Interfacial Engineering of MoS via Boron-Doping for Electrochemical N-to-NH Conversion.

The electrocatalytic synthesis of ammonia (NH) through the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient temperature and pressure is emerging as an alternative approach to the conventional Haber-Bosch process. However, it remains a significant challenge due to poor kinetics, low nitrogen (N) solubility in aqueous electrolytes, and the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which can significantly impact NH production rates and Faradaic efficiency (FE). Herein, a rationally designed boron-doped molybdenum sulfide (B-Mo-MoS) electrocatalyst is reported that effectively enhances N reduction to  NH with an onset potential of -0.

Nanosynthesis and Characterization of CuSeS as a Potential Cathode for Magnesium Battery Applications.

Copper selenide (Cu-Se) and copper sulfide (Cu-S) are promising cathodes for magnesium-ion batteries. However, the low electronic conductivity of Cu-Se system results in a poor rate capability and unsatisfactory cycling performance. Mg-ion batteries based on the Cu-S cathode exhibited large kinetic barriers during the recharging process owing to the presence of polysulfide species.

Unusual Activity of Rationally Designed Cobalt Phosphide/Oxide Heterostructure Composite for Hydrogen Production in Alkaline Medium.

Design and development of an efficient, nonprecious catalyst with structural features and functionality necessary for driving the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an alkaline medium remain a formidable challenge. At the root of the functional limitation is the inability to tune the active catalytic sites while overcoming the poor reaction kinetics observed under basic conditions. Herein, we report a facile approach to enable the selective design of an electrochemically efficient cobalt phosphide oxide composite catalyst on carbon cloth (CoP-CoO/CC), with good activity and durability toward HER in alkaline medium (η = -43 mV).

Optically and Electrocatalytically Decoupled Si Photocathodes with a Porous Carbon Nitride Catalyst for Nitrogen Reduction with Over 61.8% Faradaic Efficiency.

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) approach is attractive as a promising route for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) toward ammonia (NH ) synthesis. However, the challenges in synergistic management of optical, electrical, and catalytic properties have limited the efficiency of PEC NRR devices. Herein, to enhance light-harvesting, carrier separation/transport, and the catalytic reactions, a concept of decoupling light-harvesting and electrocatalysis by employing a cascade n np -Si photocathode is implemented.

Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation by a Phosphorus-Nitrogen O═PN-Pincer Cobalt Complex.

Water oxidation is a primary step in natural as well as artificial photosynthesis to convert renewable solar energy into chemical energy/fuels. Electrocatalytic water oxidation to evolve O, utilizing suitable low-cost catalysts and renewable electricity, is of fundamental importance considering contemporary energy and environmental issues, yet it is kinetically challenging owing to the complex multiproton/electron transfer processes. Herein, we report the first cobalt-based pincer catalyst for catalytic water oxidation at neutral pH with high efficiency under electrochemical conditions.

Design and Mechanistic Study of Highly Durable Carbon-Coated Cobalt Diphosphide Core-Shell Nanostructure Electrocatalysts for the Efficient and Stable Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

The facile synthesis of hierarchically functional, catalytically active, and electrochemically stable nanostructures holds a tremendous promise for catalyzing the efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and yet remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we report the scalable production of core-shell nanostructures composed of carbon-coated cobalt diphosphide nanosheets, C@CoP, via three simple steps: (i) electrochemical deposition of Co species, (ii) gas-phase phosphidation, and (iii) carbonization of CoP for catalytic durability enhancement. Electrochemical characterizations showed that C@CoP delivers an overpotential of 234 mV, retains its initial activity for over 80 h of continuous operation, and exhibits a fast OER rate of 63.