Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
10:15
Solar-Driven Electrochemical Green Fuel Production from CO2 and Water Using Ti3C2Tx MXene-Supported CuZn and NiCo Catalysts
Published on: November 7, 2025
294
Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation on FeMoO4 Nanorods
Ke Chu1, Qing-Qing Li1, Yong-Hua Cheng1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 25, 2020
Summary
Iron molybdate (FeMoO4) shows promise as an electrocatalyst for ambient ammonia synthesis via nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). This durable catalyst efficiently converts nitrogen to ammonia in neutral solutions.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
Background:
- Nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is crucial for sustainable ammonia synthesis.
- Developing efficient electrocatalysts for NRR in neutral solutions remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate iron molybdate (FeMoO4) as a novel electrocatalyst for NRR.
- To evaluate the activity, durability, and mechanism of FeMoO4 in neutral media.
Main Methods:
- Experimental synthesis and characterization of FeMoO4 nanorods.
- Electrochemical measurements including ammonia yield and Faradaic efficiency.
- Theoretical calculations and mechanistic studies.
Main Results:
- FeMoO4 nanorods demonstrated significant NRR activity with an ammonia yield of 45.8 μg h⁻¹ mg⁻¹ at -0.5 V and 13.2% Faradaic efficiency at -0.3 V.
- Fe and Mo synergistically enhanced N2 adsorption and electron transfer.
- Unsaturated Mo3c sites were identified as key active centers for stabilizing intermediates and lowering reaction barriers.
Conclusions:
- FeMoO4 is a promising electrocatalyst for efficient and durable NRR in neutral solutions.
- Synergistic effects of Fe and Mo, along with specific Mo active sites, contribute to the observed catalytic performance.
