Heterostructured Bi2S3/MoS2 Nanoarrays for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia Under Ambient Conditions

Abstract

Developing efficient electrocatalysts to realize the nitrate reduction reaction (eNO₃^–RR) for ammonia synthesis as an alternative to the traditional Haber–Bosch production process is of great significance. Herein, the heterostructured Bi₂S₃/MoS₂ nanoarrays were successfully synthesized by Bi₂S₃ nanowires anchored on MoS₂ nanosheets. Owing to the interfacial coupling effect, both particular surface area and exposure active sites increase. Density functional theory further uncovered that the excellent activity originates from charge transfer of the interface and a low potential barrier of 0.58 eV for hydrogenation of *NO to *NOH on Bi₂S₃/MoS₂. Compared with pure Bi₂S₃ and MoS₂ catalysts, the heterostructured Bi₂S₃/MoS₂ nanoarrays exhibit a superior NH₃ yield of 15.04 × 10^–2 mmol·h^–1·cm^–2 and a Faraday efficiency of 88.4% at ?0.8 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. This work provides a new avenue to explore advanced electrocatalysts, which is expected to shorten the distance from the practical application of the eNO₃^–RR technology.