FeOOH quantum dots decorated graphene sheet: An efficient electrocatalyst for ambient N2 reduction

Electrochemical N-2 reduction offers a promising alternative to the Haber-Bosch process for sustainable NH3 synthesis at ambient conditions, but it needs efficient catalysts for the N-2 reduction reaction (NRR). Here, we report that FeOOH quantum dots decorated graphene sheet acts as a superior catalyst toward enhanced electrocatalytic N-2 reduction to NH3 under ambient conditions. In 0.1 M LiClO4, this hybrid attains a large NH3 yield rate and a high Faradaic efficiency of 27.3 mu g center dot h(-1)center dot mg(cat.)(-1) and 14.6% at -0.4 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively, rivalling the current efficiency of all Fe-based NRR electrocatalysts in aqueous media. It also shows strong durability during the electrolytic process.