Chromium phosphide nanoparticles embedded in porous nitrogen‐/phosphorus‐doped carbon as efficient electrocatalysts for a nitrogen reduction reaction

The resource recovery of heavy metals from effluent has significant environmental implications and potential commercial value. Chromium phosphide nanoparticles embedded in a nitrogen-/phosphorus-doped porous carbon matrix (CrP/NPC) are synthesized via consecutive Cr6+ leachate treatment process. Electrochemical testing shows that CrP/NPC excellent nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) performance, which yields the highest NH3 production rate 22.56 μg h−1 mg−1cat. Faradaic efficiency (16.37%) at −0.5 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode 0.05 M Na2SO4 aqueous solution, as well robust catalytic stability. isotopic experiments using 15N2 source confirm detected is derived NRR Finally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations show electron deficiency environment Cr site can significantly reduce barrier process promote formation intermediate species.