Challenges and opportunities for the photo-(thermal) synthesis of ammonia

Abstract

For more than one century, the synthesis of ammonia (NH3) through the Haber–Bosch route has allowed the industrial-scale production of fertilizers and other nitrogen-containing compounds.

Photon and phonon powered photothermal catalysis

“…Approximately 95% of global NH 3 production still relies on the traditional Haber–Bosch method. 117 However, the process is inherently constrained by thermodynamic limitations. To achieve viable industrial performance, the reactors must operate under high temperatures (400 °C to 500 °C) and pressures (100 bar to 200 bar), 17 posing significant energy and environmental challenges.…”

A recyclable Cu@C2N nano-catalyst applied in the transformation of alkynes: pH switchable access to ketones and 1,3-diynes

“…In this regard, effective control of the dispersion form and oxidation state of metal elements by carriers is crucial. 26–29 C 2 N materials, as among the nitrogenated holey graphene materials, have been widely used in the fields of gas adsorption and separation technologies, supercapacitors, battery electrodes and biological processes. 30–33 The nitrogen-lined pores in C 2 N can provide chemically active sites for anchoring metal elements, and the uniform pore structure also provides an ideal location for chemical bonding between metals and carriers.…”

Smart three-phase interface heterojunctions for effective photo(electro)catalytic N2 reduction to ammonia

“…This on-demand production avoids the conventional safety hazards and expenses associated with the transportation of feedstocks and the distribution of fertilisers, but also avoids CO 2 emissions and prevents pollution events associated with storage or leakages from transportation. 9,10 Nevertheless, and despite all these potential benefits, the latest progress in photo(electro)catalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) shows a large gap in the performance of existing photocatalysts for viable commercial application (Fig. 1).…”