Synergy of Fe & Cu SACs in the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia

High-activity and selectivity materials for the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate (NO3RR) to ammonia could enable the removal of nitrate from ground- or wastewater with simultaneous production of value-added ammonia in a carbon-neutral and decentralized manner. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are promising candidates for such electrocatalysts because of their inherent selectivity towards ammonia production instead of di-nitrogen products like nitrogen gas. This thesis seeks to demonstrate a synergistic effect between Fe and Cu single atoms in a dual metal SAC for a higher ammonia yield. Single-metal as well as dual-metal SACs of Cu and Fe were synthesized using a facile pyrolysis approach. 3-hour-long electrolysis measurements were performed at different potentials to compare the activity and selectivity of different catalysts. The yield of hydrogen gas as well as other potential gas phase products were monitored by coupling the H-cell electrolysis setup with a gas chromatograph. Yields of ammonia and nitrite were monitored with spectrophotometric concentration tests.