Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) Develops Highly Efficient NRA Electrocatalystfor Sustainable Ammonia Production

Shenzhen, China – Researchers at HarbinInstitute of Technology (Shenzhen) have made a significant breakthrough in the field of nitrate electrocatalytic conversion, developing a highly efficient electrocatalyst that can convert nitrates inwastewater into ammonia. This innovative technology offers a promising solution for wastewater treatment and low-carbon energy production, paving the way for a more sustainable future. The findingswere published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Communications.

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia (NRA) is considered a cost-effective and sustainable method for ammonia production. This process converts nitrates in wastewater into ammonia, a valuable clean energy source, reducing environmental pollution and conserving energy for ammonia production.

To enhance the catalytic performance of the NRA reaction, the research team developed a novel strategy involving the synthesis of a cobalt-based catalyst with a gradient concentration structure. This gradient structure, specifically a ruthenium-cobalt electrocatalyst, exhibits exceptional NRA catalytic performance under low nitrate concentrations, typical of industrial wastewater (2000 ppm). The catalyst achieved an impressive ammonia production Faraday efficiency exceeding 93% and an industrial-level ammonia current density of 1.0 A/cm2. Notably, it maintained stable operation for an extended period of 720 hours.

The team achieved the gradient concentration structure by employing a cation exchange method, gradually decreasing the ruthenium concentration from the surface to the core of the cobalt-based electrocatalyst. This doping strategy minimizes the use of the expensive ruthenium while preserving the cobalt crystal structure, crucial for the spontaneous reaction between metallic cobalt and nitrate ions, generating high-valence cobalt and nitrite ions. Simultaneously, the catalyst surface retains sufficient ruthenium to provide ample active hydrogen for subsequent reactions, promoting the reduction of high-valence cobalt to metallic cobalt and the protonationof nitrite ions to ammonia.

This groundbreaking research offers a compelling solution for addressing the growing global demand for ammonia while mitigating environmental pollution. The highly efficient and stable NRA electrocatalyst developed by the Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) team holds immense potential for revolutionizing ammonia production, paving the way for a cleaner andmore sustainable energy future.

Key Highlights of the Research:

  • A novel gradient concentration structure design for a cobalt-based catalyst was developed to optimize the NRA process.
  • The ruthenium-cobalt electrocatalyst exhibited exceptional NRA catalytic performance under low nitrate concentrations, achieving over 93% ammonia productionFaraday efficiency and an industrial-level ammonia current density of 1.0 A/cm2.
  • The catalyst demonstrated remarkable stability, maintaining consistent performance for 720 hours.
  • The cation exchange method effectively reduced the use of expensive ruthenium while preserving the cobalt crystal structure, crucial for the NRAreaction.

Implications of the Research:

  • This research provides a promising solution for treating nitrate-contaminated wastewater, a significant environmental concern.
  • The efficient production of ammonia from wastewater offers a sustainable alternative to traditional ammonia production methods, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
  • The development of this highly efficient andstable NRA electrocatalyst opens new avenues for the production of clean energy, contributing to a more sustainable future.

The Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) research team’s innovative approach to electrocatalytic nitrate conversion has garnered significant attention within the scientific community. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly impact the fields of wastewatertreatment, sustainable energy production, and environmental protection. The team’s ongoing research aims to further optimize the NRA process and explore its potential for large-scale industrial applications.


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