Boron Nitride Quantum Dots/Ti3C2Tx‐MXene Heterostructure For Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation. Issue 4 (17th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chu, Ke; Li, Xingchuan; Tian, Ye; Li, Qingqing; Guo, Yali
• Is Part Of: Energy & environmental materials. Volume 5:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 1303
• Page End: 1309
• Publication Date: 2022-01-17
• Subjects: Boron nitride quantum dots -- Density functional theory -- Electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation -- MXene; Power resources -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1002/eem2.12247
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2575-0356

Abstract

Abstract : Electrocatalytic N2 fixation through N2 reduction reaction (NRR) has been regarded as a promising route for sustainable NH3 synthesis, while exploring high‐performing NRR catalysts is pivotal yet challenging. Herein, BN quantum dots/Ti3 C2 Tx ‐MXene (BNQDs/Ti3 C2 Tx ) heterostructure is demonstrated as an efficient and durable NRR catalyst, exhibiting a high NH3 yield of 52.8 ± 3.3 μg h −1 mg −1 with an FE of 19.1 ± 1.6% at −0.4 V (vs. RHE), which stand at the high level among all reported BN‐ and MXene‐based NRR catalysts. Theoretical computations reveal that the electronic interactions between BNQDs and Ti3 C2 Tx enrich the electron density of B atoms at the heterointerface and endow them with enhanced electron‐donating capability for N2 activation and protonation. Meanwhile, the decorated BNQDs can block the active sites of Ti3 C2 Tx for hydrogen evolution, rendering a high N2 ‐to‐NH3 selectivity. Abstract : BNQDs/Ti3 C2 Tx heterostructure delivered a much enhanced NRR activity compared to the individual component, attributed to the strong BNQDs‐Ti3 C2 Tx electronic interactions capable of enriching the electron density of heterointerfacial B atoms with enhanced electron‐donating capability for N2 activation and protonation.