Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate by in situ generated cobalt nanoparticles.

The cobalt pyridinophane complex [Co( H N4)Cl 2 ] + ( H N4 = 3,7-diaza-1,5(2,6)-dipyridinacyclooctaphane) is converted under catalytic conditions to an electrode-adsorbed species. Aqueous Co 2+ solutions similarly deposit a species under these conditions. Surface characterization reveals the formation of Co nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are active in the electrocatalytic redution of aqueous nitrate.