Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2024, Vol. 66: 20-52.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(24)60123-3

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Structural regulation strategies of nitrogen reduction electrocatalysts

Siyu Chen, Jingqi Guan*()   

  1. Institute of Physical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China
  • Received:2024-07-25 Accepted:2024-08-28 Online:2024-11-18 Published:2024-11-10
  • Contact: *E-mail: guanjq@jlu.edu.cn (J. Guan).
  • About author:Jingqi Guan (Jilin University) was invited as a young member of the 6th Editorial Board of Chin. J. Catal. and the 5th Editorial Board of Acta Phys.-Chim. Sin. Prof. Jingqi Guan received his B.A. degree in 2002 and Ph.D. degree in 2007 from Jilin University. He carried out postdoctoral research in the University of California at Berkeley from 2012 to 2013 and in Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences from 2014 to 2018. His research interests are in engineering single-atom catalysts and 2D materials for electrocatalysis, renewable energy, and biosensors. He has published more than 210 peer-reviewed papers.
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(22075099);Natural Science Foundation of Jilin Province(20220101051JC)

Abstract:

Ammonia is a carrier of high energy density and a good hydrogen storage substance. The Haber-Bosch process accounts for 90% of the world's ammonia production, which relies on natural gas and fossil resources as energy sources, not only polluting the ecological environment, but also accelerating the consumption of resources. To explore new ways to synthesize ammonia and reduce carbon emissions, electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to produce ammonia has been emerged owing to the advantages of environmental protection, low energy consumption and mild reaction conditions. Here, we systematize the NRR mechanisms, including dissociation mechanism, association mechanism (involving distal pathway, alternative path, and enzymatic mechanism), and Mars-van Krevelen mechanism. Then, theoretical calculations, performance parameters, synthesis methods, and types of NRR electrocatalysts are detailedly introduced. Moreover, effective strategies to optimize the electronic structures of NRR electrocatalysts are emphatically discussed, including d-band center modulation (involving monoatomic dispersion, doping strategy, defect engineering, interface engineering, and strain effect), p-band center modulation, and other regulation strategies (involving construction of heterojunction, electron spin state modulation, phase interface engineering, and lithium ion mediation). Furthermore, we introduce NRR-related cell design and development. In addition, we evaluate relevant NRR experimental techniques, including N adsorption characterization techniques and methods for identification of active sites. Finally, the future challenges and opportunities concerning the improvement of NRR catalysts are outlined.

Key words: Nitrogen reduction reaction, Haber-Bosch process, Detection method, Electronic structure, Reaction mechanism