Electrochemical N2O reduction reaction catalyzed by a multinuclear copper complex of 1,2,4-triazole

A trinuclear copper complex of 1,2,4-triazole supported on a carbon black efficiently catalyzes the electrochemical N₂O reduction reaction (e-N2ORR) in alkaline media, achieving 100% Faradaic efficiency at −0.2 V vs. RHE and a turnover frequency up to 267 h⁻¹ at −0.6 V vs. RHE. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals that a Cu(0) species produced from the Cu(II) complex under electrochemical conditions is responsible for the high e-N2ORR activity and selectivity, offering a cost-effective strategy for efficient greenhouse gas mitigation.