Sandwich-like WS₂@MoS₂ 2D/1D Core-Shell Heterostructures for Efficient Nitrogen Electroreduction to Ammonia

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) is a promising sustainable alternative to the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis.
• Challenges in eNRR include inefficient N₂ activation and competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in aqueous electrolytes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel electrocatalyst for enhanced eNRR performance.
• To investigate the structure-activity relationship of WS₂@MoS₂ heterostructures for ammonia production.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of 2D/1D WS₂@MoS₂ core-shell heterostructures.
• Characterization of material properties including morphology, structure, and defects.
• Electrochemical evaluation of eNRR activity and selectivity in aqueous electrolytes.

Main Results:

• The WS₂@MoS₂ heterostructures exhibit enhanced exposure of active sites and abundant lattice dislocations/vacancies.
• Strong interfacial electron interactions between WS₂ and MoS₂ significantly boost catalytic activity.
• Achieved a high NH₃ yield rate of 61.79 μg h⁻¹ cm⁻² and Faradaic efficiency of 21.64% at -0.3 V vs RHE.

Conclusions:

• The WS₂@MoS₂ heterostructure design effectively promotes eNRR activity and selectivity.
• This work provides insights into designing advanced heterostructures for efficient ammonia synthesis.
• The developed catalyst surpasses existing NRR electrocatalysts in aqueous media.