Self-standing Fe3O4 decorated paper electrode as a binder-free trifunctional electrode for electrochemical ammonia synthesis and Zn–O2 batteries. Issue 44 (1st November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kafle, Alankar; Gupta, Divyani; Bordoloi, Ankur; Nagaiah, Tharamani C.
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 14:Issue 44(2022)
• Page Start: 16590
• Page End: 16601
• Publication Date: 2022-11-01
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/d2nr03297j
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : Self-standing Fe3 O4 decorated paper electrode shows remarkable electrocatalytic activity towards ammonia production as well as Zn–O2 batteries eliminating the additional power supply for the production ammonia via electrochemical approach. Abstract : The conversion of the abundant biodegradable material into electroactive electrode material can be a good resource for sustainable energy conversion and storage applications. Herein, we present a simple, cost-effective and green approach for the fabrication of a flexible cellulose paper electrode using an electroless-electrodeposition method. The one-step electroless deposition route is followed to induce conductivity into a non-conductive cellulose paper substrate without using any expensive activators or sensitisers. The Fe3 O4 is then electro-deposited as an active catalyst over the conductive paper substrate for use in electrochemical activities. The as-fabricated paper electrode shows promising activity and stability during the dinitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) as well as oxygen bifunctional electrocatalysis. A faradaic efficiency of 4.32% with a yield rate of 245 μg h −1 mgcat −1 at −0.1 V is achieved for NRR whereas a very small overpotential of 180 mV is required to reach 10 mA cm −2 during OER, and the ORR reaction starts at the onset potential of 0.86 V. The practical applicability of the paper electrode is validated by assembling a Zn–O2 battery showing a peak power density of 81 mW cm −2 and a stability up to 35 h during charge–discharge cycles, which can power the NRR to produce NH3 under full cell conditions.