Fe-MOFs and Fe@C Materials for the Process of Ammonia Production through Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eN2RR) is a highly promising approach for ammonia synthesis under normal temperature and pressure conditions. However, its practical application is limited by the low activity and selectivity of the catalysts. In this study, a series of Fe-MOFs materials were prepared by hydrothermal method, and further sintered to obtain Fe@C materials. The electrocatalytic performance of these materials in eN2RR was systematically investigated. The results showed that MIL-53(Fe)-2 exhibited excellent catalytic activity at -0.4 V vs. RHE, with an ammonia production rate of 1.443 µg·h⁻¹·mg⁻¹ and a Faradaic efficiency of 5.972%. In contrast, the Fe@C material derived from MIL-53(Fe)-1, although having rapid activation characteristics within a narrow potential window, did not perform as well as the former. This work provides a new material strategy and experimental basis for the design of iron-based eN2RR catalysts.