High-efficiency electroreduction of nitrite to ammonia on a Cu@TiO2 nanobelt array

Electrochemical nitrite (NO2-) reduction is a potential and sustainable route to produce high-value ammonia (NH3), but it requires highly active electrocatalysts. Herein, Cu nanoparticles anchored on a TiO2 nanobelt array on a titanium plate (Cu@TiO2/TP) are reported as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst for NO2--to-NH3 conversion. The designed Cu@TiO2/TP catalyst exhibits outstanding catalytic performance toward the NO2-RR, with a high NH3 yield of 760.5 mu mol h(-1) cm(-2) (237.7 mu mol h(-1) mg(cat.)(-1)) and an excellent faradaic efficiency of 95.3% in neutral solution. Meanwhile, it also presents strong electrochemical stability during cyclic tests and long-term electrolysis.

Automated summary

In this study, a high-efficiency electrocatalyst Cu@TiO2/TP was reported for NO2- reduction to produce high-value ammonia (NH3). The Cu@TiO2/TP catalyst exhibited outstanding catalytic performance in neutral solution, with a high NH3 yield (760.5 mu mol h(-1) cm(-2)) and excellent faradaic efficiency (95.3%). It also demonstrated good electrochemical stability during cyclic tests and long-term electrolysis.