Electrifying the nitrogen cycle: An electrochemical endeavor

The advent of the Haber-Bosch (HB) process has made accessible all forms of nitrogenous derivatives (ammonia, ni-trates, nitrites, and amines), revolutionizing the chemical in-dustry. However, the depleting natural resources and growing environmental concerns demand a shift toward an energy-abated and environment-friendly alternative to the HB process, hence the shift in the recent research focus. The electro-chemical reduction pathway offers one of the most alluring prospects as a carbon-free, environment-friendly, energy-abated alternative to the HB process. In this context, we provide a holistic overview of the electrochemical pathways for nitrogen fixation into its activated forms and categorically discuss the energetical and technological challenges that researchers encounter, simultaneously highlighting commendable contri-butions in the field. We also propose research targets that can serve as a benchmark to measure progress toward the practical realization of the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction.

Automated summary

The Haber-Bosch (HB) process revolutionized the chemical industry by making various nitrogenous derivatives accessible, but depleting natural resources and environmental concerns are driving a shift towards energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives. The electro-chemical reduction pathway is seen as one of the most promising prospects as a carbon-free, environment-friendly, energy-efficient alternative to the HB process.