Electro-Synthesis of Ammonia From Dilute Nitric Oxide on a Gas Diffusion Electrode

The electrochemical conversion of nitric oxide (NO) to ammonia (NH3) provides a sustainable route transform an air pollutant into value-added chemical. However, the development NO electroreduction remains hindered by poor solubility in aqueous electrolytes, requiring use concentrated NO. Here, we report dilute reduction using gas diffusion electrode (GDE) circumvent mass transport issue. Through incorporation nanoscale zero-valent iron carbon on GDE, 96% NH3 Faradaic efficiency was achieved with 1% NO, and computational calculations revealed that Fe catalyzed breaking N–O bond H2NO intermediate. production rate accelerated controlling concentration protons electrolyte reached 1,239 µmol cm-2h-1 10% Our findings show gas-phase electrolysis can offer practical option for upcycling waste nitrogen.