Enabling the electrocatalytic fixation of N2 to NH3 by C-doped TiO2 nanoparticles under ambient conditions

Abstract

The conventional Haber–Bosch process for industrial NH₃ production from N₂ and H₂ is highly energy-intensive with a large amount of CO₂ emissions and finding a more suitable method for NH₃ synthesis under mild conditions is a very attractive topic. The electrocatalytic N₂ reduction reaction (NRR) offers us an environmentally benign and sustainable route. In this communication, we report that C-doped TiO₂ nanoparticles act as an efficient electrocatalyst for the NRR with excellent selectivity. In 0.1 M Na₂SO₄, it achieves an NH₃ yield of 16.22 μg h⁻¹ mg_cat.⁻¹ and a faradaic efficiency of 1.84% at −0.7 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode. Furthermore, this catalyst also shows good stability during electrolysis and recycling tests.