Rational design of bimetallic Rh0.6Ru0.4 nanoalloys for enhanced nitrogen reduction electrocatalysis under mild conditions

Abstract

As a carbon-free reaction process, the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) under mild conditions has broad prospects for green and sustainable NH₃ production. In this work, bimetallic RhRu nanoalloys (NAs) with cross-linked curly nanosheets were successfully prepared and exhibited exciting results in the eNRR process. Furthermore, the composition effect of RhRu NAs on eNRR activity was studied systematically, and the results showed that Rh_0.6Ru_0.4 NAs/CP exhibited the highest NH₃ yield rate of 57.75 μg h⁻¹ mg_cat.⁻¹ and faradaic efficiency of 3.39%. As an eNRR catalyst with great potential, Rh_0.6Ru_0.4 NAs extend the possibility of alloy-nanomaterials in the eNRR field and further provide an idea for the precise structure of more effective and stable electrocatalysts.