Layered double hydroxide derived bimetallic nickel-iron selenide as an active electrocatalyst for nitrogen fixation under ambient conditions

During the last few years, the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has provided an environmentally friendly and promising alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. However, due to the competing hydrogen evolution reaction and the hard-to-break strong NN bond with high bond energy (941 kJ mol), the synthesis of efficient NRR catalysts is still a challenge. Herein, we report a cost-effective layered double hydroxide (LDH) derived bimetallic NiFe selenide (Ni) in Li solution for NRR under ambient conditions, which exhibits an NH yield rate of 5.64 mu g h and faradaic efficiency of 12.3% at -0.1 V vs. RHE, being superior to those of pristine NiFe-LDH, NiSe as well as several state-of-the-art noble metal catalysts. The high electrocatalytic NRR activity and selectivity of Ni demonstrate the first example of NiFe selenide catalyst with a facile synthesis strategy towards efficient nitrogen fixation.

Automated summary

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) provides a promising alternative to the Haber-Bosch process, but the synthesis of efficient NRR catalysts remains a challenge. This study presents a NiFe selenide catalyst with high electrocatalytic NRR activity and selectivity.