Electrochemical catalysis of aluminum diboride thin film fabricated by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering

Abstract This study explores a novel ambient-condition method as a potential alternative to the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis. Aluminum diborides thin films were deposited using sputtering and calcination techniques to investigate the relationship between crystallinity and various properties including electrochemical catalysis, electrical conductivity, surface morphology, and bonding states. The results indicate that the calcined films reduce the electrical resistivity and exhibit enhanced crystallinity, and catalytic activity, particularly for ammonia synthesis. The findings highlight the significant impact of crystallinity on electrocatalysis in this context.