Boron Nitride Quantum Dots/Ti3C2Tx-MXene Heterostructure For Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation

Electrocatalytic N-2 fixation through N-2 reduction reaction (NRR) has been regarded as a promising route for sustainable NH3 synthesis, while exploring high-performing NRR catalysts is pivotal yet challenging. Herein, BN quantum dots/Ti3C2Tx-MXene (BNQDs/Ti3C2Tx) heterostructure is demonstrated as an efficient and durable NRR catalyst, exhibiting a high NH3 yield of 52.8 +/- 3.3 mu g h(-1) mg(-1) with an FE of 19.1 +/- 1.6% at -0.4 V (vs. RHE), which stand at the high level among all reported BN- and MXene-based NRR catalysts. Theoretical computations reveal that the electronic interactions between BNQDs and Ti3C2Tx enrich the electron density of B atoms at the heterointerface and endow them with enhanced electron-donating capability for N-2 activation and protonation. Meanwhile, the decorated BNQDs can block the active sites of Ti3C2Tx for hydrogen evolution, rendering a high N-2-to-NH3 selectivity.

Automated summary

Researchers have discovered that the BN quantum dots/Ti3C2Tx-MXene heterostructure is an efficient and durable NRR catalyst, capable of producing high NH3 yield and selectivity.