Cu 3 P nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide hybrid: an efficient electrocatalyst to realize N 2 -to-NH 3 conversion under ambient conditions

Industrial NH 3 synthesis mainly relies on the Haber–Bosch process operated under harsh conditions. Ambient electrochemical N 2 reduction offers an eco-friendly and sustainable pathway for NH 3 synthesis, but its implementation depends on efficient electrocatalysts. Here, we report that a Cu 3 P nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide (Cu 3 P-rGO) hybrid serves as an efficient electrocatalyst toward NH 3 synthesis. Tested in 0.1 M HCl, Cu 3 P-rGO exhibits a large NH 3 yield of 26.38 μg h −1 mg cat. −1 and a high faradaic efficiency of 10.11% at −0.45 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode, with high electrochemical stability. Theoretical calculations reveal that Cu 3 P can efficiently catalyze NH 3 synthesis.