SnNb2O6 nanosheets for the electrocatalytic NRR: dual-active-center mechanism of Nb3c and Sn4c–Nb5c dimer. Issue 17 (30th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Xiaotian; Tian, Ye; Wang, Xiaomiao; Guo, Yali; Chu, Ke
• Is Part Of: Sustainable energy & fuels. Volume 5:Issue 17(2021)
• Page Start: 4277
• Page End: 4283
• Publication Date: 2021-07-30
• Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Fuel cells -- Periodicals; Electric batteries -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; 660.297
• DOI: 10.1039/d1se00919b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2398-4902

Abstract

Abstract : The foordite SnNb2 O6 nanosheets deliver a high NRR activity and selectivity, attributed to the synergistic effect of Nb3c and Sn4c –Nb5c dimer in promoting the N2 adsorption and activation. Abstract : The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) provides a promising route for energy-effective and sustainable ammonia synthesis, while developing high-efficiency NRR electrocatalysts is extremely desirable. Here we first exploited foordite SnNb2 O6 nanosheets as an effective and durable NRR catalyst, which presented an NH3 yield of 53.1 μg h −1 mg −1 and a faradaic efficiency of 17.6% at −0.3 V ( vs. reversible hydrogen electrode). Theoretical computations uncovered the dual-active-center mechanism of Nb3c (3c means three-fold coordinated bond) and Sn4c –Nb5c dimer on SnNb2 O6 (311) to synergistically enhance the N2 adsorption and activation, consequently lowering the energy barrier for the rate-determining step and boosting the electrocatalytic NRR.