Electrochemical Reversible Reforming between Ethylamine and Acetonitrile on Heterostructured Pd-Ni(OH)(2) Nanosheets

Rational design of electrocatalysts is essential to achieve desirable performance of electrochemical synthesis process. Heterostructured catalysts have thus attracted widespread attention due to their multifunctional intrinsic properties, and diverse catalytic applications with corresponding outstanding activities. Here, we report an in situ restoration strategy for the synthesis of ultrathin Pd-Ni(OH)(2) nanosheets. Such Pd-Ni(OH)(2) nanosheets exhibit excellent activity and selectivity towards reversible electrochemical reforming of ethylamine and acetonitrile. In the acetonitrile reduction process, Pd acts as reaction center, while Ni(OH)(2) provide proton hydrogen through promoting the dissociation of water. Also ethylamine oxidation process can be achieved on the surface of the heterostructured nanosheets with abundant Ni(II) defects. More importantly, an electrolytic cell driven by solar cells was successfully constructed to realize ethylamine-acetonitrile reversible reforming. This work demonstrates the importance of heterostructure engineering in the rational synthesis of multifunctional catalysts towards electrochemical synthesis of fine chemicals.

Automated summary

Rational design of electrocatalysts is crucial for achieving desired performance in electrochemical synthesis. Heterostructured catalysts have attracted significant attention due to their multifunctional intrinsic properties and excellent catalytic applications. In this study, ultrathin Pd-Ni(OH)(2) nanosheets were synthesized using an in situ restoration strategy and exhibited remarkable activity and selectivity in the reversible electrochemical reforming of ethylamine and acetonitrile. The Pd-Ni(OH)(2) nanosheets act as a reaction center in the acetonitrile reduction process, while Ni(OH)(2) promotes water dissociation to provide proton hydrogen. Additionally, the oxidation of ethylamine can be achieved on the surface of the heterostructured nanosheets with abundant Ni(II) defects. Furthermore, an electrolytic cell driven by solar cells was successfully constructed to realize reversible reforming of ethylamine and acetonitrile. This work highlights the importance of heterostructure engineering in the rational synthesis of multifunctional catalysts for electrochemical synthesis of fine chemicals.