques for SAA nanoparticle catalysts. We then emphasize the extensive applications of SAAs in a range of electrocatalytic reactions, including fuel cell reactions, water splitting, and carbon dioxide and nitrate reductions. Finally, we provide insights into existing challenges and prospects associated with the controlled synthesis, characterization, and design of SAA catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Gao
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Xue Han
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Yuanqi Liu
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Huiyuan Zhu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
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6
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Liu K, Li H, Xie M, Wang P, Jin Z, Liu Y, Zhou M, Li P, Yu G. Thermally Enhanced Relay Electrocatalysis of Nitrate-to-Ammonia Reduction over Single-Atom-Alloy Oxides. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:7779-7790. [PMID: 38466142 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) holds promise for converting nitrogenous pollutants to valuable ammonia products. However, conventional electrocatalysis faces challenges in effectively driving the complex eight-electron and nine-proton transfer process of the NO3RR while also competing with the hydrogen evolution reaction. In this study, we present the thermally enhanced electrocatalysis of nitrate-to-ammonia conversion over nickel-modified copper oxide single-atom alloy oxide nanowires. The catalyst demonstrates improved ammonia production performance with a Faradaic efficiency of approximately 80% and a yield rate of 9.7 mg h-1 cm-2 at +0.1 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode at elevated cell temperatures. In addition, this thermally enhanced electrocatalysis system displays impressive stability, interference resistance, and favorable energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for the simulated industrial wastewater treatment. Complementary in situ analyses confirm that the significantly superior relay of active hydrogen species formed at Ni sites facilitates the thermal-field-coupled electrocatalysis of Cu surface-adsorbed *NOx hydrogenation. Theoretical calculations further support the thermodynamic and kinetic feasibility of the relay catalysis mechanism for the NO3RR over the Ni1Cu model catalyst. This study introduces a conceptual thermal-electrochemistry approach for the synergistic regulation of complex catalytic processes, highlighting the potential of multifield-coupled catalysis to advance sustainable-energy-powered chemical synthesis technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Liu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Minghao Xie
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Zhaoyu Jin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Yuanting Liu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, Jilin, China
| | - Panpan Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Guihua Yu
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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7
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Xue Y, Yu Q, Fang J, Jia Y, Wang R, Fan J. A Wetting and Capture Strategy Overcoming Electrostatic Repulsion for Electroreduction of Nitrate to Ammonia from Low-Concentration Sewage. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2400505. [PMID: 38477685 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Ammonia production by electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3 RR) in water streams is anticipated as a zero-carbon route. Limited by dilute nitrate in natural sewage and the electrostatic repulsion between NO3 - and cathode, NO3 RR can hardly be achieved energy-efficiently. The hydrophilic Cu@CuCoO2 nano-island dispersed on support can enrich NO3 - and produce a sensitive current response, followed by electrosynthesis of ammonia through atomic hydrogen (*H) is reported. The accumulated NO3 - can be partially converted to NO2 - without external electric field input, confirming that the Cu@CuCoO2 nano-island can strongly bind NO3 - and then trigger the reduction via dynamic evolution between Cu-Co redox sites. Through the identification of intermediates and theoretical computation. it is found that the N-side hydrogenation of *NO is the optimal reaction step, and the formation of N─N dimer may be prevented. An NH3 product selectivity of 93.5%, a nitrate conversion of 96.1%, and an energy consumption of 0.079 kWh gNH3 -1 is obtained in 48.9 mg-N L-1 naturally nitrate-polluted streams, which outperforms many works using such dilute nitrate influent. Conclusively, the electrocatalytic system provides a platform to guarantee the self-sufficiency of dispersed ammonia production in agricultural regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghao Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P. R. China
| | - Qihui Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, School of Materials Sciences and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
| | - Junhua Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P. R. China
| | - Yan Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P. R. China
| | - Rongchang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P. R. China
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8
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Li H, Li P, Guo Y, Jin Z. Electrochemical Probing the Site Reactivity in Iron Single-Atom Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia. Anal Chem 2024; 96:997-1002. [PMID: 38176015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Single-atom catalysts (SACs), specifically iron single atoms dispersed on nitrogen-doped carbon (Fe-NC), have shown promising potential in the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NitRR), but there is a lack of understanding of their intrinsic activity. The conventional measurements often overlook the intrinsic performance of SACs, leading to significant underestimation. This study presents an in situ electrochemical probing protocol, using two poisoning molecules (SCN- and NO2-), to characterize the reactivity of Fe sites in Fe-NC SACs for NitRR. The technique aids in quantifying the yield rate of ammonia on Fe sites and the active site number. The findings reveal the intrinsic turnover frequency (TOF) based on the number and ammonia yield rate of Fe sites, challenging the current understanding of SACs' inherent performances. This unique approach holds considerable potential for determining the intrinsic activity of other SACs in complex reactions, opening new avenues for the exploration of electrocatalytic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Li
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Panpan Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yong Guo
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoyu Jin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, P. R. China
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9
