A large scaled-up monocrystalline 3R MoS2 electrocatalyst for efficient nitrogen reduction reactions

Electrochemical nitrogen fixation provides an environmentally friendly strategy for producing ammonia (NH3) under ambient conditions. However, an inexpensive and efficient electrocatalyst for the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions is still needed. Herein, we report an efficient non-noble-metal electrocatalyst consisting of large scaled-up monocrystalline 3R MoS2, which is first utilized as an electrocatalyst for the NRR under ambient conditions. The NRR performance can be optimized via improving the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of MoS2. The NH3 yield rate and FE of MoS2-700 reach 8.8 μg h−1 mgcat−1 and 1.9%, respectively. Notably, 3R MoS2-700 shows excellent stability, with the negligible fluctuation of electrocatalytic activity after being recycled seven times. This study may provide a new strategy for structuring efficient electrocatalysts for the NRR.