Ambient electrochemical N2-to-NH3 conversion catalyzed by TiO2 decorated juncus effusus-derived carbon microtubes

Electrocatalytic N-2 reduction is a sustainable alternative to the Haber-Bosch process for ambient NH3 synthesis, but it needs efficient and stable catalysts. Herein, a hybrid of TiO2 and juncus effusus-derived carbon microtubes with a three-dimensional cross-linked hollow tubular structure is proposed as an efficient electrocatalyst for N-2-to-NH3 conversion at ambient conditions. In 0.1 M Na2SO4, this catalyst offers a large NH3 yield of 20.03 mu g h(-1) mg(cat.)(-1) and a high faradaic efficiency of 10.76% at -0.50 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode, with superior electrochemical and structural stability.

Automated summary

In this study, a hybrid catalyst of TiO2 and juncus effusus-derived carbon microtubes with a three-dimensional cross-linked hollow tubular structure is proposed for efficient electrocatalytic conversion of N-2 to NH3 at ambient conditions. The catalyst shows a high NH3 yield and faradaic efficiency in 0.1M Na2SO4, along with superior electrochemical and structural stability.