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Two-Dimensional Ordered Double-Transition Metal Carbides for the Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction.

Rong ZhaoYongting ChenHui XiangYunfeng GuanChenfan YangQin ZhangYanjun LiYe CongXuanke Li
Published in: ACS applied materials & interfaces (2023)
The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) provides a green and sustainable strategy as an alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. The development of electrocatalysts with low overpotential, high selectivity, and fast reaction kinetics remains a significant challenge. Here, density functional theory computations are carried out to systematically predict the prospect of 18 two-dimensional (2D) ordered double-transition metal carbides (MXenes) as NRR electrocatalysts. Our results revealed that the basal plane of Mo 2 Nb 2 C 3 MXene exhibited the most outstanding catalytic activity while effectively suppressed the hydrogen evolution reaction with an overpotential of 0.48 V. The exposed Mo 3 moiety moderately regulating the electron transfer between reaction intermediates is answerable for the high activity. Finally, our finding broadens the horizon of 2D materials as NRR electrocatalysts.
Keyphrases
  • electron transfer
  • transition metal
  • density functional theory
  • gold nanoparticles
  • molecular dynamics
  • ionic liquid
  • mass spectrometry
  • molecularly imprinted
  • solid phase extraction