Strategies of selective electroreduction of aqueous nitrate to N_(2) in chloride-free system:A critical review

Electroreduction of nitrate has been gaining wide attention in recent years owing to it's beneficial for converting nitrate into benign N_(2) from the perspective of electrocatalytic denitrification or into value-added ammonia from the perspective of electrocatalytic NH_(3) synthesis.By reason of the undesired formation of ammonia is dominant during electroreduction of nitrate-containing wastewater,chloride has been widely used to improve N_(2) selectivity.Nevertheless,selective electroreduction of nitrate to N2 gas in chloride-containing system poses several drawbacks.In this review,we focus on the key strategies for efficiently enhancing N_(2) selectivity of electroreduction of nitrate in chloride-free system,including optimal selection of elements,combining an active metal catalyst with another metal,manipulating the crystalline morphology and facet orientation,constructing core–shell structure catalysts,etc.Before summarizing the strategies,four possible reaction pathways of electro-reduction of nitrate to N_(2) are discussed.Overall,this review attempts to provide practical strategies for enhancing N2 selectivity without the aid of electrochlorination and highlight directions for future research for designing appropriate electrocatalyst for final electrocatalytic denitrifi-cation.

Enhanced nitrite electroreduction to ammonia via interfacial dual-site adsorption

The nitrite(NO_(2)^(−))to ammonia(NH3)electroreduction reaction(NO_(2)^(−)RR)would be impeded by sluggish proton-coupled electron transfer kinetics and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).A key to improving the NH_(3) selectivity is to facilitate adsorption and activation of NO_(2)^(−),which is generally undesirable in unitary species.In this work,an efficient NO_(2)^(−)RR catalyst is constructed by cooperating Pd with In2O3,in which NO_(2)^(−)could adsorb on interfacial dual-site through“Pd–N–O–In”linkage,leading to strengthened NO_(2)^(−)adsorption and easier N=O bond cleavage than that on unitary Pd or In2O3.Moreover,the Pd/In_(2)O_(3)composite exhibits moderate H^(*)adsorption,which may facilitate protonation kinetics while inhibiting competitive HER.As a result,it exhibits a fairly high NH_(3)yield rate of 622.76 mmol h^(−1)g^(−1)cat with a Faradaic efficiency(FE)of 95.72%,good selectivity of 91.96%,and cycling stability towards the NO_(2)^(−)RR,surpassing unitary In_(2)O_(3)and Pd/C electrocatalysts.Besides,computed results indicate that NH_(3)production on Pd/In_(2)O_(3)follows the deoxidation to hydrogenation pathway.This work highlights the significance of H^(*)and NO_(2)^(−)adsorption modulation and N=O activation in NO_(2)^(−)RR electrochemistry by creating synergy between a mediocre catalyst with an appropriate cooperator.

d-d Orbital coupling induced by crystal-phase engineering assists acetonitrile electroreduction to ethylamine

The d-d orbital coupling induced by crystal-phase engineering can effectively adjust the electronic structure of electrocatalysts,thus showing significant catalytic performance,while it has been rarely explored in electrochemical acetonitrile reduction reaction(ARR)to date.Herein,we successfully realize the structural transformation of Pd Cu metallic aerogels(MAs)from face-centered cubic(FCC)to body-centered cubic(BCC)through annealing treatment.Specifically,the BCC Pd Cu MAs exhibit excellent ARR performance with high ethylamine selectivity of 90.91%,Faradaic efficiency of 88.60%,yield rate of 316.0 mmol h^(-1)g^(-1)_(Pd+Cu)and long-term stability for consecutive electrolysis within 20 h at-0.55 V vs.reversible hydrogen electrode,outperforming than those of FCC Pd Cu MAs.Under the membrane electrode assembly system,BCC Pd Cu MAs also demonstrate excellent ethylamine yield rate of 389.5 mmol h^(-1)g^(-1)_(Pd+Cu).Density functional theory calculation reveals that the d-d orbital coupling in BCC Pd Cu MAs results in an evident correlation effect for the interaction of Pd and Cu sites,which boosts up the Cu sites electronic activities to enhance ARR performance.Our work opens a new route to develop efficient ARR electrocatalysts from the perspective of crystalline structure transformation.

