Laser-induced PdCu alloy catalysts for highly efficient and stable electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia.

The electrochemical reduction reaction of nitrate (NORR) to ammonia is an environmentally friendly approach that can treat wastewater as well as find an alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. The use of adhesives partially to adhere to the NORR electrocatalysts, leading to sluggish kinetics, poor stability and poor scalability. Herein, we report the synthesis of PdCu alloy catalysts via a direct laser writing method, demonstrating their exceptional performance in the electrochemical reduction of nitrate.