Insights into the multiple active sites in Bi-Co bimetallic oxide for a deeper understanding of nitrate electroreduction to ammonia

Abstract

The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a promising approach for nitrate removal and NH3 production at ambient conditions. The development of various types of efficient electrocatalysts, especially bimetallic oxides with the advantages of superior durability and excellent catalytic activity, have become a research focus. However, the analysis of active sites for bimetallic oxide catalysts either emphasizes the role of bimetallic interactions or focuses on the role of oxygen vacancies (OVs), resulting in a lack of thoroughness. Herein, a Bi-Co bimetallic oxide (BCO) was constructed for NO3RR, illustrating 1.5∼7.8 folds higher NH3 yield rate than those of commercial single metal oxide (Bi2O3, Co3O4). The NO3RR pathway by BCO was explored according to H* capture test, DEMS, and isotope labeling experiment. An in-situ Raman test showed the structure evolution of BCO during NO3RR, and therefore the catalytic sites of BCO were further identified according to physical characteristics before and after NO3RR. Results suggest that Bi0, OVs and amorphous Co oxide as the real active sites play a vital role in nitrate electroreduction. Furthermore, research on 25 articles also indicates the presence of multiple catalytic sites in bimetallic oxides for NO3RR. This study provides a new and comprehensive insight into the active sites identification for the type of bimetallic oxide NO3RR electrocatalysts.