Journals
Laser Photochemistry Laboratory
Journals
Laser Photochemistry Laboratory
Abstract: Herein, we report the pioneering synthesis of the cobalt-nickel coordination
frameworks (Co(H2O)2·Ni(CN)4, CoNi-CF) via pulsed laser irradiation in liquids (PLIL). The
distinctive morphology of CoNi-CF has attracted considerable attention as a potential template to
produce Co3O4/NiO composites with varying Co and Ni ratios. After subjecting CoNi-CF to a
high-temperature calcination process at 400°C, the resulting Co3O4/NiO composites displayed
dual-active canters for efficient electrochemical nitrite (NO2−) reduction to ammonia (NH3).
Optimizing the Co:Ni ratio at 1:0.75 yielded Co3O4/NiO with exceptional performance,
achieving a remarkable 99.4% Faradaic efficiency in NH3 production while maintaining a 96.1%
mass balance at −1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Furthermore, this composite displayed long-term stability,
degrading 60.82% of NO2− in 180 min, with high NH3 yield rates (2012.03 μM h−1 cm−2) at −1.6
V vs. Ag/AgCl. The superior performance in NO2− reduction to NH3 can be attributed to the
unique structural features inherited from CoNi-CF, including well-defined and self-standing
Co3O4 and NiO phases. Synergistic effects at the oxide interface enhance electrochemical
performance and facilitate efficient charge transfer kinetics of Co3O4/NiO, underscoring the
unique potential of these composite materials.