journal article·2026-07Open access

Recent Advances in Bimetallic Site Catalysts for Photocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis: Synergistic Effects and Design Strategies

Haibo Guo, Liying Wang, Jingjing Wang, Zhenzhu Cao, Yongfeng Zhang, Ziwei Tong, Zhongchao Bai, Nana Wang

Small· Volume 22· Issue 40

Abstract

ABSTRACT Photocatalytic ammonia synthesis employs photocatalysts to harness solar energy, driving the reduction of N 2 into NH 3 . In recent years, bimetallic active‐site catalysts have become a research focus in the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation field. The synergistic effects of bimetallic active sites are used to overcome limitations of single‐metal systems and optimize electronic structures. In addition to systematically summarizing the latest research advances in this field, this review is intended to delineate the potential design principles of bimetallic active sites for nitrogen fixation. These principles primarily encompass three core dimensions: the rational selection of metal element combinations, the adaptive matching of structural designs with supporting substrates, and the precise regulation of heterostructure construction processes. Notably, a central objective of this review is to establish a cohesive and in‐depth understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms by which bimetallic active sites drive and facilitate the multi‐step cascade reactions in nitrogen fixation. Furthermore, the development trends in catalyst modification strategies are systematically analyzed, with subsequent discussion of recent research advancements, current challenges, and prospective development directions aimed at improving energy utilization efficiency and scaling up the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation reaction.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction · Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques · Inorganic Chemistry and Materials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

College of Chemical Engineering Inner Mongolia University of Technology National and Local Joint Engineering Research Centre for High Value Utilization of Coal‐based Solid Waste Key Laboratory of Resource Circulation at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Efficient Cyclic Utilization of Coal–Based Solid Waste Hohhot China

College of Energy Material and Chemistry Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Catalysis Inner Mongolia Advanced Research Institute Inner Mongolia University Hohhot P. R. China

Institute for Superconducting and Electronic Materials Innovation Campus University of Wollongong North Wollongong New South Wales Australia

Institute of Energy Materials Science University of Shanghai for Science and Technology Shanghai P. R. China

Centre for Clean Energy Technology School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences Faculty of Science University of Technology Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia

Funding

China Scholarship Council · Australian Research Council

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