Journal: Nano Research Energy
Year: 2022
Citations: 358
DOI: 10.26599/NRE.2022.9120010

Abstract

The nitrogen cycle is essential for life on Earth, involving the conversion of nitrogen between its various chemical forms. Electrocatalytic nitrogen cycle reactions, including nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR), and nitrogen oxidation reaction (NOR), offer sustainable approaches for nitrogen fixation and removal. However, these reactions face significant challenges due to the strong N≡N triple bond and competing reactions. Recent advances in nanostructured heterogeneous catalysts have shown promise in addressing these challenges. This review summarizes recent progress in the design and development of nanostructured catalysts for N-cycle electrocatalysis, with emphasis on understanding structure-activity relationships and reaction mechanisms. We discuss various catalyst design strategies, including single-atom catalysts, defect engineering, and heterostructure construction, and their applications in different N-cycle reactions.

Summary

This comprehensive review examines recent advances in nanostructured heterogeneous catalysts for nitrogen cycle electrocatalysis, addressing critical challenges in sustainable nitrogen conversion processes. The research focuses on electrocatalytic nitrogen cycle reactions including nitrogen reduction, nitrate reduction, and nitrogen oxidation reactions, which offer environmentally sustainable approaches for nitrogen fixation and removal. The study addresses significant technical challenges posed by the strong nitrogen triple bond and competing side reactions that have historically limited the efficiency of these processes.

The paper provides detailed analysis of various catalyst design strategies that have emerged to overcome these challenges, including single-atom catalysts, defect engineering approaches, and heterostructure construction methods. The research emphasizes understanding structure-activity relationships and reaction mechanisms, providing fundamental insights that guide the development of more effective catalytic systems. The review systematically examines how nanostructured materials can be engineered to enhance selectivity, activity, and stability in nitrogen cycle electrocatalysis.

The work’s significance extends beyond fundamental catalysis research to address global sustainability challenges related to nitrogen management. By developing more efficient electrocatalytic processes for nitrogen conversion, this research contributes to sustainable alternatives to energy-intensive industrial nitrogen fixation processes and environmentally harmful nitrogen removal methods. The comprehensive analysis of catalyst design principles provides valuable guidance for researchers developing next-generation materials for sustainable nitrogen cycle management.

Main Takeaways

• Sustainable Nitrogen Conversion: The research addresses critical challenges in developing environmentally sustainable alternatives to energy-intensive industrial nitrogen fixation and environmentally harmful nitrogen removal processes.

• Advanced Catalyst Design: The study examines innovative catalyst design strategies including single-atom catalysts, defect engineering, and heterostructure construction to overcome the challenges posed by nitrogen’s strong triple bond.

• Structure-Activity Understanding: The research emphasizes fundamental understanding of structure-activity relationships and reaction mechanisms, providing insights that guide development of more effective catalytic systems.

• Multiple Reaction Applications: The work covers various nitrogen cycle reactions including nitrogen reduction, nitrate reduction, and nitrogen oxidation, demonstrating the versatility of nanostructured catalyst approaches.

• Energy Efficiency Focus: The research targets development of electrocatalytic processes that can operate under mild conditions using renewable electricity, potentially replacing energy-intensive traditional methods.

• Environmental Impact Potential: The advances could significantly reduce the environmental footprint of nitrogen-related industrial processes, which currently consume substantial global energy and produce significant emissions.