Porphyrin‐Based Conductive Polymer Derived from Tetrakis[biphenyl‐bis(bithiophene)] Porphyrinato Cobalt(II) for Efficient Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Kamal Dhakal, Dili R. Subedi, Alireza Hajiseyedjavadi, Manan Guragain, Alankar Kafle, Jeffry A. Kelber, Thomas R. Cundari, Francis D’Souza
Abstract
Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction is a sustainable pollutant remedy tool and offers wider application for green ammonia production. The overall electrochemical reaction mostly depends on the electrode material, which thus requires a highly active and efficient electrocatalyst that is both green and cost-effective. Here, we show electropolymerized cobalt porphyrin-containing tetrakis-biphenyl-bis(bithiophene) entities as efficient electrocatalysts for ammonia production via electrochemical nitrate reduction. The newly developed electrocatalyst was able to achieve a high Faradaic efficiency of 92.7 % at -0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl for ammonia production with very low production of other side products and exhibited long-term durability without any significant physical and chemical deterioration. Experimental findings were well-supported by DFT calculations.