Enhanced ammonia electro-oxidation reaction on platinum-iron oxide catalyst assisted by MagnetoElectroCatalysis

Author(s)

Fernandes, Caio Machado ; Rodrigues, Eduardo M. ; Alves, Odivaldo C. ; Garcia, Flavio ; Xing, Yutao ; dos Santos, Mauro C. ; Silva, Julio Cesar M.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: APPLIED CATALYSIS O: OPEN; v. 205, p. 9-pg., 2025-08-01.

Abstract

Ammonia poses significant environmental challenges due to its role in water pollution, contributing to eutrophication and several detrimental environmental and ecological issues. Addressing the efficient removal or conversion of ammonia is, therefore, critical. Among various methods, the ammonia electro-oxidation reaction stands out due to its potential for direct energy conversion and environment remediation. Here, we synthesize platinum-iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Pt-MNP) as electrocatalysts and apply an alternating magnetic field (AMF) to enhance their activity. The AMF generates localized heat via Ne<acute accent>el relaxation, accelerating ammonia oxidation kinetics at the catalytic surface. Compared to conventional electro-oxidation methods, this technique demonstrates superior efficiency and stability, offering a promising alternative for ammonia treatment. This work uses the concept of MagnetoElectroCatalysis, showcasing the synergy between magnetic fields and the electrochemical process, leveraging the AMF to induce localized heating within the nanocatalyst, thereby improving its catalytic activity as shown in cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry experiments. By combining nanocatalyst design with innovative AMF application, this study provides a new avenue for enhancing electrochemical reactions, with broad implications for environmental remediation and sustainable energy solutions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 24/03549-8 - Innovative Electrochemical Reactor Design for Pollutants Removal through Solar Photoelectro-Fenton
• Grantee: Caio Machado Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 22/10484-4 - Application of low-cost nanomaterials for degradation of endocrine disruptors through advanced electrochemical oxidation processes under the influence of a magnetic field
• Grantee: Caio Machado Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 22/12895-1 - Advanced processes for the degradation of emerging pollutants: catalytic materials, electroanalytical sensors and scientific dissemination
• Grantee: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/15252-4 - Nanostructured electrocatalysts for application in direct alkaline-acid fuel cells of glycerol
• Grantee: Mauro Coelho dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Regular Program Grants