Author Identifier
Lei Shi
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5424-7103
Yu Yin
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9891-4948
Hongqi Sun
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
ACS Catalysis
Publisher
ACS Publications
School
School of Engineering
RAS ID
32872
Funders
Edith Cowan University - Open Access Support Scheme 2020
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3), one of the basic chemicals in most fertilizers and a promising carbon-free energy storage carrier, is typically synthesized via the Haber–Bosch process with high energy consumption and massive emission of greenhouse gases. The photo/electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions has attracted increasing interests recently, providing alternative routes to realize green NH3 synthesis. Despite rapid advances achieved in this most attractive research field, the unsatisfactory conversion efficiency including a low NH3 yield rate, and limited Faradaic efficiency or apparent quantum efficiency still remains as a great challenge. The NRR performance is intrinsically related to the electronic and surface structure of catalysts. Rational design and preparation of advanced catalysts are indispensable to improve the performance (e.g., activity and selectivity) of NRR. In this Review, various strategies for the development of desirable catalysts are comprehensively summarized, mainly containing the defect engineering, structural manipulation, crystallographic tailoring, and interface regulation. State-of-the-art heterogeneous NRR catalysts, prevailing theories and underlying catalytic mechanisms, together with current issues, critical challenges, and perspectives are discussed. It is highly expected that this Review will promote the understanding of recent advances in this area and stimulate greater interests for designing promising NRR catalysts in future.
DOI
10.1021/acscatal.0c01081
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
Shi, L., Yin, Y., Wang, S., & Sun, H. (2020). Rational catalyst design for N2 reduction under ambient conditions: Strategies towards enhanced conversion efficiency. ACS Catalysis. 10, 6870 - 6899.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.0c01081