Research progress of two-dimensional layered and related derived materials for nitrogen reduction reaction

Abstract

Ammonia (NH₃) is an important chemical substance widely used in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industry. Nitrogen makes up 78% of the atmosphere, which is also the main raw material for the production of ammonia. However, due to the strong bond energy of NN, cracking the triple bond between nitrogen and nitrogen is the most important step in the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Two-dimensional layered materials have been widely explored due to their large specific surface area and tunable electronic structure, such as graphene, black phosphorus, and MXenes. To achieve the targeted design of a new type of nitrogen reduction electrocatalyst, relevant theoretical calculations must be done before the experiment. However, it is far from enough to rely on the two-dimensional layered material; thus, it is necessary to compound itself, or prepare its related derivatives.