Electrocatalytic, Homogeneous Ammonia Oxidation in Water to Nitrate and Nitrite with a Copper Complex
Hanyu Liu, Hannah M. C. Lant, Jennifer L. Troiano, Gongfang Hu, Brandon Q. Mercado, Robert H. Crabtree, Gary W. Brudvig
Abstract
Electrocatalytic ammonia oxidation at room temperature and pressure allows energy-economical and environmentally friendly production of nitrites and nitrates. Few molecular catalysts, however, have been developed for this six- or eight-electron oxidation process. We now report [Cu(bipyalk)]+, a homogeneous electrocatalyst that realizes the title reaction in water at 94% Faradaic efficiency. The catalyst exhibits high selectivity against water oxidation in aqueous media, as [Cu(bipyalk)]+ is not competent for water oxidation.
Topics & Concepts
ChemistryElectrocatalystNitrateCatalysisNitriteAmmoniaInorganic chemistryCopperAqueous solutionEnvironmentally friendlyElectrochemistryRedoxHomogeneousOxidation processSelectivityCatalytic oxidationAqueous mediumChemical engineeringOrganic chemistryElectrodeEcologyEngineeringPhysical chemistryBiologyThermodynamicsPhysicsAmmonia Synthesis and Nitrogen ReductionAdvanced Photocatalysis TechniquesNanomaterials for catalytic reactions