FeNi@CNS nanocomposite as an efficient electrochemical catalyst for N_(2)-to-NH_(3) conversion under ambient conditions

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction(NRR)has emerged as a promising renewable energy source and a feasible strategy as an alternative to Haber-Bosch ammonia(NH_(3))synthesis.However,finding an efficient and cost-effective robust catalyst to activate and cleave the extremely strong triple bond in nitrogen(N_(2))for electrocatalytic NRR is still a challenge.Herein,a FeNi@CNS nanocomposite as an efficient catalyst for N_(2) fixation under ambient conditions is designed.This FeNi@CNS nanocomposite was prepared by a simple water bath process and post-calcination.The FeNi@CNS is demonstrated to be a highly efficient NRR catalyst,which exhibits better NRR performance with exceptional Faradaic efficiency of 9.83%and an NH_(3) yield of 16.52μg h^(−1) cm^(−2) in 0.1 M Na_(2)SO_(4) aqueous solution.Besides,high stability and reproducibility with consecutive 6 cycles for two hours are also demonstrated throughout the NRR electrocatalytic process for 12 h.Meanwhile,the FeNi@CNS catalyst encourages N_(2) adsorption and activation as well as effectively suppressing competitive HER.Therefore,this earth-abundant FeNi@CNS catalyst with a subtle balance of activity and stability has excellent potential in NRR industrial applications.