Abstract
The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction to ammonia (NRA) offers a promising alternative to traditional ammonia synthesis methods. In nature, enzymes containing molybdenum and iron sites catalyze the reduction of nitrate and nitrite ions. Drawing inspiration from these enzymes, we synthesized a carbon-coated nano-octahedra of FeMo-based nitride (FeMoN@C NO) by pyrolyzing phosphomolybdic acid hydrate (POM) doped Fe-NH2-MIL-101 to catalyze NRA. Experimental results demonstrate that in an alkaline environment, FeMoN@C NO exhibits a suitable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) capacity, and the protons or hydroxyls produced effectively facilitate the hydrogenation reaction in the ammonia synthesis process. Additionally, the introduction of Mo increases the number of active sites and effectively reduces the thermodynamic barrier in NRA, thereby enhancing the rate of ammonia synthesis. As a result, FeMoN@C NO displays outstanding NH3 Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 98.2 % and an NH3 yield of 434.16 µmol/h cm−2. Building upon the excellent electrocatalytic properties of FeMoN@C NO, a new Zn-nitrate battery system is assembled in this work, which exhibits an outstanding peak power density of 3.23 mW cm−2 and an FE of 91.58 % for NH3 production. This work provides a new perspective for designing enzyme-mimicking nitrate reduction catalysts and broadens the application of Zn-based batteries.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
