An amorphous WC thin film enabled high-efficiency N2 reduction electrocatalysis under ambient conditions

Ambient electrochemical N-2 reduction offers a promising alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process towards renewable NH3 synthesis in aqueous media but needs efficient electrocatalysts to enable the N-2 reduction reaction (NRR). Herein, we propose that an amorphous WC thin film magnetron sputtered onto a graphite foil behaves as a superb NRR electrocatalyst for ambient NH3 production with excellent selectivity. In 0.5 M LiClO4, it attains a large NH3 yield of 43.37 mu g h(-1) mg(cat)(-1). and a high faradaic efficiency of 21.65% at -0.10 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. Impressively, this catalyst also shows excellent selectivity and strong durability for NH3 formation.

Automated summary

The study proposes a new method for environmentally friendly NH3 synthesis in aqueous media and investigates a highly efficient NRR electrocatalyst. The catalyst shows high NH3 yield and faradaic efficiency, as well as excellent selectivity and durability for NH3 formation.