In-situ reconstructed prism-like CuO on copper foam assisted by fumaric acid for enhanced electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction

Abstract

Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is considered as a promising strategy for environment pollution governing and sustainable energy development. In this study, prism-like CuO loaded on copper foam (CuO/CF) was synthesized in simple solvothermal reaction and in-situ electrochemical reconstruction process. The electrochemical reconstruction process facilitates the formation of CuO lattice structure on copper foam derived from FU-CF generated by the reaction of copper foam and fumaric acid (H2FU) in DMF. The prism-like CuO on the surface of copper foam served as a remarkable electrocatalyst for electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction, regulating the rate of electron transport and maintaining an ordered structure. The prism-like CuO lattice structure demonstrated a Faradaic efficiency of 95.66%, ammonia yield of 0.741 mmol h-1 cm-2 and NH3 selectivity of 96.38%. This work provides a feasible strategy for fabricating Cu-based electrocatalysts in green energy and environment field.