Multiply Nano‐Twinned Copper as a “Dual‐Site Cooperative” Catalyst for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia

作者：Xuebiao Ji, Riming Hu, Jiawei Li, Heng Zhao, Xin Liu, Kai Jiang, Hua Tan, Yuecheng Xiong, Zhanxi Fan, Hong Liu, Man Huang, Weijia Zhou · 发表于：Advanced Materials · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1002/adma.202516937 · 被引用次数：11 · 研究领域：Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction、CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts、Environmental remediation with nanomaterials

Abstract To advance the electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NIRR) to ammonia, it is essential to rationally regulate the kinetics of active hydrogen (H * ). Nevertheless, an in‐depth understanding of H * generation, transfer, and utilization remains elusive, which impedes exploring strategies for optimizing H * dynamics. In this study, a copper nanocrystalline is developed with a multiply nano‐twinned structure (MNTs‐Cu) using a “dual nonequilibrium” strategy to optimize H * dynamics and enhance NIRR performance. Experimental and theoretical studies show that MNTs‐Cu functions as a “dual‐site cooperative” catalyst, addressing the H * supply‐consumption balance to boost ammonia electrosynthesis. Specifically, the Cu sites are responsible for the activation of nitrate, while the nano‐twinned structure serves as an “active hydrogen hub” to facilitate the generation, transfer, and utilization of H * . The MNTs‐Cu catalyst achieves a high NH 3 yield of 112.03 mg h −1 cm −2 at −0.7 V vs RHE, and notably, it can continuously maintain a high FE NH3 of >99% within the high potential range from −0.7 to −0.9 V vs RHE. This work provides a novel pathway for optimizing H * behavior through structural engineering, offering insights for advancing NIRR and other hydrogenation reactions.