Cu3P nanoparticles-reduced graphene oxide hybrid: an efficient electrocatalyst to realize N2-to-NH3 conversion under ambient conditions

The industrial NH3 synthesis mainly relies on the Haber-Bosch process operated under harsh conditions. Electrochemical N2 reduction under ambient conditions provides a co-friendly and sustainable pathway to realize NH3 synthesis, however, its implementation depends on efficient electrocatalysts. In this work, we report that Cu3P nanoparticles-reduced graphene oxide (Cu3P-rGO) hybrid serves as an efficient electrocatalyst toward artificial NH3 synthesis with excellent selectivity. Tested in 0.1 M HCl, Cu3P-rGO exhibits a large NH3 yield of 26.38 µg h−1 mg−1cat. and a high Faradaic efficiency of 10.11% at –0.45 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. Furthermore, this electrocatalyst also shows excellent electrochemical and structural stability. Theoretical calculations reveal that Cu3P can efficiently catalyze NH3 synthesis via an enzymatic mechanism with a relatively low energy barrier.