Acid-Etched Lead Telluride with Defect-Regulated Surfaces Enables Efficient Mechanical-Energy-Driven Nitrogen Fixation

Abstract Ambient ammonia synthesis is important for carbon neutrality. Tribo-electro-catalysis, which converts mechanical friction into chemical driving force through contact electrification and charge transfer, offers a route for nitrogen (N2) fixation. However, inefficient utilization of friction-induced charges and insufficient N2 activation remain major challenges. Herein, acid-etching defect engineering regulates the surface and electronic structures of lead telluride (PbTe) for N2 fixation. The catalyst etched for 90 min exhibits the enhanced activity under dark ambient conditions, delivering ammonium (NH4+) production rates of 258.98 and 329.60 μmol L–1·g–1·h–1 without and with 10 vol % methanol, respectively. Analyses reveal that etching reconstructs the surface, generates defect sites, facilitates N2 adsorption and activation, and promotes friction-induced charge utilization. Excessive etching decreases activity. Charge-trapping and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements support the role of friction-induced negative charges, establishing defect-mediated charge regulation as an effective strategy for sustainable ammonia synthesis.