Support effect–induced electronic modulation facilitates ammonia desorption on Co3O4/NF for enhanced nitrate reduction

Abstract

In this study, a uniformly dispersed Co3O4 catalyst supported on nickel foam was synthesized via a flame combustion method. At −0.7 V (vs. RHE), the catalyst demonstrates an ammonia production rate of 2.96 mmol h-1cm-2, accompanied by a Faradaic efficiency approaching 100% during nitrate reduction reaction. Theoretical calculations reveal that the introduction of nickel support induces electron transfer from Ni to Co, thereby reducing the desorption energy barrier for adsorbed NH3 and consequently enhancing the catalytic activity.