Electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (NRR) is recognized as a zero-carbon emission method for NH3 synthesis. However, to date, this technology still suffers from low yield and low selectivity associated with the catalyst. Herein, inspired by the activation of N2 by lithium metal, a highly reactive defective black phosphorene (D-BPene ) is proposed as a lithium-like catalyst for boosting electrochemical N2 activation. Correspondingly, we also report a strategy for producing environmentally stable D-BPene by simultaneously constructing defects and fluorination protection based on topochemical reactions. Reliable performance evaluations show that the fluorine-stabilized D-BPene can induce a high NH3 yield rate of ≈70 μg h-1 mgcat. -1 and a high Faradaic efficiency of ≈26 % at -0.5 V vs. RHE in an aqueous electrolyte. This work not only exemplifies the first stable preparation and practical application of D-BPene , but also brings a new design idea for NRR catalysts.
Keywords: Ammonia Synthesis; Black Phosphorene; Defect Engineering; Lithium-Like Catalyst; Nitrogen Reduction Reaction.
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