Mo2C embedded on nitrogen-doped carbon toward electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia under ambient conditions

Abstract

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (e-NRR) is an attractive prospect for ammonia production under mild conditions using renewable energy. However, developing efficient and stable electrocatalysts for driving e-NRR remains a great challenge. Herein, inspired by the biological nitrogen fixation via active Mo-nitrogenase, molybdenum carbide on N-doped porous carbon (Mo2C/NC) derived from Mo/Zn-ZIFs was developed for the first time, as an efficient e-NRR electrocatalyst under ambient conditions. In 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte, the Mo2C/NC catalyst achieved a maximum NH3 yield rate of 70.6 μmol h−1 gcat.−1 and a faradaic efficiency of 12.3% at −0.2 V vs. RHE. Additionally, Mo2C/NC displayed favorable electrochemical selectivity and durability during the longtime electrolysis, attributed to the structural and electrochemical stability of Mo2C and ZIFs-derived carbon framework. This work provides new perspectives upon metal carbides and their compounds as catalysts for efficient e-NRR.