High-performance N-2-to-NH3 fixation by a metal-free electrocatalyst

摘要

The Haber-Bosch process for the synthesis of ammonia (NH3) not only causes large energy consumption but also leads to CO2 emissions. Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of N-2 to NH3 under ambient conditions is a highly desirable alternative method; however, it needs an efficient electrocatalyst. In this study, we report a mesoporous boron nitride (MBN) metal-free electrocatalyst for the N-2 reduction reaction under ambient conditions. Owing to its mesoporous structure, this MBN electrocatalyst can expose more active sites, resulting in an outstanding NH3 formation rate of 18.2 g h(-1) mg(cat.)(-1) with a faradaic efficiency of 5.5% at -0.7 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 M Na2SO4. It also demonstrates strong long-term electrochemical durability.