Laser regulated mixed-phase TiO₂ for electrochemical overall nitrogen fixation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Traditional oxide electrocatalysts face challenges in nitrogen fixation due to slow kinetics and high energy barriers for intermediate formation.
• Phase control is a promising strategy to overcome these limitations in electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction and oxidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve precise phase control of titanium dioxide (TiO2) using laser energy localization.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of rutile and anatase phases of TiO2 in electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation.
• To develop an efficient electrochemical system for overall nitrogen fixation.

Main Methods:

• Precise phase control of TiO2 using laser energy localization.
• Fabrication of a mixed-phase TiO2 material with rutile and anatase phases.
• Electrocatalytic testing for nitrogen reduction and oxidation.
• Development of a coupled dual-electrode system.

Main Results:

• The optimized mixed-phase TiO2 exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity for nitrogen reduction and oxidation.
• Achieved an ammonia yield of ~22.3 μg h⁻¹ cm⁻² and a nitrate yield of ~60.9 μg h⁻¹ cm⁻².
• Demonstrated a breakthrough in electrochemical overall nitrogen fixation using a dual-electrode system with mixed-phase TiO2.

Conclusions:

• Laser-induced phase control of TiO2 is an effective strategy for enhancing electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation.
• The synergistic interaction between rutile and anatase phases significantly improves catalytic performance.
• This approach provides a foundation for designing advanced catalysts for energy conversion and storage applications.