Recent progress in ammonia synthesis based on photoelectrocatalysis

Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) ammonia synthesis from nitrogen and water is a promising approach for energy development and N-neutralization goal under mild conditions. Although significant progress has been made in the past few decades, the mechanisms underlying the synergistic effect between light and electricity are still challenging. One particular line of study is to improve the performances of PEC catalysts, such as selectivity, yield, and stability, etc. Here we review the recent progress in PEC ammonia synthesis. We first provide a systematic description of the driven bias in PEC ammonia processes, involving electrochemical apparatus, photovoltaic voltage, and chemical potential. The various strategies, including vacancy engineering, ion doping, frustrated Lewis pair design, heterojunction construction, cocatalyst loading and single atom synthesis to fabricate new catalysts, are then outlined. The performance and mechanism of PEC N-2 reduction are further summarized, followed by the current challenge and future prospects. This would guide both the productiveness and mechanism of NH3 synthesis based on advanced PEC systems.

Automated summary

Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) ammonia synthesis is a promising method for energy development and N-neutralization under mild conditions. However, the mechanisms underlying the synergistic effect between light and electricity are still challenging. This review focuses on improving the performance of PEC catalysts and provides a systematic description of driven bias in PEC ammonia processes. Various strategies for fabricating new catalysts and the performance and mechanism of PEC N2 reduction are discussed. The current challenges and future prospects of PEC ammonia synthesis are also highlighted.