Overview

• Tohoku University researchers applied external magnetic fields to single-atom catalysts, triggering spin state transitions that boosted the oxygen evolution reaction magnetocurrent by 2,880%.
• Under a magnetic field, the Ru-N-C electrocatalyst achieved an ammonia yield of about 38 mg L⁻¹ h⁻¹ and maintained a Faradaic efficiency of approximately 95% over 200 hours.
• Advanced characterization confirmed that the magnetic-field-induced high spin state enhances nitrate adsorption and lowers activation energy for both ammonia synthesis and wastewater treatment reactions.
• Published in Nano Letters on May 13, 2025, the study introduces spin state modulation as a new design dimension beyond traditional chemical and structural catalyst adjustments.
• All experimental and computational results from the research have been uploaded to the Digital Catalysis Platform to accelerate future catalyst development.