Recent Advances in Solar Photo(electro)catalytic Nitrogen Fixation

Authors

Jun-Bo MA, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
Sheng LIN, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
Zhiqun LIN, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585, Singapore
Lan SUN, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
Chang-Jian LIN, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China

Document Type

Review

Corresponding Author(s)

SUN Lan(sunlan@xmu.edu.cn);
LIN Chang-Jian(cjlin@xmu.edu.cn)

Abstract

Ammonia (NH₃) is an essential chemical in modern society. It is currently produced in industry by the Haber-Bosch process using H₂ and N₂ as reactants in the presence of iron-based catalysts at high-temperature (400-600^oC) extremely high-pressure (20-40 MPa) conditions. However, its efficiency is limited to 10% to 15%. At the same time, the large amount of energy is consumed, and CO₂ emissions is inevitably. The development of a sustainable, clean, and environmentally friendly energy system represents a key strategy to address energy crisis and environmental pollution, ultimately aiming to achieve carbon neutrality. Within this framework, semiconductor photocatalytic nitrogen fixation leverages green and pollution-free solar energy to produce NH₃ -- an essential chemical raw material. This innovative process offers a sustainable alternative to the conventional chemical NH₃ production method that involves tremendous energy consumption and environmental pollution. Herein, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the photo(electroc)catalytic nitrogen fixation reaction, covering influencing factors, experimental equipment of photocatalysis, electrocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis, characteristics, and reaction mechanism. Particularly, recent advances in semiconductor photocatalyst, photo(electro)catalytic nitrogen fixation system, and photo(electro)catalytic nitrogen fixation mechanism are discussed. Future research directions in solar photo(electro)catalytic nitrogen fixation technology are also outlined.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

solar energy, photo(electro)catalysis, nitrogen fixation

DOI

10.61558/2993-074X.3443

Online Date

1-15-2024

Recommended Citation

MA Jun-Bo, LIN Sheng , Zhiqun LIN , SUN Lan , LIN Chang-Jian . Recent Advances in Solar Photo(electro)catalytic Nitrogen Fixation[J]. Journal of Electrochemistry, doi: 10.61558/2993-074X.3443.