Molecular electrocatalysts for rapid and selective reduction of nitrogenous waste to ammonia

Abstract

Electrocatalysis of the nitrate (NO3–) reduction reaction (NO3RR) or nitrite (NO2–) reduction reaction (NO2RR) is a sustainable route for removing nitrogenous pollutes and producing ammonia (NH3). Developing electrocatalysts that can...

Laser-controlled tandem catalytic sites of CuNi alloys with ampere-level electrocatalytic nitrate-to-ammonia reduction activities for Zn–nitrate batteries

“…At last, 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were conducted for proving that N in NH 3 came from NO 3 − . 32 The classic 15 NH 3 signal was identified at δ = 6.92 and 7.10 ppm when using 15 NO 3 − as feedstock (Fig. S18, ESI†), consistent with the 1 H NMR spectrum of ( 15 NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 .…”

Molecular inspired electrocatalyst materials for environmental remediation

“…Carbonaceous supports such as glassy carbon, 58,71–74 graphite, 75,76 and carbon nanotubes 77–79 have been utilized to enhance the electrochemical performance and stability of metal-based catalysts. Cobalt and copper phthalocyanines (CoPc, CuPc) anchored on carbon nanotubes electrochemically convert nitrate to ammonia with higher activity and selectivity than aggregated Pc samples.…”

Continuous NO Upcycling into Ammonia Promoted by SO2 in Flue Gas: Poison Can Be a Gift

“…As an important carrier of nitrogen energy, nitrogen oxide (NO) is predominantly utilized as an alternative precursor for ammonia (NH 3 ) synthesis to avoid dissociating the inert NN bond in N 2 molecules. − Since the 1990s, many advanced approaches, by the application of electro-, photo-, and plasmon-driven routes, have been developed to conduct the NO reduction reaction (NORR) for its value-added conversion under ambient conditions. − Although the NH 3 synthesis rate from NORR is significantly promoted in recent literature, − the key challenge still lies in that the conversion ratio of NO is far below practicability as a result of the ultralow solubility of NO in reaction solutions. Unlike harmless N 2 that is the feedstock for Haber–Bosch NH 3 synthesis, NO is one of the major air pollutants. − That is, the limited conversion ratio of the current NORR route would potentially contribute more to the emission of the contaminant than to its upcycling.…”