Recent Advances in Designing Catalysts and Reaction Systems for Electrochemical Synthesis of Ammonia

Abstract

AbstractThe current industrial synthesis of ammonia involves an energy‐intensive Haber‐Bosch process, significantly contributing to a massive carbon footprint. An electrochemical synthetic pathway for nitrogen fixation has recently garnered significant attention. It allows ammonia production through a green process without generating harmful pollutants. However, due to the robust N≡N bond, the limited nitrogen solubility, and the competing reactions of hydrogen extraction, the synthesis of ammonia by electrochemical nitrogen reduction (e‐NRR) is far from achieving industrialization. The intrinsic properties of the catalyst, the gas‐solid‐liquid interface, and the specific design of reaction system are the key factors that affect e‐NRR performance. Therefore, this review discusses recent efforts in enhancing e‐NRR performance towards ammonia production with regards to catalyst design, reaction interface optimization, and modulation of the reaction system (including lithium mediated ammonia synthesis). Finally, various promising research strategies and remaining tasks are presented. It is anticipated that this review could be beneficial for the further development of highly efficient and selective e‐NRR to ammonia.