Charge-redistribution in bimetallic oxides buried in microporous curled carbon for efficient nitrate electroreduction to ammonia
摘要
Electrochemical reduction from nitrate into ammonia is a chance for nitrate removal from drinking water, while at higher concentrations, this 8-electron reduction process could even become relevant for energy storage, high conversions and low onset potentials assumed. Herein, we report the synthesis and analysis of a NiFe2O4/C-MS hybrid system made by a molten-salt strategy where the Ni-Fe oxide spinel nanoparticles act as the active center for electrochemical nitrate (NO3−) reduction reaction, while the microporous carbon serves as a conductive support to form a cohesive electrode material. The NiFe2O4/C-MS catalyst achieves a maximum NH3 yield rate of 5.4 mg mgcat−1 h−1 and Faradaic efficiency of 98% at −0.6 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. With NiFe2O4 nanoparticles buried into microporous carbon, the onset potential decreases dramatically. We propose that this reduction originates from charge redistribution in NiFe2O4 in the electronic heterojunction with carbon, while enhanced electrolyte diffusion in microporous carbon facilitates high conversion rates. Density functional theory calculations clarify the low energy barrier on NiFe2O4, highlighting the essential role of Ni in activating Fe species. The COMSOL Multiphysics simulations demonstrate that the microporous curled carbon accelerates NO3− transport and enhances adsorption on the reactive sites. This work offers insights for designing carbon-based nanocomposites for efficient nitrate reduction electrocatalysis.