Bi nanodendrites for efficient electrocatalytic N2 fixation to NH3 under ambient conditions

Abstract

Electrochemical N₂ reduction has emerged as a sustainable and eco-friendly route for the artificial synthesis of NH₃ under ambient conditions, but active electrocatalysts are needed to drive the N₂ reduction reaction (NRR). Here, Bi nanodendrites are reported as an efficient NRR electrocatalyst for N₂ to NH₃ conversion with excellent selectivity. In 0.1 M HCl, this catalyst achieves a large NH₃ yield of 25.86 μg h⁻¹ mg⁻¹_cat. and a high faradaic efficiency of 10.8% at −0.60 V and −0.55 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively, with high electrochemical durability.