MOF-Derived Co3O4@NC with Core–Shell Structures for N2 Electrochemical Reduction under Ambient Conditions

Abstract

We report the development of MOF-derived nitrogen-doped carbon/Co 3 O 4 nanocomposites (Co 3 O 4 @NCs) with core–shell structures as an efficient electrocatalyst for the artificial nitrogen fixation at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in 0.05 M H 2 SO 4 . It exhibits a high NH 3 yield of 42.58 μg h –1 mg cat. –1 and a faradaic efficiency of 8.5% at −0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Experimental results show that the great N 2 reduction reaction performance of Co 3 O 4 @NCs originates from the synergistic effects of N-doped carbon and Co 3 O 4 with significant oxygen vacancy. In addition, we speculate that the core–shell structure can further enhance the electrochemical activity for producing NH 3 .