Nanostructured bimetallic Ni–Fe phosphide nanoplates as an electrocatalyst for efficient N2 fixation under ambient conditions

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions has been considered as a promising approach for green ammonia synthesis; however, non-precious metal-based catalysts with excellent NRR electrocatalytic performance have been scarce. Herein, self-supported bimetallic electrocatalysts of Ni12P5/FeP4 nanoplates grown on carbon cloth were synthesized by a combined process of hydrothermal technology and low-temperature phosphidation. The catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic N2 fixation performance with a high NH3 yield rate of 3.08 × 10−10 mol s−1 cm−2 (16.40 μg h−1 mgcat−1), Faradaic efficiency (39.9%) as well good durability at − 0.1 V in 0.1 M Na2SO4 at ambient conditions, which are attributed to the distinctive nanostructure and rational composition. Our study paves the way for expanding the scope of NRR research and designing more efficient electrochemical ammonia synthesis in the future.