Low-coordinated Co-Ru dual-atom enables ambient ammoxidation via unlocking competitive adsorption limitations

Jialin Yang, Zhecheng Fang, Zhiwei Sun, Wenhua Zhou, Bing Nan (), Xiaolong Liu (), Zixu Ma, Renfeng Nie () and Jie Fu ()
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Jialin Yang: Zhengzhou University
Zhecheng Fang: Zhejiang University
Zhiwei Sun: Zhengzhou University
Wenhua Zhou: Zhejiang University
Bing Nan: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xiaolong Liu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Zixu Ma: Zhengzhou University
Renfeng Nie: Zhengzhou University
Jie Fu: Zhejiang University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Direct ammoxidation of biomass-derived alcohols/aldehydes to nitriles faces challenges from N-species competitive adsorption, leading to low efficiency under harsh conditions. Herein, we report the rational design of a single-nitrogen-bridged Co-Ru dual-atom catalyst (CoRu-N-C) on nitrogen-doped carbon, enabling efficient ammoxidation at ambient conditions. At 35 °C and 1 bar air, CoRu-N-C achieved 98% yield of 2-furonitrile (FAN) with 73 mmol/g-metal/h productivity, representing a 3.5-fold enhancement compared to Co-N-C, and outperforming numerous reported noble/non-noble metal catalysts. Mechanistic studies reveal synergistic O2 and imine adsorption on low-coordinated CoN3 and RuN3 sites, mitigating imine-induced oxygen activation inhibition. Specifically, the strong O₂ adsorption on CoN3 forms superoxide radicals (O2−•) via electron transfer, driving a relay mechanism with proximally adsorbed imine to accelerate overall reaction kinetics. This work provides valuable insights for the design of stable and highly efficient ammoxidation catalysts operating under mild conditions.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64418-7

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