Revisiting the Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction on Molybdenum and Iron Carbides: Promising Catalysts or False Positives?

ABSTRACT: The electrochemical dinitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has recently gained much interest as it can potentially produce ammonia from renewable intermittent electricity and replace the Haber-Bosch process. Previous literature studies report Fe- and Mo-carbides as promising electrocatalysts for the NRR with activities higher than other metals. However, recent understanding of extraneous ammonia and nitrogen oxide contaminations have challenged previously published results. Here, we critically assess the NRR performance of several Fe- and Mo-carbides reported as promising by implementing a strict experimental protocol to minimize the effect of impurities. The successful synthesis of α-Mo₂C decorated carbon nanosheets, α-Mo₂C nanoparticles, θ-Fe₃C nanoparticles

SUBMITTER: Izelaar B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9903294 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature