Sulfur defect-rich WS2−x nanosheet electrocatalysts for N2 reduction

Seeking catalysts with high electrocatalytic activity for ambient-condition N2 reduction reaction (NRR) remains an ongoing challenge due to the chemical inertness of N2. Herein, defect-rich WS2 nanosheets (WS2−x) were designed as efficient electrocatalyst NRR, which prepared via vulcanizing oxygen-vacancy-rich tungsten oxide in a vacuum tube. The sulfur defects conducive adsorption and activation In neutral electrolyte 0.1 mol L−1 Na2SO4 at −0.60 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, such WS2−x offered Faradaic efficiency 12.1% NH3 generation rate 16.38 µg h−1 mgcat−1.