Synergistic Multisites Fe2Mo6S8 Electrocatalysts for Ambient Nitrogen Conversion to Ammonia

Electrochemical hydrogenation of N2 under ambient conditions is attractive for sustainable and distributable NH3 production but is limited by the lack of selective electrocatalysts. Herein, we describe active site motifs based on the Chevrel phase chalcogenide Fe2Mo6S8 that exhibit intrinsic activities for converting N2 to NH3 in aqueous electrolytes. Despite having a very low specific surface area of ∼2 m2/g, this catalyst exhibited a Faradaic efficiency of 12.5% and an average rate of 70 μg h–1 mgcat–1 for NH3 production at −0.20 V vs RHE. Such activities were attributed to the unique composition and structure of Fe2Mo6S8 that provide synergistic multisites for activating and associating key reaction intermediates. Specifically, Fe/Mo sites assist adsorption and activation of N2, whereas S sites stabilize hydrogen intermediate Had* for N2 hydrogenation. Fe in Fe2Mo6S8 enhances binding of S with Had* and thus inhibits the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. The spatial geometry of Fe, Mo, and S sites in Fe2Mo6S8 promotes conversion of N2–Had* association intermediates, reaching a turnover frequency of ∼0.23 s–1 for NH3 production.