Theoretical study on the application of the largest aluminum-pyrazole ring in electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a mild and sustainable method for ammonia synthesis. Therefore, developing high activity, selectivity, and economic efficiency catalysts with considering the synergistic effects between catalysts and carriers to design novel structural models is very important. Considering the non-noble metal NRR catalyst, Mo₃, we tried to find a suitable carrier which is stable and economical. Herein, we used the largest atomically precise aluminum-pyrazole ring (AlOC-69) to date (diameter up to 2.3 nm). The larger ring cavities and the presence of abundant hydroxy groups make AlOC-69 an ideal molecular carrier model and provide a basis for studying its structure-activity relationship. The formation energy (−0.76 eV) and stable Mo-O bonds indicate that Mo₃ can be stabilized on the Al₁₀O₁₀ surface. Additionally, N₂ has fully activated due to the strong interaction between the p-orbital of N and the d-orbital of Mo. The low limiting potential (−0.28 V) emerges that Mo₃@Al₁₀O₁₀ has ideal catalytic activity and selectivity. This research provides a promising catalyst model and an understanding of its catalytic process at the atomic level, providing a new approach for the co-design of catalyst and carrier in NRR.     

Mo Cluster Support on C2N as a Highly-efficient Catalyst for Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction

The conversion of nitrogen to ammonia by electrocatalysis under mild conditions is a valuable research direction, which has been a sustainable alternative to the traditional Haber-Bosch method. However, the conversion remains a huge challenge in chemistry at this time. In this work, the density functional theory (DFT) is used to study the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) performance of Mo₁₂ clusters on C₂N monolayer (Mo₁₂−C₂N). It is found that the diversity of active sites of the Mo₁₂ cluster provides favorable reaction paths for intermediates, which reduces reaction barrier of NRR. Mo₁₂−C₂N shows excellent NRR performances with limiting potentials of −0.26 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE).     

Amorphous core/shell Ti-doped SnO2 with synergistically improved N2 adsorption/activation and electrical conductivity for electrochemical N2 reduction

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has been considered as an appealing and sustainable method to produce ammonia from N₂ under ambient conditions, attracting increasing interest. Limited by low solubility of N₂ in water and high stability of NN triple bond, developing NRR electrocatalysts with both strong N₂ adsorption/activation and high electrical conductivity remain challenging. Here, we demonstrate an efficient strategy to develop NRR electrocatalyst with synergistically enhanced N₂ adsorption/activation and electrical conductivity by heteroatom doping. Combining computational and experimental study, the DFT-designed Ti-doped SnO₂ exhibits significantly enhanced NRR performance with ammonia yield rate of 13.09 µg h^?1 mg^?1 at ?0.2 V vs. RHE. Particularly, the Faradaic efficiency reaches up to 42.6%, outperforming most of Sn-based electrocatalysts. The fundamental mechanism for improving NRR performance of SnO₂ by Ti doping is also revealed. Our work highlights a powerful strategy for developing high-activity electrocatalysts for NRR and beyond.     

Boron doped 1T phase MoS2 as a cocatalyst for promoting photocatalytic H2 evolution of g-C3N4 nanosheets

As one of the 2D transition metal sulfides,1T phase MoS₂ nanosheets (NSs) have been studied because of their distinguished conductivity and suitable electronic structure.Nevertheless,the active sites are limited to a small number of edge sites only,while the basal plane is catalytically inert.Herein,we report that boron (B) doped 1T phase Mo S₂NSs can replace precious metals as a co-catalyst to assist in photocatalytic H₂production of 2D layered g-C₃N<...     

