Identification of dual center in self-supported Pd-dispersed Cu2O/Cu nanowire arrays featuring cooperativity for durable electrochemical removal of low-concentration nitrate
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Zhang, Kai
Zhu, Xiaolong
Graham, Nigel
Yu, Wenzheng
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This study fabricates a self-supported Pd-dispersed Cu2O/Cu nanowire array cathode through a facile galvanic replacement reaction. The hierarchical mesostructure of the electrode promotes enhanced mass transport and exhibits outstanding catalytic performance, achieving 98.7 % nitrate removal, 99.5 % N2 selectivity, and sustained stability over 40 cycles. Operando spectroscopic analysis identifies NO as a key intermediate, enabling the proposal of a consistent reaction pathway. Integrated experimental and theoretical studies reveal a synergistic mechanism in which stabilized Cu+ sites facilitate nitrate adsorption while Pd sites promote water dissociation to generate active hydrogen species (*H). Implemented in a continuous-flow electrochemical reactor with a two-electrode configuration, the system attains 81.1 % total nitrogen removal over 350 h at an energy consumption of 158.6 kWh·kg−1 N from a 35 mg·L−1 NO3--N feed solution, highlighting its potential for practical application. This work establishes an effective catalyst design strategy and provides a mechanistic foundation for energy-efficient nitrate purification.
Date Issued
2026-05-01
Date Acceptance
2025-11-06
Citation
Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy, 2026, 384
ISSN
0926-3373
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Journal / Book Title
Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy
Volume
384
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
126166
Date Publish Online
2025-11-07