Functional partitioning synergistically enhances multi-scenario nitrate reduction

The CoP 3 and Cu 3 P sites with synergistic effects were arranged at the interface of the integrated self-supporting electrode, which realizes the conversion of nitrate to high value-added ammonia by nearly 100% under working conditions, and realizes multi-actual scenario application in the integrated device to promote the distributed production of ammonia and the storage and conversion of green energy. • Functionally differentiated CoP 3 and Cu 3 P sites were constructed on self-supporting copper foam. • The ammonia yield rate is at the leading level and the Faradaic efficiency is close to 100% • Capture of solar energy to drive continuous ammonia synthesis . • Realize self-driven synthesis of ammonia and output electricity at the same time. • Efficient ammonia synthesis is realized in complex water environment. The promising electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (eNitRR) for distributed ammonia synthesis requires the fine design of functionally compartmentalised and synergistically complementary integrated catalysts to meet the needs of low-cost and efficient ammonia synthesis. Herein, the partitionable CoP 3 and Cu 3 P modules were built on the copper foam substrate, and the functional differentiation promoted the catalytic performance of the surface accordion-like CoP 3 /Cu 3 P@CF for eNitRR in complex water environment. Where the ammonia yield rate is as high as 23988.2 μg h −1 cm −2 , and the Faradaic efficiency is close to 100 %. With CoP 3 /Cu 3 P@CF as the core, the assembled high-performance Zn-nitrate flow battery can realize the dual function of ammonia production and power supply, and can also realize the continuous production of ammonia with high selectivity driven by solar energy. The ammonia recovery reaches 753.9 mg L -1 , which shows the superiority of CoP 3 /Cu 3 P@CF in multiple application scenarios and provides important experience for the vigorous development of eNitRR. Density functional theory calculation reveal that CoP 3 and Cu 3 P sites play a relay synergistic role in eNitRR catalyzed by CoP 3 /Cu 3 P@CF. CoP 3 first promotes the activation of NO 3 – to *NO 3 H, and then continuously provides proton hydrogen for the eNitRR on the surface of Cu 3 P, which relays the synergistic catalytic effect to promote the efficient conversion of NO 3 – to NH 3 . This study not only develops a catalyst that can promote the efficient reduction of NO 3 – to ammonia through an easy-to-obtain innovative strategy, but also provides an alternative strategy for the development of eNitRR that is suitable for multiple scenarios and meets the production conditions.