Enhanced Urea Oxidation Electrocatalytic Activity by Synergistic Cobalt and Nickel Mixed Oxides

Zhou, Tongxin; Jagadeesan, Sathya Narayanan; Zhang, Lihua; Deskins, N. Aaron; Teng, Xiaowei

doi:10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03257

Enhanced Urea Oxidation Electrocatalytic Activity by Synergistic Cobalt and Nickel Mixed Oxides

Journal Article · Fri Dec 22 00:00:00 EST 2023 · Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03257· OSTI ID:2372693

Zhou, Tongxin ^[1]; ^[1]; Zhang, Lihua ^[2]; ^[1]; ^[1]

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA (United States)
Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)

In this study, exploring reactive and selective Ni-based electrocatalysts for the urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is crucial for developing urea-related energy conversion technologies. Herein, synergistic interactions in Ni/Co mixed oxides/hydroxides enhanced the UOR with low onset potential, fast reaction kinetics, and good selectivity against oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Our electrochemical measurements and theoretical calculations signified the collaborative interaction of Ni/Co mixed oxide/hydroxide heterostructures to enhance UOR activity. Our results showed that Ni³⁺ species, formed at high anodic potential, produced a high anodic current primarily from unwanted OER. Instead, the Ni/Co heterostructures with dominant Ni²⁺ and Co³⁺ species remained stable at low anodic potential and exhibited anodic current exclusively attributed to UOR. This work highlights the importance of tuning valence charges for designing high-performance and selective UOR electrocatalysts to benefit the environmental remediation of urea runoff and enable urea electrolysis for hydrogen production by replacing conventional OER with UOR at the anode.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Scientific User Facilities (SUF)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0012704

OSTI ID:: 2372693

Report Number(s):: BNL--225705-2024-JAAM

Journal Information:: Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 15; ISSN 1948-7185

Publisher:: American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
Enhanced Urea Oxidation Electrocatalytic Activity
Synergistic Cobalt and Nickel Mixed Oxides
cobalt oxides
electrocatalysis
electrooxidation
nickel oxides
urea
urea oxidation reaction

Enhanced Urea Oxidation Electrocatalytic Activity by Synergistic Cobalt and Nickel Mixed Oxides

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References (50)

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