Bimetallic MnMoO4 with dual-active-centers for highly efficient electrochemical N2 fixation

Abstract

The nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a key step in electrochemical nitrogen fixation and exploring high-performance electrocatalysts is of paramount significance for achieving the desired NRR efficiency. Herein, we demonstrate that bimetallic MnMoO₄ can be a highly active and durable NRR catalyst. The developed MnMoO₄ nanorods–reduced graphene oxide presented a favorable combination of both high NH₃ yield (60.3 μg h⁻¹ mg⁻¹) and high faradaic efficiency (14.7%), surpassing nearly all of the previously reported Mn and Mo-based NRR catalysts. Theoretical calculations revealed that the surface-terminated Mn and Mo atoms functioned as dual-active-centers to synergistically boost the NRR and suppress the adverse hydrogen evolution.