Issue 65, 2020

Cu3P nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide hybrid: an efficient electrocatalyst to realize N2-to-NH3 conversion under ambient conditions

Abstract

Industrial NH3 synthesis mainly relies on the Haber–Bosch process operated under harsh conditions. Ambient electrochemical N2 reduction offers an eco-friendly and sustainable pathway for NH3 synthesis, but its implementation depends on efficient electrocatalysts. Here, we report that a Cu3P nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide (Cu3P-rGO) hybrid serves as an efficient electrocatalyst toward NH3 synthesis. Tested in 0.1 M HCl, Cu3P-rGO exhibits a large NH3 yield of 26.38 μg h−1 mgcat.−1 and a high faradaic efficiency of 10.11% at −0.45 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode, with high electrochemical stability. Theoretical calculations reveal that Cu3P can efficiently catalyze NH3 synthesis.

Graphical abstract: Cu3P nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide hybrid: an efficient electrocatalyst to realize N2-to-NH3 conversion under ambient conditions

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
24 Jun 2020
Accepted
08 Jul 2020
First published
08 Jul 2020

Chem. Commun., 2020,56, 9328-9331

Cu3P nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide hybrid: an efficient electrocatalyst to realize N2-to-NH3 conversion under ambient conditions

R. Zhao, Q. Geng, L. Chang, P. Wei, Y. Luo, X. Shi, A. M. Asiri, S. Lu, Z. Wang and X. Sun, Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, 9328 DOI: 10.1039/D0CC04374E

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