Selective electrocatalysis of the nitrous oxide reduction reaction to nitrogen on carbon-supported Pt–Pd–Sn nanoparticles

Abstract

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is the third-largest greenhouse gas and must be removed using a green method under ambient conditions, such as electrocatalysis. Here, we report carbon-supported Pt–Pd–Sn nanoparticles (Pt–Pd–Sn/C) for the electrocatalytic N₂O reduction reaction (N₂ORR) to N₂ in acidic media. Pt–Pd–Sn/C shows about 100% Faradaic efficiency for the N₂ORR to N₂ at ≥+0.06 V vs. RHE. Pt–Pd–Sn/C also shows high N₂ORR selectivity to N₂ in the presence of O₂: about 44% Faradaic efficiency at a 1 : 10 N₂O–O₂ molar ratio. Pt–Pd–Sn/C has Sn oxide or hydroxide patches on Pt–Pd nanoparticles. The PtPd/Sn interface can work as the catalytically active site.