Rich B active centers in Penta-B2C as high-performance photocatalyst for nitrogen reduction

The photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has mild reaction conditions and only requires sunlight energy as a driving force to replace the traditional ammonia synthesis method. We herein investigate the catalytic activity and selectivity on Penta-B₂C for NRR by using density functional theory calculations. Penta-B₂C is a semiconductor with an indirect bandgap (2.328 eV) and is kinetically stable based on molecular dynamic simulations. The optical absorption spectrum of Penta-B₂C is achieved in the ultraviolet and visible range. Effective light absorption is more conducive to generate photo-excited electrons and improving photocatalytic performances. Rich B atoms as activation sites in Penta-B₂C facilitate capturing N₂. The activated N₂ molecule prefers the side-on adsorption configuration on Penta-B₂C, which facilitates the subsequent reduction reaction. Among considered NRR mechanisms on Penta-B₂C, the best pathway prefers the enzymatic mechanism, only required a low onset potential of 0.23 V. The hydrogen evolution reaction is inhibited when the hydrogen adsorption concentration is increased or N₂ molecules first occupy the adsorption sites. Our results indicate Penta-B₂C is a highly reactive and selective photocatalyst for NRR. Our work provides theoretical insights into the experiments and has guiding significance to synthesize efficient NRR photocatalysts.     

Molybdänhalogenidcluster mit sechs terminalen Alkoholatliganden: (C18H36N2O6Na)2[Mo6Cl8(OCH3)6] · 6CH3OH und (C18H36N2O6Na2)2[Mo6Cl8(OC6H5)6]

Molybdenum(II) Halide Clusters with six Alcoholate Ligands: (C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆Na)₂[Mo₆Cl₈(OCH₃)₆] · 6CH₃OH and (C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆Na)₂[Mo₆Cl₈(OC₆H₅)₆] . The reaction of Na₂[Mo₆Cl₈(OCH₃)₆] and 2,2,2-crypt yields (C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆Na)₂[Mo₆Cl₈(OCH₃)₆] · 6 CH₃OH ( 1 ), which is converted to (C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆Na)₂[Mo₆Cl₈(OC₆H₅)₆] ( 2 ) by metathesis with phenol. According to single crystal structure determinations ( 1 : P3 1c, a=14.613(3) Å, c=21.036(8) Å; 2 : P3 1c, a=15.624(1) Å, c=19.671(2) Å) the compounds contain anionic clusters [Mo₆Cl₈ⁱ(OR^a)₆]^2? ( 1 : d(Mo—Mo) 2.608(1) Å to 2.611(1) Å, d(Mo—Cl) 2.489(1) Å to 2.503(1) Å, d(Mo—O) 2.046(4) Å; 2 : d(Mo—Mo) 2.602(3) Å to 2.608(3) Å, d(Mo—Cl) 2.471(5) Å to 2.4992(5) Å, d(Mo—O) 2.091(14) Å). Electronic interactions of the halide cluster and the phenolate ligands in [Mo₆Cl₈(OC₆H₅)₆]^2? is investigated by means of UV/VIS spectroscopy and EHMO calculations.     

Nanoporous Palladium Hydride for Electrocatalytic N2 Reduction under Ambient Conditions

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is an alternative eco‐friendly strategy for sustainable N₂ fixation with renewable energy. However, NRR suffers from sluggish kinetics owing to difficult N₂ adsorption and N≡N cleavage. Now, nanoporous palladium hydride is reported as electrocatalyst for electrochemical N₂ reduction under ambient conditions, achieving a high ammonia yield rate of 20.4 μg h^?1 mg^?1 with a Faradaic efficiency of 43.6 % at low overpotential of 150 mV. Isotopic hydrogen labeling studies suggest the involvement of lattice hydrogen atoms in the hydride as active hydrogen source. In situ Raman analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations further reveal the reduction of energy barrier for the rate‐limiting *N₂H formation step. The unique protonation mode of palladium hydride would provide a new insight on designing efficient and robust electrocatalysts for nitrogen fixation.     

