What is it about?
We report the electrochemical regulation of a nitrite reduction network using a molybdenum sulfide catalyst by modulating the thermodynamic driving force of proton and electron transfer. The strategy behind this approach is based on the theory of sequential proton−electron transfer, in which the driving force of proton and electron transfer can be optimized independently. This allows for targeting the desired reactions with selectivities of up to 80% for NO, 61% for N2O, 36% for N2, and 100% for NH4+, which is comparable to the highest values reported to date using a specific catalyst optimized for a single target product. The consistency with numerical simulation highlights that sequential proton−electron transfer can be used to rationally regulate the electrochemical nitrogen networks.
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Why is it important?
The selective transformation of nitrogen compounds is a foundation of modern chemical industry. As existing thermochemical processes largely rely on fossil fuels, innovating processes using renewable energy remains challenging.
Perspectives
We anticipate that the approach described here for regulating nitrite reduction networks will inspire further theoretical and experimental studies for building complex reaction networks with controllable pathways.
Dr. Daoping He
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Regulation of the electrocatalytic nitrogen cycle based on sequential proton–electron transfer, Nature Catalysis, September 2022, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1038/s41929-022-00833-z.
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