Two‐Dimensional MXene Supported Bismuth for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction

Abstract Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), as a green and sustainable ammonia (NH 3 ) synthesis process, is considered to be the most promising alternative to the traditional Haber‐Bosch method for NH 3 synthesis. However, this process requires a highly active electrocatalyst to overcome the problems of low NRR activity and selectivity. Herein, we deposited metallic bismuth nanoparticles on two‐dimensional Ti 3 C 2 MXene nanosheets by a simple liquid phase reduction method to synthesize Bi@Ti 3 C 2 nanocomposites. This composite material is a promising electrocatalyst for environmental electrocatalytic N 2 fixation to NH 3 . Unexpectedly, the Bi@Ti 3 C 2 composite obtains an excellent NH 3 yield and Faraday efficiency as high as 28.3 μg h −1 cm −2 and 27.2 % at −0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in 0.1 M KOH. The high NRR activity can be attributed to the unique N‐philic and H‐phobic characteristics of Bi atoms and the outstanding electronic conductivity of MXene. Moreover, the Bi@Ti 3 C 2 composite catalyst also exhibited good cycling stability and durability of up to 24 h. This work highlights the potential importance of material design and will also expand the research and exploration of high‐efficiency NRR electrocatalysts.