Protecting and Enhancing the Photoelectrocatalytic Performance of InGaN Nanowires toward Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia Synthesis
Source abstract
Abstract
The photoelectrochemical (PEC) reduction of nitrogen (N 2 ) to ammonia (NH 3 ) has emerged as a potential alternative to the conventional Haber–Bosch approach as the solar energy-driven process reduces energy consumption. In this work, PEC N 2 reduction is demonstrated with indium gallium nitride (InGaN) nanowires deposited with molybdenum carbide (Mo 2 C) co-catalyst. Interestingly, the incorporation of a GaN buffer layer between InGaN and Mo 2 C forms a suitable band alignment for rapid photogenerated charge carrier separation for the N 2 reduction reaction (NRR). Impressively, a maximum NH 3 production yield and Faradaic efficiency of 7.93 μg·h –1 ·cm –2 and 15.39%, respectively, is achieved at −0.2 V vs the reversible hydrogen electrode with the unique band structure of the Mo 2 C/GaN/InGaN photoelectrode. Density functional theory calculations reveal the favorable Gibbs free energy and efficient charge transfer process of the unique band structure of Mo 2 C/GaN/InGaN for effective NRR.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction · Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques · MXene and MAX Phase Materials
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Photonics Laboratory, Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Physics, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India
KAUST Catalysis Center, Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
Funding
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology · Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India
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