Controlled Growth of PtCu_x Quantum Dots on Graphdiyne for Efficient Ammonia Production

The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NtRR) at ambient temperatures and pressures offers a promising way to replace the Haber-Bosch process for NH 3 synthesis. Here we report a general in situ reduction-alloying method for the controlled growth of Pt–Cu alloy quantum dots on graphdiyne (PtCu x /GDY). Experimental results demonstrate the strong interactions between GDY and PtCu x quantum dots can effectively induce the formation of mixed valent metal atoms, modulate the electronic structure of catalytic sites, and enhance the conductivity, thereby endowing the catalyst with high selectivity and catalytic activity for NH 3 production. This catalyst exhibits remarkable selectivity and activity in ammonia production, achieving a high faradaic efficiency (FE) of 96.5% and NH 3 yield rate ( Y NH3 ) of 345.3 μmol NH3 cm –2 h –1 at −0.5 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. These results present an innovative direction for future research on environmentally friendly and highly efficient energy conversion.