Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction on defective graphene modulated from single atom catalyst to aluminium clusters

TitleElectrocatalytic nitrogen reduction on defective graphene modulated from single atom catalyst to aluminium clusters
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsMaibam, A, Krishnamurty, S, BabaRao, R
JournalApplied Surface Science
Volume623
Pagination157024
Date PublishedJUN
Type of ArticleArticle
ISSN0169-4332
Abstract

Density Functional Theory (DFT) investigation on the most earth-abundant Al-based catalysts, has been conducted detailing its electronic properties and catalytic efficacy for nitrogen reduction at ambient condition. The Al-based catalysts have been modulated to perform as par a highly performing, but rare, Ru-single atom catalytic center by varying number of Al atoms, shape, and size. The coalesce of band-center, work function and electronic properties in metal atom catalysts along with N-N bond activation has been demonstrated to be responsible for an efficient nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) with Delta Gmax of 0.78 eV in Al5 supported on N-doped double vacancy graphene (Al5@N4-DVG) catalyst. Electron localization function analysis has shown a weak physisorption of N2 in the Al-based catalysts. Projected Density of States (PDOS) illustrates the enhancement of aluminium electron density in Al5@N4-DVG led to enhanced orbital densities overlap of Alp and Np electrons. The Bader charge analysis and electronic analysis of the intermediates show efficient electron gain on the N atoms, leading to formation of NH3 from the NxHy intermediates in Al5@N4-DVG catalyst.

DOI10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.157024
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)

Foreign

Impact Factor (IF)

7.392

Divison category: 
Physical and Materials Chemistry
Database: 
Web of Science (WoS)

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