Pulsed electrocatalysis enables enhanced efficient nitrogen oxidation on Ru0.25Mn0.75O2

The electrochemical conversion of nitrogen and water into HNO₃ not only enables small-scale and distributed production but also aligns with intermittent renewable energy sources, representing an environmentally friendly and sustainable production technique. Despite extensive investigations into electrochemical nitrogen oxidation technology, its poor performance significantly impedes its development. Herein, Ru_0.25Mn_0.75O₂ was meticulously designed and synthesized for its remarkable application in the exploration of nitrogen oxidation. An astonishing yield of nitric acid amounting to 10614.92 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹_cat. was successfully obtained due to the synergistic effect between MnO₂ and RuO₂, as well as the utilization of the pulsed electrocatalytic method. This method enhances the supply of active oxygen intermediates by cleaving water molecules on the catalyst surface while achieving intermittent energy supply and effectively regulating kinetic differences between NOR and its side reactions from multiple perspectives to accomplish highly efficient N₂ conversion, respectively. This groundbreaking work demonstrates a highly effective electrochemical regulation strategy for complex electrochemical reactions involving water such as nitrogen fixation, methane conversion, and multi-carbon product conversion from CO₂.