Capturing Copper Single Atom in Proton Donor Stimulated O‐End Nitrate Reduction

Abstract Ammonia (NH 3 ) is vital in global production and energy cycles. Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction (e‐NO 3 RR) offers a promising route for nitrogen (N) conversion and NH 3 synthesis, yet it faces challenges like competing reactions and low catalyst activity. This study proposes a synergistic mechanism incorporating a proton donor to mediate O‐end e‐NO 3 RR, addressing these limitations. A novel method combining ultraviolet radiation reduction, confined synthesis, and microwave treatment was developed to create a model catalyst embedding Cu single atoms on La‐based nanoparticles ( p ‐CNCu s La n ‐m). DFT analysis emphasizes the critical role of La‐based clusters as proton donors in e‐NO 3 RR, while…

• CU
  City University of Hong Kong

  Awards: 9610663, 9020005, 7020103
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: N_PolyU502/21, CRS_PolyU504/22
• HK
  Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• NK
  National Key Research and Development Program of China

  Award: 2021YFA1501101