Diamonds in the Rough: Direct Surface Enhanced Infrared Spectroscopic Evidence of Nitrogen Reduction on Boron-Doped...

In situ investigations of electrocatalytic processes of increasing societal interest such as the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) require aggressive experimental conditions that are not readily compatible with surface sensitive techniques such as attenuated total reflection surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS). A method for performing ATR-SEIRAS studies at very negative potentials where conventional IR-active films delaminate and fail is reported. The method relies on a thin film of very robust boron-doped diamond deposited on a micromachined Si wafer, which provides extended mid-IR transparency at long wavelengths. SEIRAS activity is achieved by electrodepositing gold nanoparticles onto the conductive BDD layer. The Au@BDD layers are shown to sustain prolonged periods of electrolysis at negative potentials, with no degradation of the modifying layer. The efficacy of these substrates for electrocatalysis is demonstrated by studying the reduction of N₂ at -1.5 V vs Ag/AgCl in an aqueous-based electrolyte. Under these conditions, direct spectroscopic evidence of both NH₃ and hydrazine formed from the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is provided.