Palladium‐Doping‐Enabled Interface Synergy for Superb Ampere Level Ammonia Electrosynthesis From Nitrate

Q Qun He C Chuanqiang Wu (Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology) Z Zhangsheng Shi (City University of Hong Kong , , ,) D Dongxue Yu (Department of Chemistry) W Wei Jiang L Li Song X Xin Wang

Abstract

ABSTRACT The practical electrocatalytic nitrate‐to‐ammonia conversion suffers from insufficient performance at industrial current densities. Here, we report an electrochemically reconstructed Pd‐doped Co catalyst that achieves > 98.0% ammonia Faradaic efficiency at an ultrahigh partial current density of ‒1.43 A cm −2 and operates stably for over 170 h. Integrated in situ spectroscopy and theoretical simulations reveal a dual‐enhancement mechanism, in which Pd doping lowers the energy barrier of the rate‐determining *NO hydrogenation step and reconstructs the interfacial microenvironment. This restructuring promotes cation enrichment and establishes a dynamic hydrogen‐down‐oriented water network, facilitating proton transfer and intermediate stabilization under high‐flux conditions. Unlike its role in Cu‐based systems, Pd in the Co matrix distinctly optimizes the kinetics of surface intermediates, enhances the local interfacial electric field, and increases the flexibility of the hydrogen‐bond network. This work demonstrates the critical synergy between atomic‐site engineering and microenvironment control for achieving high‐rate electrocatalysis beyond conventional electronic modulation.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 65, Issue 28
Published July 06, 2026
ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher Wiley

Journal Info

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Wiley

ISSN: 1433-7851 Physical Sciences

Authors (7)

Q

Qun He

C

Chuanqiang Wu

Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology

Z

Zhangsheng Shi

City University of Hong Kong , , ,

D

Dongxue Yu

Department of Chemistry

W

Wei Jiang

L

Li Song

X

Xin Wang