Kinetic-boosted CO_(2) electroreduction to formate via synergistic electric-thermal field on hierarchical bismuth with amorphous layer

Electrocatalytic converting CO_(2) into chemical products has emerged as a promising approach to achieving carbon neutrality.Herein,we report a bismuth-based catalyst with high curvature terminal and amorphous layer which fabricated via two-step electrodeposition achieves stable formate output in a wide voltage window of 600 mV.The Faraday efficiency(FE) of formate reached up to 99.4% at-0.8 V vs.RHE and it remained constant for more than 92 h at-15 mA cm^(-2).More intriguingly,FE formate of95.4% can be realized at a current density of industrial grade(-667.7 mA cm^(-2)) in flow cell.The special structure promoted CO_(2) adsorption and reduced its activation energy and enhanced the electric-thermal field and K^(+) enrichment which accelerated the reaction kinetics.In situ spectroscopy and theoretical calculation further confirmed that the introduction of amorphous structure is beneficial to adsorpting CO_(2)and stabling*OCHO intermediate.This work provides special insights to fabricate efficient electrocatalysts by means of structural and crystal engineering and makes efforts to realize the industrialization of bismuth-based catalysts.

Highly selective electrosynthesis of imines via electroreduction coupling of nitroarenes with aryl aldehydes on Co_(9)S_(8)with positively charged sulfur vacancies

The electrocatalytic synthesis of imines through the reductive imination of nitroarenes with aldehydes is a facile,environmentally friendly,and valuable process.In this study,high selectivity electrosynthesis of imines was realized through the electrocatalytic C-N coupling reaction between nitroarenes and aryl aldehydes on Co_(9)S_(8)nanoflowers with rich sulfur vacancies(Co_(9)S_(8)-Vs).Comparative experiments revealed that positively charged sulfur vacancies play a pivotal role in boosting catalytic selectivity towards imines.Electron-deficient sulfur vacancies intensified the adsorption of negatively charged Ph-NO_(2),thereby enhancing the conversion rate of the electrochemical nitrobenzene-reduction reaction(eNB-RR).Simultaneously,sulfur vacancies augmented the adsorption capability of negatively charged Ph-CHO,enriching Ph-CHO species at the electrode interface and expediting the Schiff base condensation reaction rate.The experimental results show that the reaction conditions can satisfy the different nitroarenes and aryl aldehydes in the electrocatalytic aqueous-phase system under mild conditions to obtain the corresponding imine products in high selectivity.This study provides a facile and environmentally friendly pathway for future electrocatalytic synthesis of imine.

Selective CO_(2)Electroreduction to Multi-Carbon Products on Organic-Functionalized CuO Nanoparticles by Local Micro-Environment Modulation

Surface functionalization of Cu-based catalysts has demonstrated promising potential for enhancing the electrochemical CO_(2)reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)toward multi-carbon(C2+)products,primarily by suppressing the parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction and facilitating a localized CO_(2)/CO concentration at the electrode.Building upon this approach,we developed surface-functionalized catalysts with exceptional activity and selectivity for electrocatalytic CO_(2)RR to C_(2+)in a neutral electrolyte.Employing CuO nanoparticles coated with hexaethynylbenzene organic molecules(HEB-CuO NPs),a remarkable C_(2+)Faradaic efficiency of nearly 90%was achieved at an unprecedented current density of 300 mA cm^(-2),and a high FE(>80%)was maintained at a wide range of current densities(100-600 mA cm^(-2))in neutral environments using a flow cell.Furthermore,in a membrane electrode assembly(MEA)electrolyzer,86.14%FEC2+was achieved at a partial current density of 387.6 mA cm^(-2)while maintaining continuous operation for over 50 h at a current density of 200 mA cm^(-2).In-situ spectroscopy studies and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that reducing the coverage of coordinated K⋅H2O water increased the probability of intermediate reactants(CO)interacting with the surface,thereby promoting efficient C-C coupling and enhancing the yield of C_(2+)products.This advancement offers significant potential for optimizing local micro-environments for sustainable and highly efficient C_(2+)production.

