Hollow Cu2O@CoMn2O4 Nanoreactors for Electrochemical NO Reduction to NH3: Elucidating the Void-Confinement Effects on Intermediates

Hollow nanoreactors show great potential in catalysis due to the void-confinement effect. Yet few studies have investigated the void-confinement effect of hollow nanoreactors on intermediates. Herein, electrochemical NO reduction to NH 3 (ENOR) is used as a probe reaction to study the void-confinement effect of hollow Cu 2 O@CoMn 2 O 4 nanoreactors on intermediates. Combined with the results of catalytic activity, H 2 -treated in situ diffusion Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the finite-element method simulation confirm that the void-confinement effect on the intermediate is the main reason for enhanced ENOR efficiency. Additionally, theoretical calculations also show that the Cu sites of Cu 2 O@CoMn 2 O 4 nanoreactors are favorable for the formation of *NOH intermediates. This work not only gives an insight into void-confinement effect of hollow nanoreactors on intermediates but also provides a valuable strategy for improving ENOR.