Synergistic Al-Al Dual-Atomic Site for Efficient Artificial Nitrogen Fixation

Synthesis of ammonia by electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a promising alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. However, it is commonly obstructed by the high activation energy. Here, we report the design and synthesis of an Al-Al bonded dual atomic catalyst stabilized within an amorphous nitrogen-doped porous carbon matrix (Al₂NC) with high NRR performance. The dual atomic Al₂-sites act synergistically to catalyze the complex multiple steps of NRR through adsorption and activation, enhancing the proton-coupled electron transfer. This Al₂NC catalyst exhibits a high Faradaic efficiency of 16.56±0.3 % with a yield rate of 29.22±1.2 μg h^-1 mg_cat ^-1. The dual atomic Al₂NC catalyst shows long-term repeatable, and stable NRR performance. This work presents an insight into the identification of synergistic dual atomic catalytic site and mechanistic pathway for the electrochemical conversion of N₂ to NH₃.