Graphene Nanoribbon-Fullerene (GNR-C60) Heterostructure for Nitrogen Reduction Reaction

Abstract

Ammonia is the second most produced chemical in the world and is imperative to increase the food supply for the growing population. The current industrial method for ammonia production is energy intensive and relies on fossil fuels, which are responsible for environmental pollution. Electro-catalytic fixation of nitrogen is a form of artificial synthesis that mimics the natural nitrogen enzymatic process and it is of paramount importance to develop an efficient electrocatalyst for the same. Applications of carbon nanomaterials (e.g., graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and fullerenes) in numerous areas have received considerable attention due to their unique physicochemical properties. Moreover, the incorporation of these carbon nanomaterials can develop the existing features or benefit from their excellent properties. Therefore, in recent years, efforts have been being made to develop various carbon nanomaterial hybrids with each other to extend their applications. Herein, we propose to synthesize van-der waals heterostructure of Graphene nanoribbon and Fullerene (GNR-C60) and demonstrate its efficiency and applicability to produce ammonia via nitrogen reduction reaction. Graphene nanoribbons will be synthesized via oxidative unzipping of carbon nanotubes. We will evaluate the ammonia yield rate, faradaic efficiency and explore the mechanism behind the ammonia production by the heterostructures.