Flatland materials for photochemical and electrochemical nitrogen fixation applications: from lab-door experiments to large-scale applicability

Abstract

Rational design of materials in a catalytic system is the main determinant of the efficiency of sustainable energy sources. Significant efforts have focused on the study and development of flatland two-dimensional (2D) materials (MXenes, MBenes, transition metal dichalcogenides/phosphides (TMDs/TMPs), phosphorene, graphene derivatives) towards energy-driven aspirations in consideration of their superior physiochemical properties as compared to their non-layered counterpart materials, surpassing their transport properties and conductivity. Herein, we aim to provide a detailed account of where the flatland materials currently stand to achieve the goal of sustainability in light of their photochemical and electrochemical nitrogen fixation applications. As of now, numerous challenges have limited the expansion of 2D-material derived nitrogen fixation operations for scalable applications. Therefore, we summarized techno-economic analysis and future perspectives of nitrogen fixation applications in relation to their practical ammonia applicability. We have briefly summarized the functionality of flatland materials and classified them on the basis of their photochemical and electrochemical efficiencies.