Breakthrough in Nanotechnology: Relay-enhanced Electron Transfer Catalyzes Ammonia Oxidation

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of Jinan have made a significant discovery in the field of nanotechnology, developing a novel catalyst that enhances the efficiency of ammonia oxidation. According to the study, relay-enhanced electron transfer enables the built-in electric field to facilitate the sequential transfer of charge across metal interfaces, resulting in a substantial increase in catalytic activity. The research team has successfully demonstrated that their catalyst can reach a mass activity of up to 363.5 A g-1, surpassing previously reported values.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of Jinan researchers have developed a triple-layer core-shell structured Ru@Ir@Pt model catalyst that employs relay electron transfer to enhance ammonia oxidation activity.
  • The built-in electric field induced by differing work functions facilitates the sequential relay of charge transfer across metal interfaces.
  • In situ Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that ammonia oxidation proceeds primarily via the N2H4 pathway of the G-M mechanism.
  • The catalyst achieved a mass activity of up to 363.5 A g-1, which is 5.24 times higher than that of 20% Pt/C and significantly surpasses most previously reported catalysts.
  • The research presents a novel material design approach for developing high-performance advanced ammonia oxidation electrocatalysts.
  • The study has been peer-reviewed and published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
  • Funders for this research include the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province.

Statistics:

  • The mass activity of the developed catalyst reached up to 363.5 A g-1.
  • This value is 5.24 times higher than that of 20% Pt/C.
  • The catalyst significantly surpasses most previously reported catalysts.
  • The research presents a novel material design approach for developing advanced ammonia oxidation electrocatalysts.
  • The University of Jinan conducted the research.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from University of Jinan Describe New Findings in Nanoparticles (Relay-enhanced Electron Transfer In Triple-layer Ru@ir@pt Core-shell Nanoparticles for the Ammonia Oxidation Reaction). Nanotechnology Weekly. July 7, 2025; p 5730.
  • Angewandte Chemie International Edition. Relay-enhanced Electron Transfer In Triple-layer Ru@ir@pt Core-shell Nanoparticles for the Ammonia Oxidation Reaction. Wiley-v C H Verlag Gmbh, Postfach 101161, 69451 Weinheim, Germany (Wiley-Blackwell - www.wiley.com/; Angewandte Chemie International Edition - onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1521-3773)