Optimization Strategies for Selective CO_(2) Electroreduction to Fuels

Capturing CO_(2) from the atmosphere and converting it into fuels are an effi cient strategy to stop the deteriorating greenhouse eff ect and alleviate the energy crisis.Among various CO_(2) conversion approaches,electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2) RR)has received extensive attention because of its mild operating conditions.However,the high onset potential,low selectivity toward multi-carbon products and poor cruising ability of CO_(2) RR impede its development.To regulate product distribution,previous studies performed electrocatalyst modifi cation using several universal methods,including composition manipulation,morphology control,surface modifi cation,and defect engineering.Recent studies have revealed that the cathode and electrolytes infl uence the selectivity of CO_(2) RR via pH changes and ionic eff ects,or by directly participating in the reduction pathway as cocatalysts.This review summarizes the state-of-the-art optimization strategies to effi ciently enhance CO_(2) RR selectivity from two main aspects,namely the cathode electrocatalyst and the electrolyte.

A highly efficient flower-like cobalt catalyst for electroreduction of carbon dioxide

Electrochemical conversion of CO2 into fuel has been regarded as a promising approach to achieve the global carbon cycle.Herein,we report an efficient cobalt catalyst with a unique flower-like morphology synthesized by a green and facile hydrothermal method,in which n-butylamine is used as the capping agent.The resultant catalyst shows superior electrocatalytic activity toward CO2 electroreduction,which is highly selective for generating formate with a Faraday efficiency of 63.4%.Electrochemical analysis reveals that the oxide on the surface is essential for the electrocatalysis of the CO2 reduction reaction.Cyclic voltammograms further suggest that this catalyst is highly active for the oxidation of reduced product,and can thus be seen as a bifunctional catalyst.

Electroreduction Kinetics for Molten Oxide Slags

The oxygen-ion conductor, the reducing agent, and the molten oxide slag containing electroactive matter were used as constituent of a galvanic cell. Metal was directly electroreduced from molten slag using a short-circuit galvanic cell. The following galvanic cell was assembled in the present experiment： graphite rod, [-O]Fe-C saturated ｜ZrO2 （MgO） ｜ Cu（1） ＋ （FeO）（slag） , and molybdenum wire. The FeO electroreduction reaction was studied through measuring short circuit current by controlling factors such as temperature, the FeO content in molten slags, and the external circuit resistance. An overall kinetics model was developed to describe the process of FeO electroreductiono It was found that the modeled curves were in good agreement with the experimental values. The new oxide reduction method in the metallurgy with controlled oxygen flow was proposed and the metallurgical theory with controlled oxygen flow was developed.

Efficient CO_(2) electroreduction over N-doped hieratically porous carbon derived from petroleum pitch

Developing of economic and efficient catalysts is critical for the application of electroreduction of carbon dioxide to highly valuable chemicals.Herein,we present a facile method to synthesize N-doped hieratically porous carbon through pyrolysis of petroleum pitch followed by ammonia etching.We found mesopores are favored formation by removing of asphaltene from petroleum pitch during the carbonation process.Simultaneously,ammonia etching can not only increase the pyridinic-N content,but also upgrade the ratio of meso-to micro-pores of carbon materials.Using the N-doped hieratically porous carbon as catalyst for carbon dioxide electroreduction,the Faradaic efficiency of carbon monoxide reaches 83%at-0.9 V vs.the reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE)in 0.1 M KHCO_(3).This superior performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of highly pyridinic-N content in conjunction with the hieratically porous architecture,rendering abundant exposed and accessible active sites for electroreduction of CO_(2).Our work provides a new strategy for the large-scale preparation of high-performance,low-cost catalysts for CO_(2) electroreduction.

Detrimental phase evolution triggered by Ni in perovskite-type cathodes for CO2 electroreduction

Perovskite oxides are popular as cathode materials of solid oxide electrolysis cells, because of their good redox stability and high resistance to coke formation.Unexpectedly, a negative effect of Ni doping is found on Sr2Fe(1.5-x)NixMo(0.5)O(x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2) cathode for pure CO2 electroreduction at 800 ℃, although Ni is highly active for CO2 electroreduction.The CO2 electroreduction performance degrades with the increase of Ni doping amount.Various characterization techniques are used to disclose the negative effect.Ni doping decreases the perovskite stability under electroreduction conditions, Fe and Ni cations in the B-site are reduced to metal nanoparticles and SrCO3 forms on the surface of the perovskite.The phase instability results from the weaker Ni–O bond.Although the Fe-Ni nanoparticles are in favor of the CO2 electroreduction, too much SrCO3 and carbon deposition block the charge transfer and diffusion of oxygenous species on the cathode surface.

Electric-field promoted C–C coupling over Cu nanoneedles for CO_(2) electroreduction to C_(2) products

Cu-based catalysts are the most promising candidates for electrochemical CO_(2)reduction(CO_(2)RR)to multi-carbon(C_(2))products.Optimizing the C-C coupling process,the rate-determining step for C_(2)product generation,is an important strategy to improve the production and selectivity of the C_(2)products.In this study,we determined that the local electric field can promote the C-C coupling reaction and enhance CO_(2)electroreduction to C_(2)products.First,finite-element simulations indicated that the high curvature of the Cu nanoneedles results in a large local electric field on their tips.Density functional theory(DFT)calculations proved that a large electric field can promote C-C coupling.Motivated by this prediction,we prepared a series of Cu catalysts with different curvatures.The Cu nanoneedles(NNs)exhibited the largest number of curvatures,followed by the Cu nanorods(NRs),and Cu nanoparticles(NPs).The Cu NNs contained the highest concentration of adsorbed K+,which resulted in the highest local electric field on the needles.CO adsorption sensor tests indicated that the Cu NNs exhibited the strongest CO adsorption ability,and in-situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)showed the strongest*COCO and*CO signals for the Cu NNs.These experimental results demonstrate that high-curvature nanoneedles can induce a large local electric field,thus promoting C-C coupling.As a result,the Cu NNs show a maximum FEC_(2)of 44%for CO_(2)RR at a low potential(-0.6 V vs.RHE),which is approximately 2.2 times that of the Cu NPs.This work provides an effective strategy for enhancing the production of multi-carbon products during CO_(2)RR.

An experimental study of electroreduction of CO2 to HCOOH on SnO2/C in presence of alkali metal cations(Li^+,Na^+,K^+,Rb^+and Cs^+)and anions(HCO3^-,Cl^-,Br^-and I^-)

It is well-known that the electrolytes can influence the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide(ERCO2)in aqueous media.In this work,we explore the effects of alkali metal cations and anions(Li^+,Na^+,K^+,Rb^+,Cs^+,HCO3^-,Cl^-,Br^-,I^-)on the current density and product selectivity for the ERCO2 into formic acid(HCOOH)on the SnO2/carbon paper(Sn O2/C)electrode.Results of the ERCO2 experiments show that for the cations,the promotion effects on current density and faradaic efficiencies(FEs)are in the order of Li^+b Na^+b K^+b Cs^+b Rb^+.For the anions,the current density values are in the order of Na HCO3 b NaClb Na Br b Na I and KHCO3 b KCl≈KI b KBr,respectively,and that on the FEs for the formation of the HCOOH(FEHCOOH)is HCO3-b Cl-b Br-b I-.Based on this result,the effects of alkali metal cations and anions on ERCO2 are discussed.

Fundamental aspects in CO_(2) electroreduction reaction and solutions from in situ vibrational spectroscopies

