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Efficient ammonia synthesis from nitric oxide using the topological nodal-line semimetal CaAgAs

Xinyan Zhang, Ying Liu*, Min Zhao, Zihan Li, Xuefang Dai, Xiaoming Zhang, and Guodong Liu†

  • Hebei Engineering Laboratory of Photoelectronic Functional Crystals, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, People’s Republic of China

  • *Contact author: ying_liu@hebut.edu.cn
  • †Contact author: gdliu1978@126.com

Phys. Rev. Applied 25, 044023 – Published 9 April, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/w9zg-y11n

Abstract

We identify the topological nodal-line semimetal (NLSM) CaAgAs as an efficient electrocatalyst for the nitric oxide reduction reaction, offering an alternative to the energy- and carbon-intensive Haber-Bosch process. First-principles calculations reveal that CaAgAs hosts a nodal loop around the Fermi level, generating drumheadlike topological surface states (TSSs) protected by mirror symmetry. These TSSs provide a high surface density of states (SDOS) near the Fermi level, which underpins excellent catalytic activity of CaAgAs. The Gibbs free energy (ΔG) of the potential-determining step is 0.22 eV, lower than that of conventional Cu catalysts, while high ammonia selectivity is ensured by larger free-energy increases required for byproduct formation (>1.48 eV) and suppression of the hydrogen evolution reaction. External perturbations, such as strain and doping, are applied to CaAgAs, revealing a quantitative linear correlation between the SDOS and ΔG, thereby highlighting the role of TSSs. Strain engineering can further reduce ΔG to 0.08 eV by tuning the nodal-loop size. Symmetry-breaking strategies confirm that the catalytic performance deteriorates when TSSs are destroyed, as CaAgAs transitions to a Weyl semimetal or a trivial insulator. Overall, this work uncovers an application of NLSMs in electrocatalysis and provides a topological design strategy for eco-friendly ammonia synthesis.

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

synopsis

Topological Catalyst Boosts Ammonia Synthesis

Published 9 April, 2026

Thanks to its unusual band structure, a metal alloy could speed up a potentially sustainable production process.

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