MoS2‐Based Catalysts for N2 Electroreduction to NH3 – An Overview of MoS2 Optimization Strategies

The nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has become an ideal alternative to the Haber‐Bosch process, as NRR possesses, among others, the advantage of operating under ambient conditions and saving energy consumption. The key to efficient NRR is to find a suitable electrocatalyst, which helps to break the strong N≡N bond and improves the reaction selectivity. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) as an emerging layered two‐dimensional material has attracted a mass of attention in various fields. In this minireview, we summarize the optimization strategies of MoS₂‐based catalysts which have been developed to improve the weak NRR activity of primitive MoS₂. Some theoretical predictions have also been summarized, which can provide direction for optimizing NRR activity of future MoS₂‐based materials. Finally, an outlook about the optimization of MoS₂‐based catalysts used in electrochemical N₂ fixation are given.     

Rational Design of Single Molybdenum Atoms Anchored on N‐Doped Carbon for Effective Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The highly efficient electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) provides a promising pathway to resolve energy and environment problems. An electrocatalyst was designed with single Mo atoms (Mo‐SAs) supported on N‐doped carbon having outstanding HER performance. The structure of the catalyst was probed by aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC‐STEM) and X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, indicating the formation of Mo‐SAs anchored with one nitrogen atom and two carbon atoms (Mo₁N₁C₂). Importantly, the Mo₁N₁C₂ catalyst displayed much more excellent activity compared with Mo₂C and MoN, and better stability than commercial Pt/C. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation revealed that the unique structure of Mo₁N₁C₂ moiety played a crucial effect to improve the HER performance. This work opens up new opportunities for the preparation and application of highly active and stable Mo‐based HER catalysts.     

N2 Electroreduction to NH3 by Selenium Vacancy-Rich ReSe2 Catalysis at an Abrupt Interface

Vacancy engineering has been proved repeatedly as an adoptable strategy to boost electrocatalysis, while its poor selectivity restricts the usage in nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) as overwhelming competition from hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Revealed by density functional theory calculations, the selenium vacancy in ReSe₂ crystal can enhance its electroactivity for both NRR and HER by shifting the d-band from −4.42 to −4.19 eV. To restrict the HER, we report a novel method by burying selenium vacancy-rich ReSe₂@carbonized bacterial cellulose (V_r-ReSe₂@CBC) nanofibers between two CBC layers, leading to boosted Faradaic efficiency of 42.5 % and ammonia yield of 28.3 μg h⁻¹ cm⁻² at a potential of −0.25 V on an abrupt interface. As demonstrated by the nitrogen bubble adhesive force, superhydrophilic measurements, and COMSOL Multiphysics simulations, the hydrophobic and porous CBC layers can keep the internal V_r-ReSe₂@CBC nanofibers away from water coverage, leaving more unoccupied active sites for the N₂ reduction (especially for the potential determining step of proton-electron coupling and transferring processes as *NN → *NNH).     

N2 Electroreduction to NH3 by Selenium Vacancy‐Rich ReSe2 Catalysis at an Abrupt Interface

Vacancy engineering has been proved repeatedly as an adoptable strategy to boost electrocatalysis, while its poor selectivity restricts the usage in nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) as overwhelming competition from hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Revealed by density functional theory calculations, the selenium vacancy in ReSe₂ crystal can enhance its electroactivity for both NRR and HER by shifting the d‐band from ?4.42 to ?4.19 eV. To restrict the HER, we report a novel method by burying selenium vacancy‐rich ReSe₂@carbonized bacterial cellulose (V_r‐ReSe₂@CBC) nanofibers between two CBC layers, leading to boosted Faradaic efficiency of 42.5 % and ammonia yield of 28.3 μg h^?1 cm^?2 at a potential of ?0.25 V on an abrupt interface. As demonstrated by the nitrogen bubble adhesive force, superhydrophilic measurements, and COMSOL Multiphysics simulations, the hydrophobic and porous CBC layers can keep the internal V_r‐ReSe₂@CBC nanofibers away from water coverage, leaving more unoccupied active sites for the N₂ reduction (especially for the potential determining step of proton‐electron coupling and transferring processes as *NN → *NNH).     

