Electrochemical reduction of aqueous nitrogen (N2) at a low overpotential on (110)-oriented Mo nanofilm

Electrochemical reduction of aqueous nitrogen (N-2) at an over-potential of 0.14 V with relatively high faradaic efficiency (FE) of 0.72% is achieved on (110)-oriented Mo nanofilm. A rate of NH3 formation as high as 3.09 x 10(-11) mol s(-1) cm(-2) can be obtained under an applied potential of -0.49 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE). This is a record-high activity, higher than that reported in previous experimental results under comparable reaction conditions.