PdP₂ Nanoparticles on Reduced Graphene Oxide: A Catalyst for the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Nitrate to Ammonia

Palladium phosphides are explored as efficient catalysts for the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NRA). The explored PdP 2 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide exhibit the maximum NH 3 Faradaic efficiency of 98.2% with a corresponding NH 3 yield rate of 7.6 mg h –1 cm –2 at −0.6 V (RHE). Theoretical calculations reveal that a PdP 2 (011) surface can not only effectively activate and hydrogenate NO 3 – via a NOH pathway but also retard H adsorption to inhibit the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction.