Gradient Adsorption Energy Strategy Unlocks Ultra‐Long Stability and Efficient Electrocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis from Nitrate Over CoP/Cu <sub>3</sub> P

Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO<sub>3</sub> <sup>-</sup>) reduction to ammonia (NRA) is an important approach for achieving both ammonia synthesis and wastewater treatment. However, its multi-step proton-electron transfer process and the difficulty in synergistically regulating the adsorption energy of intermediates limit the reaction efficiency. In this study, a self-supported CoP/Cu<sub>3</sub>P composite nanotube array electrode (CoP/Cu<sub>3</sub>P-CF) was fabricated on copper foam through in situ growth and phosphidation. By precisely regulating synergistic catalytic sites for multiple elementary reactions, the catalyst simultaneously enhances both adsorption and desorption processes through a gradient adsorption energy strategy. The catalyst utilizes the synergistic effect of Cu and Co dual sites to enhance the adsorption and conversion of NO<sub>3</sub> <sup>-</sup> and the directed transformation of *NO<sub>2</sub> intermediates to NH<sub>3</sub>, respectively, while P atoms act as electron transfer bridges to promote charge transport. At -0.3 V vs. RHE, it achieved an exceptional ammonia production rate of 1.59 mmol h<sup>-1</sup> with a Faradaic efficiency of 96.35%. The strong interfacial interaction between CoP and Cu<sub>3</sub>P effectively suppressed structural reconstruction, enabling stable operation for 150 h without significant performance degradation. Kelvin probe force microscopy and in situ characterization confirmed a broad adsorption energy distribution conducive to multi-site synergistic catalysis. This study provides new insights for the design and mechanistic understanding of highly active NRA catalysts.

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Publication Details

Journal
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Published
2025-11-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202522410
Citations
6
Primary Topic
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.33

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article

Gradient Adsorption Energy Strategy Unlocks Ultra‐Long Stability and Efficient Electrocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis from Nitrate Over CoP/Cu 3 P

Jinghuan Peng, Ding Wang, Jianping Yang, Guisheng Li et al.
6 citations
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
2.33
article

Gradient Adsorption Energy Strategy Unlocks Ultra‐Long Stability and Efficient Electrocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis from Nitrate Over CoP/Cu 3 P

Jinghuan Peng, Ding Wang, Jianping Yang, Guisheng Li, Peiquan Li, Jinwu Hu, Zongjing Lu, Hui Xu, Xichen Feng, Guanjie Han, Jingcheng Xu
article en
6 citations

Abstract

Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO<sub>3</sub> <sup>-</sup>) reduction to ammonia (NRA) is an important approach for achieving both ammonia synthesis and wastewater treatment. However, its multi-step proton-electron transfer process and the difficulty in synergistically regulating the adsorption energy of intermediates limit the reaction efficiency. In this study, a self-supported CoP/Cu<sub>3</sub>P composite nanotube array electrode (CoP/Cu<sub>3</sub>P-CF) was fabricated on copper foam through in situ growth and phosphidation. By precisely regulating synergistic catalytic sites for multiple elementary reactions, the catalyst simultaneously enhances both adsorption and desorption processes through a gradient adsorption energy strategy. The catalyst utilizes the synergistic effect of Cu and Co dual sites to enhance the adsorption and conversion of NO<sub>3</sub> <sup>-</sup> and the directed transformation of *NO<sub>2</sub> intermediates to NH<sub>3</sub>, respectively, while P atoms act as electron transfer bridges to promote charge transport. At -0.3 V vs. RHE, it achieved an exceptional ammonia production rate of 1.59 mmol h<sup>-1</sup> with a Faradaic efficiency of 96.35%. The strong interfacial interaction between CoP and Cu<sub>3</sub>P effectively suppressed structural reconstruction, enabling stable operation for 150 h without significant performance degradation. Kelvin probe force microscopy and in situ characterization confirmed a broad adsorption energy distribution conducive to multi-site synergistic catalysis. This study provides new insights for the design and mechanistic understanding of highly active NRA catalysts.

Angewandte Chemie International EditionVol. 65(2)
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (CN), Donghua University (CN), Shanghai Normal University (CN), Zero to Three (US)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology
Openalex Percentile: Top 11%
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
2.33
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