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Advanced Energy and Decarbonisation Office (AEDO)

Two-Dimensional Fullerene Networks Supported Platinum Nanoparticles Towards Efficient and Stable Electrochemical Ammonia Oxidation Reaction

1 October 2026

Affiliation

NUS

Focus topic

Low-carbon H2 & Derivatives

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Summary

This technology presents a novel catalyst support system for electrochemical ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR), leveraging the unique electronic properties of a two-dimensional (2D) covalently bonded fullerene (C₆₀) polymeric network (PNW-C₆₀) to enhance the performance of platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs).

Key quantitative achievements:

  1. Mass activity: 118 A g⁻¹ Pt (vs. 76 A g⁻¹ for commercial Pt/C and 63 A g⁻¹ for Pt NPs/graphene)

  2. Specific activity: 18.4 A cm⁻²_ECSA g⁻¹_Pt (vs. 13.3 and 11.2 for commercial Pt/C and Pt NPs/graphene, respectively).

  3. Stability: Maintains positive current over 10,000 s (commercial Pt/C and Pt NPs/graphene decay to negative values within a few hundred seconds)

  4. Tafel slope: 70 mV/dec (vs. 82–88 mV/dec for comparators), indicating faster reaction kinetics

  5. Activation energy: 31.1 kJ/mol (vs. 39.0–40.8 kJ/mol for comparators)

  6. Full-cell performance: Alkaline ammonia electrolyser achieves 10 mA/cm² at only 0.61 V (vs. 1.65 V for water electrolysis), with durability over 45,000 s

What makes this novel compared to best-in-class technology?

Unlike conventional carbon or graphene supports, the 2D covalently bonded fullerene (C₆₀) network acts as an electron buffer — dynamically accepting or donating electrons in response to the electrochemical environment. This prevents Pt overoxidation and facilitates desorption of poisoning nitrogen-containing intermediates, simultaneously boosting both AOR activity and long-term stability in a single-component support material.

TRL Level

 1-3

Relevant for

  • End Users / Operators: green hydrogen production plants (ammonia-to-hydrogen conversion), ammonia fuel cell system operators (direct ammonia fuel cells, anion-exchange membrane fuel cells), wastewater treatment facilities (electrochemical ammonia removal);

  • Industry Sectors: Chemical & fertiliser industry (large-scale NH₃ handlers seeking hydrogen co-production), energy storage & grid balancing operators using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier, hydrogen refuelling infrastructure developers;

  • Potential Commercial Partners: Energy/chemical conglomerates, fuel cell manufacturers, industrial gas & fluid handling companies

About

NUS logo

Inventors: Chen Wei

Affiliation: National University of Singapore (NUS), Department of Chemistry

Contact NUS for licensing opportunities and more information.

Please quote ID ref [2024-353] in your email.