Roads less traveled: Nitrogen reduction reaction catalyst design strategies for improved selectivity

Direct electrochemical nitrogen reduction for ammonia production is necessary to reduce the use of fossil fuels from conventional Haber-Bosch methods. Applications of nitrogen reduction electrocatalysts remain inhibited by slow reaction kinetics and low faradaic efficiencies because of competitive H-2 production pathways. Current strategies to address this challenge in selectivity have focused on catalyst design, reactor configuration, and electrolyte conditions. This brief review discusses the thermodynamic and kinetic challenges in the field as well as current underused approaches for selective catalyst development including bimetallic catalysts, transition metal nitrides, and carbon supports.

Automated summary

This review discusses the necessity of direct electrochemical nitrogen reduction for ammonia production to reduce fossil fuel use, the challenges faced by nitrogen reduction electrocatalysts, and strategies to address these challenges such as catalyst design and reaction conditions control. It also explores some underused approaches for selective catalyst development.