(Invited) Electrochemical Conversion of Nitrogen to Ammonia Using 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

We use 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) catalysts to facilitate the nitrogen (N 2 ) reduction to ammonia (NH 3 ) via dark electrocatalysis. TMDCs are an important class of materials because they can be reduced to 2D, where their quantum confined properties are easily manipulated for various applications. Transition metal-based catalysts offer a unique opportunity to exploit the d electrons and orbitals for N 2 activation, where we specifically compare theoretically and experimentally MoS 2 , TiS 2 , and VS 2 . In addition, the 2D TMDC catalysts are highly tunable 2D catalysts, where the band energetics, surface functionalization, defects, and phase can be tuned to control the N 2 reactivity. We use indophenol and 1 H NMR with isotope labeling to identify and quantify NH 3 from the catalytic reaction and not from setup/system contaminants; moreover, we use density functional theory to add insight into the 2D TMDC active site and reaction pathway. Through various attempts and iterations, we have many lessons learned about experimental and theoretical setup that will be communicated.