Novel ternary composite catalyst 2H/1T-MoS2/Co3O4-Ru for photoelectrocatalytic nitrogen reduction

Abstract

The conversion of free nitrogen into combined nitrogen is one of the most important processes in nature and chemical production. However, achieving this process in industry requires significant energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Under environmental conditions, the photoelectrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has shown enormous potential in reducing energy consumption and environmental pollution. In this study, based on the unique advantages of the Ru element and type II heterojunctions in the field of photoelectrocatalytic nitrogen reduction, trace Ru-doped 2H/1T-MoS2/Co3O4 type II heterojunctions have been successfully prepared for the first time by hydrothermal and photodeposition methods. First-principles calculations demonstrate that doped Ru3+ provides nitrogen adsorption sites and also acts as an electron transfer bridge. The rest of the Ru is anchored by Co3O4, which causes a change in the surrounding electron cloud density, achieving better N2 adsorption and acting as an active centre. The catalyst system achieved a NH3 production rate of 869.8 µmol h−1 g−1 in 0.1 M Na2SO4, and the Faraday efficiency (FE) during the NRR process was as high as 35 %. Therefore, this catalyst has the potential to become a promising photoelectrocatalyst for nitrogen reduction reactions.