Investigation of a Stable and Selective Nitrogen Reduction Reaction Using Encapsulated FeMoS2 Directly Grown on Carbon Cloth

MoS2 nanostructures doped with Fe, Ni, and Co were synthesized via hydrothermal methods to serve as catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reactions (NRR). FeMoS2, NiMoS2, and CoMoS2 catalysts were synthesized and evaluated for their catalytic NRR performances. To enhance the homogeneous dispersion and physical stability of the catalysts, we directly grew on a carbon cloth (CC) to act as both the conducting support and electrode. FeMoS2/CC exhibited a relatively high NH3 generation rate of 2.74 μg h–1 mg–1, equivalent to 7.81 μg h–1 cm–2, and Faraday efficiency of 0.15%. This catalyst was selective for the NRR over the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. Catalyst stability was also evaluated over a 20 h period. A 12% decrease in activity was observed, confirming a constant rate of ammonia formation and catalyst stability. Therefore, the effective and stable introduction of transition metal catalysts onto the CC surface improved its stability and confirmed the potential of FeMoS2/CC as a NRR catalyst.