Hypotoxic synthesis of Co2P nanodendrites for boosting ammonia electrosynthesis from nitrate

Abstract

High-quality Co₂P nanodendrites are one-step prepared using a molten-salt-assisted synthesis method, which avoids the release of highly toxic phosphine and the use of flammable organic phosphorus sources. Electrochemical measurements reveal that Co₂P nanodendrites can be used as an efficient electrocatalyst for ammonia (NH₃) synthesis from the nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃⁻RR) in a neutral electrolyte. At an applied potential of −0.6 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, Co₂P nanodendrites can operate stably for 10 continuous cycles, and the average faradaic efficiency and yield rate of ammonia generation are 88.57% and 5.11 mg cm⁻² h⁻¹, respectively. Thus, the present results will provide new insights into the synthesis of phosphides and the development of NO₃⁻RR catalysts.