MoO2@C nanoparticles decorated on reduced graphene oxide for electrocatalytic nitrite reduction to ammonia

Abstract

Electrocatalytic nitrite (NO₂⁻) reduction is a promising and eco-friendly method for ammonia (NH₃) production. Here, carbon-coated MoO₂ nanoparticles decorated on reduced graphene oxide (MoO₂@C/RGO) are reported to be an effective electrocatalyst for NO₂⁻ reduction to NH₃. The outer carbon shell not only effectively enhances the stability of the electrocatalyst but also promotes the charge transfer during the NO₂⁻ reduction process, thereby significantly improving the catalytic performance. In neutral media, MoO₂@C/RGO provides a high NH₃ yield of 17.64 ± 0.10 mg h⁻¹ cm⁻² and a high FE of 95.79% ± 0.50% at −0.9 V. Furthermore, a Zn–NO₂⁻ battery with MoO₂@C/RGO exhibits a peak power density of 2.125 mW cm⁻² and an open circuit voltage of 1.33 V.