First-principles-driven catalyst design protocol of 2D/2D heterostructures for electro- and photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction

Ammonia synthesis from nitrogen is a vital process and a necessity in a variety of applications including energy, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and chemical applications. The electro- and photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reactions (NRRs) are promising sustainable processes operated under milder conditions than the conventional Haber-Bosch process. However, the main pain points of these catalytic processes are their low selectivity and low efficiency. This perspective presents the recent status and the design protocols for developing promising 2D/2D heterojunction catalysts for the NRR, using the first-principles approach. The current theoretical studies are briefly discussed, and available methods are suggested for the development and design of new potential 2D/2D heterojunctions as efficient electro- and photo-NRR catalysts.

Automated summary

Ammonia synthesis is a vital process for various applications, and the electro- and photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reactions (NRRs) offer sustainable alternatives to the conventional Haber-Bosch process. However, these catalytic processes face challenges of low selectivity and efficiency. This perspective discusses recent advances in designing 2D/2D heterojunction catalysts using first-principles approach for efficient electro- and photo-NRR.