Atomically Tandem F and P Dual‐Doped Co Catalyst Triggers NO <sub>2</sub> Spillover for Enhanced Ammonia Electrosynthesis from Dilute Nitrate

ABSTRACT Electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia (NO 3 RR) represents a promising strategy for sustainable NH 3 synthesis and environmental remediation. However, it is critically challenged by high overpotentials and the hydrogen evolution reaction, especially in dilute nitrate environments. Herein, we report an atomically precise tandem electrocatalyst with fluorine and phosphorus dual‐doped cobalt (F, P‐Co) that achieves a record‐high NH 3 yield rate of 357.5 µmol h −1 cm −2 with 96.0% Faradaic efficiency at a low potential of –0.5 V vs. RHE. It exhibits exceptional stability for over 200 h in a 10 m m NO 3 − solution, ranking it among the best‐performing catalysts for low‐concentration NO 3 RR. Notably, in a biomass‐coupled flow cell, it attains a high current density of 200 mA cm −2 , demonstrating great promise for practical application. Mechanistic studies unveil that the F and P co‐doping synergistically alters the potential‐determining step and lowers the reaction barrier via an atomic relay mechanism involving * NO 2 spillover. Specifically, F‐Co sites facilitate the adsorption and reduction of NO 3 − to * NO 2 , whereupon the generated * NO 2 intermediate spontaneously migrates to adjacent P‐Co sites for subsequent hydrogenation. This work provides a fundamental principle for designing efficient tandem catalysts and establishes a viable pathway for energy‐efficient ammonia electrosynthesis.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Energy Materials
Published
2025-11-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202505148
Citations
3
Primary Topic
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.17
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article

Atomically Tandem F and P Dual‐Doped Co Catalyst Triggers NO 2 Spillover for Enhanced Ammonia Electrosynthesis from Dilute Nitrate

Yong Ming Hu, Zhongqing Ma, Xianyong Feng, Fang Chen et al.
3 citations
Advanced Energy Materials
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
1.17
article

Atomically Tandem F and P Dual‐Doped Co Catalyst Triggers NO 2 Spillover for Enhanced Ammonia Electrosynthesis from Dilute Nitrate

Yong Ming Hu, Zhongqing Ma, Xianyong Feng, Fang Chen, Yulin Sun, K. Fang, Haiyan Wang, Jia Ran, Xu-Yan Lv, Rihui Li
article en
3 citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia (NO 3 RR) represents a promising strategy for sustainable NH 3 synthesis and environmental remediation. However, it is critically challenged by high overpotentials and the hydrogen evolution reaction, especially in dilute nitrate environments. Herein, we report an atomically precise tandem electrocatalyst with fluorine and phosphorus dual‐doped cobalt (F, P‐Co) that achieves a record‐high NH 3 yield rate of 357.5 µmol h −1 cm −2 with 96.0% Faradaic efficiency at a low potential of –0.5 V vs. RHE. It exhibits exceptional stability for over 200 h in a 10 m m NO 3 − solution, ranking it among the best‐performing catalysts for low‐concentration NO 3 RR. Notably, in a biomass‐coupled flow cell, it attains a high current density of 200 mA cm −2 , demonstrating great promise for practical application. Mechanistic studies unveil that the F and P co‐doping synergistically alters the potential‐determining step and lowers the reaction barrier via an atomic relay mechanism involving * NO 2 spillover. Specifically, F‐Co sites facilitate the adsorption and reduction of NO 3 − to * NO 2 , whereupon the generated * NO 2 intermediate spontaneously migrates to adjacent P‐Co sites for subsequent hydrogenation. This work provides a fundamental principle for designing efficient tandem catalysts and establishes a viable pathway for energy‐efficient ammonia electrosynthesis.

Advanced Energy MaterialsVol. 16(4)
Zhejiang A & F University (CN), Zhejiang Normal University (CN), Hangzhou Normal University (CN), Zhejiang Research Institute of Chemical Industry (CN), Zhejiang Energy Research Institute (CN), China National Bamboo Research Center (CN), Ministry of Education (PT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 20%
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
1.17
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