Fe nanodot-decorated MoS2 nanosheets on carbon cloth: an efficient and flexible electrode for ambient ammonia synthesis

Abstract

Electrochemical reduction of nitrogen to ammonia provides an alternative to the energy- and capital-intensive Haber–Bosch process. However, limited progress has been made to date, as most catalysts lack efficient activity for nitrogen fixation. Here, we report Fe nanodot-decorated MoS₂ nanosheets on carbon cloth as an efficient and flexible electrode for the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions. The strong electronic interaction between Fe and MoS₂ plays a key role in boosting the NRR. Remarkably, the as-obtained Fe–MoS₂/CC electrode shows outstanding electrochemical NRR performance with an average NH₃ yield of 12.5 µg h⁻¹ cm⁻² and a faradaic efficiency of 10.8% at −0.1 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. Theoretical and experimental evidence verifies that the high NRR activity originates from the synergistic effect between the Fe nanodots and MoS₂ nanosheets. Additionally, the electrode also possesses flexibility and long-term stability, providing a potential approach for integration into practical devices.