Aqueous electrocatalytic N2 reduction for ambient NH3 synthesis: recent advances in catalyst development and performance improvement

Abstract

Electrochemical N₂ reduction has emerged as an environmentally benign alternative to the Haber–Bosch process for sustainable NH₃ synthesis under ambient reaction conditions, and considerable recent attention has focused on electrocatalytic NH₃ synthesis from N₂ and H₂O in aqueous media. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent advances in the development of electrocatalysts for the N₂ reduction reaction (NRR). Strategies to boost the NRR performances are also discussed. Perspectives for further research directions are provided finally.