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.