Enhanced electrocatalytic nitrite reduction to ammonia over P-doped TiO2 nanobelt array

Electrochemical nitrite reduction affords an eco-friendly route for the removal of hazardous NO2- and sustainable NH3 synthesis. Here, we report that a P-doped TiO2 nanobelt array supported on titanium plate (P-TiO2/TP) acts as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst for the NO2- reduction reaction, attaining a satisfactory faradaic efficiency of 90.6% and a large NH3 yield as high as 560.8 mu mol h(-1) cm(-2), superior to pristine TiO2/TP. Moreover, the catalytic mechanism involved is also uncovered by theoretical calculation.

Automated summary

Electrochemical nitrite reduction provides an environmentally friendly method for removing hazardous NO2- and synthesizing sustainable NH3. A P-doped TiO2 nanobelt array supported on titanium plate (P-TiO2/TP) acts as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the reduction of NO2-, achieving a satisfactory faradaic efficiency of 90.6% and a large NH3 yield of 560.8 mu mol h(-1) cm(-2), surpassing pristine TiO2/TP. In addition, the catalytic mechanism is also revealed through theoretical calculations.