A large scaled-up monocrystalline 3R MoS2 electrocatalyst for efficient nitrogen reduction reactions

Abstract

Electrochemical nitrogen fixation provides an environmentally friendly strategy for producing ammonia (NH₃) under ambient conditions. However, an inexpensive and efficient electrocatalyst for the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions is still needed. Herein, we report an efficient non-noble-metal electrocatalyst consisting of large scaled-up monocrystalline 3R MoS₂, which is first utilized as an electrocatalyst for the NRR under ambient conditions. The NRR performance can be optimized via improving the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of MoS₂. The NH₃ yield rate and FE of MoS₂-700 reach 8.8 μg h⁻¹ mg_cat⁻¹ and 1.9%, respectively. Notably, 3R MoS₂-700 shows excellent stability, with the negligible fluctuation of electrocatalytic activity after being recycled seven times. This study may provide a new strategy for structuring efficient electrocatalysts for the NRR.