Ambient N2-to-NH3 fixation over a CeO2 nanoparticle decorated three-dimensional carbon skeleton

Abstract

Electrochemical N₂ reduction emerges as a promising substitute to the Haber–Bosch process for ambient NH₃ synthesis, but it is a tough task to develop efficient catalysts. Here, we propose a CeO₂ nanoparticle decorated three-dimensional carbon skeleton derived from Juncus as an active and stable electrocatalyst for N₂-to-NH₃ conversion. In N₂-saturated 0.1 M Na₂SO₄, this nanohybrid attains a large NH₃ yield of 33.4 μg h⁻¹ mg_cat.⁻¹ with a faradaic efficiency of 6.1% at −0.6 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode. Furthermore, it also possesses favorable durability.