Ambient NH3 synthesis via electrochemical reduction of N2 over Fe–MnO2 layered nanoflower catalysts

Abstract

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) is a promising technology for NH₃ production under ambient conditions. In this study, Fe–MnO₂ layered nanoflower catalysts are prepared by an impregnation method at room temperature with an MnO₂ layered nanoflower precursor, which is prepared by a hydrothermal method. The as-prepared Fe–MnO₂ layered nanoflower catalysts show good performance in the eNRR. Using Fe–MnO₂ layered nanoflower catalysts as eNRR catalysts, an average ammonia yield rate of 7.54 μg h⁻¹ mg_cat⁻¹ and a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 11.34% in 0.1 M Na₂SO₄ solution at −0.5 V are achieved. Moreover, the Fe–MnO₂ layered nanoflower catalyst exhibited good stability and excellent selectivity in the eNRR.