Catalyst design strategies for aqueous N2 electroreduction

Abstract NH3 is a critical chemical that sustains modern agriculture, industry, pharmacy, etc. The Haber-Bosch (HB) process is the most widely used method for ammonia production. However, it accounts for significant energy consumption, environmental pollution, and climatic degeneration. Recently, electrocatalytic technologies which can produce ammonia through the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) in a low-cost and scalable aqueous cell have exhibited great potential in replacing the traditional HB method. Although promising, many barriers impede the industrialization of this alternative process, mainly the low ammonia yield rates, low energy efficiency and poor catalyst stability. To better understand and develop this research area, in this review, we summarize the main catalyst design strategies for effective electrocatalytic NH3 synthesis. The research background and reaction mechanisms are firstly introduced. Then, the strategies about catalyst structure are summarized from HER inhibition and N2 activation aspects. Finally, a summary of strategies and a brief outlook on future directions are given.