Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2023, Vol. 54: 161-177.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(23)64537-1

• Reviews • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Recent advances of ammoxidation in clean energy exploitation and sewage purification: A mini review

Yingzhen Zhanga, Jianying Huanga,b,*(), Yuekun Laia,b,*()   

  1. aNational Engineering Research Center of Chemical Fertilizer Catalyst (NERC-CFC), College of Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
    bQingyuan Innovation Laboratory, Quanzhou 362801, Fujian, China
  • Received:2023-06-12 Accepted:2023-09-27 Online:2023-11-18 Published:2023-11-15
  • Contact: *E-mail: yklai@fzu.edu.cn (Y. Lai), jyhuang@fzu.edu.cn (J. Huang).
  • About author:Jianying Huang received PhD degree in 2007 from College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University. During 2007-2011, she is an assistant professor at Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter. Later, she acted as visiting scholar at Muenster University. From 2013 to 2018, she was an associate professor at School of Textile and Clothing Engineering in Soochow University. Currently, she is a full professor at College of Chemical Engineering at Fuzhou University, and selected as the 2019-2022 Highly Cited Researchers. Her research interests focus on bio-inspired surfaces with special wettability, advanced materials for energy and environmental applications.
    Yuekun Lai is a Fujian province “Minjiang Scholar” Chair Professor at the College of Chemical Engineering at Fuzhou University, and served as Editor of Chemical Engineering Journal. He received his PhD degree from the Department of Chemistry, Xiamen University. He is selected as the 2018-2022 Highly Cited Researchers (Clarivate Analytics) and the recipient of the 2016 Journal of Materials Chemistry A (JMCA, RSC) Emerging Investigators and 2019 Advanced Materials Interfaces (AMI, Wiley) Hall of Fame award. His current research topics are bioinspired intelligent materials with special wettability, multifunctional fabrics, conductive hydrogels and functional nanostructures for energy and environmental applications.
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(22075046);National Natural Science Foundation of China(51972063);National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFB3804905);National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFB3804900);National Key Research and Development Program of China(2019YFE0111200);Natural Science Funds for Distinguished Young Scholar of Fujian Province(2020J06038);Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(2019J01256);111 Project(D17005)

Abstract:

In recent decades, the advancement of clean energy technologies and sewage purification has emerged as a focal point of research. This review focuses on the ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) and summarizes its multifaceted applications, including its use in direct ammonia fuel cells (DAFCs), its coupling with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and its significance in ammonia-containing sewage purification. We discuss how the combination of in-situ characterization techniques and theoretical models has emerged as a powerful tool for exploring the AOR mechanism. The interplay of operational parameters such as temperature and pH, along with catalyst design, is emphasized in the context of DAFCs, highlighting the need for precise optimization to enhance efficiency. The importance of selectivity in the nitrogen gas product in ammonia-containing wastewater is also discussed. Furthermore, the review addresses the challenges and opportunities in AOR research, including strategies to enhance catalytic activity, identify active centers, maximize the utilization of catalyst atoms, and improve selectivity while ensuring catalyst durability. Ultimately, this review serves as a comprehensive guide for researchers and practitioners interested in harnessing the potential of AOR to bridge the gap between clean energy generation and sustainable wastewater treatment, offering insights into a greener and more environmentally responsible future.

Key words: Ammonia oxidation reaction, Direct ammonia fuel cells, Hydrogen, Sewage purification, Clean energy, Electrocatalysis