Splicing the active phases of copper/cobalt-based catalysts achieves high-rate tandem electroreduction of nitrate to ammonia
Overview
Paper Summary
This paper demonstrates a novel tandem catalyst system consisting of core-shell Cu/CuOx and Co/CoO phases for the efficient electroreduction of nitrate to ammonia. By exploiting the distinct potential-dependent activities of these phases, the catalyst achieves a high NH3 yield rate of 1.17 mmol cm−2 h−1 in 0.1 M NO3− at −0.175 V vs. RHE and a Faradaic efficiency of >93% at pH 13, surpassing most previous reports.
Explain Like I'm Five
Scientists found a special two-part helper that's really good at turning a bad chemical called nitrate into a useful one called ammonia, super fast! It's like having two friends who are good at different parts of a job, making it much quicker.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no competing interests.
Identified Limitations
Rating Explanation
This study presents a novel and effective tandem catalyst design for nitrate electroreduction to ammonia, demonstrating high Faradaic efficiency and yield rates. The electrochemically-driven phase separation method offers a facile approach to creating catalysts with synergistic active phases, enabling efficient cascade reactions. Although the study has some limitations regarding mechanistic insights and long-term stability, the innovative catalyst design and promising results warrant a high rating.
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