Bismuth Ferrite as an Electrocatalyst for the Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction

Electrochemical nitrate reduction has become an appealing waste-to-wealth approach for sustainable NH3 synthesis owing to its mild operating conditions. However, developing catalysts with high activities and Faradaic efficiencies for this complicated eight-electron reaction is a great challenge. Herein, bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) flakes, with a distorted perovskite-type structure, are demonstrated to be excellent catalysts for electrochemical NH3 synthesis via nitrate reduction, with a maximum Faradaic efficiency of 96.85%, NH3 yield of 90.45 mg h(-1) mg(cat)(-1), at -0.6 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. During the nitrate reduction reaction, the crystalline BiFeO3 rapidly converts into an amorphous phase, which is stable in the long term reaction. These results open a new window for rational design of more active and durable electrocatalysts.

Automated summary

The bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) flakes, with a distorted perovskite-type structure, are demonstrated to be excellent catalysts for electrochemical NH3 synthesis via nitrate reduction, with high Faradaic efficiencies and NH3 yield. During the reaction, the crystalline BiFeO3 rapidly converts into a stable amorphous phase.