Issue 74, 2022

The development of catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction toward ammonia: theoretical and experimental advances

Abstract

Ammonia (NH3) is essential for the industrial production of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, plastics, synthetic fibers, resins, and chemicals, and it is also a promising carbon-free energy carrier. The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) driven by renewable energy sources at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure is an alternative approach to the Haber–Bosch process for NH3 synthesis. However, the efficient electrocatalytic reduction of nitrogen (N2) to NH3 is challenging due to the lack of effective electrocatalysts. Tremendous effort has been made to develop high-performance electrocatalysts for the eNRR in the past few years. In this review, we summarize recent progress relating to electrocatalysts for the eNRR from both theoretical and experimental aspects. Remaining challenges and perspectives for promoting the eNRR to generate NH3 are also discussed. This review hopes to guide the design and development of efficient electrocatalysts for the eNRR for NH3 synthesis.

Graphical abstract: The development of catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction toward ammonia: theoretical and experimental advances

Article information

Article type
Feature Article
Submitted
17 Eka. 2022
Accepted
11 Abu. 2022
First published
12 Abu. 2022

Chem. Commun., 2022,58, 10290-10302

The development of catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction toward ammonia: theoretical and experimental advances

Y. Cui, C. Sun, Y. Qu, T. Dai, H. Zhou, Z. Wang and Q. Jiang, Chem. Commun., 2022, 58, 10290 DOI: 10.1039/D2CC03410G

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