Achieving ultrahigh electrocatalytic NH3 yield rate on Fe-doped Bi2WO6 electrocatalyst

NH3, derived from electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), is promising to satisfy the need of food production and serve as a carbon-free liquid energy carrier in the near future. Yet major challenges remain in enhancing NH3 yield rate and conversion efficiency of available electrocatalysts. This work achieved an ultrahigh electrocatalytic NH3 yield rate on the Fe-0.50-Bi2WO6 catalyst by a facile Fe-doped strategy. Up to 289 mu g center dot h(-1)center dot mg(cat)(-1) of NH3 formation rate was obtained at -0.75 V vs. RHE, which was reliably quantized by indophenol blue and H-1 NMR methods. The impressive result is an order of magnitude higher than that of the reported Fe- and Bi-based catalysts, even more superior than the result of single atom Ru catalyst. The key of the outstanding NRR behaviors on the Fe-0.50-Bi2WO6 catalyst is the significant hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) suppression and the synergy between Bi and Fe, which can effectively modulate the electron distribution and accelerate the electron transport. This work endows a new insight to further explore the high-performance electrocatalysts toward NRR.

Automated summary

NH3, derived from electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), shows potential as a carbon-free liquid energy carrier and for food production. This work achieved an ultrahigh electrocatalytic NH3 yield rate on the Fe-0.50-Bi2WO6 catalyst, surpassing other Fe- and Bi-based catalysts and even a single atom Ru catalyst. The key to the outstanding NRR behaviors lies in the significant HER suppression and the synergy between Bi and Fe.