Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia at low potential using a phenalenyl-based iron(III) complex

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis
• Materials Science

Background:

• Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) is a sustainable pathway for ammonia synthesis.
• Developing efficient electrocatalysts is crucial for advancing ENRR technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the performance of a transition metal-based electrocatalyst, Fe(III)(PLY)3, for ENRR.
• To evaluate the ammonia yield rate and selectivity of the Fe(III)(PLY)3 catalyst in an acidic electrolyte.

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of Fe(III)(PLY)3 catalyst.
• Electrochemical measurements including cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry in an acidic electrolyte.
• Quantification of ammonia production using techniques such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry.

Main Results:

• Fe(III)(PLY)3 demonstrated high catalytic activity for ENRR.
• Achieved a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 43.4% for ammonia production.
• Obtained an impressive ammonia yield rate of 99.7 μg h⁻¹ mgcat⁻¹ at -0.2 V vs. RHE.

Conclusions:

• Fe(III)(PLY)3 is a highly effective electrocatalyst for ENRR.
• The catalyst shows significant potential for clean and energy-efficient ammonia production.
• Further research can explore optimizing the catalyst for industrial applications.