Enzyme Mimetic Active Intermediates for Nitrate Reduction in Neutral Aqueous Media

Nitrate is a pervasive aquatic contaminant of global environmental concern. In nature, the most effective nitrate reduction reaction (NRR) is catalyzed by nitrate reductase enzymes at neutral pH, using a highly‐conserved Mo center ligated mainly by oxo and thiolate groups. Mo‐based NRR catalysts mostly function in organic solvents with a low water stability. Recently, an oxo‐containing molybdenum sulfide nanoparticle that serves as an NRR catalyst at neutral pH was first reported. Herein, in a nanoparticle‐catalyzed NRR system a pentavalent Mo^V(=O)S₄ species, an enzyme mimetic, served as an active intermediate for the NRR. Potentiometric titration analysis revealed that a redox synergy among Mo^V?S, S radicals, and Mo^V(=O)S₄ likely play a key role in stabilizing Mo^V(=O)S₄, showing the importance of secondary interactions in facilitating NRR. The first identification and characterization of an oxo‐ and thiolate‐ligated Mo intermediates pave the way to the molecular design of efficient enzyme mimetic NRR catalysts in aqueous solution.     

Carbon‐Nanoplated CoS@TiO2 Nanofibrous Membrane: An Interface‐Engineered Heterojunction for High‐Efficiency Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction

Developing noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts is important to industrially viable ammonia synthesis through the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). However, the present transition‐metal electrocatalysts still suffer from low activity and Faradaic efficiency due to poor interfacial reaction kinetics. Herein, an interface‐engineered heterojunction, composed of CoS nanosheets anchored on a TiO₂ nanofibrous membrane, is developed. The TiO₂ nanofibrous membrane can uniformly confine the CoS nanosheets against agglomeration, and contribute substantially to the NRR performance. The intimate coupling between CoS and TiO₂ enables easy charge transfer, resulting in fast reaction kinetics at the heterointerface. The conductivity and structural integrity of the heterojunction are further enhanced by carbon nanoplating. The resulting C@CoS@TiO₂ electrocatalyst achieves a high ammonia yield (8.09×10^?10 mol s^?1 cm^?2) and Faradaic efficiency (28.6 %), as well as long‐term durability.     

Synergistic Effect of Boron Nitride and Carbon Domains in Boron Carbide Nitride Nanotube Supported Single-Atom Catalysts for Efficient Nitrogen Fixation

Developing the low-cost and efficient single-atom catalysts (SACs) for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is of great importance while remains as a great challenge. The catalytic activity, selectivity and durability are all fundamentally related to the elaborate coordination environment of SACs. Using first-principles calculations, we investigated the SACs with single transition metal (TM) atom supported on defective boron carbide nitride nanotubes (BCNTs) as NRR electrocatalysts. Our results suggest that boron-vacancy defects on BCNTs can strongly immobilize TM atoms with large enough binding energy and high thermal/structural stability. Importantly, the synergistic effect of boron nitride (BN) and carbon domains comes up with the modifications of the charge polarization of single-TM-atom active site and the electronic properties of material, which has been proven to be the essential key to promote N₂ adsorption, activation, and reduction. Specifically, six SACs (namely V, Mn, Fe, Mo, Ru, and W atoms embedded into defective BCNTs) can be used as promising candidates for NRR electrocatalysts as their NRR activity is higher than the state-of-the art Ru(0001) catalyst. In particular, single Mo atom supported on defective BCNTs with large tube diameter possesses the highest NRR activity while suppressing the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, with a low limiting potential of −0.62 V via associative distal path. This work suggests new opportunities for driving NH₃ production by carbon-based single-atom electrocatalysts under ambient conditions.     

