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Atomically Dispersed Molybdenum Catalysts for Efficient Ambient Nitrogen Fixation.

Lili Han1,2, Xijun Liu1, Jinping Chen1

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Summary

Single molybdenum atoms on nitrogen-doped carbon efficiently catalyze ammonia synthesis via the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) at room temperature. This cost-effective catalyst offers a promising alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process.

Keywords:
N2 reductionambient conditionselectrocatalysismolybdenumsingle-atom catalysis

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Electrochemistry
  • Catalysis

Background:

  • The Haber-Bosch process, the industrial standard for ammonia synthesis, is energy-intensive, requiring high temperatures and pressures.
  • Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions presents a sustainable alternative for ammonia (NH3) production.
  • Developing efficient and cost-effective non-precious metal catalysts for NRR is crucial for practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel, cost-effective catalyst for electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis.
  • To investigate the performance and durability of single-atom catalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR).
  • To explore the potential of nitrogen-doped porous carbon frameworks supporting single metal atoms for NH3 production.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of single molybdenum (Mo) atoms anchored to nitrogen-doped porous carbon.
  • Electrocatalytic testing of the synthesized catalyst for NRR in alkaline (0.1 m KOH) and acidic (0.1 m HCl) electrolytes at room temperature.
  • Evaluation of ammonia yield rate, Faradaic efficiency, and long-term durability.

Main Results:

  • The catalyst achieved a high NH3 yield rate of 34.0±3.6 μg h-1 mgcat.-1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 14.6±1.6% in 0.1 m KOH.
  • The single-atom catalyst demonstrated superior performance compared to previously reported non-precious metal electrocatalysts for NRR.
  • The catalyst exhibited excellent stability with no significant current drop over 50,000 seconds and maintained high activity and durability in 0.1 m HCl.

Conclusions:

  • Single Mo atoms on nitrogen-doped porous carbon serve as an efficient and robust non-precious metal catalyst for electrocatalytic NRR.
  • This catalyst design offers a promising pathway for developing sustainable and cost-effective ammonia synthesis technologies.
  • The study highlights the potential of single-atom catalysis for addressing challenges in nitrogen fixation.