One-pot synthesis of bi-metallic PdRu tripods as an efficient catalyst for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia

Abstract

The design of metallic catalysts with controlled structures and compositions is very important for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Herein, we report the bi-metallic PdRu tripods (PdRu TPs) as a highly effective catalyst for the electrochemical nitrogen reduction to ammonia in an alkaline solution under ambient conditions. The PdRu TPs assembled with three spatially separated branches are directly synthesized by a one-pot synthetic route. Owing to its tripod structure and bi-metallic compositions, the PdRu TPs exhibit superior catalytic activity and stability for NRR. The proposed one-pot route is highly valuable for preparation of active metallic catalysts for NRR.