Electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis catalyzed by mesoporous nickel oxide nanosheets loaded with Pt nanoparticles

Owing to its cost-effectiveness and adjustable eight-electron distribution in the 3d orbital, nickel oxide (NiO) is considered an effective electrocatalyst for ambient electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). However, because of low conductivity transition metal electrocatalyst, application this field limited. In study, we found that doping NiO nanosheets with a small amount (3–10 nm) Pt nanoparticles (Pt/NiO-NSs) leads considerable improvements Faradaic efficiency (FE) NH3 yield compared those obtained using pure NiO, breaking common perception commercial Pt-based electrocatalysts demonstrate little potential NRR due their high hydrogen evolution tendency. 0.1 mol/L Na2SO4 solution at −0.2 V vs. RHE, typical Pt/NiO-2 sample exhibits optimum 20.59 μg h–1 mg–1cat. FE 15.56%, which are approximately 5 3 times greater, respectively, than same applied potential. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed Pt/NiO-NSs exist as Pt0, Pt2+, Pt4+ high-valence ions more electropositive, thereby favoring chemisorption activation N2 molecules. Density function theory calculations showed d-band supported on significantly tuned Pt, affording favorable electronic structure NRR. The results study show can be catalyst when loaded appropriate substrate. Most importantly, it provides new synthetic avenue fabrication highly active electrocatalysts.