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Fan W, Li P, Shi J, Chen J, Tian W, Wang H, Wu J, Yu G. Atomic Zincophilic Sites Regulating Microspace Electric Fields for Dendrite-Free Zinc Anode. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307219. [PMID: 37699330 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous Zn metal batteries are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage due to their intrinsic advantages. However, Zn tends to deposit irregularly and forms dendrites driven by the uneven space electric field distribution near the Zn-electrolyte interphase. Herein it is demonstrated that trace addition of Co single atom anchored carbon (denoted as CoSA/C) in the electrolyte regulates the microspace electric field at the Zn-electrolyte interphase and unifies Zn deposition. Through preferential adsorption of CoSA/C on the Zn surface, the atomically dispersed Co-N3 with strong charge polarization effect can redistribute the local space electric field and regulate ion flux. Moreover, the dynamic adsorption/desorption of CoSA/C upon plating/stripping offers sustainable long-term regulation. Therefore, Zn||Zn symmetric cells with CoSA/C electrolyte additive deliver stable cycling up to 1600 h (corresponding to a cumulative plated capacity of 8 Ah cm-2 ) at a high current density of 10 mA cm-2 , demonstrating the sustainable feature of microspace electric field regulation at high current density and capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Fan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, China
| | - Jing Shi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, China
| | - Jingwei Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, China
| | - Weiqian Tian
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, China
| | - Huanlei Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, China
| | - Jingyi Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266404, China
| | - Guihua Yu
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712, USA
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10
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Zhang S, Zha Y, Ye Y, Li K, Lin Y, Zheng L, Wang G, Zhang Y, Yin H, Shi T, Zhang H. Oxygen-Coordinated Single Mn Sites for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2023; 16:9. [PMID: 37932531 PMCID: PMC10628069 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01217-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction has attracted increasing attention due to its goal of low carbon emission and environmental protection. Here, we report an efficient NitRR catalyst composed of single Mn sites with atomically dispersed oxygen (O) coordination on bacterial cellulose-converted graphitic carbon (Mn-O-C). Evidence of the atomically dispersed Mn-(O-C2)4 moieties embedding in the exposed basal plane of carbon surface is confirmed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. As a result, the as-synthesized Mn-O-C catalyst exhibits superior NitRR activity with an NH3 yield rate (RNH3) of 1476.9 ± 62.6 μg h-1 cm-2 at - 0.7 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) and a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 89.0 ± 3.8% at - 0.5 V (vs. RHE) under ambient conditions. Further, when evaluated with a practical flow cell, Mn-O-C shows a high RNH3 of 3706.7 ± 552.0 μg h-1 cm-2 at a current density of 100 mA cm-2, 2.5 times of that in the H cell. The in situ FT-IR and Raman spectroscopic studies combined with theoretical calculations indicate that the Mn-(O-C2)4 sites not only effectively inhibit the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, but also greatly promote the adsorption and activation of nitrate (NO3-), thus boosting both the FE and selectivity of NH3 over Mn-(O-C2)4 sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengbo Zhang
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuankang Zha
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixing Ye
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Sensors, Ministry of Agriculture, School of Information and Computer, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yue Lin
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Lirong Zheng
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19B Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Guozhong Wang
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxia Zhang
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajie Yin
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongfei Shi
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China.
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haimin Zhang
- Laboratory of Materials Physics, Centre for Environmental and Energy Nanomaterials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Institute of Solid State Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China.
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, People's Republic of China.
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Gao T, Qiu L, Xie M, Jin Z, Li P, Yu G. Defect-stabilized and oxygen-coordinated iron single-atom sites facilitate hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:4270-4277. [PMID: 37556212 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh00882g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The selective two-electron electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production is a promising and green alternative method to the current energy-intensive anthraquinone process used in industry. In this study, we develop a single-atom catalyst (CNT-D-O-Fe) by anchoring defect-stabilized and oxygen-coordinated iron atomic sites (Fe-O4) onto porous carbon nanotubes using a local etching strategy. Compared to O-doped CNTs with vacancy defects (CNT-D-O) and oxygen-coordinated Fe single-atom site modifying CNTs without a porous structure (CNT-O-Fe), CNT-D-O-Fe exhibits the highest H2O2 selectivity of 94.4% with a kinetic current density of 13.4 mA cm-2. Fe-O4 single-atom sites in the catalyst probably contribute to the intrinsic reactivity for the two-electron transfer process while vacancy defects greatly enhance the electrocatalytic stability. Theoretical calculations further support that the coordinated environment and defective moiety in CNT-D-O-Fe could efficiently optimize the adsorption strength of the *OOH intermediate over the Fe single atomic active sites. This contribution sheds light on the potential of defect-stabilized and oxygen-coordinated single-atom metal sites as a promising avenue for the rational design of highly efficient and selective catalysts towards various electrocatalytic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Gao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China.
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, P. R. China
| | - Lu Qiu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, P. R. China
- College of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Minghao Xie
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
| | - Zhaoyu Jin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Panpan Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China.
| | - Guihua Yu
- Materials Science and Engineering Program and Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
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