Nanostructured Wire-in-Plate Electrocatalyst for High-Durability Production of Hydrogen and Nitrogen from Alkaline Ammonia Solution

Abstract

Electrocatalytic oxidation of ammonia provides a potential solution for on-board hydrogen supply for a fuel-cell vehicle. However, the lack of active, stable, and low-cost electrocatalysts restricts its application. Herein, we report a nanostructured catalyst of Cu2O wire-in-Ni(OH)2 plate passivated by a thin CuO surface, which can stably electrolyze alkaline ammonia solution into hydrogen and nitrogen at a high current density of 80 mA cm–2 at room temperature. The improved performance is ascribed to the peculiar wire-in-plate nanostructure, which not only enhances the catalytic activity via a Ni–Cu synergistic interaction but also protects Cu2O from oxidation and dissolution in the electrolyte.