Deposited Thin-Film Nanoelectrocatalysts of Non-Noble Metals for Co-Capture of CO2 and Reduction of Nitrates

The co-electrolysis of nitrate and CO2 can contribute to urea production with low carbon-oxide emission rate and at the same time reduce NO3− to extremely low permissible concentrations. It was found that Ag and Fe particles, as thin catalytic layers, can potentially be used for the joint reduction of NO3− and CO2 under benign ambient conditions. The linear voltammetry, chronoamperometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and electron scanning microscopy were used. The Fe/C electrocatalyst exhibits superior current density stability at −1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl, whereas Ag/C electrocatalyst shows noticeable degradation over time. This reaction is necessary both for the removal of nitrates from wastewater and for the capture of carbon dioxide, which makes it one of the important applications of sustainable chemistry.