A subnanoscale dynamic-integrated catalytic system for bioinspired photoelectrochemical ammonia synthesis.

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical nitrogen (N) fixation to ammonia (NH₃) is a sustainable route for hydrogen storage yet limited by the stubborn N≡N bond and competitive interfacial reaction kinetics. Inspired by nitrogenase, we design single-atom iron (Fe)-doped tungsten oxide (WO₃) subnanowires as a bioinspired, dynamically integrated catalytic platform to systematically overcome these challenges: (i) The distorted lattice and asymmetric sites create a dynamically responsive catalytic center, where photoinduced valence-lattice oscillation drives electron delocalization, shifting the conventional N₂ adsorption mode and reaction pathway; (ii) the unique self-adhesive and film-forming properties enable robust, binder-free electrodes with maximized active-site exposure; and (iii) surface ligand engineering establishes a bioinspired microenvironment that selectively enriches N₂ and regulates proton access. This system achieves an NH₃ yield of 286 micrograms per milligram of catalyst per hour, a 24-fold improvement over conventional Fe-WO₃ nanowires, with stable performance over 30 cycles. This work demonstrates functionally integrated, bioinspired catalysis at the subnanoscale, offering a paradigm for efficient molecular conversion.