Enhanced electrocatalytic performance of TiO2 nanoparticles by Pd doping toward ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions

The traditional Haber-Bosch process in industry to produce NH3 leads to excessive CO2 emissions and a large amount of energy consumption. Ambient electrochemical N-2 reduction is emerging as a green and sustainable alternative method to convert N-2 to NH3, but is in sore need of efficient and stable electrocatalysts. Herein, we propose using Pd-doped TiO2 nanoparticles as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst to synthesize NH3 under ambient conditions. The Pd-TiO2 catalyst delivers a large NH3 yield (17.4 mu g h(-1) mg(cat.)(-1)) and a high faradaic efficiency (12.7%) at -0.50 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in a neutral electrolyte, outperforming most Pd- and Ti-based electrocatalysts recently reported for N-2 reduction. Most importantly, it also demonstrates extraordinary long-term electrochemical stability.

Automated summary

In this study, Pd-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were proposed as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst for NH3 synthesis under ambient conditions. The catalyst exhibited high NH3 yield and faradaic efficiency, surpassing most recently reported Pd- and Ti-based electrocatalysts for N-2 reduction. Most importantly, it demonstrated extraordinary long-term electrochemical stability.