Fullerene Network-Buffered Platinum Nanoparticles Toward Efficient and Stable Electrochemical Ammonia Oxidation Reaction for Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Green ammonia is a promising hydrogen carrier due to its well-established production, storage, and transportation infrastructure. Moreover, hydrogen production via electrochemical ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) requires a significantly lower theoretical potential than water electrolysis. However, the sluggish kinetics and poor stability of AOR hinder the industrial application of ammonia electrolysis. Herein, we report the construction of two-dimensional covalently bonded fullerene polymeric network (PNW-C₆₀) supported platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) as a highly active and stable AOR electrocatalyst. The unique electron buffering effect of PNW-C₆₀ enhances the desorption of nitrogen-containing species and prevents their poisoning on the Pt NPs surface. Consequently, the as-obtained PNW-C₆₀-buffered Pt NPs exhibits a high mass activity of 118 A g_Pt⁻¹ as well as good stability, outperforming commercial Pt/C and graphene-supported Pt NPs AOR catalysts.