Modulated metal-support interactions for efficient nitrate electroreduction at positive potentials.

Tang, Yixiang; Wan, Yuchi; Yan, Wei; Zhang, Jiujun; Lv, Ruitao · Nat Commun · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Electrochemical nitrate upgrading presents a sustainable route for repairing unbalanced nitrogen cycle. However, the low energy efficiency caused by high overpotential impedes the industrialization progress. Herein, Ru clusters supported on metal hydroxide are constructed by a universal self-corrosion strategy, and the metal-support interaction is modulated to simultaneously optimize NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> adsorption and water dissociation for achieving high energy efficiency at positive potentials. The Co(OH)<sub>2</sub>-supported Ru with moderate metal-support interaction exhibits a high energy efficiency of 49.5% and a high NH<sub>3</sub> Faradaic efficiency of ~100% at positive potentials. Furthermore, a long-term stability over 1200 h is achieved at an industrial-scale current density of 200 mA cm<sup>-2</sup>. Moreover, the assembled rechargeable hybrid battery system shows a great potential in waste upcycling and energy conversion. This work underscores the significance of metal-support interaction for promoting nitrate electroreduction at positive potentials.