Dispersed Nickel on Gallium Liquid Metal for Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia

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Authors: Dingqi Wang, Xing Zhi, Jianan He, Jining Guo, Chao Wu, Lei Dong, Longbing Qu, Ali Zavabeti, Gang Kevin Li
Cited by: 3
References: 61

Abstract

The pursuit of novel catalysts for efficient green ammonia production has sparked immense research endeavors. Liquid metal alloys featuring atomically dispersed active sites have emerged as a particularly promising class of catalysts. Here, we report a liquid metal alloy catalyst featuring highly dispersed nickel atoms embedded within a gallium matrix. This Ni–Ga alloy exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activity for nitrate reduction to ammonia (NO 3 RR), achieving a Faradaic efficiency exceeding 99% at −0.18 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in alkaline conditions (pH = 13). The reaction mechanism has been fundamentally investigated using density functional theory, confirming that the Ni sites on the Ni–Ga alloy surface promote an enhanced reaction pathway. Remarkably, the catalyst demonstrates spontaneous nitrate‐to‐ammonia activity and exhibits potential for long‐term operational stability.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction CO2 Reduction Techniques and Catalysts Environmental remediation with nanomaterials

Publication details

Journal / source
Small Structures
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
7
Issue
2
Publication date
1 February 2026
Language
EN