Tailor of frustrated Lewis pairs in Ag/CeO2 for producing 4-aminophenol

Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) pollutant to the high-value 4-aminophenol (4-AP) with a clean hydrogen donor holds significant importance yet great challenges owing to the difficult activation of nitro and H species. In this work, Ag tailoring Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) of CeO 2 (Ag/CeO 2 ) were successfully fabricated for electrochemical reduction reaction of 4-NP (4-NP ERR). As a result, the bond of Ag with O atom changed the state of the Ce–O bond and electron density, where the tailored FLPs were the key factor for enhancing absorption and activation. The reaction rate of Ag/CeO 2 reached up to 4.70 μmol·min −1 (Faraday efficiency: 99.5%), which was about four times of CeO 2 . Additionally, this study delved into the proton-coupled electron processes to further understand the mechanism of 4-NP ERR. Therefore, in this study, we have endeavored to investigate the role of tailored FLPs sites and utilize this structure–function relationship to achieve environmental-friendly chemical synthesis. Ag tailoring Frustrated Lewis pairs of CeO 2 has been demonstrated as an efficient strategy for treating 4-NP pollutant. Ag/CeO 2 reach a desirable reaction rate of 4-NP up to 4.70 umol·min −1 , with 99.5 % faraday efficiency and 98.8 % conversion. • Ag tailoring Frustrated Lewis pairs of CeO 2 contributed to desirable performance. • Electrocatalytic production of 4-AP has been achieved under mild condition. • Mechanism of proton-coupled electron for 4-NP reduction was demonstrated. • Conversion and FE of Ag/CeO 2 reached 98.8 % and 99.5 %, respectively.