Abstract
The electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR) into NH3, especially powered by clean and renewable electricity, is a promising alternative to the capital- and energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. However, the inert N[triple bond, length as m-dash]N bond and the frantic competition of the hydrogen evolution reaction lead to a poor NH3 yield rate and faradaic efficiency (FE). Here, we in situ construct a series of two-dimension core/shell V2O3/VN nanomeshes with a gradient nitride-layer thickness. Among them, V2O3/VN-2 exhibits the highest FE of 34.9%, an excellent NH3 yield rate of 59.7 μg h-1 mgcat. -1, and outstanding cycle stability, exceeding those of most of the NRR electrocatalysts reported to date. First-principles calculations reveal that the d-band center of VN shifts up in a nearly linear manner with the decrease of nitride-layer thickness, and V2O3/VN-2 with a d-band center closer to the Fermi level can strengthen the d-2π* coupling between the catalyst and N2 molecule, notably facilitating the N2-into-NH3 conversion.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
