CoS2 Nanoparticles-Embedded N-Doped Carbon Nanobox Derived from ZIF-67 for Electrocatalytic N2-to-NH3 Fixation under Ambient Conditions

NH3 is an indispensable chemical with numerous applications; however, its large-scale synthesis highly relies on the industrial Haber-Bosch process, which is performed under harsh conditions (high temperature and pressure). The electrochemical N-2 reduction reaction (NRR) provides an avenue to synthesize NH3 under ambient conditions, yet durable and high-efficiency catalysts are needed. Herein, we report that a CoS2 nanoparticles-embedded N-doped carbon nanobox derived from ZIF-67 works as an efficient NRR catalyst under mild conditions. This catalyst achieves a large NH3 yield of 17.45 mu g h(-1) mg(cat)(-1). and a high Faradaic efficiency of 4.6% at -0.15 V vs the reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 M HCl. Furthermore, high electrochemical stability is displayed by the as-prepared catalyst.