Ambient Electroreduction of Nitrite to Ammonia over Ni Nanoparticle Supported on Molasses-Derived Carbon Sheets

Electrochemical nitrite (NO2-) reduction is a promising approach for ambient ammonia (NH3) synthesis and simultaneous mitigation of NO2- contaminant in wastewater. Herein, we report Ni nanoparticle supported on molasses-derived carbon sheets (Ni@MDC) as an earth-abundant electrocatalyst for NO2--to-NH3 conversion. When tested in alkaline solutions with 0.1 M NO2-, such Ni@MDC obtains a high NH3 yield of 6.3 mg h-1 mgcat-1 with a Faradaic efficiency of 65.4% at -0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode under ambient conditions. Further-more, it shows remarkable electrochemical stability during long-term electrolysis and cycling tests.

Automated summary

In this study, Ni nanoparticles supported on molasses-derived carbon sheets were reported as an electrocatalyst for the reduction of NO2- to NH3. The electrocatalyst exhibited high NH3 yield and remarkable electrochemical stability in alkaline solutions.