Designing N, P-doped graphene surface-supported Mo single-atom catalysts for efficient conversion of nitrogen into ammonia: a computational guideline

Second Author's Department

Energy Materials Laboratory

Third Author's Department

Energy Materials Laboratory

Fourth Author's Department

Energy Materials Laboratory

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https://doi.org/10.1039/d4na00298a

All Authors

Ghada E. Khedr, Samar M. Fawzy, Icell M. Sharafeldin, Nageh K. Allam

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Nanoscale Advances

Publication Date

6-14-2024

doi

10.1039/d4na00298a

Abstract

Tuning the surroundings of single-atom catalysts (SACs) has been recognized as a successful approach to enhance their electrocatalytic efficiency. In this study, we utilized density functional theory (DFT) computations to systematically investigate how the coordination environment influences the catalytic performance of individual molybdenum atoms for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to NH3. Upon comparing an extensive array of coordination combinations, Mo-based SACs were found to feature a distinctive N, P-dual coordination. Specifically, MoN3P1G demonstrates superior performance in the conversion of nitrogen into ammonia with an exceptionally low limiting potential (−0.64 V). This MoN3P1G catalyst preferably follows the distal pathway, with the initial hydrogenation step (*N2 → *NNH) being the rate-determining step. Additionally, MoN3P1G exhibits the ability to suppress competing H2 production, showcases high thermodynamic stability, and holds significant promise for experimental preparation. These findings not only contribute to diversifying the SAC family through localized coordination control but also present cost-effective strategies for enhancing sustainable NH3 production.

First Page

4160

Last Page

4166

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Article. Record derived from SCOPUS.

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