Magnetron sputtering tuned "π back-donation" sites over metal oxides for enhanced electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction

Yuan Tian, Bin Chang*, Guihua Wang, Lili Li, Lianguo Gong, Bo Wang, Rusheng Yuan, Weijia Zhou

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

As an environmentally-benign and sustainable option for NH3 synthesis, the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is expected to replace the traditional Haber-Bosch process. Transition metals with empty d-orbitals achieve NRR activity via a "π back-donation"process. However, the problem in overcoming hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) competition makes the exploration of transition metal-based catalysts with relatively inferior HER activity worthwhile. The challenges lie in designing a rational structure for efficient NRR. Herein, Ni3+ and oxygen vacancies were synergistically integrated on NiO@TiO2 by magnetron sputtering, which provide this transition-metal oxide-based (TMO-based) material with "π back-donation"behavior. Accordingly, NiO@TiO2 exhibited NH3 yield (∼10.75 μg h-1 cmcat.-2) and faradaic efficiency (∼9.83%), which are nearly 10-fold higher relative to those of TiO2 in neutral media. This work provides an efficient strategy for engineering "π back-donation"sites, and holds great potential in exploring new TMO-based electrocatalysts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2800-2806
Number of pages7
JournalJOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
Volume10
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 14 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • General Materials Science

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