Hollow Cu_2O@CoMn_2O_4 Nanoreactors for Electrochemical NO Reduction to NH_3: Elucidating the Void-Confinement Effects on Intermediates

摘要

Hollow nanoreactors show great potential in catalysis due to the void-confinementeffect. Yet few studies have investigated the void-confinement effect ofhollow nanoreactors on intermediates. Herein, electrochemical NO reductionto NH_3 (ENOR) is used as a probe reaction to study the void-confinementeffect of hollow Cu_2O@CoMn_2O_4 nanoreactors on intermediates. Combinedwith the results of catalytic activity, H_2-treated in situ diffusion Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy and the finite-element method simulationconfirm that the void-confinement effect on the intermediate is the mainreason for enhanced ENOR efficiency. Additionally, theoretical calculationsalso show that the Cu sites of Cu_2O@CoMn_2O_4 nanoreactors are favorablefor the formation of *NOH intermediates. This work not only gives an insightinto void-confinement effect of hollow nanoreactors on intermediates but alsoprovides a valuable strategy for improving ENOR.