Highly selective urea electrooxidation coupled with efficient hydrogen evolution

Highly selective urea electrooxidation coupled with efficient hydrogen evolution

14 July 2024 | Guangming Zhan, Lufa Hu, Hao Li, Jie Dai, Long Zhao, Qian Zheng, Xingyue Zou, Yanbao Shi, Jiaxian Wang, Wei Hou, Yancai Yao, Lizhi Zhang
This study demonstrates the development of atomically isolated asymmetric Ni–O–Ti sites on a Ti foam anode, which achieve a nitrogen (N₂) selectivity of 99% for the electrochemical urea oxidation reaction (UOR). This surpasses the N₂ selectivity of connected symmetric Ni–O–Ni sites in previously reported Ni-based electrocatalysts, which are typically below 55%. The asymmetric Ni–O–Ti sites prevent the premature breakage of the C≡N bond in urea, favoring intramolecular N–N coupling to form N₂. This is achieved by strengthening the resonance between the NH₂ and C=O groups through electron donation from the oxygenophilic Ti adjacent to the Ni. The asymmetric sites also prevent the formation of cyanate (NCO⁻) and nitrite (NO₂⁻) species, ensuring the stability of the electrochemical system over extended periods. The prototype UOR–HER device, powered by a commercial Si photovoltaic cell, can efficiently process urine and produce hydrogen (H₂) and N₂, offering a sustainable solution for wastewater denitrification and decentralized H₂ production.This study demonstrates the development of atomically isolated asymmetric Ni–O–Ti sites on a Ti foam anode, which achieve a nitrogen (N₂) selectivity of 99% for the electrochemical urea oxidation reaction (UOR). This surpasses the N₂ selectivity of connected symmetric Ni–O–Ni sites in previously reported Ni-based electrocatalysts, which are typically below 55%. The asymmetric Ni–O–Ti sites prevent the premature breakage of the C≡N bond in urea, favoring intramolecular N–N coupling to form N₂. This is achieved by strengthening the resonance between the NH₂ and C=O groups through electron donation from the oxygenophilic Ti adjacent to the Ni. The asymmetric sites also prevent the formation of cyanate (NCO⁻) and nitrite (NO₂⁻) species, ensuring the stability of the electrochemical system over extended periods. The prototype UOR–HER device, powered by a commercial Si photovoltaic cell, can efficiently process urine and produce hydrogen (H₂) and N₂, offering a sustainable solution for wastewater denitrification and decentralized H₂ production.
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