Synthesis of 2D Nanosheet FePS3 Electrocatalyst via Salt-Template Method for Electrochemical Green Ammonia Production

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) offers a sustainable alternative for ammonia (NH3) synthesis under ambient conditions, addressing the energy-intensive drawbacks of the traditional high-pressure, high-temperature Haber-Bosch process. Although eNRR offers a promising alternative for ammonia synthesis, significant challenges remain in achieving efficient performance. To address these, nanosized 2D layered transition metal phosphorus-sulfide materials, especially those incorporating cost-effective elements like Fe, are being investigated as potential electrocatalysts. In this study, FePS3 was synthesized using a simple and environmentally friendly NaCl-template method. The eNRR performance of FePS3 catalyst resulted in an NH3 yield of 164.4 μg h−1 mgcat−1 with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 47% at an applied potential of −0.6 V vs. RHE under neutral pH condition (0.1 M Na2SO4). Notably, the electrolyte pH played a crucial role in influencing eNRR activity by modulating proton availability, which in turn affected both eNRR and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This work demonstrates the successful synthesis of a low-cost, eco-friendly eNRR catalyst, emphasizing the potential of FePS3 for efficient ammonia production.