Local Proton Source Enhanced Nitrogen Reduction on a Combined Cobalt‐Molybdenum Catalyst for Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis

Abstract Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions has attracted considerable scientific and engineering interest as a green alternative route for NH 3 production. Molybdenum is a promising candidate as an electrocatalyst for NRR as it has a suitable binding strength with N species. However, the design of an efficient Mo‐based catalyst remains elusive. To enhance the selectivity of NRR toward NH 3 , we have developed a carbon nanofiber catalyst embedded with molybdenum and cobalt (Co−Mo−CNF). Co with a strong ability to dissociate water enhances local proton source near Mo, where the hydrogenation step of the NRR occurs. A NH 3 formation rate of 72.72 μg h −1 mg −1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 34.5 % were obtained at −0.5 V vs. RHE. We also attempted to provide a mechanistic understanding of the NRR via in situ attenuated total reflectance surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR‐SEIRAS) and isotopic labeling experiments using 15 N 2 and D 2 O.