Issue 6, 2022

Magnetron sputtering tuned “π back-donation” sites over metal oxides for enhanced electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction

Abstract

As an environmentally-benign and sustainable option for NH3 synthesis, the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is expected to replace the traditional Haber–Bosch process. Transition metals with empty d-orbitals achieve NRR activity via a “π back-donation” process. However, the problem in overcoming hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) competition makes the exploration of transition metal-based catalysts with relatively inferior HER activity worthwhile. The challenges lie in designing a rational structure for efficient NRR. Herein, Ni3+ and oxygen vacancies were synergistically integrated on NiO@TiO2 by magnetron sputtering, which provide this transition-metal oxide-based (TMO-based) material with “π back-donation” behavior. Accordingly, NiO@TiO2 exhibited NH3 yield (∼10.75 μg h−1 cmcat.−2) and faradaic efficiency (∼9.83%), which are nearly 10-fold higher relative to those of TiO2 in neutral media. This work provides an efficient strategy for engineering “π back-donation” sites, and holds great potential in exploring new TMO-based electrocatalysts.

Graphical abstract: Magnetron sputtering tuned “π back-donation” sites over metal oxides for enhanced electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
01 דצמ 2021
Accepted
07 ינו 2022
First published
07 ינו 2022

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2800-2806

Magnetron sputtering tuned “π back-donation” sites over metal oxides for enhanced electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction

Y. Tian, B. Chang, G. Wang, L. Li, L. Gong, B. Wang, R. Yuan and W. Zhou, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022, 10, 2800 DOI: 10.1039/D1TA10273G

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