Using renewable energy to drive carbon dioxide reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)electrochemically into chemicals with high energy density is an efficient way to achieve carbon neutrality,where the effective utilization of CO_(2) and the storage of renewable energy are realized.The reactivity and selectivity of CO_(2)RR depend on the structure and composition of the catalyst,applied potential,electrolyte,and pH of the solution.Besides,multiple electron and proton transfer steps are involved in CO_(2)RR,making the reaction pathways even more complicated.In pursuit of molecular-level insights into the CO_(2)RR processes,in situ vibrational methods including infrared,Raman and sum frequency generation spectroscopies have been deployed to monitor the dynamic evolution of catalyst structure,to identify reactive intermediates as well as to investigate the effect of local reaction environment on CO_(2)RR performance.This review summarizes key findings from recent electrochemical vibrational spectrosopic studies of CO_(2)RR in addressing the following issues:the CO_(2)RR mechanisms of different pathways,the role of surface-bound CO species,the compositional and structural effects of catalysts and electrolytes on CO_(2)RR activity and selectivity.Our perspectives on developing high sensitivity wide-frequency infrared spectroscopy,coupling different spectroelectrochemical methods and implementing operando vibrational spectroscopies to tackle the CO_(2)RR process in pilot reactors are offered at the end.

A hierarchically structured tin-cobalt composite with an enhanced electronic effect for high-performance CO_(2) electroreduction in a wide potential range

Earth-abundant and nontoxic Sn-based materials have been regarded as promising catalysts for the electrochemical conversion of CO_(2)to C1 products,e.g.,CO and formate.However,it is still difficult for Snbased materials to obtain satisfactory performance at low-to-moderate overpotentials.Herein,a simple and facile electrospinning technique is utilized to prepare a composite of a bimetallic Sn-Co oxide/carbon matrix with a hollow nanotube structure(Sn Co-HNT).Sn Co-HNT can maintain>90%faradaic efficiencies for C1 products within a wide potential range from-0.6 VRHE to-1.2 VRHE,and a highest 94.1%selectivity towards CO in an H-type cell.Moreover,a 91.2%faradaic efficiency with a 241.3 m A cm^(-2)partial current density for C1 products could be achieved using a flow cell.According to theoretical calculations,the fusing of Sn/Co oxides on the carbon matrix accelerates electron transfer at the atomic level,causing electron deficiency of Sn centers and reversible variation between Co^(2+)and Co^(3+)centers.The synergistic effect of the Sn/Co composition improves the electron affinity of the catalyst surface,which is conducive to the adsorption and stabilization of key intermediates and eventually increases the catalytic activity in CO_(2)electroreduction.This study could provide a new strategy for the construction of oxide-derived catalysts for CO_(2)electroreduction.

Surface Oxygen Injection in Tin Disulfide Nanosheets for Efficient CO_(2) Electroreduction to Formate and Syngas

Surface chemistry modification represents a promising strategy to tailor the adsorption and activation of reaction intermediates for enhancing activity.Herein,we designed a surface oxygen-injection strategy to tune the electronic structure of SnS_(2) nanosheets,which showed effectively enhanced electrocatalytic activity and selectivity of CO_(2) reduction to formate and syngas(CO and H_(2)).The oxygen-injection SnS_(2) nanosheets exhibit a remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 91.6%for carbonaceous products with a current density of 24.1 mA cm^(−2) at−0.9 V vs RHE,including 83.2%for formate production and 16.5%for syngas with the CO/H_(2) ratio of 1:1.By operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy,we unravel the in situ surface oxygen doping into the matrix during reaction,thereby optimizing the Sn local electronic states.Operando synchrotron radiation infrared spectroscopy along with theoretical calculations further reveals that the surface oxygen doping facilitated the CO_(2) activation and enhanced the affinity for HCOO*species.This result demonstrates the potential strategy of surface oxygen injection for the rational design of advanced catalysts for CO_(2) electroreduction.

Controllable NO Release for Catheter Antibacteria from Nitrite Electroreduction over the Cu-MOF

Implant-associated infections caused by biomedical catheters severely threaten patients'health.The use of electrochemical control on NO release from benign nitrite equipped in the catheter can potentially resolve this issue with excellent biocompatibility.Inspired by nitrite reductase,a Cu-BDC(BDC:benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid)catalyst with coordinated Cu(Ⅱ)sites was constructed as a heterogeneous electrocatalyst to control nitrite reduction to nitric oxide for catheter antibacteria.The combined results of in situ and ex situ tests unveil the key function of interconversion between Cu(Ⅱ)and Cu(Ⅰ)species in NO_(2)^(-)reduction to NO.After being incorporated into the actual catheter,the Cu-BDC catalyst exhibits high electrocatalytic activity toward NO_(2)^(-)reduction to NO and excellent antibacteria efficacy with a sterilizing rate of 99.9%,paving the way for the development of advanced metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)electrocatalysts for catheter antibacteria.

