Co–NCNT nanohybrid as a highly active catalyst for the electroreduction of nitrate to ammonia

Abstract

Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO₃⁻) reduction has emerged as an attractive dual-function strategy to produce ammonia (NH₃) and simultaneously mitigate environmental issues. However, efficient electrocatalysts with high selectivity for NH₃ synthesis are highly desired. In this work, we report the Co–NCNT nanohybrid as a highly active electrocatalyst towards NO₃⁻-to-NH₃ conversion. In 0.1 M NaOH solution containing 0.1 M NO₃⁻, the Co–NCNT catalyst is capable of attaining a large NH₃ yield of 5996 μg h⁻¹ cm⁻² and a high faradaic efficiency of 92% at −0.6 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Moreover, it displays excellent electrochemical stability.