CuIIporphyrin-mediated M-N-C single- and dual-metal catalysts for efficient NO3- electrochemical reduction

Herein, a series of Cu-N-C-type catalysts was prepared and characterized by high-temperature annealing of Cu(II)tetrephenylporphyrin ((CuTPP)-T-II)-coated reduced graphene oxide (rGO). These catalysts were used for the selective removal of simulated nitrate, nitrogen selectivity, and energy utilization efficiency, which were achieved at 73.9%, 93.9%, and 25.4%, respectively. Dual-metal CuxM1-x-N-C catalysts were also prepared and characterized. The nitrate removal (74.9%), nitrogen selectivity (95.0%), and energy utilization efficiency (35.5%) were higher for the Cu0.8Ni0.2-N-C dual-metal catalyst.

Automated summary

In this study, a series of Cu-N-C-type catalysts were prepared and characterized, and they were used for the selective removal of simulated nitrate, achieving a nitrate removal rate of 73.9%, nitrogen selectivity of 93.9%, and energy utilization efficiency of 25.4%. Dual-metal CuxM1-x-N-C catalysts were also prepared and characterized, and the Cu0.8Ni0.2-N-C dual-metal catalyst exhibited higher nitrate removal rate (74.9%), nitrogen selectivity (95.0%), and energy utilization efficiency (35.5%).