A high-performance transition metal single-atom-anchored IrN2 monolayer as an electrocatalyst for nitrate reduction to ammonia

Abstract

The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃RR) has emerged as a promising strategy for simultaneous nitrate remediation and sustainable ammonia synthesis. However, the development of electrocatalysts with high activity and selectivity remains a critical challenge. Herein, we systematically investigated 23 transition metal (3d–5d TM) single-atom-anchored IrN₂ monolayers (TM–IrN₂) as potential NO₃RR electrocatalysts using density functional theory calculations. A distinct volcano-type relationship is established between the limiting potential (U_L) and the adsorption free energy of NO₃⁻ (ΔG_*NO3), identifying ΔG_*NO3 as an effective activity descriptor for the NO₃RR. Among the screened catalysts, Mo–IrN₂ and Ru–IrN₂ exhibit superior catalytic performance, achieving remarkably low limiting potentials of −0.43 V and −0.19 V, respectively. Their high activity originates from the strong hybridization between Mo/Ru atoms and NO₃⁻ within their electronic structures, driven by charge transfer from TM to NO₃⁻. This interaction optimally positions ΔG_*NO3 within an ideal range for catalytic activity. Furthermore, the Mo–IrN₂ and Ru–IrN₂ catalysts exhibit remarkable selectivity for ammonia production by effectively suppressing competing hydrogen evolution reactions and parasitic byproduct pathways, highlighting their huge potential for use as NO₃RR electrocatalysts. This study presents an innovative strategy for designing efficient NO₃RR catalysts, enhancing the development of novel electrocatalysts for ammonia synthesis.