Preparation of Ru-doped Cu-based catalysts for enhanced electrochemical ammonia synthesis from efficient electrocatalytic nitrate reduction

• Published in: Catalysis science & technology 2023-10, Vol.13 (21), p.6313-632
• Main Authors: Liu, Anmin, Li, Guangxin, Cao, Jianghui, Zhao, Fang, Chen, Xiru, Hua, Qianqian, Gao, Liguo, Ma, Tingli, Ren, Xuefeng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ammonia; Chemical reduction; Chemical synthesis; Composite materials; Copper; Copper oxides; Electrocatalysts; Groundwater; Haber Bosch process; Nitrates; Noble metals; Ruthenium; Ruthenium oxide; Surface water; Synergistic effect
• ISSN: 2044-4753; 2044-4761
• DOI: 10.1039/d3cy01072d

Ammonia (NH 3 ) is not only an essential feedstock for fertilizer, but also deemed as a potential hydrogen carrier. Worldwide industrial-scale NH 3 synthesis relies heavily on the Haber-Bosch process, which involves harsh operation under reaction conditions. In addition, nitrate is prevalent in groundwater and surface water, causing serious pollution. Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NITRR), a sustainable ammonia synthesis technique, is the most promising alternative to the traditional Haber-Bosch process. We combined the noble metal Ru by impregnation based on Cu-based materials that can inhibit the HER to prepare Cu/Cu 2 O/RuO 2 @C composites. Surprisingly, the NH 3 yield of Cu/Cu 2 O/RuO 2 @C composites prepared by the NITRR reached 209.44 μmol cm −2 h −1 and 82.40% Faraday efficiency at −0.6 V ( vs. RHE). Such a high reduction activity is attributed to the synergistic effect between Ru heteroatoms and the Cu-based material. In addition, Cu/Cu 2 O/RuO 2 @C exhibited good cycling stability and repeatability. This work highlights the potential importance of electrocatalyst design, contributing to research and exploration of related materials. Cu/Cu 2 O/RuO 2 @C composites prepared by the NITRR reached an NH 3 yield of 209.44 μmol cm −2 h −1 and 82.40% Faraday efficiency at −0.6 V ( vs. RHE).