MXene Jacketed Amorphous Ga₂O₃ Nanofibers Modulate the Fiber Surface-Rich Electron for Boosted Electrocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis.

Abstract

Nitrogen (N₂) activation and the hydrogen evolution reaction pose significant limitations on the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) performance. The exclusive electronic structure of the main group elements has the advantage of inhibiting hydrogen generation in electrochemical NRR. However, the poor conductivity and activity remain the obstacles to its application. Herein, we report a combination strategy of cation-induced amorphous Ga₂O₃ nanofibers and heterostructure engineering, thereby effectively enhancing electrocatalytic performance. The amorphization of Ga₂O₃ nanofibers generates more oxygen vacancies that enhance the N₂ activation and electron transfer ability. Additionally, by constructing heterogeneous structures to drive the charge transfer, we enrich electronics on the surface of a-Ga₂O₃ nanofibers and increase their catalytic activity. Thus, the a-Ga₂O₃/MXene nanofibers deliver the NH₃ yield of 50.00 μg h^-1 mg^-1 and FE of 19.13% at -0.35 V. We anticipate that these findings will offer a new reference value for further ammonia synthesis research on Ga₂O₃ materials.