Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for all living organisms and plays a critical role in modern society. Electrochemical nitrogen (N 2 ) fixation and conversion, including nitrogen-to-ammonia (NRR) and nitrogen-to-nitrate (NOR) processes, offer sustainable alternatives to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch and Ostwald processes for ammonia and nitrate production, respectively, by utilizing N 2 and H 2 O as feedstocks under ambient conditions. Despite significant recent research in electrochemical N 2 fixation, progress in this field has encountered substantial bottlenecks. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of both theoretical and experimental studies on NRR and NOR. It introduces the fundamental electrochemistry and reaction mechanisms involved. Additionally, it presents a thorough summary of recent advancements in nitrogen fixation and the development of related catalysts. Finally, the chapter discusses current challenges, potential opportunities, and highlights future research directions in this evolving field.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Electrochemical Energy Conversion Via Small Molecule Catalysis |
| Editors | Zhicheng ZHANG, Yuanmiao SUN |
| Publisher | John Wiley and Sons Inc. |
| Chapter | 12 |
| Pages | 269-310 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9783527849284 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9783527354405 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 3 Sept 2025 |
Funding
This work was supported by the start-up fund from Lingnan University.