Coupling Ru Single-Atom and Oxygen Vacancy in Ru/SnO2−x for Efficient Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia Via Electronic Synergistic Effect

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) is a promising approach for ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions, which presents considerable advantages over conventional synthesis methods. However, highly efficient catalysts are crucial to drive the ENRR reaction. Here, we developed a Ru/SnO2_x catalyst by depositing single-atomic Ru onto an oxygen vacancy (VO)-enriched SnO2 substrate. Theoretical calculations revealed intrinsic electronic synergy between VO and Ru, significantly reducing the energy barrier for the ENRR rate-determining step. Moreover, VO enhances conductivity and charge transfer efficiency. Our catalyst yielded an impressive 32.4 & mu;g h_ 1 mgcat._ 1 of ammonia, with a Faraday efficiency of 16.2 % and excellent electrochemical stability, surpassing most previously reported Ru-based ENRR catalysts.