MoS2 nanosheets supported gold nanoparticles for electrochemical nitrogen fixation at various pH value

Electrocatalytic NH 3 production from N 2 is of great importance to lower global energy consumption and achieve a greener ammonium industry. A rationally designed AuNPs@MoS 2 was synthesized based on previous findings. The experimental condition of the growth of AuNPs on MoS 2 caused the interlayer of MoS 2 change from 0.95 nm to 0.665 nm. This as-prepared AuNPs@MoS 2 showed excellent electrocatalytic activity in acidic, neutral and basic conditions. The optimal NRR electrode potential was found to be −0.3 V vs. RHE for all pH conditions. Among them, NRR in 0.1 M Na 2 SO 4 showed the highest faradaic efficiency of 9.7%, and the highest average NH 3 yield rate (25 μg h −1 mg −1 cat ) in 0.1 M KOH. Besides, AuNPs@MoS 2 displayed tremendous stability in all pH conditions, thanks to its ultra-stable crystal structure and strong dispersibility of AuNPs due to Au–S bond. Therefore, it can be an excellent candidate for mass production of NH 3 in electrocatalytic approaches.