To Molecularly Block Hydrogen Evolution Sites of Molybdenum Disulfide toward Improved Catalytic Performance for Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction

2H-molybdenum disulfide (2H-MoS2) represents a classical catalyst for the electrochemical N-2 reduction reaction (NRR) in water that offers a promising technology toward sustainable production of NH3 driven by renewable energy. While the catalytic efficiency is severely limited by a simultaneous and competing H-2 evolution reaction (HER). Herein, it is proposed that the S edge of 2H-MoS2, which is known as main sites to afford HER, is intentionally covered by cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) molecules through axial coordination. While the Mo sites with S vacancies at 2H-MoS2 edge is recognized as highly NRR active, and can keep structurally intact in the CoPc based modification. The resultant composite thus exhibits high NRR performance with Faradic efficiency and NH3 yields increase by fourfold and twofold, respectively, comparing to pristine 2H-MoS2. These findings provide a deep insight into the mechanism of 2H-MoS2 based NRR catalysis and suggest an efficient molecular modification strategy to promote NRR in water.

Automated summary

By intentionally covering the S edge of 2H-molybdenum disulfide with cobalt phthalocyanine molecules, the catalytic efficiency of the electrochemical N-2 reduction reaction (NRR) in water can be enhanced, resulting in increased ammonia production. These findings provide insights into the mechanism of 2H-molybdenum disulfide-based NRR catalysis and propose an efficient molecular modification strategy to promote NRR in water.