Structured Polyaniline: An Efficient and Durable Electrocatalyst for the Nitrogen Reduction Reaction in Acidic Media

Graphical Fix it : structured PANI is an efficient metal-free catalyst for electrochemical N 2 fixation in aqueous solution at ambient conditions. In 0.1 M HCl, the catalyst achieves a NH 3 yield rate of 5.45×10 −11 mol s −1 cm −2 and a Faradaic efficiency of 3.76 % at −0.70 and −0.60 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively. Furthermore, it also possesses high selectivity and stability. NH 3 production vastly relies on the Haber-Bosch process, causing high energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission. Electrochemical N 2 fixation is considered as an eco-friendly and sustainable process, but its efficiency depends greatly on the activity and stability of the catalyst used. Therefore, it is imperative to develop efficient electrocatalysts in the field of nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). In this communication, we propose that structured polyaniline is an efficient metal-free NRR electrocatalyst in aqueous solution, achieving a NH 3 yield rate of 5.45×10 −11 mol s −1 cm −2 and a Faradaic efficiency of 3.76 % at −0.70 and −0.60 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 M HCl, respectively. Furthermore, it also possesses high selectivity and stability.