Intermittent pulsed electrocatalysis adjusting Cu valence states for effective nitrite reduction to ammonia
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Electrochemical nitrite (NO2−) reduction offers a sustainable route for ammonia (NH3) synthesis while simultaneously removing contaminants in wastewater. However, its efficiency is often limited by low catalytic efficiency and the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction at low NO2− concentrations. Herein, we report an intermittent pulsed electrolysis (IPE) strategy using copper oxide (CuxO) nanowires, which significantly enhances the NH3 yield rate and Faradaic efficiency (FE) at lower reactant concentrations. In situ experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that alternating between open-circuit and cathodic potentials modulates the copper oxidation states, stabilizing the catalytically active cuprous oxide (Cu2O). Consequently, the IPE approach provides an outstanding NH3 yield rate of 115.10 mg·h−1·cm−2 and FE of 91.14% in the presence of 25 mM NO2−, markedly outperforming conventional constant potential electrolysis.
Source: Nano Research
Authors: Zhe Meng, Jian-Hui Yi, Yu-Tian Zhang, Xue-Feng Sun, Xiao-Lei Huang, Miao-Miao Shi, Fei-Fei Zhang, Jun-Min Yan, Qing Jiang
Language: English
Subfield: Catalysis
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $5,290
Award: G969952720
OpenAlex ID: W4413067591