Emerging p-Block-Element-Based Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Nitrogen Conversion

Artificial nitrogen conversion reactions, such as the production of ammonia via dinitrogen or nitrate reduction and the synthesis of organonitrogen compounds via C-N coupling, play a pivotal role in the modern life. As alternatives to the traditional industrial processes that are energy-and carbon-emission-intensive, electrocatalytic nitrogen conversion reactions under mild conditions have attracted significant research interests. However, the electrosynthesis process still suffers from low product yield and Faradaic efficiency, which highlight the importance of developing efficient catalysts. In contrast to the transition-metal-based catalysts that have been widely studied, the p-block-element-based catalysts have recently shown promising performance because of their intriguing physiochemical properties and intrinsically poor hydrogen adsorption ability. In this Perspective, we summarize the latest breakthroughs in the development of p-block-element based electrocatalysts toward nitrogen conversion applications, including ammonia electrosynthesis from N2 reduction and nitrate reduction and urea electrosynthesis using nitrogen-containing feedstocks and carbon dioxide. The catalyst design strategies and the underlying reaction mechanisms are discussed. Finally, major challenges and opportunities in future research directions are also proposed.

Automated summary

The article discusses the importance of artificial nitrogen conversion reactions and the need for efficient catalysts. In contrast to transition-metal-based catalysts, p-block-element-based catalysts have shown promising performance due to their unique physiochemical properties and poor hydrogen adsorption ability. The latest breakthroughs in the development of these catalysts for nitrogen conversion applications, such as ammonia and urea electrosynthesis, are summarized, along with discussions on catalyst design strategies and reaction mechanisms. The challenges and opportunities for future research directions are also proposed.