Modulated metal-support interactions for efficient nitrate electroreduction at positive potentials
Electrochemical nitrate upgrading presents a sustainable route for repairing unbalanced nitrogen cycle. However, the low energy efficiency caused by high overpotential impedes the industrialization progress. Herein, Ru clusters supported on metal hydroxide are constructed by a universal self-corrosion strategy, and the metal-support interaction is modulated to simultaneously optimize NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> adsorption and water dissociation for achieving high energy efficiency at positive potentials. The Co(OH)<sub>2</sub>-supported Ru with moderate metal-support interaction exhibits a high energy efficiency of 49.5% and a high NH<sub>3</sub> Faradaic efficiency of ~100% at positive potentials. Furthermore, a long-term stability over 1200 h is achieved at an industrial-scale current density of 200 mA cm<sup>-2</sup>. Moreover, the assembled rechargeable hybrid battery system shows a great potential in waste upcycling and energy conversion. This work underscores the significance of metal-support interaction for promoting nitrate electroreduction at positive potentials.
Authors
- Yuchi Wan
- Ruitao Lv
- Jiujun Zhang
- Yixiang Tang
- Wei Yan
Institutions
- Fuzhou University (CN)
- Tsinghua University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Nature Communications
- Published
- 2026-02-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69802-5
- Primary Topic
- Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province