Metal-Organic-Framework-Derived Cobalt-Doped Carbon Material for Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis under Ambient Conditions

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), as a potential alternative to industrial ammonia synthesis (Haber-Bosch method), can achieve green and sustainable ammonia production under environmental conditions. However, the NRR process is still limited by the slow cleavage of the N equivalent to N triple bond and the existence of a competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. For this reason, many researchers have studied the construction and synthesis of high-efficiency nitrogen reduction electrocatalysts. Herein, a Co-based metal-organic framework (ZIF-67) was used to prepare Co/C-900 composites through high-temperature pyrolysis (900 degrees C) for ammonia synthesis under environmental conditions. The Co/C-900 catalysts exhibited excellent NRR performance, with a high NH3 yield of 4.66 mu mol cm(-2) h(-1) at -0.3 V (vs. RHE) and a faradaic efficiency of 11.53 % in 0.1 M potassium hydroxide. This work provides a simple strategy for the design of porous, non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for electrochemical NRR.