Steering the catalyst structure and intermediates adsorption configuration during pulsed nitrate electroreduction.

ABSTRACT: The electroreduction of nitrate (NO₃^-) offers a promising pathway for carbon-free NH₃ production and nitrogen cycle management. Pulsed NO₃^- electroreduction has demonstrated to enable the improvement of catalytic performance, but the underlying mechanisms remain little understood. Herein, we tune the Cu catalyst structure and steer the key N-containing intermediate adsorption configuration during pulsed NO₃^- electroreduction. By applying different positive and negative potentials, in situ dynamic restructuring of the Cu catalyst and the regulation of local microenvironment have been revealed. According to detailed in situ characterizations and theoretical calculations, periodic Cu oxidation occurs within specific

SUBMITTER: Wu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12647620 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature