Rational design of electrocatalysts and photo(electro)catalysts for nitrogen reduction to ammonia (NH₃) under ambient conditions

Abstract

As one of the most important chemicals and carbon-free energy carriers, ammonia (NH₃) has a worldwide annual production of ~150 million tons, and is mainly produced by the traditional high-temperature and high-pressure Haber–Bosch process which consumes massive amounts of energy. Very recently, electrocatalytic and photo(electro)catalytic reduction of N₂ to NH₃, which can be performed at ambient conditions using renewable energy, have received tremendous attention. The overall performance of these electrocatalytic and photo(electro)catalytic systems is largely dictated by their core components, catalysts. This perspective for the first time highlights the rational design of electrocatalysts and photo(electro)catalysts for N₂ reduction to NH₃ under ambient conditions. Fundamental theory of catalytic reaction pathways for the N₂ reduction reaction and the corresponding material design principles are introduced first. Then, recently developed electrocatalysts and photo(electro)catalysts are summarized, with a special emphasis on the relationship between their physicochemical properties and NH₃ production performance. Finally, the opportunities in this emerging research field, in particular, the strategy of combining experimental and theoretical techniques to design efficient and stable catalysts for NH₃ production, are outlined.