Abstract
The electrochemical transformation of nitrate into ammonia offers a promising alternative to the traditional Haber-Bosch process. The nitrate reduction reaction (NO3–RR) involves complex multi-electron/proton processes and faces competition from hydrogen evolution reactions, leading to low Faraday efficiency and diminished ammonia production. This study introduces carbon-supported niobium-doped iron phosphide nanoparticles (Nb-Fe2P) electrocatalysts, synthesized using deep eutectic solvent (DES). These electrocatalysts achieved an exceptional ammonia yield of 9.7 mg h−1 cm−2 and a Faraday efficiency of 95.8 % in the NO3–RR. Both experimental and theoretical studies reveal that the dual active sites of Fe and Nb significantly enhance the generation of active hydrogen and expedite the utilization of nitrogen-containing intermediates. This innovative approach, focusing on active hydrogen balance, offers a strategic pathway for developing highly efficient NO3–RR electrocatalysts by promoting the dissociation of H2O.
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