Crystal-Phase-Engineered PdCu Electrocatalyst for Enhanced Ammonia Synthesis

Crystal phase engineering is a powerful strategy for regulating the performance of electrocatalysts towards many electrocatalytic reactions, while its impact on the nitrogen electroreduction has been largely unexplored. Herein, we demonstrate that structurally ordered body-centered cubic (BCC) PdCu nanoparticles can be adopted as active, selective, and stable electrocatalysts for ammonia synthesis. Specifically, the BCC PdCu exhibits excellent activity with a high NH₃ yield of 35.7 μg h⁻¹ mg⁻¹_cat, Faradaic efficiency of 11.5 %, and high selectivity (no N₂H₄ is detected) at −0.1 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, outperforming its counterpart, face-centered cubic (FCC) PdCu, and most reported nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) electrocatalysts. It also exhibits durable stability for consecutive electrolysis for five cycles. Density functional theory calculation reveals that strong orbital interactions between Pd and neighboring Cu sites in BCC PdCu obtained by structure engineering induces an evident correlation effect for boosting up the Pd 4d electronic activities for efficient NRR catalysis. Our findings open up a new avenue for designing active and stable electrocatalysts towards NRR.     

Crystal‐Phase‐Engineered PdCu Electrocatalyst for Enhanced Ammonia Synthesis

Crystal phase engineering is a powerful strategy for regulating the performance of electrocatalysts towards many electrocatalytic reactions, while its impact on the nitrogen electroreduction has been largely unexplored. Herein, we demonstrate that structurally ordered body‐centered cubic (BCC) PdCu nanoparticles can be adopted as active, selective, and stable electrocatalysts for ammonia synthesis. Specifically, the BCC PdCu exhibits excellent activity with a high NH₃ yield of 35.7 μg h^?1 mg^?1_cat, Faradaic efficiency of 11.5 %, and high selectivity (no N₂H₄ is detected) at ?0.1 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, outperforming its counterpart, face‐centered cubic (FCC) PdCu, and most reported nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) electrocatalysts. It also exhibits durable stability for consecutive electrolysis for five cycles. Density functional theory calculation reveals that strong orbital interactions between Pd and neighboring Cu sites in BCC PdCu obtained by structure engineering induces an evident correlation effect for boosting up the Pd 4d electronic activities for efficient NRR catalysis. Our findings open up a new avenue for designing active and stable electrocatalysts towards NRR.     

Synthese und Struktur von Mo2NCl8 und Mo3N2Cl11

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Mo_2<>NCl₈ and Mo₃N₂Cl₁₁ The reaction of MoCl₅ with Cl₃VNCl at 140 °C in a sealed glass ampoule yields air sensitive black crystals of the mixed valent molybdenum(V, VI) nitride chloride, Mo₂NCl₈. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2/c with a = 996.1(1), b = 629.4(1), c = 1780.8(3) pm, β = 101.82(2)°, and Z = 4. The crystal structure consists of dinuclear C₂‐symmetrical units [Cl₂(N≡)Mo(μ₂‐Cl)₃Mo(≡N)Cl₂]^— and [Cl₄Mo(μ₂‐Cl)MoCl₄]⁺, connected in an alternating sequence by asymmetric nitrido bridges Mo≡N‐Mo to form chains. The reaction of Cl₃VNCl with MoCl₃ at 140 °C affords Mo₃N₂Cl₁₁, but for the prolonged reaction period, MoNCl₃ is observed in addition. Mo₃N₂Cl₁₁ can also be obtained from MoNCl₃ and MoCl₅ (2:1) at 140 °C. It forms orthorhombic, black crystals with the space group Pca2₁ and a = 1256.1(1), b = 1001.9(1), c = 1330.10(5) pm, and Z = 4. The structure contains the same dinuclear units [Cl₂(N≡)Mo(μ₂‐Cl)₃Mo(≡N)Cl₂]^— as in Mo₂NCl₈, which in this case are connected with MoCl₄⁺ moieties by asymmetric nitrido bridges Mo≡N‐Mo forming chains. In Mo₂NCl₈ the Mo‐N distances in the nearly linear nitrido bridges are 167.6(2), and 214.8(2) pm, whereas in case of Mo₃N₂Cl₁₁ two sets of Mo‐N distances of 166, 8(4) and 214, 0(4) pm as well as 166, 9(4) and 211, 9(4) pm are observed.     

