The MXene‐supported single transition metal systems have been reported as promising electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and carbon dioxide reduction reaction. Herein, the potential performance of MXene‐based catalysts was explored on nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Density functional theory computations are carried out to screen a series of transition metal atoms confined in a vacancy of MXene nanosheet (Mo2TiC2O2). The results reveal that the Zr, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, Re, and Os supported on defective Mo2TiC2O2 layer can significantly promote the NRR process. Among them, Zr‐doped single atom catalyst (Mo2TiC2O2‐ZrSA) possesses the lowest barrier (0.15 eV) of the potential‐determining step, as well as high selectivity over HER competition. To the best of knowledge, 0.15 eV is the lowest barrier of potential‐determining step that has been reported for NRR so far. Besides, the formation energy of Mo2TiC2O2‐ZrSA is much more negative than that of the synthesized Mo2TiC2O2‐PtSA catalyst, suggesting that the experimental preparation of Mo2TiC2O2‐ZrSA is feasible. This work thus predicts an efficient electrocatalyst for the reduction of N2 to NH3 at ambient conditions.
Dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) have attracted much attention owing to their low cost, high voltage, and environmental friendliness. As the source of active ions during the charging/discharging process, the electrolyte plays a critical role in the performance of DIBs, including capacity, energy density, and cycling life. However, most used electrolyte systems based on the LiPF6 salt demonstrate unsatisfactory performance in DIBs. We have successfully developed a 7.5 mol kg−1 lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) in a carbonate electrolyte system. Compared with diluted electrolytes, this highly concentrated electrolyte exhibits several advantages: 1) enhanced intercalation capacity and cycling stability of the graphite cathode, 2) optimized structural stability of the Al anode, and 3) significantly increased battery energy density. A proof‐of‐concept DIB based on this concentrated electrolyte exhibits a discharge capacity of 94.0 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 and 96.8 % capacity retention after 500 cycles. By counting both the electrode materials and electrolyte, the energy density of this DIB reaches up to ≈180 Wh kg−1, which is among the best performances of DIBs reported to date.
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