Carbon nanotube coated with FeMoO4 composite catalyst for electrochemical Nitrogen reduction reaction to Ammonia at Ambient Conditions

Abstract

The mild reaction conditions, simple process, and clean raw materials make electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction to ammonia (NRR) a promising method for producing this crucial substance for human life. The proposed catalysts have been shown to reduce the reaction barrier and improve catalytic efficiency, making them an excellent choice for this process. Carbon nanotubes coated FeMoO₄ (FeMoO₄@CNTs) nanorods are a highly efficient catalyst for fixing N₂ to NH₃. Carbon nanotubes doped FeMoO₄ improve the efficiency of electrocatalytic NRR by increasing their active surface. A superior ammonia yield of 18.49 μg h⁻¹·mg·cat⁻¹ at −0.65 V was obtained in a 0.1 mol L⁻¹ Na₂SO₄ solution, with a corresponding Faraday efficiency of 16.14%. The response of the experimental system to environmental factors was also investigated. The data clearly indicates that raising the temperature does not enhance the yield of ammonia. This reaction system is optimal for neutral or alkaline environments.