Self-powered NH3 synthesis by trifunctional Co2B-based high power density Zn-air batteries

• The electrochemical production of NH3 by Zn-air batteries is a viable and economical approach to realize sustainable and competent energy conversion. We report the environment friendly, cost-effective, and energy efficient sonochemical synthesis of amorphous Co2B nanosheets for trifunctional electrocatalysis. The catalyst exhibits a high NH3 yield rate (2.98 mg h(-1) mg(cat.)(-1)), F.E (20.45%), and TOF of 0.74 h(-1) at -0.3 V vs. RHE, thereby unveiling an outstanding performance for the artificial ammonia synthesis. The reliable and true NH3 production is premediated by following rigorous protocol that involves the purification of gas supplies, elimination of N-contaminants, and quantification of NH3 by different methods, UV-Vis spectroscopy and N-15(2) isotope labelling experiments. More interestingly, DFT calculations on the Co2B catalyst surface shed light on the efficient NRR owing to the presence of Co active sites and possible HER suppression. The optimized Co2B catalyst shows outstanding oxygen bifunctional activity. When employed as an air-cathode for Zn-air batteries, it exhibited remarkable electrocatalytic activity delivering an open circuit potential of 1.45 V with a high power density of 500 mW cm(-2) and an energy density of 1078 W h kg(-1), which can perform NH3 generation with an overall NH3 production yield rate of 1.048 mg h(-1) mg(cat.)(-1).

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Kemiteknik -- Annan kemiteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Chemical Engineering -- Other Chemical Engineering (hsv//eng)

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