Dual-atom active sites embedded in two-dimensional C_(2)N for efficient CO_(2) electroreduction: A computational study

Double-atom catalysts(DACs)have emerged as an enhanced platform of single-atom catalyst for promoting electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(CO_(2) RR).Herein,we present a density-functional theory study on CO_(2) RR performance of seven C_(2) N-supported homo-and heteronuclear DACs,denoted as M_(2)@C_(2) N.Our results demonstrate that there exists substantial synergistic effect of dual-metal-atom N_(2) M_(2) N_(2) active site and C_(2) N matrix on O=C=O bond activation.The dual-atom M_(2) sites are able to drive CO_(2) RR beyond C1 products with low limiting potential(UL).Specifically,C_(2) H4 formation is preferred on FeM@C_(2) N(M=Fe,Co,Ni,Cu)versus CH4 formation on CuM@C_(2) N(M=Co,Ni,Cu).Furthermore,^(*)CO+^(*)CO cobinding strength can serve as a descriptor for CO_(2) RR activity for making C_(2) products such that the moderate binding results in the lowest UL.Remarkably,C-affinity matters most to C-C bond coupling and C_(2) H4 formation while both C-and O-affinity control CH4 formation.Our results provide theoretical insight into rational design of DACs for efficient CO_(2) RR.

A Universal Principle to Accurately Synthesize Atomically Dispersed Metal–N_4 Sites for CO_2 Electroreduction

Atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen sites-anchored carbon materials have been developed as effective catalysts for CO2 electroreduction(CO2 ER),but they still suffer from the imprecisely control of type and coordination number of N atoms bonded with central metal.Herein,we develop a family of single metal atom bonded by N atoms anchored on carbons(SAs-M-N-C,M=Fe,Co,Ni,Cu)for CO2 ER,which composed of accurate pyrrole-type M-N4 structures with isolated metal atom coordinated by four pyrrolic N atoms.Benefitting from atomically coordinated environment and specific selectivity of M-N4 centers,SAs-Ni-N-C exhibits superior CO2 ER performance with onset potential of-0.3 V,CO Faradaic efficiency(F.E.) of 98.5%at-0.7 V,along with low Tafel slope of 115 mV dec-1 and superior stability of 50 h,exceeding all the previously reported M-N-C electrocatalysts for CO2-to-CO conversion.Experimental results manifest that the different intrinsic activities of M-N4 structures in SAs-M-N-C result in the corresponding sequence of Ni> Fe> Cu> Co for CO2 ER performance.An integrated Zn-CO2 battery with Zn foil and SAs-Ni-N-C is constructed to simultaneously achieve CO2-to-CO conversion and electric energy output,which delivers a peak power density of 1.4 mW cm-2 and maximum CO F.E.of 93.3%.

Tailoring the interactions of heterostructured Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)for efficient CO_(2)electroreduction

Electrocatalytic CO_(2)reduction into CO has been regarded as one of the most promising strategies for sustainable carbon cycles at ambient conditions,but still faces challenges to achieve both high product selectivity and large current density.Here,we report a Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)heterostructured electrocatalyst embedded in accordion-like N-doped carbon through a simple molten salt annealing strategy.The optimal Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)electrocatalyst achieves a high CO Faraday efficiency of 92.3%and a large total current density of-15.8 m A cm^(-2)at-0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode,together with a long-term stability about 30 h.Density functional theory results reveal that the energy barrier for*COOH intermediate formation largely decreased on Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)heterostructure compared with Ni_(4)N and Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7),thus giving rise to enhanced activity and selectivity.A rechargeable Zn-CO_(2)battery is further assembled with Ni_(4)N/Ni_(3)ZnC_(0.7)catalyst as the cathode,which shows a maximum power density of 0.85 mW cm^(-2)and excellent stability.