Asymmetric Electronic Distribution at Mn–Cu Dual Atomic Sites Promoting Electrochemical Conversion of N <sub>2</sub> to NH <sub>3</sub>

Abstract Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia (NH 3 ) is a promising green alternative to the conventional Haber‐Bosch process. Here, we report the synthesis of a heteroatomic metal–metal bonded dual atomic (DA) Mn–Cu catalytic site embedded within nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) matrix for high‐performance electrochemical reduction of N 2 to NH 3 . The asymmetric electronic distribution localized at the dual atomic sites synergistically enhances the adsorption and activation of N 2 , facilitating the complex proton‐coupled electron transfer process. Compared to single atomic (SA)–Mn/NC, DA–MnCu/NC exhibits a fourfold increase in nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) performance, achieving a higher Faradaic efficiency of 67.76 ± 0.7% and 88.34 ± 3.6 µg mg cat −1 h −1 at −0.15 V (versus RHE) in 0.5 M NaBF 4 medium. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrates long‐term stability, retaining its performance over extended operation. This work presents valuable insights into the design of dual atomic catalysts and highlights the critical role of the localized electronic distribution at the catalytic sites in enabling sustainable NH 3 synthesis.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Angewandte Chemie
Published
2025-09-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202507947
Primary Topic
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Asymmetric Electronic Distribution at Mn–Cu Dual Atomic Sites Promoting Electrochemical Conversion of N 2 to NH 3

Qingying Zhang, Xing‐Hua Xia, Yan‐Ruo Li, Sudip Biswas et al.
Angewandte Chemie
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
article

Asymmetric Electronic Distribution at Mn–Cu Dual Atomic Sites Promoting Electrochemical Conversion of N 2 to NH 3

Qingying Zhang, Xing‐Hua Xia, Yan‐Ruo Li, Sudip Biswas, Chungen Liu, Peixin Cui, Jingwen Zhou, Xue‐Lu Chen
article en

Abstract

Abstract Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia (NH 3 ) is a promising green alternative to the conventional Haber‐Bosch process. Here, we report the synthesis of a heteroatomic metal–metal bonded dual atomic (DA) Mn–Cu catalytic site embedded within nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) matrix for high‐performance electrochemical reduction of N 2 to NH 3 . The asymmetric electronic distribution localized at the dual atomic sites synergistically enhances the adsorption and activation of N 2 , facilitating the complex proton‐coupled electron transfer process. Compared to single atomic (SA)–Mn/NC, DA–MnCu/NC exhibits a fourfold increase in nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) performance, achieving a higher Faradaic efficiency of 67.76 ± 0.7% and 88.34 ± 3.6 µg mg cat −1 h −1 at −0.15 V (versus RHE) in 0.5 M NaBF 4 medium. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrates long‐term stability, retaining its performance over extended operation. This work presents valuable insights into the design of dual atomic catalysts and highlights the critical role of the localized electronic distribution at the catalytic sites in enabling sustainable NH 3 synthesis.

Angewandte ChemieVol. 137(44)
Institute of Soil Science (CN), Nanjing University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 86%
Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Asymmetric Electronic Distribution at Mn–Cu Dual Atomic Sites Promoting Electrochemical Conversion of N <sub>2</sub> to NH <sub>3</sub> — Qingying Zhang, Xing‐Hua Xia, et al. · Angewandte Chemie (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS