Black phosphorus quantum dots supported by a conductive polymer nanofibrous membrane: A self-standing, metal-free electrocatalyst for nitrogen fixation

The electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation is a promising alternative to the current Haber-Bosch process because it can operate under ambient conditions, which saves energy and causes little pollution. Much attention is being paid to the development of electrocatalysts, such as transition metal compounds. However, the residues of transition metal ions accompanying the use of these electrocatalysts remain an environmental problem. Therefore, the exploration of metal-free electrocatalysts becomes a new research interest. In this work, a self-standing, metal-free electrocatalyst, consisting of black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) supported by a conductive polymer (CP) nanofibrous membrane, is developed. The BP QDs contribute excellent electrocatalytic activity toward ambient nitrogen fixation. The CP nanofibrous membrane serves as an electrically conductive, electrocatalytically active matrix to prevent the BP QDs from serious agglomeration, and further enhance the ultimate electrocatalytic performance. The resulting BP@CP nanofibrous membrane delivers highest ammonia yield and Faradaic efficiency of 1.91 x 10(-10) mol s(-1) cm(-2) and 11.9% in 0.1 M Na2SO4.

Automated summary

This study developed a self-standing, metal-free electrocatalyst composed of black phosphorus quantum dots supported by a conductive polymer nanofibrous membrane for nitrogen fixation. The electrocatalyst exhibited excellent activity and efficiency in ambient conditions, with the conductive polymer membrane preventing agglomeration of quantum dots and enhancing the overall performance of the reaction.