Synergistic Enhancement of Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Over Boron Nitride Quantum Dots Decorated Nb2CTx‐MXene. Issue 40 (9th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chu, Ke; Li, Xingchuan; Li, Qingqing; Guo, Yali; Zhang, Hu
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 17:Issue 40(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-09
• Subjects: electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction -- boron nitride quantum dots -- MXenes -- density functional theory; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.202102363
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract: Electrochemical N2 fixation represents a promising strategy toward sustainable NH3 synthesis, whereas the rational design of high‐performance catalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is urgently required but remains challenging. Herein, a novel hexagonal BN quantum dots (BNQDs) decorated Nb2 CT x – MXene (BNQDs@Nb2 CT x ) is explored as an efficient NRR catalyst. BNQDs@Nb2 CT x presents the optimum NRR activity with an NH3 yield rate of 66.3 µg h −1 mg −1 (−0.4 V) and a Faradaic efficiency of 16.7% (−0.3 V), outperforming most of the state‐of‐the‐art NRR catalysts, together with an excellent stability. Theoretical calculations revealed that the synergistic interplay of BNQDs and Nb2 CT x enabled the creation of unique interfacial B sites serving as NRR catalytic centers capable of enhancing the N2 activation, lowering the reaction energy barrier and impeding the H2 evolution. Abstract : Herein, it is experimentally and theoretically demonstrated that the coupling of BN quantum dots with Nb2 CT x – MXene can lead to the synergistic enhancement of electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction, with an NH3 yield of 66.3 µg h −1 mg −1 and a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 16.7%.