Multicomponent TiO 2 /Ag/Cu 7 S 4 @Se Heterostructures Constructed by an Interface Engineering Strategy for Promoting the Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction Performance.

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (ECNRR) is a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for NH 3 synthesis under environmental conditions relative to the Haber-Bosch process; however, its low selectivity (Faradaic efficiency (FE)) and low NH 3 yield impede the progress. Herein, benefiting from the application of the interface engineering strategy, a multicomponent TiO 2 /Ag/Cu 7 S 4 @Se-CC heterogeneous electrocatalyst with a unique structure was successfully fabricated, generating a unique sandwich structure by using a Ag layer as an electric bridge intercalated between TiO 2 and Cu 7 S 4 , in which the optimized catalyst can accelerate the electron transfer efficiency. Moreover, through the electronic structure adjustment, an electron-deficient region was constructed, which can inhibit the H 2 adsorption but enhance the N 2 adsorption, thereby improving the selectivity and the catalytic activity. Significantly, the FE and NH 3 yield of TiO 2 /Ag/Cu 7 S 4 @Se-CC reached 51.05 ± 0.16% and 39.16 ± 2.31 μg h -1 cm -2 , in which the FE is among the highest non-precious metal-based NRR electrocatalysts in alkaline electrolytes reported. This study provides insight into the rational design and construction of NRR electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic applications.