Highly selective environmental electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia on Fe2(MoO4)3/C composite electrocatalyst

The synthesis of ammonia via electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) provides an attractive alternative approach to the traditional Haber-Bosch process. In this regard, a one-step hydrothermal method was adopted to synthesize a bimetallic oxide， ferric molybdate (Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 ), coated with carbon black on the surface (denoted as Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 /C). The carbon black coating minimizes aggregation of Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 , leading to increased electrochemical active sites for NRR. Additionally, this coating improves the electrical conductivity of Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 thereby accelerating electron transfer between carbon black and Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 , which is beneficial to charge transfer and enlarge the electrochemical active surface areas. At a potential of −0.4 V RHE (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode , RHE), the ammonia yield achieved was up to 51.76  μg h −1 mg cat −1 , with a Faradaic efficiency of 90.63% at −0.35V RHE . Impressively, this electrocatalyst exhibited excellent cycle stability and durability.