Catalyst-Support interactions enhanced electrochemical nitrogen reduction on Au/ZrO2

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) is a promising supplement to the existing Haber Bosch process due to its mild reaction condition and high theoretical efficiency. However, rational design of efficient ENRR catalyst remains to be the key challenge for the future development of practical ENRR process. In this work, we propose a strategy to enhance the performance of ENRR catalyst by catalyst support interactions. This strategy is verified with Au/ZrO2 catalyst. Both experimental and theoretical investigations show that electron is transferred from ZrO2 substrate to Au. Such an electron transfer process modifies the electronic structure of Au, which enhances the ENRR activity HER performance of the Au active components. Benefiting from the catalyst-support interactions, the optimal Au/ZrO2 catalyst shows a high ammonia yield of 54.84 mu g h(-1) mg(-1) Au. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study suggests a strategy to enhance the performance of ENRR catalyst through catalyst support interactions, which is verified experimentally. The transfer of electrons from the ZrO2 substrate to Au modifies the electronic structure of Au, enhancing the catalyst's activity.