Facile Synthesis of Stable MO2N Nanobelts with High Catalytic Activity for Ammonia Decomposition

In the present work, high quality γ‐Mo₂N catalysts for ammonia decomposition were successfully synthesized via temperature programmed nitridation of α‐MoO₃ nanobelts. The optimal conditions for the synthesis of MoO₃ precursors were obtained by using the orthogonal experimental method. The MoO₃ precursors and the corresponding fresh and used Mo₂N catalysts were characterized by various characterization techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and N₂ adsorption‐desorption. Furthermore, temperature‐ programmed desorption by N₂ or NH₃ and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis were performed to better understand the chemical properties of Mo₂N catalysts. The results revealed that Mo₂N catalyst has good NH₃ adsorption ability and facilitates the dissociation adsorption of N₂. Moreover, the morphology and structure of Mo₂N catalysts well maintained after the reaction. Therefore, among the three transition metal nitrides (Mo₂N, W₂N and VN) and some Mo‐based catalysts previously reported, Mo₂N catalysts showed very high activity and stability. Nearly 94% conversion of NH₃ could be reached at 550°C with the gas hourly space velocity of 22000 cm³?g_cat^–1?h^–1 and no obvious deactivation was observed during a 72 h test.     

Molybdänhalogenidcluster mit zwei terminalen Alkoholatliganden: Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von (C18H36N2O6Na)2[Mo6Cl12(OCH3)2] und (C18H36N2O6Na)2[Mo6Cl12(OC15H11)2] · 2C4H6O3

Molybdenum(II) Halide Clusters with two Alcoholate Ligands: Syntheses and Crystal Structures of (C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆Na)₂[Mo₆Cl₁₂(OCH₃)₂] and (C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆Na)₂[Mo₆Cl₁₂(OC₁₅H₁₁)₂] · 2C₄H₆O₃ . Reaction of Mo₆Cl₁₂ with two equivalents of sodium methoxide in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt yields (C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆Na)₂[Mo₆Cl₁₂(OCH₃)₂] ( 1 ), which can be converted to (C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆Na)₂[Mo₆Cl₁₂(OC₁₅H₁₁)₂] · 2C₄H₆O₃ ( 2 ) by metathesis with 9-Anthracenemethanole in propylene carbonate. As confirmed by X-ray single crystal structure determination ( 1 : C2/m, a=25.513(8) Å, b=13.001(3) Å, c=10.128(3) Å, β=100.204(12)°; : C2/c, a=15.580(5) Å, b=22.337(5) Å, c=27.143(8) Å, β=98.756(10)°) the compounds contain anionic cluster units [Mo₆ClCl(OR^a)₂]^2? with two alcoholate ligands in terminal trans positions ( 1 : d(Mo—Mo) 2.597(2) Å to 2.610(2) Å, d(Mo—Clⁱ) 2.471(3) Å to 2.493(4) Å, d(Mo—Cl^a) 2.417(8) Å and 2.427(8) Å, d(Mo—O) 2.006(13) Å; 2 : d(Mo—Mo) 2.599(3) Å to 2.628(3), d(Mo—Clⁱ) 2.468(8) Å to 2.506(7) Å, d(Mo—Cl^a) 2.444(8) Å and 2.445(7) Å, d(Mo—O) 2.012(19) Å).     

MoS2-Based Catalysts for N2 Electroreduction to NH3 – An Overview of MoS2 Optimization Strategies

The nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has become an ideal alternative to the Haber-Bosch process, as NRR possesses, among others, the advantage of operating under ambient conditions and saving energy consumption. The key to efficient NRR is to find a suitable electrocatalyst, which helps to break the strong N≡N bond and improves the reaction selectivity. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) as an emerging layered two-dimensional material has attracted a mass of attention in various fields. In this minireview, we summarize the optimization strategies of MoS₂-based catalysts which have been developed to improve the weak NRR activity of primitive MoS₂. Some theoretical predictions have also been summarized, which can provide direction for optimizing NRR activity of future MoS₂-based materials. Finally, an outlook about the optimization of MoS₂-based catalysts used in electrochemical N₂ fixation are given.