Communication: Towards catalytic nitric oxide reduction via oligomerization on boron doped graphene

Journal article, 2016

We use density functional theory to describe a novel way for metal free catalytic reduction of nitric oxide NO utilizing boron doped graphene. The present study is based on the observation that boron doped graphene and O-N=N-O- act as Lewis acid-base pair allowing the graphene surface to act as a catalyst. The process implies electron assisted N=N bond formation prior to N-O dissociation. Two N-2 + O-2 product channels, one of which favoring N2O formation, are envisaged as outcome of the catalytic process. Besides, we show also that the N-2 + O-2 formation pathways are contrasted by a side reaction that brings to N3O3- formation and decomposition into N2O + NO2-.