Abstract
The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) can allow the production of ammonia from nitrogen and water under ambient conditions and is regarded as a sustainable alternative to the industrial Haber–Bosch process. However, electrocatalytic systems that selectively and efficiently catalyse nitrogen reduction remain elusive due to the strong competition with the hydrogen evolution reaction. Here, we report a strategy to simultaneously promote ENRR selectivity and activity using bismuth nanocrystals and potassium cations. Bismuth exhibits higher intrinsic ENRR activity than transition metals due to the strong interaction between the Bi 6p band and the N 2p orbitals. Potassium cations stabilize key nitrogen-reduction intermediates and regulate proton transfer to increase the selectivity. A high Faradaic efficiency of 66% and ammonia yield of 200 mmol g–1 h–1 (0.052 mmol cm–2 h–1) are obtained in aqueous electrolyte under ambient conditions. This strategy represents a general method to expand the library of catalysts and promoters for the selective electrochemical reduction of stable molecules. The electrochemical reduction of nitrogen to ammonia represents a challenge of major interest that would substantially decrease the burden of the energy-consuming Haber–Bosch process. Now, Yin, Yan, Zhang, Si and colleagues achieve high ammonia yield and Faradaic efficiency over 66% using bismuth nanocatalysts promoted by alkali cations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.