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/Co₃O₄ nanocomposites (Co₃O₄@NCs) with core-shell structures as an efficient electrocatalyst for the artificial nitrogen fixation at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in 0.05 M H₂SO₄. It exhibits a high NH₃ 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 N₂ reduction reaction performance of Co₃O₄@NCs originates from the synergistic effects of N-doped carbon and Co₃O₄ with significant oxygen vacancy. In addition, we speculate that the core-shell structure can further enhance the electrochemical activity for producing NH₃.