MOF-Derived Co₃O₄@NC with Core-Shell Structures for N₂ Electrochemical Reduction under Ambient Conditions

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Artificial nitrogen fixation is crucial for sustainable ammonia production.
• Developing efficient electrocatalysts operating under ambient conditions remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize MOF-derived nitrogen-doped carbon/Co3O4 nanocomposites (Co3O4@NCs) with core-shell structures.
• To evaluate the electrocatalytic performance of Co3O4@NCs for artificial nitrogen fixation.

Main Methods:

• Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) derivation to create nitrogen-doped carbon/Co3O4 nanocomposites.
• Electrochemical testing in 0.05 M H2SO4 to assess ammonia (NH3) yield and Faradaic efficiency.
• Analysis of synergistic effects between N-doped carbon and Co3O4 with oxygen vacancies.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high NH3 yield of 42.58 μg h⁻¹ mgcat.⁻¹ and a Faradaic efficiency of 8.5% at -0.2 V vs. RHE.
• Demonstrated efficient nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) performance attributed to synergistic effects.
• Observed enhanced electrochemical activity due to the core-shell structure and oxygen vacancies in Co3O4.

Conclusions:

• MOF-derived Co3O4@NCs are efficient electrocatalysts for artificial nitrogen fixation at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
• The synergistic interplay between N-doped carbon and Co3O4, along with oxygen vacancies, is key to the enhanced performance.
• The core-shell architecture further contributes to the material's electrocatalytic activity for ammonia synthesis.